Summer is zooming by, y'all.
Time flies when you're having fun, and we don't know about y'all but we're having much more fun than last year. But whether you're going back to school, have kids that are, or you're just dreading the end of swimming season, we have a checklist of 10 things you absolutely must do before another Austin summer ends.
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Photo by Do512 Family
Seeing Austin’s famous bats is a must-do on any local checklist. Austin is home to the largest urban Mexican free-tail bat colony in North America, and we love to celebrate these winged creatures that dwell underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. View our Guide to Seeing the Bats for a start on when and where to go watch them swoop and fly!
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The hot summer nights here in Texas are perfect conduits for a date night at the Doc's Drive-In Theater. A summer activity at heart, taking your cutie to cuddle under the open sky while watching your favorite flick will really channel that summer lovin' feeling. And if you ain't got a cutie, hey, it's still nice to be alone at a flick!
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Photo Credit: youtube
The spring-fed water of the San Marcos River stays at a crisp 72 degrees year-round, making it a popular destination to cool off during the hot summer months for people all over Texas. When you just can't take the triple digits any longer, make your way south of Austin and cool off in the fall with a nice float down the San Marcos River. Or, check out other favorite rivers like the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers!
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Photo via Peter Pan Mini Golf
Austinites have been making memories at Peter Pan Mini Golf since 1948. This old-school spot definitely contributes to the “weird” vibes of Austin. You can purchase your game tickets electronically on-site at the clubhouse. You can either use their golf equipment or if you have your own, even better — take along your own ball & putter.
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photo credit: @MadeBymattie
There's no better place for an all-day escape into nature than the 12.68 miles of gorgeous trails and amazing scenery at the Greenbelt. Your adventure can include running, walking, biking, hiking, and swimming in this amazing bastion of Austin landscape. There are many ways to access the Greenbelt, so be sure to check out this handy map to plot your best point of entry. Don't forget to wear sunscreen!
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Photo via Do512 Family
Nothing screams Austin like seeing the view of the skyline from the water. Even the most pessimistic of citizens will feel a slight swell of pride when chilling on a watercraft in the middle of the city. Whether your poison is of the sitting or standing variety, we've got the scoop on where to rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP.
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Sometimes all you need to take the edge off the long-lasting Texas heat is a damn good patio. You might not think of 'hanging out' as an activity, but when it's accompanied by the laughter of friends and the imbibing of drinks it sure starts to feel like you're doing something. Here are some of our favorite patios in Austin to take a load off. Need even more cooling off? We even rounded up specific patios that have misters. You're welcome.
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Photo: @taylorjw_85
It's a pretty simple scientific fact that the more layers of clothing you're wearing, the hotter you're gonna be. This is where Hippie Hollow comes into play. As you've probably heard (or experienced for yourself), Hippie Hollow is a relaxation destination where the wearing of clothes is not necessary. So if you aren't shy but you ARE hot, go ahead and head down to Hippie Hollow for a little clothing-optional swim. While you're at it, why not read our Do512 Explains: Hippie Hollow?
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Photo via Yelp
Grab Frozen Tiki Drinks at Pool Burger
This darling tiki bar + burger joint pairs excellently with a day of basking in the sun by Deep Eddy Pool. The burgers and snacks at Pool Burger are ideal summer afternoon fare, but the real standouts on the menu here are the tiki drinks that pack a punch, from the classic (Mai Tais and Hurricanes) to more original options (we love the fruity gin-based Saturn and the citrusy mezcal Reba's Respite).
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Photo via South Congress Hotel
The Austin all those tourists see is trendy, but they don’t have to deal with it when "slowpac" starts trending all Tuesday long. Thankfully, there’s a way for locals to feel like tourists in their own city, with the comfort of returning home right after (just avoid Mopac, y'all). If you wanna skip the song and dance of trying to get a decent spot at Barton Springs, find your way to a swanky Hotel Pool Offering Day Passes. From downtown to Lake Travis, there’s a fancy pool waiting for you somewhere.
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How will you be capping off your summer?
