Beat the summertime heat Great ways to stay cool in Austin
Don't let the heat get you down
Austinites are experts at turning their warm weather into opportunities for fun and festivities. Read on for our list of the best ways to beat the heat in Austin and find fun adult and family activities near you.
Archer Hotel Austin's pool patio
Archer’s welcoming patio with a Lone Star-adorned splash pool, fabric-laden cabanas and a 14-foot TV — all are complemented by AKB‘s gourmet poolside eats and drinks, all at Archer’s luxe hotel.
Austin Museums
Peruse beautiful works of art and Texas treasures — in air conditioning, no less:
- Blanton Museum of Art — new and old favorites from across the ages through a year-round schedule of traveling exhibitions
- Bullock Texas State History Museum — the story of Texas via ever-changing exhibitions, innovative films and unique programs and events
Cool treats
After exploring all the fun things to do in Austin, the sweetest way to beat the heat is with a cold treat. Luckily, this town has options. Some of our favorites:
- Frost Gelato — more flavor, creamier and healthier than traditional ice cream
- Amy’s Ice Creams — famous for its Mexican Vanilla flavor
- Cow Tipping Creamery — serious soft serve
Kung Fu Saloon
When you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin to bring out your inner kid, Kung Fu Saloon is it. Bunker in with some cool games and fruity cocktails at this adults-only bar and arcade just steps from Archer.
Austin Breweries
Experience camaraderie and hospitality while enjoying a frosty cold one:
- Jester King Brewery — seasonally fresh styles (e.g., Kölsch, pilsner, lager), kitchen and farm in Texas Hill Country
- Craft Pride — 50+ on-tap beers, ciders and Texas wines, plus Live Music Mondays
Bookpeople
Step off North Lamar in downtown Austin, grab a Vietnamese iced coffee and discover your next favorite book at BookPeople.
Beachside Billy's
Looking for a great family activity near you? Let the kids splash and run wild at Beachside Billy’s— a beloved water park at Lake Travis.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Cool, dark and afternoon matinee prices make the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema the best place to stash away for a few hours on those scorching afternoons.
Cocktails
A refreshing cocktail can quench your thirst and quell the heat like nothing else. Check out a couple of options in walking distance from Archer Hotel Austin:
- Wonder Bar — an interactive, vibrant, Insta-worthy bar
- Gloria’s — ultrasmooth frozen margaritas in a variety of flavors
Lady Bird Lake
Paddleboard, kayak, canoe — get out and hit Lady Bird Lake to beat the heat.
Viva Day Spa
Viva Day Spa is a relaxing hideaway just steps from our luxe hotel — try one of its famous spa packages.
Barton Creek Farmers Market
Get to Barton Creek Farmers Market early before the temps rise and then retreat inside to cook something fresh and seasonal.
AKB
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, AKB (Archer’s buzzy hotel bar) has you covered with of-the-house cocktails, Texas-progressive cuisine and in-room dining to keep you cool on those long summer days.
LBJ Presidential Library
Rediscover what you missed in history class with great exhibits and compelling relics at the LBJ Presidential Library.
