10-Day Adventure Itinerary for Austin

  • Day 1: Barton Creek Greenbelt
    24 minutes (10 miles) from downtown Austin

    Start your adventure in Austin at Barton Creek Greenbelt. This beautiful park offers more than 12 miles of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Enjoy the stunning views of the creek and swimming holes.

  • Day 2: Zilker Metropolitan Park
    12 minutes (5 miles) from Barton Creek Greenbelt

    For a fun-filled day, visit Zilker Metropolitan Park. Take a dip in Barton Springs, a natural spring-fed pool, try kayaking or paddleboarding at the Lady Bird Lake, and end the day with some relaxation and a picnic overlooking the beautiful Austin skyline.

  • Day 3: Mount Bonnell
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Zilker Metropolitan Park

    Take a hike up Mount Bonnell, one of the highest points in Austin, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Austin and the downtown skyline. You can also visit the nearby Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve and spot peacocks and other wildlife.

  • Day 4: Hamilton Pool Preserve
    45 minutes (25 miles) from downtown Austin

    Hamiliton Pool Preserve is a naturally formed pool with a waterfall, surrounded by limestone cliffs and a beautiful nature preserve. The pool is the perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and nature exploring.

  • Day 5: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    1 hour 45 minutes (95 miles) from downtown Austin

    Located in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers numerous hiking and rock climbing opportunities. The main feature is the Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome, which provides stunning views of the area.

  • Day 6: McKinney Falls State Park
    30 minutes (17 miles) from downtown Austin

    Explore McKinney Falls State Park, where Onion Creek cuts through limestone, creating beautiful waterfalls and a natural swimming hole. Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular activities in the park.

  • Day 7: Texas Independence Trail
    2 hours (100 miles) from downtown Austin

    Take a scenic drive on the Texas Independence Trail, which includes historical landmarks important to Texas' fight for independence. Visit Gonzales, where the first battle of the Texas Revolution took place or stop in Goliad to see the preserved remains of the Mission Espiritu Santo.

  • Day 8: Colorado River
    20 minutes (10 miles) from downtown Austin

    Explore the Colorado River by kayak or paddleboard. You can paddle down Lady Bird Lake or explore the inlets of the river through the lush scenery of Barton Springs Pool, Shoal Creek, and more.

  • Day 9: Austin Bouldering Project
    17 minutes (5.5 miles) from Colorado River

    Take on indoor rock climbing at the Austin Bouldering Project. The facility offers a variety of routes suitable for climbers of all levels. There are also yoga classes available to stretch out sore muscles.

  • Day 10: Downtown Austin
    20 minutes (8 miles) from Austin Bouldering Project

    End your adventure in Austin by exploring the heart of the city. Check out the State Capitol building, experience its famous nightlife or grab a signature dish at one of the classic eateries.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Barton Creek Greenbelt (2-3 hours, free)
  • Zilker Metropolitan Park (3-4 hours, $10 for parking)
  • Mount Bonnell (1-2 hours, free)
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve (2-3 hours, $15 per vehicle)
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (4-5 hours, $8 per person)
  • McKinney Falls State Park (3-4 hours, $6 per person)
  • Texas Independence Trail (6-7 hours with stops, free)
  • Colorado River (2-3 hours, $12 per hour for kayak or paddleboard rental)
  • Austin Bouldering Project (2-3 hours, $20 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $69 per person

Transportation

Transportation in Austin is easy and available to rent. There are many car rental companies available at the airport. Public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services are also an option in the city. Expect to pay between $10-30 per day for a car, depending on the model and company.

Useful Tips

If you have more than 10 days in Austin, consider visiting some of the nearby cities such as San Antonio or Fredericksburg. For shorter trips, you can concentrate on a few highlights from the itinerary. Temporarily closed activity locations should be replaced with other activities from the itinerary.

Airports

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the primary airport serving the Austin area. The airport is located about 5 miles from downtown Austin, and a taxi ride into the city center will cost around $25.

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