What to Do on Memorial Day Weekend in Austin

Planning to spend Memorial Day weekend in Austin? Whether you're in the mood to relax and unwind or get outside and explore, we've got you covered! Here are our top suggestions for making the most of your three days off in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas.

Explore the Outdoors

Soak up plenty of Vitamin D during your long weekend! Bring your friends and a frisbee to Zilker Park, where pets are especially welcome. Or lace up your hiking shoes to explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt, complete with hiking trails, a rope swing, and plenty of scenic views. Run or stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a heart-of-the-city gem flanked by Austin's flourishing skyline.

Paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or cruise around our local lakes, catching some rays while getting a workout. Many rental shops are available on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin, including Live Love Paddle, the Rowing Dock, Greenbelt Outdoors, Float On Boat Rentals, and more.

Sit back and let the captain do the driving on a Lady Bird Lake boat cruise from Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises, complete with cityscape views and Austin landmark sightseeing. Or, watch 1.5 million Congress Avenue Bridge bats fly out near dusk on a sunset cruise.

Drive out to the Hill Country for spectacular hikes, state parks, and picnic spots. Popular swimming holes like Hamilton Pool Preserve require advance reservation, so book early (swimming is not guaranteed). Or, spend the day at picture-perfect parks within a short drive, like Krause Springs, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Reimers Ranch Park, Lockhart State Park, and more.

Prefer to stay on land? Go for an urban trail ride with Texas Trail Rides, or travel just a bit outside the city limits to become a ranch hand for the day with Maverick Horseback Riding. Find more horseback riding near Austin here.

Go Camping

Just outside the city lies thousands of acres of untamed wilderness perfect for setting up camp with your favorite folks.

Understated and rugged, McKinney Falls State Park is an excellent destination to hike, bike, fish, and swim. Fireflies, campfires, and scenic Onion Creek round out the destination.

You might recognize the 5,200-acre Pedernales Falls State Park from the 2015 Oscar-nominated film "Boyhood." Cool off in the swimming hole and snap some Instagram-worthy waterfalls before tubing down the Pedernales River and heading back to home base at Pedernales Falls Campground. Reservations may be required for overnight and day visits during peak seasons.

Just an hour from Austin, Pace Bend Park provides a relaxing backdrop among limestone cliffs and reflective Lake Travis. Spend the day on the water and then grill out at Pace Bend Campground.

Inks Lake State Park is a 1200-acre escape that’s just an hour-and-fifteen-minute drive from Austin. Take your pick of adventures, from exploring a waterfall or swimming in the lake to hiking through a canyon and forest. Pitch a tent or stay in a cabin on the sparkling blue waters at Inks Lake Campground.

Pick up everything you need for roasting hotdogs and s'mores from local grocers like Wheatsville Co-op or Salt & Time. Plus, grab a six-pack of local beer from the breweries themselves or specialty shops with wide selections like Whip In, Whichcraft Beer Store, and more.

Explore privately owned RV parks and campgrounds on our website.