Much of the recreation in Austin and the Central Texas takes advantage of our year-round mild climate and love of nature and the outdoors. Mother Nature (and the Lower Colorado River Authority) has favored the area with a string of beautiful lakes. Water activities of every manner are available for your recreation.

Local and state government have wisely established numerous parks and greenbelts and nature preserves for the populace to enjoy. The many parks that Austin maintains contributes greatly to our reputation as a "Green" city, and is evidence of the commitment to the health and relaxation of its citizens. Anyone flying into the city cannot help but notice and be impressed by, the way that the city is nestled into a forest of trees.

If you like the ancient game of golf, you're going to love Central Texas. It has been observed that Central Texas has more beautiful, first-class golf courses than anywhere else. Be sure to check out the Sports category for many other recreational activities.

• Lake Austin
  Friends of Lake Austin
• Lake Austin
  
• Lake Travis
  Lake Travis' best source for lodging, weather, events, restaurants, sports, recreation and business listings. If it's on the Lake . . . it's here !
• Town Lake
  All along Town Lake, people flock to the hike-and bike trails to walk, jog, bicycle, and enjoy the outdoors.
• Decker Lake
  
• Lake Marble Falls
  Lake Marble Falls in Central Texas for boating and swimming.
• Lake Buchanan
  Tourist information and photos. Lodging, boating, fishing information, and events.
• Inks Lake
  Inks Lake State Park, located in Burnet, Texas. Activities: backpacking, birding, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, nature study, and picnicking.
• Bull Creek
  Promotes a balance between nature, recreation, and sustainable economic development within the Bull Creek watershed. Includes information about trails
• Brushy Creek
  
• Colorado River
  The Colorado River rises in Dawson County on the Texas-New Mexico border and flows for about 600 miles to the mouth at the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda Bay through the rolling prairie of the high plains of West Texas, down through the Hill Country, which begins in San Saba County with its gorgeous canyons, then through the Balcones Escarpment near Austin and finally through the lower Hill Country below Austin to the and coastal lowlands that are parts of Texas topography.
• Volente Beach Water Park
  Recreation complex located on Lake Travis. Information, location, and prices. Austin.
• Barton Springs
  Within Zilker Park's 358 acres, lies one of the crown jewels of Austin, Barton Springs Pool. Three acres in size, the pool is fed from underground springs.
• Deep Eddy
  Plunge into Deep Eddy Pool near Town Lake near downtown Austin. Learn more about this historic and popular pool

• Zilker Park (with Barton Springs)
  351 acre park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events.
• Pease Park
  
• Waterloo Park
  In the heart of downtown, this 10.74 acre city park is the site for concerts, festivals, and other special events throughout the year such as Juneteenth celebrations, Blues Festival, Spamarama, and more
• Mount Bonnell Park
  
• Emma Long Metropolitan Park - "City Park"
  Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located 6.2 miles off FM 2222 on City Park Road
• Bull Creek
  
• Hamilton Pool
  Hamilton Pool Preserve, located in Austin, Texas. Activities: birding, hiking, nature study, picnicking, swimming, wildlife observation.
• Pedernales Falls State Park
  Dust off those hiking boots and get outside! Camping, hiking, and swimming info.
• Bastrop State Park
  Bastrop State Park is 5,926 total acres; approximately 30 miles southeast of Austin in Bastrop County. It is the site of the famous "Lost Pines," an isolated timbered region of loblolly pine and hardwoods.
• McKinney Falls State Park
  Includes history, schedules, tours and events, maps, camping, and visitor information. Located in south Austin.
• Enchanted Rock
  Remember, at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, do not disturb plant or animal life, geological features, or Indian or historical artifacts.

• Barton Creek
  At Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, where one golf course ends, another begins
• Avery Ranch
  Andy Raugust designed public course hosts the Dennis Quaid Classic in Austin. Tee times, membership information and tourneys are listed.
• Blackhawk
  Features a links-style course with four sets of tees, a driving range, a pro shop and a grill overlooking the ninth green. Pflugerville.
• Forrest Creek
  Forest Creek Golf Club is located 30 minutes from downtown Austin. The 7,147 yard par-72 golf course has been nationally recognized as one of the finest public golf courses in Central Texas.
• Hancock
  Established in 1899, Hancock Golf Course stands today as the oldest golf course in the state of Texas. Located in the heart of Austin, this par 35, 9 hole course is a challenging layout with numerous carries up and down hills and over a beautiful creek that meanders through the course.
• Jimmy Clay
  Jimmy Clay Golf Course was opened in 1974 as a relatively flat site surrounded by Williamson Creek. Designed by noted golf course Architect, Joe Finger, the course plays 6857 yards through treed areas, as well as, open spaces.