Top Things to Do in Austin

If you are looking for things to do in Austin, the good news is there are lots of choices. As the Texas State Capitol, Austin embodies all things Texas – promising a jam-packed itinerary. You can learn about Texas history, visit fun attractions, admire Latin American art, and experience an impressive cityscape. As the Live Music Capital of the world, there is no shortage of places to watch live music in the city. This activity was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Austin.

Of course, nature lovers will also find many activities to enjoy. The city sits in the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by hiking trails, wildlife, and State Parks. The Colorado River runs through Austin, too – filling reservoirs like Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake.

1. Rent a Boat on Lake Austin

A romantic picnic on the water is a perfect way to start or end any day. We highly recommend using one of the many boat rentals to hire a motorized boat and explore Lake Austin from the water. Pack a picnic and a camera, and you’ve got your own luxury private tour.

As one of Austin’s main reservoirs, Lake Austin is an important asset to the city. However, certain areas are privately owned or closed to the public, so it’s essential to pay attention to signs and restrictions. The best way to enjoy Lake Austin is by boat, as swimming and fishing are limited around many lake areas.

If you don’t want to rent a boat yourself, a guided boat tour on Lake Austin serves as a perfect alternative.

2. Swim in Lake Travis

Lake Travis is the ideal destination if you’d prefer to soak in the sun rather than shop for boat rentals.

This stunning reservoir is Austin’s largest and most impressive sight! With its extensive 271 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of swimming spots—especially since Lake Travis is open to the public.

The lake’s ultra-blue waters are a beautiful result of the limestone rock beneath. It’s well-worth packing snorkeling gear if you plan a swim, as the waters are renowned for their exceptional visibility.

3. Tour the Texas State Capitol Building

The Texas State Capitol features prominently on every Austin city guide for a good reason.

This impressive 19th-century building houses the Texan government and is the largest state capitol building in the US. Therefore, visiting the Capitol Building is easily among the best things to do in Austin if you’re interested in Texas architecture and politics.

Tour options include the free guided tours with staggered intervals, or you can opt for a self-guided visit at your convenience.

4. Texas Memorial Museum

The Texas Memorial Museum holds the distinction of being Austin’s first state museum. Consequently, if you seek to discover natural and cultural history in Texas, we recommend visiting this fascinating site.

From fossils to exhibitions showcasing the latest research, the museum covers a range of topics with both temporary and permanent exhibits. Students also benefit from numerous entrance fee discounts.

Located on the University Campus, the museum is an educational and engaging place to spend a couple of hours.

5. Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Park is a sprawling 358-acre inner-city green space comprising the Zilker Botanical Garden, Barton Springs Pool, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and The Great Lawn.

If you want to spend an entire day enjoying various activities in one place, Zilker Metropolitan Park is your best bet. The Barton Springs Pool is filled with water from a nearby natural spring and is thermally heated, making it perfect for swimming all year round. Additionally, the nearby Zilker Botanical and Sculpture Gardens offer delightful trails for walking.

6. Mckinney Falls State Park

Among the nearby State Parks mentioned earlier, Mckinney Falls State Park stands out as Austin’s finest.

Choose Mckinney Falls over Zilker Park if you’re eager to spend a morning on remote trails and near wildlife. This park, set in the Hill Country woods, features Onion Creek for swimming and fishing along its banks. The woodland landscape gives Mckinney Falls a more secluded, peaceful atmosphere compared to Zilker’s wide-open green space.

7. Listen to Live Country Music

If country music is what you’re looking for, you’re in luck! Austin is home to many venues that feature live music, and countless concert ticket sales offer a chance to snag bargain tickets.

Popular spots like The Hole in the Wall, Broken Step, and San Jac Saloon provide a pub-style atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying country tunes. For larger concert experiences, venues such as Moody Theater, Emo’s Austin, and Maggie Mae’s Concert Hall are ideal, but be sure to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

8. Tour Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits stands as the longest-running music production on television. While regular folks enter a lottery for a chance to watch tapings, you can easily book tours of the venue. From Monday to Saturday, 90-minute tours offer a behind-the-scenes look, including a fascinating collection of photographs from acts that have performed here since 1974.

Austin City Limits Festival

The annual Austin City Limits Festival is among the best outdoor festivals in the United States, hosting around 130 artists and attracting a quarter million patrons each year at Zilker Park. If a festival experience appeals to you, visit their website to buy tickets.

9. Catch Live Music at The Continental Club

Austin is known as the live music capital of Texas, and The Continental Club is one of the most famous music venues in the city.

With a history of hosting live performances since 1955, this club plays everything from blues and country to rock and swing. To enjoy a true Texan music culture, head over to this club located under vintage neon lights in South Congress.

10. Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, rescues both native and exotic animals. Home to over three hundred animals, including endangered species like tigers and ring-tailed lemurs, the zoo offers an educational experience.

Visitors can learn about the significance of conservation efforts, understand the zoo’s history, and get up close to the animals. Don’t forget to catch the train around the park and stop by the petting area to interact with some friendly domestic animals.

11. Tour the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

The LBJ Library and Museum, situated on the Austin campus, is focused on the life and legacy of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th US President.

Visitors receive in-depth insights into Johnson’s life and presidency, including exhibitions on significant events such as the Vietnam War, voice recordings of Johnson discussing crucial matters, and personal details about the former president. If politics or presidential history interests you, visiting this library and museum is highly recommended.

12. LBJ Ranch

Moreover, we found that touring the LBJ Ranch just outside of Austin is an intriguing experience. Although the Texas White House tour is temporarily closed due to structural concerns, you can still take a scenic driving tour of the ranch.

The ranch was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s childhood home, where he spent 20% of his time in office working. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site offers a great tour to see the cattle descended from LBJ’s livestock.

13. Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park, spanning 21 acres, features walking trails frequented more by roaming peacocks than by people. If you’re seeking a quiet retreat in the city’s West, visiting Mayfield Park is among the best things to do in Austin.

This park is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a family-friendly attraction. Additionally, you can appreciate the historic cottage located at the park’s center.

14. Eat at Franklin Barbecue

When in Texas, do not miss the culinary delights at Franklin Barbecue. Barbecue grilled meats are a quintessential part of Austin’s cuisine, and Franklin Barbecue is the most popular venue to savor this local specialty.

At Franklin Barbecue, you can order brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage options by the pound, making it perfect for large groups and families. Alternatively, opt for a sandwich filled with your choice of grilled meat or a delectable dessert pie.

15. The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria

The Laguna Gloria is Austin’s only dedicated contemporary art gallery, making it essential for art enthusiasts to include on their itinerary.

Featuring an impressive range of exhibitions and artists, from the Betty and Marcus Sculpture Park to contemporary trends, it’s easy to spend half a day exploring Laguna Gloria. Although primarily showcasing contemporary sculptures, various art forms await your appreciation.

16. Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum

How familiar are you with the fascinating story of Texas? The Bullock Texas State History Museum offers a living history museum experience and ranks among the top attractions in Austin.

With a cinema, a mix of temporary and permanent exhibitions, and artifact displays, you can learn through visual, kinetic, and auditory means, enriching your understanding of Texas’ living history.

17. See the Largest Urban Bat Colony

This addition to our list of things to do in Austin may seem unusual, but witnessing the largest urban bat colony is an incredibly impressive sight.

Right under the South Congress Avenue Bridge in Downtown Austin, over 1.5 million bats emerge from their daytime roosts each evening, creating a remarkable natural spectacle. Whether you are an animal lover or not, witnessing the urban bat colony is a must when visiting Austin.

18. Desert Door Distillery

Have you ever tried Texas sotol? Sotol is an alcoholic spirit believed to be among the first beverages consumed by humans. This drink has a rich history spanning over 800 years, yet Desert Door Distillery stands as the only distillery of its kind in the United States.

Visitors can enjoy tasting experiences from Thursday through Sunday at this distillery, located about forty minutes outside of Austin in the suburb of Driftwood. The drive is worthwhile for a unique experience.

19. Visit Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake adds another fascinating reservoir to your itinerary! Though swimming is prohibited, the lake offers numerous other outdoor activities worth exploring.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail forms the popular loop around Lady Bird Lake. Spanning ten miles, this trail features a mix of boardwalk and paved paths. Whether grabbing a coffee to enjoy the scenery or maintaining your fitness regime while on holiday, Lady Bird Lake provides an excellent spot.

20. Spend Midday in Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez is a vibrant neighborhood full of energy and hospitality. To truly experience this area, we recommend spending midday on Cesar Chavez Street, which links downtown to east Austin.

If you’re uncertain where to start, begin with a visit to Women & Their Work, a non-profit art gallery, before grabbing takeout tacos from Granny’s Tacos. You can relax and enjoy your lunch in the Pan American Neighborhood Park.

21. Visit the Secret Beach

Everyone loves a secret! While the Secret Beach has become quite popular, it still offers a relaxing escape.

Along the river in East Austin, you’ll find a sandy beach where locals sunbathe and swim. For a quiet beach experience in central Texas, this is the perfect spot.

22. Take a Bike Tour of Austin

We highly recommend exploring Austin on two wheels! Numerous companies offer bike tours that provide information on the city while ensuring a fun exercise experience.

Cycling might be a quicker way to explore if you have limited time, and it’s often easier than walking. Feel free to inquire at the Austin Visitor Center or book tours online, such as this Electric Bike tour through Get Your Guide.

23. Have a Game of Mini Golf

Sometimes, a little lighthearted fun can be the perfect outing. Mini golf is a delightful family activity, a fun challenge with friends, or even a great date idea.

Austin offers various golf venues, but we recommend Peter Pan Mini Golf. Operating since 1946, this course has continued to evolve with whimsical features—imagine putting past a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex or through a giant Converse shoe!

24. Go Wine Tasting at the Austin Winery

Love tasting new wines? Wine tasting at the Austin Winery is a fantastic way to indulge while visiting Austin.

You don’t need a reservation, as the winery hosts tastings four days a week. Their tasting menu features a generous selection of wines, with an option to purchase snacks like cheeseboards and olives.

25. Visit the Museum of the Weird, Austin

Embrace Austin’s slogan of “Keep Austin Weird” at The Museum of the Weird, an attraction dedicated to the eccentric and intriguing.

Self-proclaiming to be ‘America’s Strangest Attraction,’ the museum showcases everything from shrunken heads to Bigfoot memorabilia. Complete your visit with a stop at the adjacent gift shop for quirky souvenirs!

26. See the Austin Murals

Austin features an abundance of beautiful murals that have turned mural tours into a popular activity.

Whether you purchase a mural tour online, visit the visitor center for guidance, or set out to discover the best murals independently, you won’t be disappointed.

27. Take a Dip in Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool ranks among the most captivating swimming spots in Austin.

Nestled beneath a 50ft waterfall, Hamilton Creek cascades over the cliff edge above, creating a stunning natural pool. Formed after an underground river collapsed, this site is a must-see. However, it’s about an hour’s drive from Austin and lacks public transportation access, so check the Austin Visitor Center for tour options if you don’t have a car.

28. Drop by the Cathedral of Junk

You may have visited many cathedrals, but have you ever seen one constructed from junk?

The Cathedral of Junk is an art sculpture created from over sixty tons of discarded items, including furniture and even classroom skeletons. To visit, make an appointment (512-299-7413), as it’s located in the owner’s backyard.

Important Information

A Quick Look at Austin…

To help you arrive prepared in Austin, understanding the city layout is essential. This knowledge enables you to plan an itinerary that is both geographically and logistically sound!

Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin is vibrant, embodying contemporary culture with its live music venues, trendy shops, and numerous cultural attractions. This bustling district is ideal for those seeking a dynamic atmosphere.

Notable streets to remember include Rainey Street, famous for its dining spots, and Sixth Street, a nightlife hub filled with bars and speakeasies.

Central Austin

Central Austin boasts a sociable ambiance thanks to its proximity to the University of Texas campus. This area offers everything a visitor might need, along with museums, live music, and bustling restaurants.

South Austin

In contrast, South Austin has a more suburban feel. Here, you’ll encounter more local residents, as the area primarily caters to families rather than tourists.

Visiting South Congress Avenue reveals a famous Austin mural that proclaims ‘I love you so much,’ plus shopping opportunities, notably at Allen’s Boots. South Lamar also presents a budget-friendly and safe environment for visitors.

East Austin

If you find downtown Austin trendy but desire a more eclectic atmosphere, East Austin offers that fresh-faced appeal.

Though experiencing rapid gentrification, this area is known for its vibrant street art and eateries promoting sustainability. In a single day, you could watch the morning sun glint on Lady Bird Lake, enjoy a street art tour, and dine in the trendy Cesar Chavez area at night.

How to Get to Austin, Texas?

Traveling to Austin is straightforward, with well-connected roads and flight paths. The quickest option is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which connects Austin with both the rest of the US and international destinations.

Getting Around Austin

Austin boasts excellent public transportation within the city limits. You can conveniently utilize buses or the light rail system to travel between neighborhoods and attractions without relying on a car.

However, if your plans include attractions outside the city limits, be prepared for limited transport options. If you wish to explore remote areas in the Texas Hill Country, consider renting a car or booking a tour.

When is the Best Time to Visit Austin?

Based on temperatures, March to May and September to October are ideal months for visiting Austin, with pleasant weather and a lack of oppressive humidity.

However, these months coincide with peak tourist seasons. If you’re aiming to save money, consider planning your visit during the shoulder seasons—February and November often feature reasonably cool temperatures.

Where to Stay in Austin?

• Budget: Hostels are great for budget travelers. Consider the Firehouse Hostel, centrally located in Downtown, providing easy access to city attractions.
• Mid-Range: The Sentral East Austin 1610 is a great mid-range accommodation option, offering luxuries like a fitness center and saving you money with a full kitchen.
• Luxury: For a luxurious stay, reserve a room at the Fairmont Austin Gold Experience. This five-star hotel features a 7th-floor terrace pool and five on-site restaurants to meet all your needs.

Austin is an incredible introduction to Texas, providing entertainment options year-round, whether for a weekend or an extended stay.

Furthermore, don’t just stop in Austin! Explore beyond to the North, join Route 66, head East to the coast, or venture West for mesmerizing desert State Parks—Texas is a state waiting to be explored.

Plan Your Next Trip to Texas With These Resources

• 17 Interesting Facts About Texas
• 46 Best Places to Visit in the US
• United States National Parks in Photos

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Use these reliable resources tried and tested by us.

Book Your Flights: Start your trip planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Their service has proven to deliver great results over the years.

Find Your Hotel: To find the best hotel prices, we recommend two providers. If you’re in Europe, use Booking.com, and if you are elsewhere, try TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: For cheap prices on apartment rentals, visit VRBO.

Travel Insurance: Don’t forget this essential! Here’s what we recommend:

• Safety Wing – for occasional travelers.
• Medjet – for global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? We recommend Get Your Guide.

For more trip planning assistance, check out our Resources Page, where we highlight trustworthy companies we utilize while traveling.