Things to Do in Barton Springs

Lockhart pedigree, 20-minute wait, open until 9:30pm. The sensible choice.

Lockhart BBQ royalty expanded to Austin. Cafeteria-style line moves fast — you can be eating within 20 minutes. Beef rib is a showstopper. Brisket is consistently excellent. Open late by BBQ standards. Full bar. Patio overlooks Barton Springs Road. This is where you bring out-of-towners who won't wait 3 hours.

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 · Mon-Thu & Sun 10:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-10pm · 512-394-5899

The original 1982 location. Elvis shrine. Creamy jalapeño dip. Still weird.

The original. Opened in 1982 in a former BBQ shack on Barton Springs Road. Yes, it's a national chain now, but this location is still weird in the right ways — Elvis shrine, hubcaps on the ceiling, green chile everything. The creamy jalapeño dip is legendary. Neon everywhere.

1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 · Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm · indoor

Open since 1946 — BYOB after sunset (cans only)

Two 18-hole courses, open since 1946. The whimsical one works for little kids; the challenging one is real mini golf. BYOB after sunset (cans only, no glass). Cash and credit.

1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 · Mon-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-10pm · 512-472-1033 · outdoor

The swimming holes are incredible when the creek is running. Check water levels first — they're dry half the year and nobody tells you that.

12+ miles of trails along Barton Creek with limestone cliffs, swimming holes, and creek crossings. Main access points at Zilker, Gus Fruh (2632 Barton Hills Dr), and the 360 trailhead. Swimming holes include Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, and Campbell's Hole — but they're dry more often than they're full. Check water levels before going. Mountain biking allowed on most trails.

2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746 · Daily 5am-10pm · outdoor

12 miles of creek-side trails with swimming holes. Dogs on leash on trails, but they can swim. Spyglass trailhead is the main entry. Go after rain for the best water levels.

Over 12 miles of trails through Austin's greenbelt with swimming holes, creek access, and shaded limestone corridors. Dogs on leash required on the trails but can swim at designated spots. Multiple trailheads — Spyglass is the most popular. Trail conditions vary with rain.

3755 Capital of Texas Hwy S, Austin, TX 78704 · 5am-10pm daily · outdoor