Austin Summer Bucket List ☀️
The Texas sun is HOT, the live music scene is vibin’, and Austin is buzzing with summertime energy. But with all that heat, creating the perfect summer bucket list can feel like a second full time job. But don’t worry! This post is your one-stop shop for conquering the Austin summer.
This is my personal list - from someone who has lived in Austin 10 years. So hopefully it gives you a different view of what to do as compared to other lists out there!
SO get ready to dive into the ultimate Austin summer bucket list, where cooling off and heating up with fun go hand-in-hand!
1 —
Summer Drinks
Every summer, Austin coffee shops have THE BEST summer themed drinks. Palomino gets creative with their matcha lattes, Lucky Lab has a summer themed coffee flights, and Dear Diary, Revival Coffee, and Cafe Corazon always have fun seasonal drinks as well!
2 —
Get a Pool Pass at an Austin Hotel
There are so many great hotel pools in Austin and you can get yourself access to them without needing to stay at the hotel. You just need to purchase a pool pass! Most are about $50 a day but here is the rundown:
Fairmont: $40 - includes access to the pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, towel service, poolside food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and complimentary self-parking.
JW Marriott: $50 - includes poolside service, lounge chairs, towel service, free self-parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Westin: $50
Austin Motel: $25 Monday - Thursday, and $50 for Friday - Sunday
Canopy by Hilton: $30 or cabanas starting at $300 for you to chill out before or after you go out
The Line Hotel: $40 - complimentary wifi and valet parking
Carpenter Hotel: $45 per person Monday through Thursday
3 —
Get on the water (of course)
I mean, how could you not…
And while yes, kayaking and paddle boarding are a lot of fun in Austin, there are also a lot of other ways to get on the water!
Retro Boat Rentals
BARge Crawl or Private Pontoons with Tide Up
Donut Boats, Duffy Boats, and Swan Pedal Boats from Capital Cruises
4 —
Free Sunrise dip at Barton Springs
Barton Springs is an Austin staple. However, my favorite way to visit the park is to get there early in the morning as soon as it opens. You can access the area for free if you get there between 5am - 8pm.
Plus, you avoid a majority of the crowds and it is the perfect way to start off your day.
Keep in mind that food and drink are not permitted in the area. You should also leave your pets at home and not play music out loud.
5 —
Drive in Movie at Blue Starlite
Blue Starlite moved locations this past year and I have yet to check out their new spot! Hence, it is on my list. I absolutely love outdoor movies though and I think it is the perfect way to spend an evening.
6 —
Free Outdoor Shows
During the summer months, Austin hosts a series of free shows. It makes it easy to always have evening plans and here are the ones I am planning on checking out: Zilker Hillside Theatre, Long Center Summer Concerts, Blues on the Green, and a fun local one without city affiliation, Sundays at the Park.
7 —
Horse Back Riding at Texas Trail Rides
We are in Texas, y’all. We got to get on some horses at some point this summer! Texas Trail Rides is a great little spot to get out in Texas Hill Country and channel that inner cowboy.
8 —
Go on a Hike
Time to hit the road and find yourself out in the wilderness. Texas Hill Country is absolutely gorgeous so make sure you add these hiking spots to your summer bucket list. Here are some great spot in or near Austin for you to check out:
McKinney Falls, Krause Springs, Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt, Shoal Creek Trail.
9 —
Get a frozen drink
Keeping it ice cool with these frozen drinks at even cooler places. Here are the ones I am adding to my list:
Kitty Cohens: Frose
Central Machine Works: Frozen Espresso Martini
Loro: Boozy Slushee Flight
Holiday: Frozen Mexican Martini
Austin Daiquiri Factory: Frozen Daiquiri Gallons
10 —
Do a fun arts craft
I have been feeling very crafty recently I think this summer is the perfect time to try out all of the art classes around town. Here are three in particular I am very anxious to try out:
Pottery in a dome at Pot Daddy Studio. Yep, you literally make pottery inside a big dome in matching yellow jumpsuits. It looks like the ultimate vibe.
Have a plant party at East Austin Plant shop!
From serving trays to leather cookies to a magic bottle opener, Upstairs Circus has it all for all your arts and crafts needs.