Recreations & Leisure
There are three lakes in the immediate vicinity and with the extended summer season water is a great attraction. Fishing, swimming, camping and all kinds of water sports are popular pasttimes in Austin and the surrounding area.
If you're into some healthy exercise, Austin has lots of walking, hiking and biking trails, or you can take advantage of some of the city's inline skate areas. The Hill Country Inline Skate Club offers advice and information for those wanting to take their wheels to the pavement.
City Getaways
Austin has plenty to offer, but you'll also find lots to do within a short drive of the city. Remember that Austin is centrally located in the state, but Texas is a big state. Just because something is located in Texas doesn't mean it's going to be near Austin!
Just 24 miles north of Austin you'll find the Inner Space Cavern. Whether you want a short tour or you are a true adventurer, you'll be sure to love the sites of this "living cave." If you want a taste of the pioneer days, you can pan for minerals, just like the settlers panned for gold more than a century ago. There are plenty of gems, minerals and interesting stones to find, and you're welcome to keep anything you find. Think it's something valuable? The staff at Inner Space will help you identify your treasure.
If you love animals and have always wanted to go on a safari, you'll want to plan a visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio. There's a great array of animals, ranging from antelopes to zebras, and there's no need for you to drive for hours waiting for them to appear (as you would on a real safari) or to walk along trails to see each animal in a cage (as in a zoo). Get the best of both worlds. You can choose the walking tour or driving tour, feed the animals and take all the pictures you want.