College GameDay is heading to Austin for the Week 2 showdown between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Texas at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 12. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ABC.
With the game’s primetime slot, fans traveling to Austin will have ample time to enjoy the city's outdoor offerings before the Longhorns face the Buckeyes. Austin offers a variety of activities for visitors looking to experience nature, from downtown paddling to hiking in nearby state parks.
Downtown Austin Adventures
For those seeking activities close to the stadium, Lady Bird Lake provides opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. Outfitters such as The Rowing Dock or Austin Paddle Shack offer rentals for around $20-$30 per hour. Paddlers can enjoy views of the downtown skyline and potentially spot the Congress Avenue Bridge's bat colony.
Barton Springs Pool, located in Zilker Park and approximately 10 minutes from DKR Stadium, offers a way to cool down in Austin's typical September heat. The spring-fed pool maintains a year-round temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit and has an entry fee of roughly $5-$9.
Mount Bonnell, about 15 minutes from the stadium, provides a short, steep climb to an overlook of the Colorado River, Lake Austin, and the city skyline. Due to a lack of shade at the summit, it is recommended for morning or evening visits.
Natural Retreats Near the City
The Barton Creek Greenbelt, located 15-20 minutes from the stadium, is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking along limestone canyon terrain. Depending on water levels, swimming holes are also available along the trails.
McKinney Falls State Park, roughly 20 minutes from DKR Stadium, offers a more secluded natural experience. Visitors can find hiking trails and swimming holes near Onion Creek's Upper and Lower Falls.
Adventure Activities
For a more adventurous outing, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is situated 25-35 minutes from the stadium. The tour includes five ziplines, including Texas's longest, a short hike, and a boat ride, with a full tour lasting approximately three hours and costing $135 per person.
NASCAR driver Chase Elliott has also spoken about how his childhood experiences in Colorado, including activities like hiking and snowboarding, influenced his appreciation for the outdoors, a sentiment that resonates with Austin's natural attractions.
