Austin, Texas

Written By Kelsey Ciera Drew Adventurers
Girl sitting in a colorful wildflower patch at McKinney Falls State Park, Texas, with greenery surrounding her.

McKinney Falls State Park

This itinerary is best when ubering/lyfting and walking. 

Waterfalls cascading over rocky ledges at McKinney Falls State Park, Texas, surrounded by lush greenery.

McKinney Falls State Park

The Texas State Capitol building in Austin, Texas, with its distinctive dome and surrounding grounds.

Texas Capital

McKinney Falls State Park

  • Just 15 minutes from the airport and a great way to start your trip.

  • Hike from Upper Falls to the Rock Shelter Trail and continue to Lower Falls.

  • There are several other trails if you have extra time to explore.

Lady Bird Trail (≈25 min drive)

  • Right near downtown Austin, with scenic views of the skyline.

  • Walk or bike along the trail, or rent kayaks to paddle the river.

Picnic Food Trucks (≈0.6 mile walk)

Girl smiling in front of a river at Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas, with cityscape and park scenery in the background.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

  • Depending on where you exit the trail, you can easily walk to this local favorite.

  • A fun spot to sample a variety of Austin eats.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Tour

  • Take an evening boat tour beneath the bridge to see the largest urban bat colony in North America.

  • Arrive before sunset to enjoy a short tour before the bats emerge, a uniquely Austin experience.

  • Slightly after dusk they will emerge by the hundreds of thousands! It is quite the spectacle.

Thousands of bats emerging at dusk from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas.

Congress Ave Bridge Bats

Kelsey Ciera Drew Adventurers
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