Things to do in Austin - AID Annual Conference
Transcription
Things to do in Austin - AID Annual Conference
Things to do in Austin Hope Outdoor Gallery — The Austin Graffiti Park To the west of downtown, this unique spot features constantly changing graffiti art spreading across a maze of half-built walls. You can often see graffiti artists creating new works on the walls. If you make it to the top, you have nice views of the downtown skyline. Parking is available along the nearby streets. It’s free to get in, bring some shoes! Hope Outdoor Gallery Map. Kayaking & Canoeing on the River If you have an interest in spending time on the water, renting a kayak or canoe is a great way to get out there. There is a rental place on Barton Creek, feeding into the Colorado River. You’ll see lots of Austin wildlife and views of the downtown skyline while you paddle the waters. Rentals are $15 per boat per hour. Parking is available at the Zilker Park parking lots, though you may be charged a fee on weekends (usually $5). Kayak/Canoe Rental Map. Barton Springs Pool Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed pool that maintains a year-round temperature of 68-70 degrees. Admission is $3 for the day (though it is free from 5-8 am and 9-10 pm — no lifeguards at these times). There are hilly lawns overlooking the pool for you to enjoy the sun in between dips in the pool. Parking is available in Zilker Park, usually with a fee on weekends (generally $5). See the Barton Springs website for more information and a list of prohibited items. Barton Springs Pool Map. Mayfield Park & Mt. Bonnell Mayfield Park is a unique space featuring a manageable network of small hiking trails and views of inlets off the Colorado River. In addition, there is a garden at the park’s entrance complete with small ponds, flowers, tree canopies, stone structures and free roaming peacocks—all in the heart of Austin! Bring some lunch and walking shoes. Admission is free. Mayfield Park Map. Just up the road from Mayfield park is another unique spot right in the middle of town: Mt. Bonnell. After a short hike up a few stairs, you reach the top of this “urban mountain,” you are instantly rewarded with panoramic views of the Colorado River, the Texas Hill Country, and the Austin downtown skyline. Admission to Mt. Bonnell is also free. Mt. Bonnell Map. 6th Street Austin’s famous 6th Street is a popular spot for a night out. There are several blocks of bars, restaurants, music venues, gift shops, and more—many of which are located in historic buildings repurposed for your entertainment! Walking down the street you’ll witness the town’s energy and hear why Austin is called “the live music capital of the world.” 6th Street is not very family friendly at night, but it is more relaxed during the daytime hours. There is easy bus access down Congress Ave. 6th Street Map. Rainey Street Full of old houses converted into mildmannered bars and unique restaurants, Rainey Street is a fun place to enjoy an evening on the edge of downtown Austin. Rainey Street also offers a number of Austin’s renowned food trucks (open starting at 5:00 pm, closed on Mondays). Lots of outdoor seating and communal ambiance makes Rainey Street an open and relaxed atmosphere. Rainey Street Map. South Congress (SoCo) On the south side of the Colorado River is one of Austin’s more unique shopping districts. Thrift stores, boot shops, costume shops, cafes, local craftsman, and much more make South Congress Ave. a special place away from the downtown hustle. If you go there around dusk, be sure to enjoy the famous Austin bats on the Congress Bridge—a 15-20 minute walk towards the capital building. South Congress Map. For more activities around town: -365 things to do in Austin: http://365thingsaustin.com/events/. -Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau: http://www.austintexas.org/visit/events/ -Austin Chronicle's list of events: http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/ If interested in driving to some sites about 1-2 hours outside of town, consider Hamilton Pool (website) for a day of swimming in a beautiful grotto. Also, you may enjoy a day of hiking at Enchanted Rock (website) in central Texas.