The summer solstice, aka the longest day of the year and the official start of astronomical summer, is Thursday, June 20.
Let’s celebrate with an old-school summer bucket list. Here’s what we think you should do in Austin before summer’s end:
- Jump off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool — just don’t take it personally if you get a low score from these guys.
- Take a day trip to a nearby Texas town — think Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Gruene, Georgetown, or San Marcos.
- Ride the Deep Eddy Pool to Pool Burger to Deep Eddy Cabaret pipeline — we like to call it the Tarrytown Trifecta.
- Swim at the Austin Motel — there are plenty of poolside events to choose from.
- Escape the heat in a local museum — The Blanton Museum of Art has free admission on Tuesdays.
- Attend an Austin FC game — the energy in Q2 Stadium is electric.
- Listen to live music and take in Downtown views at The Drop-In — don’t forget water, picnic blankets, and lawn chairs.
- Ride the revamped Zilker Eagle — you’re never too old to enjoy a mini-train.
- Eat at Ski Shores Cafe — then rent a paddleboard, kayak, or surfboard from its on-site buoy locker and play on Lake Austin.
- Watch a film from your car at Blue Starlite Drive-In — the city skyline is behind the screen at the Downtown location.
- Float the San Marcos River — and let your cooler full of refreshments float alongside you.
- Grab your friends and go to happy hour at a local restaurant — use our guide to find your new favorite deal.
