Bondly blog

15 Outdoor Adventures in Austin for an Unforgettable Weekend

Written by Bondly blog | Apr 8, 2025 4:19:47 PM

15 Outdoor Adventures in Austin Worth Booking This Weekend

15 Outdoor Adventures in Austin Worth Booking This Weekend

Austin's natural beauty calls out to adventure seekers with its sunny landscapes and wide range of outdoor activities. With almost 300 days of sunshine and perfect temperatures, the city is a playground for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

Ready to embark on your next outdoor adventure? Let's delve into each experience in detail.

 

1. 5 Hour Axis A24 Surf Boat Weekday Rental

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Lake Travis with a 5-hour Axis A24 Surf Boat rental.

What to Expect 

  • Ride the best wave on the lake, ideal for beginners and pros
  • Enjoy surfing, wakeboarding, or wake foiling with provided gear
  • Groove to your boat playlist on a top-tier 12" JL sub and wet sounds system
  • Keep refreshed with a giant cooler stocked with ice, with gas included

Learn More ...

 

2. 3 Hour Weekday Private Wake Surfing Lesson on an Axis A24 Surf Boat

Experience the thrill of a 3-hour private wake surfing lesson on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas! Perfect for all skill levels, this adventure guarantees fun, excitement, and the best wave on the lake.

What to Expect

  • Enjoy 3 hours of private wake surfing lessons on Lake Travis
  • Learn everything from first-time surfing to advanced tricks like 360s and shuvs
  • Progress your skills with personalized instruction tailored to your level
  • Ride on an Axis A24 Surf Boat equipped with top-notch gear, a sound system, and shade

Learn More ...

 

3. Kayaking Along El Camino Rea'l Trail

Discover the beauty of the Colorado River on a 2-3 hour kayaking journey along the El Camino Rea’l Paddle Trail in Bastrop, Texas.

What to Expect

  • Paddle along the picturesque El Camino Rea’l Paddle Trail, covering 6 miles of the Colorado River
  • Enjoy 2-3 hours of kayaking with opportunities to stop, swim, and relax along the way
  • Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River Refuge as you reach your destination
  • Convenient shuttle service included, taking you back to the starting point at Fisherman’s Park

Learn More ...

 

4. Guided Austin Sunset Bat Kayak Tour

Witness the stunning sight of 1.5 million bats taking flight at sunset on a 1 hour and 45-minute guided kayak tour in Austin.

What to Expect

  • Watch 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed bats soar into the sunset from Austin's bat bridge
  • Experience breathtaking views of the Downtown Austin skyline as the sun sets
  • Enjoy a guided kayak tour complete with paddling lessons and all necessary equipment
  • Learn fascinating facts about Austin's bat colony and their ecosystem from your expert guide

Learn More ...

 

5. Enchanted Rock Rappelling Adventure

Experience the thrill of rappelling down the stunning cliffs of Enchanted Rock with this Erock Rappelling Adventures, designed for both beginners and adventure seekers.

What to Expect

  • Guided rappelling down Enchanted Rock
  • Stunning views and natural surroundings
  • Instruction for all skill levels
  • Safety gear and equipment provided

Learn More ...

 

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne Toast

Soar above San Marcos in a hot air balloon, where a champagne toast awaits as you enjoy breathtaking views.

What to Expect

  • Experience breathtaking views of San Marcos from the sky in a hot air balloon
  • Enjoy a celebratory champagne toast high above the ground
  • Fly with a seasoned pilot and crew, bringing over two decades of ballooning expertise
  • Capture unforgettable moments and scenic landscapes for your photo collection

Learn More ...

 

7. Ride-Along with Good Vibes

Hop on our e-bike and let's cruise through the city's most groovy spots - from funky murals and cosmic sculptures to stunning views and quirky houses.

What's Included:

  • Bottled Water
  • Disposable Rain Poncho
  • Use of E-bike
  • Use of Bike Helmet
  • Use of Walkie Talkie

Learn More ...

 

8. Private Trolley Pub Party Bike Tour

The Trolley Pub is powered by you and your fellow pedalers, with an electric assist motor for the hills. Fire up your favorite playlist, open a beverage, and have fun! Suggest stops or have your driver take you to the best spots in town.

What's Included:

  • Experience driver/tour guide
  • Cooler and cups
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point

Learn More ...

 

9. Sunset Clear Kayak Tour

Join us for an unforgettable evening on our Sunset Tour. Paddle through the calm waters as the Texas sky lights up in stunning colors, capturing the beauty of Austin at dusk.

What's Included:

  • Kayak Paddle
  • Safety Equipment
  • Dry Bag

Learn More ...

 

10. Clear Kayak Day Adventure Tour

Paddle through the calm waters, spotting local wildlife like turtles and birds.

What to Expect

  • Highlights include stops at a peaceful sandbar and paddling through the cool, spring-fed waters of Barton Creek.
  • You’ll also experience the crystal-clear Barton Springs, a popular swimming spot.
  • Ideal for all skill levels, this adventure is perfect for families, friends, or solo explorers, with unique clear kayaks providing an immersive view of the underwater world.

What's Included

  • Kayak Paddle
  • Safety Equipment
  • Dry Bag

Learn More ...

 

11. Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Experience the ultimate adventure at Franklin Drive Thru Safari! Prepare for a thrilling encounter with 500 extraordinary animals!

What to Expect

  • Experience the joy of feeding, petting, and getting up close with numerous exotic animals from different parts of the world
  • Relish the convenience of driving your own car or opt for a guided tour led by the park's knowledgeable staff
  • Capture precious moments that will be cherished for years to come

Learn More ...

 

12. Private Lake Austin Boat Cruise

Dive into the heart of Lake Austin with our exclusive boat cruise! Just a hop from Downtown, plunge into 22 miles of stunning views from waterfront mansions to buzzing lakeside eateries.

What to Expect

  • Catch sight of professional wake surfers in action.
  • Snap epic photos with the iconic Pennybacker Bridge as your backdrop.

What's Included

  • Fuel and an experienced Boat Captain at your service.
  • Foldable dual canopy for optional full/partial sun shading.
  • Use of life vests (Guests under 13 must wear at all times).
  • A picturesque 2-hour boat cruise.

Learn More ...

 

13. Austin Zoo

This is no ordinary zoo. The Austin Zoo is a residential space for rescued animals, and the forever home of 300 animals, across 100 different species.

What to Expect

  • Discover over 300 rescued animals from across 100 different species that reside at the Austin Zoo
  • Learn about their individual stories and pasts from expert staff
  • Buy some food for these four-legged friends and see if they're hungry

What's Included

  • Entrance to the zoo
  • Live demos and talks from the staff

Learn More ...

 

14. 3 Hour Axis A24 Surf Boat Weekday Rental

Experience the ultimate water adventure with a 3-hour Axis A24 Surf Boat rental on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas.

What to Expect

  • Cruise Lake Travis in an Axis A24 Surf Boat
  • Master wakeboarding or wake surfing with provided gear and optional lessons
  • Enjoy music with a premium JL sub and wet sounds system
  • Keep refreshments cool in a large, ice-stocked cooler

Learn More ...

 

15. Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing near Austin

Learn the basics of rock climbing with this beginner-friendly course, perfect for those new to the sport. Experienced instructors guide you through essential techniques and safety skills.

What to Expect

  • Learn basic climbing techniques
  • Rope handling and safety skills
  • Fun outdoor climbing experience
  • Guided by certified, experienced instructors

Learn More ...

 

Conclusion: Embrace Austin's Natural Beauty Through These Outdoor Adventures This Weekend!

Austin's natural wonders are waiting for you to explore. Whether it's the refreshing waters of Barton Springs Pool or the thrilling Lake Travis ziplines, every adventure promises unforgettable memories. These seven outdoor experiences perfectly showcase the combination of nature and urban charm that makes Austin truly unique.

Don't wait any longer to plan your weekend getaway. Secure your spot at these amazing destinations:

  • Take a sunrise paddle on Lady Bird Lake
  • Witness the mesmerizing evening dance of the bat colony
  • Refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the Greenbelt
  • Push your limits on scenic hiking trails

The city's lively culture and breathtaking landscapes provide the ideal setting for your outdoor adventures. Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor eager to explore, Austin's outdoor scene offers excitement throughout the year.

Are you ready to discover the best of Austin's outdoors? Grab your sunscreen, pack your water bottle, and book your adventure now. Your perfect weekend in Austin's natural playground is just a click away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to book these outdoor adventures in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended—especially for weekend dates. Many of these activities have limited spots and can sell out quickly, particularly during peak seasons in Austin.

2. Are these activities suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Most adventures, like kayaking, rock climbing, and wake surfing, are designed for all experience levels. Professional guides and instructors provide necessary training and equipment to ensure a fun and safe experience.

3. What should I bring for these outdoor adventures?

It's best to bring essentials like sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, comfortable clothes, and sturdy shoes. For water-based activities, consider quick-dry clothing, swimsuits, and a towel. Many tours provide safety gear, but check the booking details for specifics.

4. Are these adventures family-friendly?

Yes! Many activities like the Austin Zoo, Franklin Drive Thru Safari, and clear kayak tours are perfect for families with kids. Always double-check age or height requirements when booking more physical experiences like rappelling or surfing.

5. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the adventure?

Most operators will contact you in case of inclement weather to reschedule or issue a refund. Be sure to review the cancellation and weather policies on each booking page for details before confirming your trip.