Category Archives: Outdoor Activities

Bike Share Explained

B-Cycle is a relatively simple bike sharing system similar to the ones you will find in other mid-to-large cities. It’s $8/day but can get expensive if you don’t use the following tips to avoid additional charges:

  • Check-in the bike within 30 min of checking it out
  • Once checked-in, you can check it right back out for free using the same credit card
  • Map out your destination and a back-up destination in case the bike racks are full
  • Get the app so you know where the stations are located

The ideal ride is a 15-20 min ride from the Capitol, down Congress to the river and then along the trail to the station at Zilker Park with a couple alternate options (an early check-in/out at the Lamar pedestrian bridge or a back-up check-in at Barton Springs Pool). Link to Directions

B-Cycle Stations

The Perfect Weekend in Austin

A night out on Rainey Street

  • Pizza and Wine at Bufalina
  • Wine on-tap at L’Estelle House
  • Drinks at Clive, Half-Step, Lucille
  • Live music at Blackheart
  • Explore the house parties and check-out Container Bar
  • Grub Banger’s late-night menu

Daytime fun in South Austin

  • Tacos at Torchy’s Trailer Park
  • Swimming at Barton Springs Pool or stand up paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake
  • Shopping on South Congress: Allens Boots, Uncommon Objects, Stag, Service Menswear, Kendra Scott
  • Burgers at Hopdoddy or snacks at June’s All Day
For night 2, options are grouped by proximity.

Option A – A night out on the East Side

  • Outdoor dining at Thai-Kun or La Barbecue
  • Craft cocktails at Whisler’s
  • Two-stepping at White Horse
  • Live music at Hotel Vegas
  • Craft cocktails at Ah Sing Den (formerly East Side Show Room)
  • Late-night detroit style pizza at Via 313 (next to Violet Crown)

Option B – A night out in South Austin

  • Pre-dinner drinks at Gibson or Eberly
  • Dinner reservation at Uchi or Odd Duck
  • Live music at Continental Club or C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
  • Late-night new york style pizza at Home Slice

Option C – A night out in West Austin

  • Pre-dinner drinks at The Cloak Room
  • Dinner reservation at Ranch 616
  • Two-stepping at Rattle Inn
  • Giant Jenga at Kung Fu
  • Ring Toss at The Dogwood
  • Late-night chicken and waffles at 24 diner

Option D – A night out on East Sixth (Avoiding the dirty parts)

  • Dinner and a movie at the Alamo Ritz
  • Craft cocktails at Midnight Cowboy
  • Drinks at the Driskill Bar
  • Late-night kimchi fries at Chi-Lantro

Daytime fun in West Austin

  • Breakfast at Counter Cafe
  • Shopping at Waterloo Records
  • Amy’s Ice Creams
  • People watching at Whole Foods Lamar
  • B-Cycle bike share on the Trail
  • Shop high end active-wear at Outdoor Voices
  • Seafood at Clark’s Oyster Bar or feast on the holy trinity at Freedmen’s Barbecue

Day drinking + nature

The Greenbelt is a great place to day drink but alcohol is prohibited. Bring a bag of wine or a punch and be discrete.

green belt

Here’s a rundown of the Greenbelt’s access points:

Zilker Park

Scottish Woods Trail (1710 Camp Craft Rd.)

Twin Falls Access (3900 Frontage of Mopac)

Gus Fruh (2642 Barton Hills Dr)

Spyglass (1500 Spyglass Dr.)

Loop 360 (3755-B Capitol of Texas)

Hotel Pool Day Passes

Four Seasons Pool $30 / person. Available for purchase from the Spa.

W Hotel Pool day passes available for $25 / person and includes valet parking.  Available Sunday-Thursdays only.  Purchase your wrist band at the AWAY Spa, located on the fourth floor.

Golf like you’re in Austin

Two BYOB golfing options in Central Austin and they are across the street from each other!?!! Butler Park Pitch and Putt is always BYOB and always a lot of fun/dangerous. It’s a tiny hidden golf course right off Barton springs and Lamar. Fore! Peter Pan mini golf is across the street – BYOB starts at dusk. Peter has never looked so fabulous.

If it’s a special occasion, call ahead and ask them to put your name on the sign.