Spring for much of the United States means defrosting from wintery weather, but spring in Austin, Texas brings sunshine, warmth and loads of outdoor activities. With temperatures averaging from 50 – 90 degrees in March to June, this is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, picnic in the park, or hit up an outdoor festival.
So, before summer heat befalls the city, get out and enjoy spring in Austin. Here are some favorite spring activities to do in the state’s capital:
Stop and Smell the Roses
Zilker Botanical Gardens, located in Zilker Park, allows you to enjoy thousands of native and cultivated plants, creating an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Austin. Take in one of the four themed gardens while enjoying panoramic views of the city. In 1946 this garden started with a $50 donation and a dream. Today it is enjoyed by over 300,000 visitors each year. Plant lovers can also visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Located in southwest Austin, it was founded in 1982 by the beloved former first lady, Claudia Johnson. With over 650 native plant species it aims to restore and create beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
Shop at the Local Farmers Market
You can’t beat a morning outdoors in Austin, amidst fresh produce, handmade local items, bountiful bouquets of flowers, and of course lots of samples. With over 40 farmers markets in Austin, healthy ingredients for your next meal are always nearby. Grab your canvas tote bag and head to SFC (Sustainable Foods Center) Farmers Market, held Saturday mornings both downtown and in Sunset Valley. The downtown location is one of the largest markets in Austin and is open rain or shine. For a morning of family fun, visit the award-winning Barton Creek Farmers Market, located in the back parking lot of Barton Creek Square Mall. Not only can you pick up organic produce, homemade breads, and pasteurized cheese and poultry, but once a month they offer great activities for children, such as face painting and kid’s art shows.
Be a Happy Camper
There is nothing like reconnecting with nature among the great outdoors. Enjoy Austin’s spring weather as you sit by a crackling fire while gazing at the stars and recharging. The Austin area has plenty of places to enjoy your overnight adventure. McKinney Falls State Park located in Austin’s backyard, just 20 minutes south offers campers the opportunity to hike trails through the Texas Hill Country, explore remains of an early Texas homestead and fish or swim in Onion Creek. Get in touch with your inner cowboy at Pedernales State Park, where there are over 10 miles of rugged equestrian trails. Located just 30 miles west of Austin, visitors can also enjoy a day of hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming.
Visit a Museum
May is the rainiest month in Austin with an average rainfall of five inches. To beat those rainy day blues, visit one of Austin’s must-see museums. Since you’re in Texas, visit the Bullock Museum. Covering everything from oil and gas tycoons to Texas’ roll in the Civil War this museum is sure to leave you feeling like a Texas history buff. For those looking for entertainment for the whole family, the Thinkery Children’s Museum offers play-based interactive learning for parents and children. Looking for inspiration? Head to University of Texas’ Harry Ransom Center. Here you will find an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, photographs and works of art. Highlights include Robert De Niro’s archive of scripts, Jack Keuroac’s notebook documenting his writing of On the Road and some of Albert Einstein’s unpublished notes and calculations.
Location, Location, Location
Spring in Austin is not to be missed and living at Lakeside in Lago Vista puts you a stone’s throw away from Austin adventures and right on the water at Lake Travis. Find your dream home and discover all the amenities Lakeside has to offer.