Austin Recreation | New Homes Market Center

So much to do in Austin, so little time!

Boating in Austin
For a list of all area lakes see this web site: http://www.touringtexas.com/lakes.htm

Biking in Austin

There are many trails that are used for hiking that are also used for biking. There are many Austinites that use the roadways for biking as well.

For a list of parks for biking see the website listed below: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/traildirectory.htm . One of the most active bike clubs in the Austin area is known as Austin Ridge Riders. The club promotes safe riding and environmentally aware off-roading cycling, or trail riding. Their website is: http://www.austinridgeriders.com/clubinfo.htm. http://austinbikeroutes.com/ gives information on teh best way to get somewhere in Austin on your bike.

Camping in Austin

Austinites are extremely fortunate to have state parks located within hours of driving. To make reservations at a state park of your choice call: 512-389-8900 or log on to the Texas state parks website at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Bastrop State Park is about thirty miles from Austin. The pine treed park has roughly 8.5 miles of hiking trails for hiking and back packing – there is also an area for swimming. Camping ranges from primitive to the luxury of cabins.

Buescher State Park is similar to Bastrop State Park except that it is further to the east and less crowded. It is less crowded partially due to being smaller. The park contains a little over seven and a half miles of hiking trails. The park also contains an area for swimming. There are restrooms and showers available for use.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most amazing sites that one can see. The granite dome shaped rock is the second largest in the United States. The most spectacular part of this rock is the hike to the top to look out over the countryside. There is also a four mile or so trail that passes between the formations. You can even have a hike through a cave – a great find on a hot summer day. This is a great find for the avid rock climber as well. This formation is located between Fredericksburg and Llano.

Guadalupe River State Park is a great family park and is located right on the Guadalupe River. This park has great picnic areas, campsites, a play area for children, even an area for a large group to meet together for a day on the river. Be sure to bring your bathing suit so you can enjoy a cool dip or swim in the river. There are restrooms and showers available.

Pedernales Falls State Park is a beautiful park is in the hill country about an hours drive from Austin towards Johnson City. The most spectacular image of the river is when it cascades over fifty feet of stair stepped limestone. The park contains a seven and half mile hiking trail that over looks the hill country, along with another trail that is five miles and crosses over the river. There is another hiking trail approximately a half-mile long that ends with an overlook above the falls. Along this shorter hike, you can also read about the wildlife there in the park. Swimming and boating are some of the best activities there to stay cool during the hot summer days.

Diving in Austin

For diving, check out the Austin Scuba Club at http://www.scubaland.com/diveclub.asp

Dog Parks in Austin
There are twelve leash free parks in the Austin area for you to let your dog run free. If you are not in any of these specified parks, you must have your dog on a leash no longer than six feet. To find out more about the 12 parks that offer a leash free environment, visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/dogparks.htm

Golfing in Austin
Golfing is huge in Austin. There is a course for everyone in every price range. Here is a list of Austin golf courses and contact information.

Hiking
There are over fifty miles of hiking trails in the Austin area that the parks and recreation department over sees. For an extended list of the parks with great hiking trails from under one mile to an upwards of eleven miles see the following web site www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/traildirectory.htm or http://www.texasoutside.com/hikeTrails.htm

Hunting & Fishing
Texas is one of the most popular destinations for the avid hunter and fisherman. To find out where to catch the fish you enjoy eating most or to get a list of seasons and bag limits for hunting your favorite meat be sure to visit the link below. There are many places for both of these sports, for a list of regulations and fees for licences log on to: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/

Indoor Family Fun
Main Event: Located just off of hwy 183 in Austin. A great place for the family or even a night out for the adults. You can enjoy rock climbing, bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and even glow golf. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat from the café as well. For further information on hours and deals available to you call: 512-401-0000 or log on to: www.maineventusa.net

Dave & Busters: Yes you got it – the one and only – well known place where an adult can have fun just like they did when they were kids. Not only can you enjoy all the arcade games but you can have an ice cold drink to go along the side. Dave and Busters also has some great tasting food. For directions call 512-346-8015

Alamo Draft House: Four fabulous locations in the Austin area. A great place to go see the movie you have been wanting to see, get a drink, and enjoy your dinner all at the same time. For show times and running movies log onto: www.alamodrafthouse.com

Playland: A place for the whole family to have fun. Playland in Austin offers good old roller skating. They even offer an adult night for those who are 18 and older and want to relive the days of hanging out at the skating rink. To get coupons and further information and hours of operation visit the web site at: www.playlandskatecenter.com

Chaparral Ice Center: Ice skating at its finest. Chaparral Ice Center has two locations in Austin. This is the perfect place to be on those hot and humid summer days. They offer everything from free skate times, figure skating, and hockey for the kids and the adults. They have it all and even more. For further information please call: 512-252-8500

300 Austin: An updated bowling experience. 300 is as modern as it gets, packed with the kind of décor, amenities and technology you’d expect to find at an upscale club or sports bar. It is a place where adults, kids and groups find bowling, billiards, food and everything else needed to get a party rolling.

Jet Skiing
Another great way to get familiar with the area lakes, either riding solo or with a partner. Visit the website listed to get a list of all the area lakes wher you can take your jet ski out and feel the rush of the cool lake waters.

www.touringtexas.com/lakes.htm

Kayak and Canoeing
Ever think of taking up a water sport that involved working as a team? Or maybe you already have some experience you can share with others. If so, you should think about joining the Austin Rowing Club. A club that has many events throughout the summer months. For further information, contact ARC via: info@austinrowing.org This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 512-472-0726.

Motor-Cross
The Austin Moto-Sport Association meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:30pm. All non AMSA members and guests are welcome. For information see www.amsaclub.org/meeting.html. Below are some tracks in the Austin area along with contact information.

Cross Creek Mx is in the Paige/Austin area, cost is about $15.00, this park is loaded with amenities. For further information visit www.crosscreekmx.com

Austin-Dellvalle Motocross Park is in Austin, cost is around $15.00, for more visit www.advmxpark.net

Bastropmx is in the Austin and Bastrop area, cost is about $10.00, track has lights for night time runs, more information visit www.bastropmx.com

Lake Austin Mx is in Austin, cost is around $8.00, for further information call: Jeremy at 512-292-2364

Outdoor Events
First Thursday: As the name implies, this event is held the first Thursday of every month in downtown Austin on Congress Street in the evening hours. You will find the street full of venders offering their handmade goods for sale. You can stop in at any of the retail shops along the route or even grab a bite to eat at any of the restaurants.

Congress Street Bridge: During the spring and summer months you can stand on the Congress Street bridge around dusk and wait for the thousands of bats to come flying by.

Sailing
Austin Yacht club is located on lake travis http://austinyachtclub.net. You can find Intellicast’s Sailing Info and Weather at www.intellicast.com/Sail. Or if you’re interested, the All Catalina Fleet 69 is a group of friendly and active sailors in the Lake Travis and Austin area. It promotes recreational sailing, fellowship, and skill development through regular meetings, cruises, and social activities. It is open to all persons who own or have owned, or who own “an interest” in a keel sailboat of any length manufactured by Catalina Yachts. Check their website for more information http://members.aol.com/CatFleet69/.

Swimming
Deep Eddy: A great place where the average swimmer can swim along side the advanced swimmer. A perfect place for the family with an area for the young kids to swim and make all the splashes they want, while the avid swimmer who wants to exercise till they can’t swim anymore, is just feet away in the lap pool. For the fees, hours and directions call: 512-472-8546

Barton Springs: One of the best rated spots by Austinites. This is a spring fed pool where you can swim along side the fish and splash with the ducks. It’s a great spot for those who are working out and want in where the water is clear and cool. For further information on Barton Springs call: 512-867-3080

Hamilton Pool Preserve: This is paradise – a sand beach and a cascading seventy-five foot waterfall. You can explore the rock formations either by hiking or swimming in the cool comforts of the water. Not only is this a great swimming hole but a great palce for bird watching. For hours, directions and fees call: 512-264-2740

Waterskiing
Many area lakes offer the best of places to water ski. For information on where to go, tournaments and rules you can visit the capital area water ski clubs web site. To further enjoy your hobby, do it with people of the same interest and join the club. www.waterskiaustin.com

Wind Surfing
You can do so many water sports in Austin you might run out of time. One you may want to put at the top of your list is wind surfing. There are so many area lakes and coves that you will never run out of new spots to try. To get to know where to go, the area shops specializing in windsurfing, and to find people who share your same interests, join the Austin wind surfing club. For membership information call: Bob Morrow 830-598-2005. http://austinwindsurf.org