Things to Do in Austin During the Summer
June 19, 2024
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Summertime is fun time in Austin, Texas. While yes, it’s hot here during the summer months, Austinites don’t let that slow us down. We just find more ways to stay cool.
If you’re looking for things to do in Austin in summer, the options are endless. Enjoy an Eastside staycation, a frozen drink on a patio, a refreshing dip in a pool, or tubing down a cool Texas stream.
Without further ado, here are our picks for the best things to do during an Austin summer!
Grab a paddle
Ask any Austinite what their favorite summer activity is, and anything water-related is guaranteed to top the list.
We are fortunate to have Lady Bird Lake smack dab in the middle of town. Grab a kayak, stand up paddleboard or canoe from Expedition School. This outdoor adventure and education organization operates a boathouse in East Austin, on the North Shore of Lady Bird Lake. The waters in this area are a bit quieter and calmer, and there are many cozy nooks and crannies to explore. Expedition School offers rentals as well as lessons and classes. If you’ve always wanted to learn to paddle, now is your chance!
Take a dip in the nearest watering hole
Arguably one of the best pools in Austin, Barton Springs Pool promises a much-needed reprieve from the Texas heat. The natural spring-fed pool results in year-round temperatures averaging between 68-70 degrees, which means cooling off will only take mere seconds, even on the hottest days. Best of all, this iconic Austin pool is only three short miles away from the Heywood Hotel and is open daily except for Thursdays, with no reservations required.
Free Barton Springs Passes: From May 15 through September 15, 2024, the Heywood Hotel is excited to offer free passes to Deep Eddy or your choice of more than 30 Austin pools. Learn more about the Heywood Hotel Summer Swim Pass. |
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If you’re looking for places to visit near Austin in summer, consider visiting nearby destinations like San Marcos or Spicewood. Around 35 miles south of Austin, the San Marcos River offers the chance to hop in a tube and relax as you float along the spring-fed river and take in the surrounding greenery. Nearby Krause Springs in Spicewood is just 30 miles northwest of Austin and is a destination for all things outdoors, including swimming, hiking, and camping. Read more about the best places to swim in Austin!
No matter where you choose to take a dip, Heywood Hotel has got you covered. Book a stay at the Heywood, and we’ll provide beach towels, soft-sided coolers, sunscreen, and can help procure anything else you might need for your outdoor adventures.
Enjoy Drinks on a Patio
Taking in the sun on a nearby patio is another ideal way to enjoy an Austin summer evening. Luckily, there is no shortage of local patios to visit for a celebratory drink.
Located just a block away from Heywood, Lou’s is a popular neighborhood hangout known for its fantastic patio. With ample seating, lush greenery, and string lights adding a touch of charm, the patio provides the perfect setting to soak up the East Austin vibes with a beer, a refreshing cucumber ranch water, or frozen custard.
Licha’s Cantina is a little further down the road on East Sixth Street in a quaint converted house. The naturally shaded patio area creates the ideal setting for sipping on margaritas on a toasty summer evening. Try a Mezcal Martini or Mexico 76 to liven up the patio party!
Another nearby patio option is Launderette. This James Beard-nominated restaurant is located less than a mile away from the Heywood Hotel and is the perfect spot to dine and drink al fresco. Be sure to cap off your meal with a delicious summertime treat from Executive Pastry Chef Laura Sawicki.
Guests of the Heywood can also enjoy a patio just steps away from their room. Our hotel’s courtyard patio is a quiet oasis in the heart of East Austin. We even provide free beers from Zilker Brewing Company!
Check Out the Local Barbecue Scene
A trip to Austin wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a plate of Texas barbecue. East Austin boasts some of the city’s best barbecue joints, including Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, and Micklethwait Craft Meats, all named on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas.
The nationally-known Franklin Barbecue tops many visitors’ lists, so plan ahead and get there early! Known for its mouthwatering smoked meats and long lines that stretch down the block, Franklin Barbecue has earned a reputation as one of the best barbecue spots in the entire country and has become an iconic destination for barbecue enthusiasts.
La Barbecue serves up some of the city’s best brisket, along with many other meats and an extensive list of sandwiches. Their brick-and-mortar restaurant on East Cesar Chavez St. is just a few blocks from the Heywood Hotel and benefits from brisket that’s just as tender but with a far shorter wait.
Micklethwait Craft Meats is certainly worth a visit any time of the year. The trailer is located in the Rosewood area just a mile away from the Heywood and is known for brisket, beef ribs and homemade sausages. Check out the next-door beer garden and bake shop, Saddle Up, from the Micklethwait team while you are at the Rosewood complex.
Beat the Heat With Indoor Activities
One of the best things to do in Austin when it’s hot? Stay indoors. While Austin is a city known for its outdoor offerings, the Heywood Hotel concierge team has great ideas for indoor Austin activities that are just as memorable.
Take a trip to a local museum, like the Blanton Museum of Art. Located on the University of Texas campus and newly remodeled, the museum is home to temporary exhibitions and permanent installations, such as Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin.” Gifted to the museum by the artist himself, the structure features colorful glass windows that capture the light in a picturesque way.
Visit on Thursdays when admission to the museum is always free.
You can also visit the LBJ Library while you are near campus. Discover timely exhibits, permanent installations like the Oval Office recreation, social justice gallery, and Heywood personal favorite – a moving, life-sized animatronic joke-telling LBJ surrounded by political cartoons.
Another way to escape the heat is by visiting one of several breweries in East Austin like Blue Owl Brewing, Zilker Brewing Company, and Lazarus Brewing, to name a few. Other great East Austin options with cool indoor space include Hi Sign Brewing and our favorite cidery, Austin Eastciders. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a beer in a cool, air-conditioned taproom.
Heywood guests look forward to retreating back to the hotel after a hot, summer day. Our stylish space has all of the comfort, and, more importantly, the AC anyone could need during a trip to Austin.
Indulge in a Sweet Treat
Something about the heat calls for a scoop of ice cream or another icy treat.
One of our favorite spots to grab a cold, sweet treat is Gati Ice Cream. Tucked away in our Holly Street neighborhood, Gati Ice Cream serves vegan and gluten-free coconut milk-based ice cream, coffee, and gluten-free baked treats. Try adventurous flavors like beet chocolate cake and black sticky horchata.
A little further away in East Austin is Zed’s, which offers New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream. If you’re looking for a classic cone, head over to Sandy’s Hamburgers on Barton Springs Road. The hamburger spot has a drive-thru and a walk-up window. Another homegrown ice cream shop to visit is Amy’s Ice Creams. Grab a scoop of their famous Mexican Vanilla from one of several locations, including South Congress Ave or W. Sixth Street.
Feature image courtesy of City of Austin.