Guide to Enjoying Outdoor Spaces in Austin

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Take advantage of the beautiful weather at these outdoor spaces in Austin

Finally, the Texas summer is over. While our evenings get darker earlier, there is still plenty of time during the day to enjoy many outdoor spaces in Austin. There are tons of great locations, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites. From coffee to cocktails and paddleboarding to parks, our list has you covered! Pro tip: this list is a great way to reward yourself or spend your rest day if you’ve started to increase your mileage.

Austin’s murals

Image of the I Heart Queso mural in Austin. It's one of the Austin Marathon's favorite on-course murals.There are countless amazing murals around town. We’ve showcased some of our favorite murals along the Austin Marathon course, but that’s just the tip of the paint can! Cycle around town, visit some of the murals, and take a selfie with them. Check the mural for the artist’s handle so you can give them a shoutout on social media. Pro tip: the earlier you get there the better the chances you won’t have to work with traffic or other visitors.

Mozart’s 

Start your morning at Mozart’s, one of the best places in Austin to get coffee. While you’re there, post up on the massive deck and enjoy the Lake Austin views. With plenty of outdoor space, Mozart’s is also an ideal place to work for a few hours or watch the Austin sunset. Mozart’s is on the Austin Marathon course.

Cosmic Coffee 

From breakfast to dinner, Cosmic Coffee has it all. And there is a ton of outdoor space. Start your morning next to waterfalls with a latte and a bagel. Or you could visit the chickens or coy pond before grabbing lunch from one of the food trucks. Pro tip: when it gets really chilly they light the fire pits so you can snuggle up next to a fire with a hot cup of coffee.

Kayak/paddleboard

Austin is fortunate to have Town Lake, a massive body of water downtown that offers so much. Now that the sun isn’t blazing hot, it’s time to get out on the water and really enjoy yourself! Whether you’re into kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, there are plenty of places to get started. Pro tip: this is a great way to spend your rest day. No running, but you’re still outdoors, getting a workout, and enjoying the fresh air.

Gibson Street Bar

Grab a beer and enjoy the outdoor space at Gibson Street Bar. They’re located off Lamar and offer 16 craft beers, cocktails, and wine. There’s something for everyone. Don’t feel like cooking dinner? Visit Luke’s Inside Out trailer for appetizers and burgers. This is a great place to wind down your day.

The Wheel

If you’re in East Austin looking for a neighborhood bar with ample outdoor space, look no further. The Wheel has a rotating selection of local and craft beers. Visit their outdoor beer garden and you’ll be greeted by a beer fountain! The Wheel is on the Austin Marathon course.

Austin Parks

From the world-famous Barton Springs Pool and Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Austin is known for its green spaces. It’s truly a benefit to our city. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic. Finish the book you’ve been reading. Go for a trail run or bike ride. There are so many ways you can enjoy Austin’s parks. Visit the city’s site to find a park near you.

Stargazing

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Austin! Even the lights of Austin can’t keep all the stars from shining. Take some time after dinner to gaze at the night’s sky and search for shooting stars. Two places to get you started involve a short walk. Visit Mt. Bonnell or the overlook near the 360 Bridge. Both offer sweeping views of the Texas sky. Mt. Bonnell has steps and a longer walk, while the 360 Bridge Overlook is a shorter, more rocky climb. Want to get away from Austin’s light saturation and really see the stars? Visit Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg.

Sour Duck Market 

Their outdoor seating is ideal for relaxing in the cool air and enjoying happy hour. Sour Duck Market have an on-site smoker and smoke their own meat. Looking to start your day with some coffee and fresh air? Swing by for breakfast and get something from their coffee shop and bakery. Sour Duck is on the Austin Marathon course.

Comedor

Take your upscale dining outside or enjoy craft cocktails on Comedor’s patio. Chefs Gabe Erales and Philip Speer have truly elevated the food game in Austin. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, from appetizers to dessert. Don’t sleep on their mouth-watering Bone Marrow Tacos! Their outdoor space is a relaxing oasis in the middle of downtown. Comedor is also home to Austin’s newest running club, Comedor Run Club. Their purpose is to create an inclusive space for Austin’s food community to connect and live a healthier lifestyle.

With so many outdoor spaces in Austin, the only problem you should have is deciding what to visit first! Many of these you can combine into an epic day. Start off with some coffee, kayak for a few hours, enjoy happy hour, and grab some dinner. And you can do this all outdoors! Make sure you take advantage of the amazing Austin weather and visit these outdoor spaces in Austin.

Enjoy the Full Austin Experience at these 5 Iconic South Austin Locations

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Visit these south Austin hotspots and truly embrace the full Austin experience

If you’re into shopping, sunshine, live music, or nature you must visit these 5 iconic south Austin hotspots. They’re located along Miles 1-6 of the Austin Marathon course so they’re within walking distance of downtown Austin. Take in the Austin experience in one day or spread it out throughout Austin Marathon weekend. The choice is yours! If you find yourself hungry or in need of a cup of coffee, stop by our favorite south Austin coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner spots.

Congress Avenue Bridge (start)

Image of Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly, performing at Continental Club. Enjoy the Austin experience when you take in a show at Continental Club!

Wanda Jackson, Queen of Rockabilly, performs at Continental Club.

This is one of Austin’s most iconic places to take photos for many reasons. Panoramic views of downtown, unobstructed view of the Texas State Capitol, Town Lake sunrises and sunsets, the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, and the beginning of the Austin Marathon! Whether you watch 17,500 runners cross the bridge or 1.5 million bats fly out from underneath in their bat cyclones, make sure your camera is charged and you have a great vantage point! Pro tip: take Bat Watching 101.

The Continental Club (Mile 1)

This live music venue is the self-proclaimed granddaddy of live music venues. The Continental Club (1315 S. Congress Ave.) has had a coast-to-coast and worldwide reputation as the premiere club for live music in Austin since 1955. Artists have included Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Social Distortion, TD Bell and the Blues Specialists, Robert Plant, Blues Traveler, Dale Watson & his Lone Stars, Wanda Jackson, and more. Pro tip: Peterson Brothers Band, the 2018 Austin Marathon finish line festival headliner, play every Monday for free!

South Congress Shopping (Mile 1-2)

Image of mural outside of Triple Z Threads. Enjoy the Austin experience when you shop on South Congress.

Mural that greets you outside of Triple Z Threads.

Preview Miles 1-2 of the Austin Marathon course when you shop SoCo! You’ll find something you need and everything you don’t. Visit some of our favorites like the Kendra Scott Flagship, STAG Provisions for Men, Allens Boots, Monkey See Monkey DO, and Triple Z Threads. Stop by Big Top to satisfy your sweet tooth! Pro tip: follow us on Instagram and see what murals you can find along the way.

Greetings from Austin Mural (Mile 5)

Known around the world, the Greetings from Austin Mural (1720 S. 1st St.) is one of the most visited murals in Austin. The mural was painted in 1998 by Todd Sanders and Rory Skagen and restored in 2013. Pro tip: get there early for the shot you want. You’ll avoid the crowds and there will be less traffic.

Auditorium Shores (Mile 6)

You know this an Austin blog when Stevie Ray Vaughan is mentioned twice. One of the main Auditorium Shores (800 W. Riverside Dr.) highlights is his statue along the trail overlooking Town Lake. Mile Marker 0 is a popular gathering spot for runners because of water fountains, plenty of space to stretch, and a workout station. On a rest day? Take your pup to the off-leash Auditorium Shores Dog Park. Bringing the kids? Take them to the Splash Pad. Pro tip: the lefthand turn runners take during the Austin Marathon is a popular cheering location for loved ones and spectators.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of the Austin experience. You have to start somewhere, right? This is one of Austin’s most vibrant and diverse areas, making it the perfect place to explore. Do you have a place in south Austin that you love that did not make the list? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.

5 Must Try Austin Eats on Course

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Take your family and friends to dinner at these five South Austin restaurants

South Austin has a collection of some of the city’s most delicious food. Dinner is no exception. Plan your next date night or take friends and family who are visiting to one of these 5 south Austin restaurants along the Austin Marathon course.

Image of drinks and appetizers at Botticelli's outdoor space in the back. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: Botticelli's Facebook page.

Credit: Botticelli’s Facebook page.

They also make great options the night before you run the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon! They’re within walking distance if you’re staying at a downtown Austin hotel during Austin Marathon weekend. Want more south Austin recommendations? Check out our lists for lunch places, breakfast spots, and coffee shops.

Botticelli’s (Mile 1)

This fun and tasty Italian restaurant is located on South Congress (1321 S. Congress Ave.), within walking distance of downtown hotels. Botticelli’s combines old family recipes and new, inventive ones. Their wine list is what dreams are made of! Make sure you order the Botticelli Bread. Sit out back by the beer garden and enjoy live, local music Thursday through Saturday.

Fresh shrimp and oysters at Perla's. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: Perla's Facebook page.

Credit: Perla’s Facebook page.

Perla’s (Mile 1)

If everyone is craving seafood, go to Perla’s (1400S. Congress Ave.). They fly in fresh fish and oysters daily from both coasts. Happy hour is Monday – Friday 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Dinner begins every day at 5:30 p.m. and they rotate their menus. Pro tip: order the Baked Shells & Cheese and add lobster!

Enoteca Vespaio (Mile 1.5)

Enoteca (1610 S. Congress Ave.) opened in 2005 and has served delicious Italian food since. This bistro-inspired cafe has it all: phenomenal food, amazing coffee, a full bar, extensive wine list, and delectable desserts and pastries. We recommend you begin with a charcuterie board before dinner and a cannoli after. What you eat for dinner is up to you!

Sway is an award-winning Thai restaurant. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: Sway Facebook page.

Credit: Sway Facebook page.

Sway (Mile 5.5)

Sway (1417 S. 1st St.) is an award-winning modern Thai restaurant, recently being named “2019 Best Thai Food” by the Austin-American Statesman. You’ll be blown away by their Blue Crab Fried Rice. Their dinner menu offers numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options. Yes, their margaritas are good. Pro tip: don’t anything extra spicy the night before the Austin Marathon!

El Mercado (Mile 5.5)

You didn’t think we’d make this list and not include Tex-Mex, did you? El Mercado (1302 S. 1st St.) is family-owned and started in Austin in 1985. They began on the front porch of their south Austin location and have grown ever since. Before you order dinner, make sure the entire table enjoys Phillip’s Special Queso. They will thank you for the entire night!

Image of taco plate with a side of salsa from El Mercado. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: El Mercado Facebook page.

Credit: El Mercado Facebook page.

These five south Austin restaurants provide a little bit of everything for everyone. They’re perfect for a night out on the town or for runners who want to carb-load before race day. Don’t forget, you can stretch out your legs during Austin Marathon weekend. These 5 south Austin restaurants are within walking distance of downtown Austin hotels. Did your favorite south Austin restaurant not make the list? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.