The iconic waterfront path in the heart of downtown Austin is a crushed granite and concrete boardwalk loop with distances of up to 10 miles. Stretching from Longhorn Dam in the Holly Neighborhood to the east to the MOPAC bridge to the west, it meanders along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields, Zilker Park, Vic Mathias (Auditorium) Shores, and cultural attractions (like the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue).
Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most-loved park." This 351-acre park is a downtown haven for families and adventurers of all ages. The giant playscape, Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, disc golf course, volleyball courts, and full-service picnic areas are all very popular year-round. The park is also the home of Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Gardens, and Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.
The Greenbelt is a 7.25-mile (11.67 km) stretch of public land that begins at Zilker Park and stretches South/Southwest to the final section commonly referred to as "The Hill of Life" It is famous for the sheer limestone cliff walls, dense lush vegetation, and popular swimming areas. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is truly a treasure for biking, hiking (considered the 7th best hiking trail in Texas), swimming, climbing, and more. You can also get live water condition updates at ATX Greenbelt or Greenbelt Now. Reservations are required at this time due to COVID.
Mount Bonnell overlooks Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge for Instagram-worthy photos. It is an Austin tradition for romantic picnics and proposals.
A major botanic garden and research unit of The University of Texas at Austin, founded by the late First Lady in 1982. The Center’s gardens, natural areas and arboretum display more than 800 species of native plants from many of the major ecoregions of Texas
They are in the building at the end of Trinity Street, 6 blocks from the Fairmont. First-timers and experienced paddlers are accommodated for kayaks, canoes, and Standup Paddleboards on Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin. Guided tours are also available with a reservation.
In addition to the big cruisers, they also have people-powered boats. Canoes are $15/hour, Single Kayaks are $10/hour, Double Kayaks are $15/hour, SUPs are $15/one hour or $25/two hours, and the kitschy Swan Pedal boat is $15/hour. Their all-electric boat fleet offers regular sightseeing, dinner, moonlight, and bat-watching cruises, on Lady Bird Lake. Regular public sightseeing and sunset tours are $10/adults, $8/seniors, $5/children. The boats can also be chartered with or without a captain.
They rent pontoon and ski boats for parties of all sizes. Great rates, nice boats, and a friendly staff make us the highest rated boat rental company in Austin! Mon-Fri $295/2 Hours; Weekends $545/3 Hours *They also have a location on Lake Travis.
Jeffrey's Restaurant & Bar has been an Austin neighborhood fine dining institution since 1975. The restaurant, nestled in a quiet neighborhood just west of downtown features a lively bar, three distinct dining rooms and menus featuring dry-aged prime steaks, updated classic fine dining and locally sourced produce. Reservations required for limited dine-in availability.
This is an enormously popular small plate restaurant on Austin’s East Side. Roasted Chicken is a dinner favorite. Brunch specials like the Asparagus Benny and Crab Louie are creative and delicious. Of course if you are doing a take - out option or delivery add in a bottle.
Owner LeAnn Mueller hates the sweet stuff, so you’ll find special blends of salty and savory rubs, absolutely no sugar added to the coleslaw, and throwback dishes honoring LeAnn’s German relatives. Don’t forget the pickles!
Often rated as the best BBQ in town (yes, even over Franklins!), Terry Black’s is the quintessential Texas BBQ experience, complete with outdoor dining on their covered deck and Instagram worthy smoker setup in the back. Don’t forget to order extra mac-and- cheese! Delivery requires 24 hours advance notice.
Located in the carefully restored & historic Schneider Brothers Building, this full service BBQ restaurant serves up slow smoked BBQ & modern Texas cooking with local beers, classic cocktails and new world wines. Situated in the heart of bustling 2nd Street Lamberts has a fun laid back atmosphere and warm professional service.
Use promo-code “6-pack” to get TWO 6-packs of East Austin’s best craft beer for only $25. Do yourself a favor and add a few tacos to your order as well! Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a cold pint while maintaining proper social distancing.
The newest brewery in Austin with a fun outdoor patio.