There is no better time of the year to enjoy a vacation getaway with the family than the summer. The summer season is the perfect way to celebrate time with your loved ones by vacationing somewhere fun like Austin. You will find that the summer season brings a ton of fun here in the area with a little something for everyone. Take a look at what you can planning for your Austin summer vacation.
Planning Your Austin Summer Vacation
The best way to cool off in the summer when you visit Austin is to hit the shore of Lady Bird Lake. This is not your typical lake that you need to leave the city for. Instead, you will find Lady Bird Lake running through Downtown Austin, making it extremely easy to reach. Lady Bird Lake can easily be explored by picking up a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard from the local rental shops. You will find places including Greenbelt Outdoors and Rowing Dock right on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. While swimming is not permitted at the lake you will find paddling around to be a great way to stay cool. You can also take a guided tour with Austin Kayak Tours or enjoy a sightseeing cruise with the pros at Capital Cruises or Lone Star Riverboat. There are no bad days when they are spent at Lady Bird Lake!
Check Out the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Yes, you read that headline correctly. Austin is home to our famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats that are around for the summer season. Do not let these loveable creatures scare you away from a fascinating view as they take flight each evening. The underside of the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to around 1.5 million Mexican free tail bats that call Austin home in the summer season. Each evening around dusk, the bats will take flight into the sky to find pesky insects to munch on. The Congress Avenue Bridge will be full of viewers looking to see this majestic flight in person. Hang out on the bridge or grab a spot at the Statesman Bat Observation Center for the best viewing areas. Bat Fest, a huge bat viewing party is held each summer in September where you will find live music, local food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, kid’s activities, and a bat costume contest. Locals report another great way to see the bats is by grabbing a rental boat on Lady Bird Lake and paddling up to the bridge to see the bats take flight at a unique angle and away from the crowds!
Grab a Cool Treat
Make sure you know where to find the best ice cream spots in town before you visit in Austin to really beat the heat. Austin summers are known to be warm but when you have a cone of your favorite ice cream flavor in hand all your worries will disappear. You will find that Austin is home to local favorites including Lick Honest Ice Creams and Amy’s Ice Creams. Each spot uses authentic ingredients and seasonal flavors that are sure to leave a lasting memory on your taste buds.
Hit the Breweries
While the kids will enjoy their favorite ice cream the adults will want their own special kind of treat too. Luckily Austin is home to dozens of breweries right here in the area. Regardless of what kind of beer you prefer, you are sure to find it here in the city. Jester King Brewery is found on the outskirts but Austin but is worth the drive. Check out their 165 acre brewery that is on real farm land. They source local ingredients for special beers including their saisons and other specialties. Jester King also features a goat pen and nature trail to check out. Additional favorites in Austin also include St Elmo Brewing, Zilker Brewing Company, and Austin Craft Brewing. Grab a pint at the tasting room or purchase a six-pack to take back to your vacation rental.
Check Out a Summer Event
Austin is home to some truly great live events all throughout the year. In the summer you can find a few different events that may interest you. The Zilker Summer Musical is performed by the Zilker Hillside Theatre and offers a nighttime performance. Previous years have included performances of favorite productions including Legally Blonde the Musical. Other events also include Blues on the Green for a free outdoor concert series in June. There is no short of event fun here in Austin.
Get Ready for Austin This Summer
With this information you can easily start to plan for your upcoming stay in Austin. Make sure to find a favorite vacation rental of ours and book ahead for your stay! Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by amenity here.
