Things to Do in Austin During the Summer
May 23, 2023
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Summertime is fun time in Austin, Texas. While yes, it’s hot here during the summer months, Austinites don’t let that slow us down. We just find more ways to stay cool.
Enjoy an Eastside staycation, a frozen drink on a patio, a refreshing dip in a pool, or tubing down a cool Texas stream.
Without further ado, here are our picks for the best things to do in Austin during Summer 2023!
Take a dip in the nearest watering hole
Ask any Austinite what their favorite summer activity is, and anything water-related is guaranteed to top the list.
Arguably one of the best pools in Austin, Barton Springs Pool promises a much needed reprieve from the Texas heat. The natural spring-fed pool results in year-round temperatures averaging between 68-70 degrees, which means cooling off will only take mere seconds, even on the hottest days. Best of all, this iconic Austin pool is only three short miles away from the Heywood Hotel and is open daily except for Thursdays, with no reservations required. We suggest buying a pool pass online prior to arrival to avoid long lines for entry.
If you feel like venturing a little bit further outside of the capital city, consider visiting nearby destinations like San Marcos or Spicewood. Around 35 miles south of Austin, the San Marcos River offers the chance to hop in a tube and relax as you float along the spring-fed river and take in the surrounding greenery. Nearby Krause Springs in Spicewood is just 30 miles northwest of Austin and is a destination for all things outdoors, including swimming, hiking, and camping. Read more about the best places to swim in Austin!
No matter where you choose to take a dip, Heywood Hotel has got you covered. Book a stay at the Heywood and we’ll provide beach towels, soft-sided coolers, sunscreen, and can help procure anything else you might need for your outdoor adventures.
Enjoy drinks on a patio
Taking in the sun on a nearby patio is another ideal way to enjoy an Austin summer. Luckily, there is no shortage of local patios to visit for a celebratory drink.
Located just a block away from Heywood, Lou’s is a popular neighborhood hangout known for its fantastic patio. With ample seating, lush greenery and string lights adding a touch of charm, the patio provides the perfect setting to soak up the East Austin vibes with a beer, strawberry rose sangria or frozen custard.
Licha’s Cantina is a little further down the road on East Sixth Street in a quaint converted house. The naturally shaded patio area creates the ideal setting for sipping on margaritas on a toasty summer evening. Try a Mezcal Martini or Mexico 76 to liven up the patio party!
Another nearby patio option is located at Launderette. This James Beard-nominated restaurant has a newly updated and expanded patio space for 2021. It’s the perfect spot to dine and drink al fresco, and be sure to cap off your meal with a cool strawberry lime shaved ice or another delicious summertime treat from Executive Pastry Chef Laura Sawicki.
Guests of the Heywood can also enjoy a patio a little closer to home. Our hotel’s courtyard patio is a quiet oasis in the heart of East Austin. We even provide free beers from Zilker Brewing Company!
Check out the local barbecue scene
A trip to Austin wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a plate of Texas barbecue. East Austin boasts some of the city’s best barbecue joints, including Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, and Micklethwait Craft Meats, all named to Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas.
The nationally-known Franklin Barbecue tops many visitors’ lists, so plan ahead and get there early! Known for its mouthwatering smoked meats and long lines that stretch down the block, Franklin Barbecue has earned a reputation as one of the best barbecue spots in the entire country and has become an iconic destination for barbecue enthusiasts.
La Barbecue serves up some of the city’s best brisket, along with many other meats and an extensive list of sandwiches. Their brick-and-mortar restaurant on East Cesar Chavez St. is just a few blocks from the Heywood Hotel and benefits from brisket that’s just as tender, but with a far shorter wait.
Micklethwait Craft Meats is certainly worth a visit any time of the year. The trailer is located in the Rosewood area just a mile away from the Heywood and is known for brisket, beef ribs and homemade sausages. Check out smoked meat tacos from Taco Bronco, from the Micklethwait team while you are at the Rosewood complex.
Stay cool by staying indoors
The best way to beat the heat is to simply escape it by staying indoors. While Austin is a city known for its outdoor offerings, there are a number of indoor activities that are just as notable.
Take a trip to a local museum such as the Blanton Museum of Art. Located on the University of Texas campus, and newly remodeled, the museum is home to temporary exhibitions and permanent installations, such as Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin.” Gifted to the museum by the artist himself, the structure features colorful glass windows that capture the light in a picturesque way. Visit on Thursdays when admission to the museum is always free.
Visitors can also take in the LBJ Library while you are near campus. Discover timely exhibits, permanent installations like the Oval Office recreation, social justice gallery, and Heywood personal favorite – a moving, life-sized animatronic joke-telling LBJ surrounded by political cartoons.
Another way to escape the heat is by visiting one of several breweries in East Austin like Blue Owl Brewing, Zilker Brewing Company, and Lazarus Brewing, to name a few. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a beer in a cool, air-conditioned taproom.
Heywood guests look forward to retreating back to the hotel after a hot, summer day. Our stylish space has all of the comfort, and, more importantly, the AC anyone could need during a trip to Austin.
Feature image courtesy of City of Austin.