On any given day, Austin offers live music, a foodie’s fantasyland, one-of-a-kind stores and lots of fun. Located in the heart of this cultural capital is St. Edward’s University. With summer here, the list of things to do in Austin has only expanded. Here’s a guide to making the most of summer in the city.
Stroll through an urban park (and play with dogs).
Right in the middle of downtown Austin, Auditorium Shores features scenic trails along Lady Bird Lake, plenty of good parking, and lots of spots to picnic or read a book. These features attract plenty of people with their dogs, giving you the perfect opportunity to pet them and play with them (the dogs, not their owners).
Go kayaking on Lady Bird Lake.
If you’d rather spend your summer on the water, try out watersports on Lady Bird Lake. Renting a double kayak or a few paddleboards for a couple hours is a great way to spend time in the sun with friends and gaze at Austin’s natural beauty.
Satisfy your late-night sweet tooth.
With so much to do in Austin, it’s easy to forget to stop and eat. Well…don’t! Check out the Gourdough’s Donuts food truck on South First Street for a sweet treat that’s worth all the calories.
Go back in time.
At Big Top Candy Shop, become a kid again as you wander through hundreds of old-school confections. This shop offers old-fashioned sodas and plenty more treats to help you cool off. Once you’ve gotten your fill of sweets, head outside to explore the other unique shops also found on South Congress.
Jam out at Blues on the Green.
A summertime tradition, Blues on the Green is an outdoor concert held one Wednesday each in June, July and August at Zilker Park. So grab a blanket to sit on, a few friends (or pets) to keep you company, and enjoy music from local artists. The best part? It’s free!
If you can’t make it to Blues on the Green, check out Guero’s Taco Bar on South Congress for great Mexican food and even better live music.
Take in an art exhibit.
For those few days of rain (or many days of excessive heat), there are plenty of museums for you to explore. The Blanton Museum of Art is a great way to beat the heat and expand your mind. Not that into art? Check out the Museum of the Weird for some fascinating facts, unusual trinkets and mind-bending performances.
Schedule your campus tour.
Get a head start on your college search by visiting St. Edward’s in the summer. And afterward, explore the city we call home!