summer - top 10- things to do

_{Let's dive into the vibrant heart of Texas: Austin! As summer approaches, the Live Music Capital of the World gears up for an exhilarating season packed with endless entertainment, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Whether you're a local looking for new discoveries or a visitor eager to explore the city's dynamic offerings, we've curated a definitive list of the top things to do in Austin this summer. From sizzling music festivals and refreshing outdoor activities to mouthwatering culinary delights and hidden gems off the beaten path, get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Austin and make unforgettable memories under the Texas sun. Let's embark on an exciting journey through Austin's hottest destinations and experiences that promise to make this summer truly unforgettable!}

^{Here are 7 Austin summer activities to help build your itinerary:}

^{1. How about jugging down farmhouse beer at an outdoor beer garden? Jester King Brewery is an authentic farmhouse brewery committed to making wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers that reflect the unique character of their location in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The Hill Country brewery's spaces include the Beer Garden, Goat Pen, nature trail and more.}

^{2. Care for a quick dip and a tan? South Congress Hotel's rooftop pool is the place to be. South Congress Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Austin’s iconic South Congress shopping, dining and entertainment district.}

^{3. Looking to beat the Austin heat this summer? Chill out with some of the coolest treats in town, including artisan ice cream cones, gelato, and frozen cocktails, found everywhere from food trucks to hip patio lounges. Amy's Ice Creams, Bésame, Luv Fats, Dolce Neve, Casey's New Orleans Snowballs, Bananarchy are just to name a few!}

^{4. Zilker Park is known as the "jewel in the heart of Austin," and it's easy to see why. The 351 acre park features a natural spring-fed swimming pool, sculpture garden, stand-up paddle boarding, dinosaurs (at the prehistoric gardens in the botanical garden) and unbeatable views of the Austin skyline.}

^{5. Grab your camera and take yourself on a sightseeing tour through a wealth of colorful, approachable art on the streets of the city. These Instagrammable murals and street art are worth the catch! You may visit any of the city's neighborhoods - No entrance fee required. The Beauty and Liberty of Equality (111 E Cesar Chavez St), Tau Ceti (Brazos & Second Streets), Be Well (Lamar Underpass, beneath Fifth Street), You’re My Butter Half (2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd), Rhapsody (1021 E 11th St), We Rise (12th & Chicon Streets), Love from Austin (1912 S Congress Ave), and Click (401 E 53rd St) are a few of my favorites.}

^{6. The city is also known for its love of certain winged nocturnal animals that appear at sunset. Yep, those are the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. You'd probably think twice if you're actually in Gotham City! Starting in late March and continuing through early fall, North America's largest urban bat population calls Austin home. After the sun sets, the show really begins, and hundreds to thousands of bats pour out and cascade East over Lady Bird Lake. The nightly show can take place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. It can take as long as 45 minutes for all of the bats to exit the bridge for the night. Expect live music, local food and drink, more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, children's activities and a bat costume contest.}

^{7. Get out on the water at Lady Bird Lake, which flows through downtown Austin, where you can rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes from the Rowing Dock, Greenbelt Outdoors and more. Take a guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour of the lake with Austin Kayak Tours, or kick back on a sightseeing cruise with Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises.}

^{8. The massive three-story sunset red Texas granite structure is the largest capitol building in the United States, standing 14 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol building. Texas State Capitol offers free 30-minute tours which are a great way to learn about the history of the building, walk the historic halls and take pictures. Keep an eye out for elegant and ornate details, from the giant brass door hinges (so beautiful that people have tried to steal them over the decades!), to the detailed handrails. Look closely at the brass chandeliers in the House of Representatives Chamber to find that the light bulbs spell out T-E-X-A-S.}

^{9. Krause Springs, located in Spicewood, is a popular camping and swimming destination with 32 springs, plus manmade and natural pools. Take a dip in one of Austin’s many spring-fed swimming holes. Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park maintains a refreshing temperature of 68 degrees year round.}

^{10. Pack a picnic and hike up the stone steps of Mount Bonnel for a panoramic view of the Austin area, including Lake Austin. It’s a relatively short hike, with an amazing reward at the top. Be sure to check out nearby Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, featuring lush gardens, colorful roaming peacocks and scenic hiking trails.}

^{As you explore Austin, Texas, you'll quickly discover that its vibrant culture, eclectic cuisine, and endless entertainment options make it a destination unlike any other. Whether you're strolling along South Congress Avenue, indulging in some mouthwatering barbecue, or immersing yourself in the city's live music scene, each experience offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of this dynamic city. From outdoor adventures to artistic endeavors, Austin invites you to embrace its unique spirit and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, hit the streets, and get ready to discover the top 10 must-do experiences that make Austin a true gem of the Lone Star State.}