What to Do with a Sunny Weekend in Austin

Austin, Texas, the capital of the Lone Star State, is home to an eclectic music scene, delicious restaurants, and the University of Texas Longhorns. Austin also often keeps its almost 900,000 residents basking in sunshine and offers tons of fun things to do outside, which is why it’s one of our favorite places to spend a long weekend. If you’re preparing to spend a sunny weekend in the capital of the Lone Star State, here are some ideas for fun entertainment:

1. Enjoy an Effortless Bike Ride

Take a relaxing ride bike with no manual power required. Rocket Electic Tours allows you to ride on a fully-charged electric bike for up to 20 miles. Ride at your leisure, or join one of their tours and take an adventure with a group. We tried their Foodie Tour last time we were in Austin, which is a four-hour ride with stops as various gastro pubs and food trailers around town. It was loads of fun, and the food was delicious!

2. Hike or Bike Along Ladybird Lake

Lady Bird Lake, close to downtown Austin, is home to a beautiful hike and bike trail that encircles the lake. The trail is ten miles long, though you can choose shorter 3, 4, and 5-mile loops. The popular trail takes cyclists, runners, and walkers on a scenic route with views of skyscrapers, ball fields, parks, and more. You can even watch crew teams practicing or rent your own kayak at one of the outfitters that dot the lake. This is a great place to experience Austin at its best.

The Congress Bridge is one of the water crossings for the Lady Bird hike and bike trail. This is also where you can catch a glimpse of Austin's huge bat colony emerging at dusk each evening. — The Congress Bridge is one of the water crossings for the Lady Bird hike and bike trail. This is also where you can catch a glimpse of Austin’s huge bat colony emerging at dusk each evening.

3. Take an Excursion Along the Water

ATXcursions takes all the planning out of a float trip. They provide your tubes, ice, coolers, and even transportation to and from Austin for a blissful day of floating down river. Alternatively, you can sign up for their brewery tour, which takes guests to three different Austin breweries, where you’ll get a taste of the local flavors.

4. Take to the Water

Spend an afternoon on Lake Travis aboard the boats of Sail Austin Charters. With Sail Austin, you can set the pace for the day yourself, deciding if you want to dock and swim, sunbathe on deck, or just take in the views. They also provide delicious meals for you to enjoy. Go to http://sailaustin.com/ to book your day on the water.

Enjoy a peaceful day of boating on nearby Lake Travis, followed by a spectacular sunset.

5. View the Creatures of the Night

Over one and a half million bats reside under Congress Bridge that crosses over Lady Bird Lake. These nocturnal creatures emerge from their slumber at dusk in one massive cloud of wings. You can either stand with the crowds that line the bridge or watch the bats at the end of a fun-filled two-hour Segway tour by Gliding Revolution.

6. Spend an Interesting Day with a Bunch of Junk

The Cathedral of Junk is a collection of trash and antiques that sits in a backyard, completely hidden by an ordinary home in an ordinary neighborhood. Vince Hannemann began the one-of-a-kind construction in 1988 and has since accumulated over 60 tons of junk. Since it is a private residence, you must call and make an appointment to see this truly unique attraction. Call Vince at (512) 299-7413.

7. Finish Your Day with a Beautiful Texas Sunset

Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin, almost 775 feet high. The hiking trail is about a third of a mile long and offers a good workout for athletic enthusiasts. The top is, of course, the best, offering a gorgeous view of both Austin’s skyline and the Hill Country.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your fun-filled weekend in Austin – and expect to want to spend another one there.