Great brews, delicious food, and the beautiful outdoors—Austin has it all. The fall brings out the best in the Lone Star state’s most diverse city. Whether you’re a local looking for cool new spots to try or planning an autumn getaway, you’ll enjoy these highlights of fall in Austin.

© Amy’s Ice Cream

Enjoy pumpkin spiced treats 

Fall isn’t fall without a little pumpkin spice. These local businesses use autumn’s warmest flavor to upgrade classic treats into unforgettable eats.

Summer Moon Coffee Bar has over six locations in Austin and stands out for its woodfired roasts. If you’re in the mood for a pumpkin spiced latte with rich, smoky depth, stop by Summer Moon.

Pie Jacked is a short drive north of Austin and sells pumpkin pies that are both delicious and free of the top eight allergens. The family owned bakery also sells out of both Wheatsville co-ops close to downtown.

Amy’s Ice Creams proves that ice cream isn’t just for hot summer days. Top off an evening exploring Austin’s historic Old 6th Street with a few pumpkin-flavored scoops.

Little Lucy’s reminds us that nothing evokes the feeling of fall like biting into a pumpkin spiced donut. Open until 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, drop in for dessert after sampling craft beers and mezcal on Rainey Street.

© Austin Parks and Recreation Department

Go on an outdoors adventure 

When you head to Austin this fall, leave your scarf and jacket at home. The city cools off just enough for scenic nature walks, hiking, and more.

In Mayfield Park, walk among wild peacocks as you take in the beauty of peak fall color. If you want to give back, Second Saturdays welcome gardening fanatics to help improve park grounds.

If you’re visiting Austin in fall for the first time, you might be surprised to see stunning shades of red, yellow, and orange leaves. Enjoy the foliage, which peaks in mid-November, on a walk through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center. For mid-week fun, enjoy live music and sip on cocktails on Tuesday Twilights.

Pease Park is the perfect walking spot in west Austin for art lovers. The Yippee Ki Yay installation invites you to walk inside massive huts made from sticks. Inspired by cowboy culture and Spanish-Colonial architecture, these huts make for unforgettable pictures.

Enjoy spectacular views on Mount Bonnell, the highest point in the city. The observation deck overlooks the Colorado River and attracts tourists from all over the world. 102 stairs might seem like a lengthy climb, but the scenic picnic spots at the top are worth it.

© Tyler Malone

Kick off the season at a festival 

Austin isn’t short on its festivals, but autumn is one of the best times of year to check out the city’s unique celebrations.

The Mexic-Arte Museum hosts a Dios de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival at the end of October each year. Get to know Austin’s Latin roots with traditional Mexican dishes, local artists, live music, and a costume contest.

If you’re looking for family fun, Straw Fest kicks off on the final weekend of October and offers food trucks, face painting, a petting zoo, and a pet fashion show. Bring your own pumpkins and tools to carve with other families.

Sample some of Texas’s best chilis at the Pfall Chili Fest in downtown Pflugerville. Locals who love to cook can participate in the cook-out competition. If you can handle the heat, enter the jalapeno and pickle eating contest to win a sweet cash prize.

Wurstfest is hailed as the best Bavarian celebration in Texas, and with good reason: Texas brews, German bites, carnival rides, and traditional folk dancing are just a few fun activities to enjoy. Wurstfest takes place in the beginning of November and admits children under 12 free of charge.