Austin has tacos, live music, and a thousand bars — but every Austinite eventually wants something simpler: a day out in nature, on actual water, that doesn't require a four-hour drive. The single best answer to "what's something fun to do near Austin?" is a river day at Son's Blue River Camp on the spring-fed San Marcos River, an hour south of downtown.
This post rounds up the actually-fun, kid-friendly, group-friendly, couples-friendly, locals-tested things to do at our property and along the surrounding river corridor. Use it as your shortlist the next time someone in your group says "let's get out of the city."
1. Float the San Marcos River — Unlimited All Day
The headline activity. $29.99 per person, unlimited tubing, shuttle included. Float as many laps as you can fit between sunrise and sunset. Full breakdown on tubing near Austin.
2. Kayak the Spring-Fed Water
Calm, clear, beginner-friendly paddling. Rent a single or tandem kayak and head upstream. The kayaking near Austin guide has routes and tips.
3. Reserve a Riverside Cabana
$69 for a private shaded cabana on the river beach. Best basecamp for any group bigger than four. See day rentals.
4. Grill Riverside
Charcoal grills are everywhere. Bring meat, buns, and a cooler — best lunch you'll have outside Austin all year.
5. Swim in 72°F Water
Walk-in beach access. Crystal-clear, never warmer than 72°F, never colder. The exact opposite of a stale chlorine pool.
6. Fish the River
Largemouth and Guadalupe bass, sunfish, and the occasional catfish. Bring a Texas freshwater license.
7. Hammock Under Cypress Trees
Bring an ENO. Trees are abundant. Shade is honest. The river hum is free.
8. Stargaze Away From Austin's Glow
Light pollution drops fast once you're south of San Marcos. Lay back on a riverbank and look up.
9. Stay Overnight in a Cabin or Glamping Tent
The day-trip-to-overnight upgrade. Log cabins, glamping cabins, and tent sites all available.
10. Day-Trip Stops On the Way
Stop in San Marcos for outlet shopping. Hit Buc-ee's in New Braunfels. Grab dinner in Seguin on the way home — Burnt Bean Co. for BBQ is worth the wait.
A Sample Day Plan
9 AM leave Austin. 10 AM arrive, grab the cabana. 10:30 AM first tubing lap. Noon riverside lunch. 1:30 PM second lap. 3 PM kayak upstream. 5 PM swim and snack. 6:30 PM head back to Austin. The Austin day trip page has the printable version.
Plan Your Day Out
The most fun thing to do near Austin is one hour south. Book your spot before the weekend fills up.
