Whether you are looking for world class golf courses, a quiet bike or hiking trail, a rock to climb, Austin has it all. There is a great variety of outdoor activities to choose from which makes Austin a perfect place for Austin's active lifestyle.
Here we have information on cycling, hiking, climbing, races, marathons, golf, disc golf, sports clubs, tennis, bowling, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, Parks and Recreation Centers, and swimming.
CYCLING, HIKING, AND CLIMBING
For people who like to hike, bike and climb, Austin is a year-round playground! With soaring cliffs, trails with turns and twists, and designated road ways for cyclists, you’re sure to find the terrain for your extreme inner child.
Parks and Recreation Department
327.7723
Barton Creek Greenbelt
(Bull Creek is located here)
Barton Springs Rd.
472.1267
Emma Long Motocross Park (City Park)
1600 City Park Rd.
346.1831
Slaughter Lane Metropolitan Park Veloway ("The Veloway" at Circle C)
Skaters and cyclists only—no pedestrians or vehicles 4103 Slaughter Ln.
974.6700
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail Mopac to Congress Ave./Congress Ave. to Pleasant Valley Rd. It is 10.1 miles long and one of the oldest urban Texas hike and bike paths, stretching the entire length of Lady Bird itself. The hike and bike trail is a real jewel and is used by Austinites all times of the day. There is plenty enough room for cyclists, moms with baby strollers, joggers, walkers, and walkers with pets! The trail provides great views of the city and lake. There is a spot to feed the ducks and turtles.
Austin Bicycle Cabs -- Urban Transportation Services Call for a Ride - 203.3369
Austin Bike Routes-- Find your way around town. Maps of trails and routes throughout the Austin area.
Austin Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
The purpose of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is to integrate bicycles and walking into the transportation system of the City of Austin.
Texas Bicycling Organization
Texas Bicycle Coalition
Involved in advocacy and education on a statewide level. Chapters in major Texas cities.
Established rides in the Austin Area.
Austin's Guide to Central Texas Mountain Biking
Austin Bicycle Route Map PDF
RACES AND MARATHONS
Austin
American-Statesman Capitol 10,000 - early spring annual 445.3598
Freescale Marathon 478.4265
RunTex Distance Challenge -- 472.3254
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure – fall annual 473.0900
Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
479.8805
3M Half-Marathon 984.7223
Information about other races can be found at RunTex.
GOLF
The city has a long tradition of quality yet affordable golf.
Top 10 Public Golf Courses:
1. The Golf Club - Star Ranch
2500 FM 685, Hutto
252.4653
2. Lion’s Municipal Golf Course
2901 Enfield Rd.
477.6963
3. Legacy Hills Golf Club
301 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown
864.1222
4. White Wing Golf Club
15 Dove Hollow Tr., Georgetown
864.1244
5. Blackhawk Golf Club
2714 Kelly Ln.
251.9000
6. Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club
9100 Decker Ln.
472.4228
7. Morris-Williams Golf Course
4305 Manor Rd.
926.1298
8. Jimmy Clay Golf Course
5400 Jimmy Clay Dr.
444.0999
9. Forest Creek Golf Course
99 Twin Ridge Pkwy.
288.2874
10. Avery Ranch Golf Club
10500 Avery Club Dr.
248.2442
Top Ten Private Golf Courses:
1. Tie:
Austin Country Club
4408 Long Champ Dr.
328.0030
Onion Creek Club
2510 Onion Creek Pkwy.
282.2150
3. Berry Creek Country Club
30500 Berry Creek Dr., Georgetown
930.4615
4. Lost Creek Country Club
2612 Lost Creek Blvd.
892.1205
5. Barton Creek - Fazio Foothills Course
8212 Barton Club Dr.
329.4000
6. Balcones Country Club
8600 Balcones Club Dr.
258.1621
7.Tie:
Barton Creek - Crenshaw Cliffside Course
8212 Barton Club Dr.
329.4000
Barton Creek - Fazio Canyons Course
8212 Barton Club Dr.
329.4000
9. The Hills Country Club - Flintrock Falls Course
401 Jack Nicklaus Dr..
263.6090
Tie: The Hills Country Club - Signature Course
26 Club Estates Pkwy.
261.7200
See our special GOLF page for more details.
DISC GOLF
Many of the Austin's neighborhood parks feature 9 and 18 hole folf (disc golf) courses. So, come pitch a Frisbee!
Austin Recreation Center
1301 Shoal Creek Boulevard
512.476.5662
Bartholomew Park
5201 Berkman Drive
512.974.6700
Mary Moore Searight Park
907 Slaughter
Old Settlers Park
3300 Palm Valley Road
Round Rock
Pease Park
1100 Kingsbury Street
Slaughter Creek Metropolitan Park
5507 Slaughter Lane
Wells Branch Greenbelt
Wells Branch Parkway at Wells Port Drive
512.251.9814
Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
SPORTS CLUBS
Austin Ice Bats-HOCKEY
14200 IH-35 North
Austin, TX
512.927.PUCK
Austin Wranglers-ARENA FOOTBALL
2209 W. Braker Lane
Austin, TX
512.339.3939
Round Rock Express-BASEBALL
Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd.
Round Rock, TX
512.255.2255
The Austin Huns Rugby Football Club
Austin, TX
512.459.HUNS
The Austin Rugby Football Club-RUGBY
Austin, TX
512.926.9017
The Austin Women's Rugby Football Club-RUGBY
Austin, TX
512.926.9017
Austin Toros-BASKETBALL
7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite #115W
Austin, TX 78757
512.236.8333
TENNIS
Throughout the city, you can find many public and private tennis courts. In addition to the abundant courts, there are a vast array of tennis related services, from lessons, to leagues, to tournaments. Click here for an interactive map of tennis courts in Austin.
Local Tennis Organizations
Capital Area Tennis Assoc.
Austin Tennis League
Austin Parks and Rec. Tennis
Caswell Tennis Center
South Austin Tennis Center
Anderson Mill Tennis Assoc.
Round Rock Tennis Assoc.
Austin Women's Tennis Assoc.
Women's Team Tennis Assoc.
Austin Tennis Club (Gay/Lesbian)
Austin Tennis Players (Korean)
UT Tennis Club
CAPTA (Tennis Pros)
Tennis Instruction
Newk's Tennis Ranch
All USPTA Pros in Austin
USPTA Drills
WebTennis.net Instruction
AboutTennis.com Tips
Operation Doubles
ETeamZ Instruction
TennisONE
Tennis Warrior
Lesson Lounge at T4Y
BOWLING
Score a strike at any one of Austin’s area bowling alleys. With friendly crowds, stocked snack bars and plenty of pins to knock down, you’re sure to find fun the whole family can enjoy.
Dart Bowl
5700 Grover Ave.
459.4181
Highland Lanes
8909 Burnet Rd.
458.1215
Main Event
13301 N. US Hwy 183
401.0000
Texas Union Underground
24th St. & Guadalupe St. (2247 Guadalupe)
475.6670
Interstate Lanes
3101 N I H 35 Round Rock, TX 78664
255.8826
Saengerrunde Bowling Alley
1607 San Jacinto Blvd. (Members Only)
478.1411
Westgate Lanes
2701 W. William Cannon
441.2695
AMF Showplace Lanes "Vegas lounge" style
9504 N. I-35
834.7733
PUTT-PUTT GOLF
Have fun while working on your putting skills at one of Austin’s fine miniature golf courses. These beautifully landscaped courses offer clean greens and obstacles to challenge even the most seasoned golfers.
Austin’s Park ‘n Pizza
16231 North IH-35
512.670.9600
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
1207 Barton Springs Rd.
472.1033
Butler Park Pitch & Putt
W. Riverside and 201 Lee Barton Dr.
477.4430
Main Event
13301 N. US Hwy 183
512.401.0000
Putt Putt Golf & Games
301 Chisolm Trl., Round Rock
255.3866
ROCK CLIMBINGParks: Bull Creek, Barton Creek Greenbelt, McKinney Falls State Park, Pace Bend Park
South Austin Rock Gym
4401 Freidrich Ln. Ste. 300
416.9299
North Austin Rock Gym
300 N. Lamar, Ste. 102B
Gregory Gym Climbing Wall
Speedway and 21st St., U.T. Campus
471.8047
Central Texas Mountaineers
Texas Mountaineers
PARKS AND RECREATION CENTERS
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of programs at the following centers. Programs are for children, adults, and seniors and include dance, fitness, table games, gymnastics, tiny tots, boxing, karate, team sport leagues, and more. For more information visit Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Centers.
RECREATION CENTERS:
Alamo Recreation Center
2100 Alamo St.
474-2806
Austin Recreation Center
1301 Shoal Creek
476-5662
Camacho Activity Center
34 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St.
391-1863
Cantu/Pan Am Recreation Center
2100 E. 3rd St.
476-9193
Dittmar Recreation Center
1009 Dittmar
441-4777
Doris Miller Auditorium
2300 Rosewood Ave.
476-4118
Dottie Jordan Recreation Center
2803 Loyola Ln.
926-3491
Dove Springs Recreation Center
5801 Ainez Dr.
447-5875
Givens Recreation Center
3811 E. 12th
928-1982
Hancock Recreation Center
811 E. 41st St.
453-7765
McBeth Recreation Center
2401-A Columbus Dr
974-9011
Metz Recreation Center
2407 Canterbury
478-8716
Montopolis Recreation Center
1200 Montopolis
385-5931
Northwest Recreation Center
2913 Northland Dr.
458-4107
Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
2608 Gonzales St.
472-7142
Pickfair Communtiy Center
1182 10904 Pickfair Drive
401-8119
Rosewood Recreation Center
1182 Pleasant Valley Rd.
472-6838
South Austin Recreation Center
1100 Cumberland
444-6601
Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center
7500 Blessing Avenue
974-7865
SWIMMING
The Aquatic Division operates 48 public pool facilities, which includes: 27 neighborhood pools, 12 wading pools, 2 water playscapes, 6 municipal pools, the Emma Long waterfront, and Barton Springs Pool.
Bailey | Balcones | Bartholomew | Barton Springs | Brentwood | Canyon Vista | Clarksville | Civitan | Deep Eddy | Dick Nichols | Dittmar | Dottie Jordan | Dove Springs | Eastwoods | Garrison | Gillis | Givens | Govalle | Kealing | Kennemer | Mabel Davis | Martin | Metz | Montopolis | Murchison | Northwest | Odom | Palm | Pan Am | Parque Zaragosa | Patterson | Pease | Ramsey | Reed | Ricky G. | Rosewood | Shipe | Stacy | St. John's | Walnut Creek | West Austin West Enfield
BEST OUTDOOR SWIMMING SPOTS
BARTON SPRINGS POOL
2101 Barton Springs Road (In Zilker Park) Map
512.476.9044
Many people think Barton Springs is not only the best swimming spot in Austin, but also the best swimming spot on earth. The 1,100 ft. long, 3 acre, spring-fed pool is one of the largest non-chlorinated swimming pools in the country. It averages 68 degrees year round. You can find ducks, bass, crawfish, and double-crested cormorants splashing alongside the swimmers. Barton Springs was created millions of years ago as a result of a landshift that created the Balcones Fault. Native Americans called the springs Sacred Springs and came to the springs to heal their wounds. Over the years, it has become a very popular spot for Austinites and their visitors. There is a shallow end for children, a deep area for floating, a diving board, and room for lap swimmers. It is open year round and closed on Thursdays for cleaning. There is a small charge.
DEEP EDDY POOL
401 Deep Eddy Drive at Lake Austin Boulevard Map
512.476.4521
Deep Eddy Pool Schedule
Lap swimmers have their own pool, kids can frolic to their heart's content, and sunbathers can enjoy the cool water and massive cottonwood trees of Deep Eddy Pool. It is the state's oldest swimming pool. It originated as a natural swimming hole on the Colorado River before Lady Bird Lake existed. The concrete pool was constructed in 1915 and was the first outdoor pool in Texas. At that time, there were cabins, camping areas, and even a ferris wheel. A variety of performances including a diving horse were popular attractions. Today, the spring-fed pool is popular for lap swimming and wading. During summer, a large movie screen is set up for pool-side Splash Party Movie Nights. Float in the pool while enjoying family films! There is a small charge.
STACY POOL
800 E. Live Oak Map
512.476.4521
Stacy Pool is the place to swim during cold weather because it is heated by a natural warm spring. (The water is a mixture of city water and 100 degree well pumped water, resulting in a pool temperature average of 80 degrees.) It is not a large pool but it is popular with swimmers, especially lap swimmers. It is run by the city's aquatics department. Admission is free.
HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE
Hamilton Pool Preserve has a sandy beach, a 75-ft waterfall, and a huge rock formation that can be explored from a path that circles the pool. Cliff Swallows live above the pool in tiny nests and are seen constantly coming and going. The park also has good hiking trails. Hamilton Pool is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin. Take Highway 71 west of Austin and turn left onto FM 3828 (Hamilton Pool Road). Travel 13 miles to the Preserve entrance, which is on your right. Call 512.264.2740 for swimming conditions before you come. Admission charge.
SAN MARCOS RIVER
The San Marcos River is about a 30-minute drive from Austin. Fed by San Marcos Springs, there are several spots that are popular along the river. Tube it, snorkel it, or swim it! The falls below Peppers Restaurant have long been a favorite of the locals. Along the river, you can spot rare plants, turtles, and fish.
SCULPTURE FALLS ON BARTON CREEK
This is a beautiful spot when the creek is flowing. Located about 1.3 miles upstream of the MoPac bridge and is accessible by walking or cycling. City curfew on trails is from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. To view a photo, click here.
KRAUSE SPRINGS IN SPICEWOOD
Krause Springs is one of the best yet least-known swimming spots in Central Texas. It is privately owned, and it has a regular cement swimming pool as well as a rustic swimming spot on Little Cypress Creek. Overnight camping is available. Take Highway 71 west to Spicewood. Look for the signs on the right. Call 210.693.4181 for more information. Map
HIPPIE HOLLOW
Hippie Hollow is one of the few public swimming spots in Texas where clothing is optional. It is also one of the best places to see the rare black-capped vireo, an endangered bird. The Park features a steep, rocky shoreline and provides spectacular views of Lake Travis. No one under 18 is admitted. From FM 620, go west 1.5 miles on Comanche Trail just past the Oasis Restaurant. Call Travis County Parks at 512.473.9437. Map.
BLUE HOLE IN GEORGETOWN
Located on the San Gabriel River, the Blue Hole is a small but well-worth visiting swimming spot. Nearby there is a grassy area on the riverbank for picnics. From the Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown, go north on U.S. 81 (also called Austin Avenue), turn left on 2nd Street, then right on Rock Street to the river. Admission is free. (The Blue Hole has been closed temporarily due to damages received from spring '08 flooding.)
BLUE HOLE IN WIMBERLEY
333 Blue Hole Lane
Wimberley, Texas
Located on Cypress Creek, one quarter mile east of the town square, is the Blue Hole in Wimberley. Rope swings hang from huge cypress trees that line the spring-fed creek. For a beautiful picture, please visit Friends of Blue Hole. 512.847.9127 or 512.847.0025 Map.
For more information, please visit: Swimming/Swimming Pools and Other Places to Swim.