As spring descends on Austin, the atmosphere comes alive with blooming wildflowers, live music, and people ready to get out into the great outdoors. Whether you’re admiring a field of striking bluebonnets, picnicking in the park, or jamming with the latest tunes on the streets of SoCo, Austin is a great place to visit during spring! Be sure to add some of these memorable activities to your itinerary on your journey to Austin in Spring.
Experience Nature in Austin
Austin is a unique city in that even within its downtown city limits, you’ll find ample opportunities for encountering and enjoying nature. For hikers and bikers who enjoy going the distance, the ten-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake winds its way around the waterfront, offering scenic views of the water and the Austin skyline. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers more room to roam, with plenty of space to get in some miles for serious bikers as well as many opportunities to enjoy the sights and activities at stop-off points along the way. The Greenbelt extends for seven miles and is known for its great natural swimming holes that dot the path. Consider stopping off at the Gaines Creek/Twin Falls Access, where a small waterfall and deep swimming hole offer the perfect chance to cool off. The Spyglass Access leads to the Flats & the Campbell’s Hole swimming area, where large flat rocks line the river and offer a picturesque place to swim and explore.
Dine Outdoors
Spring in Austin brings the perfect temperature for dining outdoors. While the days have warmed since winter, the blazing days of summer have yet to come. Austin is known for its dining scene that caters to foodies, and you’ll find that many of Austin’s best restaurants offer an outdoor eating area, perfect for enjoying both the good food and the lively Austin atmosphere. Start your day with a cup of joe at Mozart’s Coffee, snagging an outdoor table along the waterfront. Plan your day’s adventures around Austin over a steaming cup of perfectly brewed coffee and a freshly baked berry tart as you enjoy views of the water. In what is characteristically Austin, you’ll find that many Austin eateries boast outdoor patio areas complete with strung white lights, picnic tables, and a chic vibe that blends city and rustic. Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar brings fine dining to the outdoors, where oysters, champagne cocktails, and fresh seafood can be enjoyed under wide striped umbrellas. To keep it more casual, consider stopping in at one of Austin’s food trucks. The Picnic is a food trailer park complete with numerous picnic tables and several dining options to choose from. Of course, dining in Austin can also be as simple as picking up some tacos to go and heading over to the sprawling lawn at Zilker Park, where you’ll find visitors and residents alike enjoying the sunshine and skyline views.
Enjoy Austin’s Best Sights
From its scenic skyline to historic buildings filled with character, there is so much to see in Austin. Get a bird’s eye view from the top of Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin. After completing a short hike that includes an elevation gain of 775 feet, you’ll have earned your reward with a stunning view over the Austin skyline and the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River. Once you’re back down on eye level with the city, consider a walking tour that will take you past some of Austin’s iconic historic buildings. The Texas State Capitol building, The Driskill, and the Congress Avenue Bridge where the famed Austin bats reside are all popular landmarks to include on the itinerary.
Admire the Colors of Spring at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Experience the beauty of spring in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a botanical garden just outside of Austin’s downtown. March through May is considered wildflower season in central Texas, and you’ll find blooms such as the Texas yellowstar, Indian paintbrush, and Texas bluebonnets, among others, brightening up every corner of the gardens. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center covers 284 acres that include a mix of cultivated gardens, an arboretum, and managed natural areas. Wandering the paths of the gardens is a perfect way to enjoy some of Texas’ native plant species on a sunny spring day!
Shop in SoCo
South Congress, also affectionately known as SoCo, is a hot spot in Austin for shopping, dining, and live music. This popular area is known for its unique boutiques that will provide a true taste of Austin’s character. Whether you’re in search of current trends or throwback finds, you’re sure to find it along the streets of SoCo.
Stay in Austin This Spring!
At Austin Vacation Rentals, we offer upscale spring condos in Austin, perfect for enjoying the city’s best sights and attractions. Contact us to book beautiful Lake Travis rentals for your incredible journey to Austin in Spring!
