A place well known for being rich in history and innovation, Austin quite literally has it all. Moving to this city brings endless opportunities to get out and get active while enjoying the warmth and magnificent landscape of the region. Given the number of things to do in downtown Austin, purchasing downtown Austin real estate offers countless opportunities to get out on the town and enjoy the luxury of residency as an Austinite. Let’s look at the many options for entertainment, excitement, and maintaining a fit lifestyle when moving to Austin.
Fun on the water
There are many opportunities to get out on the water and have fun in the sun. Whether swimming in chlorine-free community pools or getting out on the clear blue waters of the Colorado River, Austin has plenty of choices when it comes to splashing and having fun in the sun's warmth.
Town Lake
Flanked by limestone and cypress oaks, the body of water in the middle of downtown offers much to do. Stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are favorites when looking for ways to get out on the water. Paddle boats are also available for pairs, groups, or individuals looking for a solo experience. It is common to find people floating on Lady Bird Lake (commonly referred to as Town Lake) with their furry friends on board. Austin is a very dog-friendly city, and it is common to catch a pup on a paddle board, soaking up attention and participating in the fun.
Lake Travis
This reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas serves as a favorite boating location in one of the most luxurious parts of the city. Sailing and shooting off on green and blue water waves in speed boats is a favorite way to enjoy summer days on this lake in Lakeway. A zipline experience above the lake is also available and takes excitement to new heights while soaring through lake scenes and zooming between the trees. The Oasis on Lake Travis is a beautiful way to end a day at the lake with food and drinks. This iconic restaurant sits on the lake's edge with tiered decks and fantastic sunset views.
Volente Beach
With soft sand leading up to the shore of Lake Travis, this carefully created beach establishment provides jet skis, volleyball, and live music. With a water park, restaurant, bar, and burger trailer, it is easy to spend an entire day hanging out and making memories.
Community pools
Barton Springs Municipal Pool offers a one-of-a-kind experience within Zilker Park, stretching underneath bright sunrays for three acres. This strip of spring water is in between wide spaces of lush green grass, with patrons of all ages in bathing suits, trunks, and bikinis lounging on towels or blankets, enjoying some rays, and preparing to swim. Many come to this natural body of water to glide, float and splash in this extraordinary spring abyss year-round. During the summer, the cool water chills during the hottest temps. In the winter, polar plunges give guests a refreshing way to bring in the new year.
Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Texas, dating back to 1915. This pool is filled with fresh spring water and is perfect for exercise or cooling off in the Texas heat. A shallow wading area makes this pool a great place for families and catching a tan in this natural spring-fed pool.
Get active
Austin is home to various trails with terrain that lends well to training for a marathon or other athletic events. City streets and high-traffic strips around town offer a protected way to exercise with generously sized bike lanes flanking roads and motorways. Austin is one of the first cities in the nation to provide this type of protection for active residents on long runs or walking, jogging, and biking around town.
Lady Bird Trail
Wrapped around Town lake, this 10-mile trail offers adventure with phenomenal views. The scenery of the lake with its beautiful seafoam and bright blue water calms the senses and invigorates the soul. Swans, turtles, squirrels, and birds are present when taking a trek in this environment at almost every turn. Dogs are welcome on leash and frequent this expansive gravel trail with their owners.
Golf
The golf courses in this city and surrounding towns are astonishing. Country clubs offer top amenities to their members and showcase Texas Hill Country's beauty with supreme landscaping and magnificent cypress trees shading the greens.
Courses and country clubs
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Forest Creek Golf
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Wofldancer Golf Club
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Barton Creek Golf Academy
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Harvey Penick Golf Campus
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Jimmy Clay Golf Course
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University of Texas Golf Club
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Plum Creek Golf Course
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Balcones Country Club
Sporting Events
Football
It’s no secret that Texas football is a big deal. Saturdays are meant for tailgating and celebrating University of Texas athletes on the field. Living in Austin, there is ample opportunity to get involved in the sport from a high school or collegiate level.
Baseball
The Dell Diamond hosts Austin's minor league team, The Round Rock Express, and college ball tournaments. Other events are hosted for families throughout the year in this location, which is a great way to get out with the community and support the team. The stadium is 22 years old and packs a large crowd of nearly 12,000 when full.
Hockey
The Texas Stars are a professional team that plays home games in the HEB Center at Cedar Park. As a Texas team in the American Hockey League, they have become one of the city's proudest fan bases.
Downtown
Living in downtown Austin, there is no shortage of entertainment. Day or night, there is always something to get into, and most activities are accessible by walking or biking. When events are not occurring, venturing around these city streets will bring grade-A cuisine, comedy, live music, eclectic boutiques, and a thriving nightlife in the following downtown areas.
South Congress Avenue and East Sixth Street provide shops and boutiques for browsing and purchasing unique finds or quick bites from food trucks and local vendors. The Warehouse District provides a place to mingle and listen to live tunes with fellow Austinites at the Cedar Street Courtyard with various musical talents and genres where artists perform their skills nightly. Another option for live entertainment is comedic performances at Esther's Follies.
Exploring the city further by touring historical landmarks, art exhibits, and carefully constructed parks downtown is always an option with the following options to expand the mind and stay active.
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Capital tours
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Museum of the Weird
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Mexic-Arte Museum
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Waterloo Park
Concerts
There is always a place to listen to music live. Known as the “Live Music Capital of The World,” there is absolutely no shortage of in-person events in and around town. Many restaurants and local shops downtown have local talent placed inside, strumming melodies and singing. Musicians often line the streets and share their talent with tourists and locals. Outdoor music is typical for locals as entertainers and artists hold mini concerts while they play instruments and sing near shops and establishments around town. Austin is home to grand outdoor music events in Zilker Park and the Moody Amphitheatre. The following Austin music festival events bring artists and fans worldwide to town every year.
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iHeart Radio
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SXSW South by Southwest
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Austin City Limits
Dining out
The city's finest restaurants reside in the heart of downtown Austin. With five-star chefs and white glove service, these eateries never disappoint on evenings out. Truluck's Oceans Finest Seafood and Crab, Taverna Austin, Jeffrey’s, and The Capital Grill are some of the favorites when planning a special event or gathering.
Austin is also home to many trend-setting spots with healthy dining options of unique taste and preparation. Lenoir, Wink, Peche, and Barley Swine all offer eclectic dishes with original recipes and the freshest ingredients.
A short list of authentic dining options with modern trends, unique flair, and choice menu’s around town includes:
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Home Slice
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Chuy’s
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Izumi Shushi
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County Line
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Reale’s Italian Cafe
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Laundry’s
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Justine's
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El Arroyo
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Beuno’s Aires Cafe
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Franklins BBQ
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Kerby Lane Cafe
Day trips
Austin's central location makes traveling to any nearby Texas Hill Country town a breeze. A quick staycation over the weekend in these unique places or even a day trip may leave you with many more reasons to travel nearby and spend time outside city limits.
Dripping Springs
This charming town is home to fabulous wineries and country views. Reserve your spot to enjoy the historic Hamilton Pool or visit The Historic District to shop and admire antique designs. Golfing and outdoor exploration are possible in this area any day.
Marble Falls
The art and decor displayed in this quaint historic space are worth the trip. Visit the downtown shops and indulge in the finest handmade chocolates for miles. The lovely Lake of Marble Falls is available for water recreation, and Sweet Berry Farms provides family fun with berries to pick and events for fall and spring.
New Braunfels
Take a tour underground at the Natural Bridge Caverns or venture over to Gruene Historic District to dine on the river, listen to live music, dance, and shop all in one place. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is another opportunity to enjoy the sun while visiting this town.
San Marcos
Visit the Premium Outlets and shop luxury brands or spend time in the area participating in local open-air markets and events. Many art and music festivals take place in this charming town.
San Antonio
Journey into the city's heart and shop or dine on The Riverwalk. There are a variety of lavish resorts and shopping opportunities around this travel destination. Don’t leave town without snagging a breakfast taco or two with freshly made salsa from an authentic Mexican diner. You will not be disappointed.
Work with a qualified real estate agent
Rafael Residential Group is ready to show you around upon your arrival in town. As a local who relocated to Austin with his own family, Raphael Llorente understands the process of moving to the area and is dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams in the capital of The Great State of Texas.
