30 Best Things to Do in Austin Texas
Austin, Texas, famously encourages visitors and locals alike to “Keep Austin Weird,” offering a vibrant mix of culture, tech, and outdoor life. Planning your trip involves exploring its reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World®, discovering unique outdoor activities Austin provides along its greenbelts, and taking advantage of the many excellent free things to do in Austin. This city blends Texan charm with a progressive spirit, creating a truly unique destination.
From cooling off in natural springs to catching nightly live music sets and indulging in legendary barbecue, Austin packs a punch. This guide presents 30 distinct experiences designed to showcase the city’s diverse character. Use these ideas to build an itinerary that captures the energetic soul of this Texas capital.
Outdoor Fun and Natural Beauty
Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a massive, spring-fed pool in Zilker Park offering year-round swimming at a constantly cool temperature. It’s a beloved local spot perfect for escaping the Texas heat.
Hike or bike the Barton Creek Greenbelt, an urban oasis with miles of trails following the creek. Find swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, or enjoy rock climbing opportunities along the limestone cliffs.
Visit Zilker Park, Austin’s premier urban parkland spanning over 350 acres right downtown. Besides Barton Springs, it hosts the Zilker Botanical Garden, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and hosts events like Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Watch the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats emerge at sunset (seasonal, typically March to October). Witnessing up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge is an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Paddle or kayak on Lady Bird Lake, the reservoir on the Colorado River that runs through downtown Austin. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard for great city views from the water.
Climb Mount Bonnell for stunning panoramic views of Lake Austin and the surrounding hills. It requires a short climb up stone steps, offering a rewarding vista, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Explore the Zilker Botanical Garden, featuring themed gardens like the Taniguchi Japanese Garden and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden. It’s a peaceful retreat within the city offering diverse plant collections.
Hike the trails at McKinney Falls State Park, located just southeast of the city. Discover waterfalls cascading over limestone ledges into pools below, ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Live Music and Nightlife
Catch live music on Sixth Street, Austin’s most famous entertainment district, particularly the stretch known as “Dirty Sixth.” Find countless bars and clubs featuring bands playing everything from rock to blues nearly every night.
Explore the Red River Cultural District, known for its concentration of dedicated live music venues hosting local and touring acts. Check out venues like Mohawk, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q (which has an outdoor amphitheater), and Cheer Up Charlies.
Experience the authentic honky-tonk vibe at The Broken Spoke, a legendary dance hall offering country music and dance lessons. It’s a true slice of old Austin where you can learn the Texas Two-Step.
Listen to blues at Antone’s Nightclub, an iconic venue credited with helping launch Stevie Ray Vaughan’s career. Catch local and national blues acts in an intimate setting.
Discover music venues in the South Congress (SoCo) area, which offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than Sixth Street. Find music spilling out of restaurants and smaller clubs like the Continental Club.
Attend a taping of Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, if your timing allows. This state-of-the-art venue hosts the famed PBS show and concerts throughout the year.
Enjoy dinner and a show at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, combining Austin’s love for barbecue with great live music. Their outdoor stage hosts major touring acts, while the indoor stage features smaller bands.
Taste of Austin Eats
Wait in line for legendary brisket at Franklin Barbecue, arguably Austin’s most famous barbecue joint. Arrive early, as they often sell out before lunchtime; the wait itself is part of the experience.
Sample breakfast tacos from various spots across the city, a defining Austin culinary staple. Try local favorites like Veracruz All Natural or Tacodeli to start your day right.
Explore Austin’s vibrant food truck scene, offering diverse cuisines from barbecue to Thai to gourmet donuts. Find food truck parks scattered throughout the city for easy sampling.
Indulge in queso, another Austin food obsession. Try variations at restaurants like Torchy’s Tacos or Kerbey Lane Cafe, often featuring unique ingredients.
Enjoy farm-to-table dining, reflecting Austin’s focus on fresh, local ingredients. Restaurants like Odd Duck and Dai Due showcase Texan produce and meats creatively.
Cool off with Amy’s Ice Creams, an Austin institution known for its creative flavors and “crush’ns” mixed in on a cold slab. Their Mexican Vanilla is a local favorite.
Culture, History, and Art
Tour the Texas State Capitol building, an impressive pink granite structure taller than the US Capitol. Take a free guided tour to learn about Texas history and government.
Visit the LBJ Presidential Library on the University of Texas campus. Explore the life and times of President Lyndon B. Johnson through interactive exhibits and historical archives.
Explore the Blanton Museum of Art, also at UT Austin, featuring a wide range of art from European paintings to modern Latin American works. Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s stunning ‘Austin’ building.
Wander through the South Congress (SoCo) district, known for its quirky boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and unique eateries. It’s perfect for people-watching and finding unusual souvenirs.
Discover street art and murals throughout the city, especially in areas like East Austin and South Congress. Look for iconic pieces like the “I love you so much” mural.
Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum near the Capitol complex. Learn about the story of Texas through engaging exhibits covering everything from early inhabitants to modern times.
Unique Austin Experiences
Shop for unique finds on South Congress Avenue (SoCo), browsing eclectic boutiques, vintage stores, and art galleries. It’s a prime spot for finding one-of-a-kind items and soaking up the local vibe.
Take a picture at the “Greetings from Austin” mural on South 1st Street. This iconic postcard-style mural is a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
Relax and people-watch at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress, home to the famous “I love you so much” mural. Grab a coffee and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Explore the Cathedral of Junk in a residential South Austin backyard (appointment usually required). Discover a whimsical structure built entirely from discarded items, a true testament to keeping Austin weird.
