Outdoors, Parks & Swimming Holes in South Austin
12 places
Outdoors, Parks & Swimming Holes in South Austin, checked by People of Austin. Swimming holes, trails, parks, pickleball courts, climbing gyms, golf and the Greenbelt, with the details that matter: reservations, parking and when to go.
McKinney Falls State Park
Onion Creek drops over two sets of limestone falls just 13 miles from the Capitol, with swimming holes, a cypress-lined trail, and campsites inside city limits.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The state botanic garden's 284 acres of native plants peak with bluebonnets in April, and the Luci and Ian Family Garden has a stumpery, creek, and climbing nests for kids.
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Park
Sports fields, disc golf and river access line this large park along the Colorado River in East Riverside, popular with local leagues.
Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
A large, less crowded South Austin park follows Onion Creek with trails and open space for hiking and birdwatching.
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Wide trails, a disc golf course and a dog park spread across this South Austin park along Slaughter Creek.
Circle C Metropolitan Park
Sports fields, a splash pad and access to the Violet Crown Trail make this Southwest Austin park a family weekend staple.
Veloway
A 3.1 mile paved loop built exclusively for cyclists and skaters, closed to cars and pedestrians, makes for a fast, safe training loop.
Jimmy Clay & Roy Kizer Golf Courses
Two full 18 hole municipal courses share one South Austin clubhouse, giving golfers a choice of layouts on the same visit.
Grey Rock Golf Club
A private hilly course in South Austin with elevation changes and Hill Country views is a longtime local club favorite.
South Austin Recreation Center
A city gym floor gets striped into 4 pickleball courts for free all-ages open play on Tuesday nights, no reservation needed, just show up with a paddle and wait your turn.
Onion Creek Greenbelt
A quiet greenbelt along Onion Creek with an off-leash trail section that feels remote for the city.
EpicSUP
A paddle board and kayak rental off the Hike and Bike Trail with free lot parking in the South Shore District.
Happy hours in South Austin
| Venue | Days | Hours | Deals | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curra's GrillSouth Austin | SMTWTFS Today |
3pm to 6pm | $7 margaritas, palomas and Tito's mules; select appetizers Low-carb lane: spirits and highballs |
Venue-confirmed source |
| Jack Allen's Kitchen (Oak Hill)South Austin · Monday runs 3pm to close | SMTWTFS Today |
3pm to 6:30pm | Half off all starters, $1 off all cocktails, beer and wine Low-carb lane: wine by the glass |
Venue-confirmed source |
| Polvos (South)South Austin · Tex-Mex family restaurant; kids menu and high chairs not confirmed on the page | SMTWTFS Today |
4pm to 6pm | $6 house frozen, rocks and skinny margaritas plus $10 to $13 appetizers like queso and guacamole | Venue-confirmed source |
| The ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.)South Austin · Big outdoor beer garden, all ages welcome per local family guide | SMTWTFS Today |
3pm to 7pm | Discounted house pints and pitchers (exact prices not listed on the specials page) | Press-confirmed source |
| Show Me PizzaSouth Austin · Casual counter-style pizza shop; kids menu not confirmed | SMTWTFS Today |
11am to 6pm | Half off beer and wine, plus $2 off every pizza until 3 pm | Press-confirmed source |
| Vacancy BrewingSouth Austin · Kid policy not stated; brewery taproom, call ahead | SMTWTFS Today |
3pm to 6pm | $5 frozen cocktails on Frozen Friday, with penny floaters available on any beer | Press-confirmed source |
| Golden Hour Cafe & Wine BarSouth Austin · Single 2026 source. | SMTWTFS Today |
4pm to 6pm | $2 off wine by the glass, draft beer and cocktails; $10 off bottles Low-carb lane: wine by the glass, wine bottles |
Press-confirmed source |
| LeRoy and Lewis BarbecueSouth Austin · Monday all-day deal also listed: $10 burger, $3 Lone Star tallboys, half off wine bottles. | SMTWTFS |
3pm to 6pm | $3 off large frozens, $4 St. Elmo Carl, $2 off drafts, $2 off the anytime menu Low-carb lane: wine |
Press-confirmed source |
| Lulu'sSouth Austin · Friday reverse happy hour 10pm to 2am. | SMTWTFS Today |
4pm to 7pm | $2 off specialty cocktails, $1 off beers | Venue-confirmed source |
| CARVE American GrilleSouth Austin · Dine-in only. Barton Creek location at Lantana Place; a Central Austin location also exists. | SMTWTFS Today |
3pm to 6:30pm | $5 off each of 5 select starters, 5 mixology cocktails, 5 CARVE 7.5 oz wine pours; $5 off Happiest Hour pizzas at the CARVE Bar & Patio | Venue-confirmed source |