30 Things to Do Before Summer Ends
Summer in Austin may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. In fact, the next few months are some of the best times of year to get outside, explore the city, and make the most of everything Austin and the Texas Hill Country have to offer.
The final weekend of summer is the perfect excuse to start checking things off your Austin bucket list. From swimming holes and lake days to live music, outdoor adventures, sunset views, and incredible local food, there is still plenty of time to make a few more summer memories.
And if you’re looking for one big adventure to kick off the season, make it a zipline adventure over Lake Travis.
1. Soar Over Lake Travis on a Zipline Adventure
Make your final summer weekend one to remember with an Adventure of a Lifetime at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Start with a scenic boat ride across Lake Travis before hiking approximately 1.5 miles through the Texas Hill Country and making your way to some of the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas.
With ziplines reaching speeds of up to 65 mph, you’ll get spectacular views of Lake Travis, the Hill Country, and the surrounding landscape while experiencing an adrenaline rush you’ll be talking about long after summer ends.
The best part? You don’t have to stop having outdoor adventures just because summer is ending. The cooler months ahead make an incredible time to explore the Hill Country, and the changing landscape adds another layer of beauty to the experience.
Whether you’re planning a date, family day, friend outing, birthday celebration, or corporate retreat, this is one Austin adventure worth putting at the top of your list.
2. Take a Dip in Barton Springs
Cool off in the legendary spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool. The water stays around 68 to 70 degrees year-round, making it one of Austin’s most iconic places to swim.
3. Watch the Congress Avenue Bats
Head downtown around sunset and watch thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s one of those quintessential Austin experiences that visitors and locals can both appreciate.
4. Have a Sunset Picnic at Zilker Park
Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in for an evening at Zilker Metropolitan Park. With more than 350 acres and access to Barton Creek, Lady Bird Lake, trails, and plenty of open space, there’s no shortage of ways to spend an afternoon here.
5. Grab Ice Cream
Nothing says summer quite like an ice cream run. Find a local scoop shop, grab your favorite flavor, and enjoy one more sweet treat before the season changes.
6. Escape the Heat at K1 Speed
Want the adrenaline without the Texas heat? Head indoors for some high-speed go-kart racing and see who in your group has the fastest lap.
7. Listen to Live Music at Mozart’s
Grab an iced coffee and enjoy live music overlooking the water at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. It’s a classic Austin combination: coffee, music, and a waterfront view.
8. Cheer on Austin FC
Catch the energy of an Austin FC match at Q2 Stadium. Even if you’re not the biggest soccer fan, the atmosphere makes for a memorable Austin night.
9. Get Out on the Water
Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and experience Austin from the water. Lady Bird Lake offers a completely different perspective of the skyline and surrounding city. Austin Parks and Recreation lists several public access areas and watercraft rental locations around the lake.
10. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Get an early start and explore the shaded trails of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Morning is a great time to get moving before the day’s temperatures climb.
11. Go Brewery Hopping
Spend an afternoon exploring Austin’s craft brewery scene. Grab a few friends, choose a neighborhood, and make a day of it.
12. Play Padel
Try something new with a game of padel at Padel 39. It’s an easy way to get outside, get competitive, and have fun with your crew.
13. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Trade the traditional movie theater for an outdoor screening at Doc’s Drive-In Theatre. Grab some snacks, settle in, and enjoy a movie beneath the Texas sky.
14. Catch a Live Show
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, so don’t let summer end without seeing a show. Catch a performance at Elephant Room or explore one of the city’s many other legendary music venues.
15. Cool Off at Commons Ford Ranch
Explore Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park along Lake Austin. With trails, open spaces, and waterfront scenery, it’s another great place to get outside and explore.
16. Take a Wellness Class
Slow things down with a yoga, fitness, or wellness class at Prana Wellness Club. Sometimes your summer bucket list needs a little balance.
17. Float the San Marcos River
Grab your friends and head south for a relaxing float down the San Marcos River. It’s a classic Texas summer activity and a great way to spend a warm afternoon.
18. Watch the Sunset at the 360 Bridge Overlook
Bring your camera and watch the sun drop behind the Texas Hill Country from the 360 Bridge Overlook. The views are especially beautiful as the sky starts changing colors.
19. Catch a Baseball Game
Catch a Round Rock Express game or check out a Long Time Texas game for a fun night out with friends.
20. Grab a Ranch Water
Head to Ranch 616 for an Austin classic. Order an OG Ranch Water and make it part of a night exploring downtown.
21. Walk or Bike the Boardwalk Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk offers approximately 10 miles around Lady Bird Lake, with views of the water, downtown skyline, and surrounding neighborhoods.
22. Take a Trail Ride
Explore the Texas Hill Country on horseback with a trail ride through the Greenbelt at Lone Star Ranch Texas. It’s a completely different way to experience the landscape around Austin.
23. Play Games at Cidercade
When the afternoon gets too hot, head inside for arcade games at Cidercade. Challenge your friends, grab a drink, and see who can rack up the highest score.
24. Cool Off With Hawaiian Shave Ice
Grab a Hawaiian shave ice from Hana Shave Ice for the ultimate warm-weather treat.
25. Go Museum Hopping
Spend an afternoon exploring some of Austin’s museums. The Blanton Museum of Art, LBJ Presidential Library, and Texas Science & Natural History Museum all offer something completely different.
26. Try a Wave Ride
Hit the water with a morning wave ride at Surf Club ATX. It’s a fun way to get active and experience a different side of Austin’s outdoor scene.
27. Patio Hop on Rainey Street
Grab your friends and spend an evening exploring the patios and bars along Rainey Street.
28. Wander Through the Wildflower Center
Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and taking in the native Texas plants and gardens.
29. Take a Swim at Deep Eddy Pool
Cool off at Deep Eddy Pool, one of Austin’s most historic swimming spots. It’s a great place to enjoy one more classic Austin swim before the season changes.
30. Sing Karaoke
End your summer bucket list with a little karaoke at Ego’s. Grab the microphone, pick your song, and don’t worry too much about whether you can actually sing.
Summer May Be Ending, But Austin’s Outdoor Season Is Just Getting Started
The last weekend of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor adventures. Austin’s heat can stick around into September, but as temperatures gradually become more manageable, it’s a great time to start planning everything from Hill Country hikes and lake days to sunset adventures and weekend getaways.
And while there may be plenty of things to do around Austin, some adventures are worth moving to the top of the list.
A Lake Travis zipline adventure gives you a little bit of everything that makes Central Texas special: a scenic boat ride, Hill Country hiking, incredible lake views, fresh air, and the thrill of flying through the trees at speeds of up to 65 mph.
So grab your summer crew, make your list, and start checking it off.
Summer might be winding down, but your next Adventure of a Lifetime is just getting started.
Explore More Austin Adventures
Looking for more places to explore, things to do, and outdoor adventures around Austin? Check out these local resources:
• Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: Experience the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas, with a scenic boat ride and Hill Country adventure included. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
• Austin Parks and Recreation: Explore Austin’s parks, pools, trails, recreation areas, and outdoor destinations. Austin Parks and Recreation
• Zilker Metropolitan Park: Learn more about one of Austin’s largest and most iconic parks. Zilker Metropolitan Park
• Lady Bird Lake: Find public lake access, watercraft rental information, and recreation options around Lady Bird Lake. Lady Bird Lake
• Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: Explore Austin’s famous 10-mile trail around Lady Bird Lake. Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail & Boardwalk
• Austin Urban Trails: Explore Austin’s network of urban trails and outdoor connections throughout the city. Austin Urban Trails
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in Austin before summer ends?
There are plenty of ways to make the most of the end of summer in Austin, including swimming at Barton Springs, exploring Zilker Park, kayaking Lady Bird Lake, watching the bats, hiking the Greenbelt, catching live music, and taking a zipline adventure over Lake Travis.
Is September a good time for outdoor activities in Austin?
Austin can remain very hot into September, but conditions generally begin to transition as fall approaches. It’s still important to plan around the heat, stay hydrated, and choose activities appropriate for the day’s weather.
What is a unique outdoor adventure near Austin?
A Lake Travis zipline adventure combines a scenic boat ride, approximately 1.5 miles of Hill Country hiking, and high-speed ziplines overlooking Lake Travis. It’s a unique way to experience the Texas Hill Country from both the ground and the air.
Is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures good for groups?
Yes. Zipline adventures are available for families, friends, celebrations, corporate retreats, team-building outings, and large groups.
Does Austin still have outdoor activities after summer?
Absolutely. Austin has outdoor activities year-round, from hiking and biking to boating, swimming, parks, and Hill Country adventures. As summer temperatures begin to ease, fall is a great time to spend more time outside.
What is the best way to finish summer in Austin?
Start with an adventure! Get outside, grab your favorite people, and do something you’ll actually remember. A day on Lake Travis, a hike through the Hill Country, or a zipline adventure is a great way to close out summer and start the next season with a story worth telling.