What to Do in Austin During Memorial Day Weekend (Our #1 Pick)

Memorial Day weekend in Austin, Texas is something special. The city comes alive — festivals pop up, restaurants pack out, and everyone is looking for a way to kick off summer the right way. If you’re searching for what to do in Austin during Memorial Day weekend, we’ve got one word for you: tubing.

Specifically, boozy, lazy, spring-fed river tubing on the San Marcos River — guided by Roamer Tours, Austin’s top-rated outdoor experience with a 4.99-star rating from over 900 reviews.

Why Memorial Day Weekend in Austin Is Electric

Austin has earned its reputation as one of the best cities in America to visit any time of year — but Memorial Day weekend takes things to another level. The weather is perfect (warm and sunny without the brutal July heat), school is out, and the energy in the city is electric. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’re a local looking to finally do something memorable, this is the weekend to do it.

But here’s the thing about Memorial Day weekend in Austin: everyone has the same idea. Restaurants are slammed, bars are packed, and the popular spots fill up fast. If you want to do something that actually stands out — something you’ll still be talking about years from now — you need to get off the beaten path. And by “off the beaten path,” we mean onto the water.

The #1 Thing to Do in Austin for Memorial Day Weekend: River Tubing

Our Boozy, Lazy, Spring-Fed Tubing tour is our most-booked experience, and Memorial Day weekend is one of the most popular times of year to do it — and for good reason.

Here’s what makes it perfect for the long weekend:

• The weather is ideal. Late May in Austin means warm, sunny days without the scorching 105°F heat of peak summer. It’s the sweet spot — warm enough to want to be in the water, comfortable enough to actually enjoy being outside.
• The San Marcos River is stunning this time of year. Spring rains keep the surrounding landscape lush and green, and the river’s constant 73°F spring-fed temperature means the water feels absolutely incredible.
• You’re already in vacation mode. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. There’s no better way to kick it off than floating a crystal-clear river with friends, drinks in hand, completely stress-free.
• It’s social in the best way. Our group sizes are capped at 14 people, which means you’ll float with a tight-knit crew. Groups arrive as strangers and leave as friends — seriously, almost every tour ends up at happy hour together afterward.

What to Expect on Your Memorial Day Tubing Adventure

Here’s how the day breaks down when you book with Roamer Tours:

Meet at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden in Austin — one of the city’s coolest spots, with great drinks and a laid-back outdoor vibe. It’s the perfect place to get the party started before you even hit the water.

From there, we load up the van for a scenic 25-minute ride to the San Marcos River. Once you arrive, we get everyone set up with tubes and individual coolers, and then it’s time to float.

You’ll spend 2.5 to 3 hours drifting down one of Texas’s most beautiful spring-fed rivers. The water is crystal clear, always 73°F, and fed directly from the Edwards Aquifer — one of the most prolific natural springs in the world. There’s nothing else like it in Central Texas.

We take care of everything: transportation to and from the river, tubes, coolers, sunscreen, and a guide who knows the river inside and out. All you need to bring is your drinks and a sense of adventure.

What’s Included in the Tour

• ✅ Round-trip van transportation from Austin to the San Marcos River
• ✅ Quality tubes for the float
• ✅ Individual cooler for each guest
• ✅ Sunscreen
• ✅ An expert local guide
• ✅ High-quality photos of your group on the river
• ✅ 2.5 to 3 hours of pure spring-fed bliss

You bring: your own drinks, snacks, and a good attitude.

Memorial Day Weekend Austin Itinerary: How to Build the Perfect Trip

Not sure how to fit river tubing into your Memorial Day weekend plans? Here’s a sample itinerary that works beautifully:

Friday Evening: Arrive in Austin. Check into your hotel or Airbnb. Head to Rainey Street or South Congress for dinner and drinks. Live music on 6th Street to kick things off.

Saturday: Sleep in, grab breakfast tacos (non-negotiable in Austin), then head to the South Congress Ave shops and galleries. Evening: hit up one of Austin’s legendary BBQ spots — Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, or The Salt Lick.

Sunday — The Main Event: Meet your Roamer Tours group at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden mid-morning. Float the San Marcos River for the most memorable afternoon of your weekend. Head back to Austin for happy hour (which will basically continue from the river). Dinner somewhere great on East 6th.

Monday (Memorial Day): Brunch at one of Austin’s many incredible spots. A stroll around Barton Springs or Lady Bird Lake. Head home with memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Why Roamer Tours Is Austin’s Top-Rated Experience

With a 4.99-star rating from over 900 reviews, Roamer Tours has earned its reputation as one of Austin’s absolute best group experiences. Our guides — including Dave, who’s been called out by name in hundreds of reviews — are local experts who make every float feel personal, fun, and completely unforgettable.

Here’s what a few of our guests have said:

“This is one of the best ways to spend a hot day while visiting Austin!” — Roamer Tours guest

“I believe that after spending a few years being cooped up, we are all yearning for some adventure and connections. My guests always end up going to Happy Hour after the tour as new friends — I’ve done my job.” — Dave, your guide

Don’t Wait — Memorial Day Weekend Spots Go Fast

Memorial Day weekend is one of our busiest times of year, and our intentionally small group sizes mean spots fill up weeks in advance. If you’re thinking about adding this to your Austin Memorial Day plans, now is the time to lock it in.

Book your Memorial Day weekend San Marcos River tubing experience now →

Whether you’re visiting Austin for the first time, celebrating with a group, or just looking for the perfect way to kick off summer — floating the San Marcos River with Roamer Tours is the answer to “what to do in Austin during Memorial Day weekend.” Every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour meet?
All tours meet at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden in Austin, TX. We provide round-trip van transportation to the San Marcos River from there.

How long is the experience?
Plan for approximately 4–5 hours total, including the drive and 2.5 to 3 hours on the river.

Can I bring alcohol?
Yes! Drinking on the San Marcos River is completely legal. Bring your favorite beverages in cans (no glass). We provide individual coolers for each guest.

What age is required?
The tour is recommended for ages 18+. Guests must be 21+ to drink on the river.

How far in advance should I book for Memorial Day weekend?
As early as possible — our small group sizes mean Memorial Day weekend spots sell out weeks in advance.

Is this good for a group trip?
Absolutely. Whether you’re coming with 2 friends or 20, river tubing is one of the best group activities in the Austin area. Private bookings are available for larger parties.