Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant arts scene, live music, outdoor activities, and fantastic food. Here are some top activities and attractions that are often recommended:
Live Music
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is home to a number of famous music festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits. There’s a wide array of venues like Antone’s Nightclub, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and The Continental Club where you can experience Austin’s music scene.
Barton Springs Pool
An outdoor swimming pool filled entirely from natural springs with an average temperature of around 68-70 degrees, ideal for the Texas heat.
Lady Bird Lake
Named after former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, the lake offers paddle-boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also enjoy the Hike-and-Bike Trail that wraps around it.
Texas State Capitol
This iconic building is beautiful and filled with Texas history. The grounds surrounding the capitol are perfect for a picnic.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
A 351-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts with trails, gardens, Barton Springs Pool, a miniature train, and large spaces for picnics.
SoCo District
An abbreviation for South Congress Avenue, this neighborhood is full of boutiques, eateries, galleries, and music venues. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and take in local Austin culture.
Bats on the Congress Avenue Bridge
From late spring to early fall, visitors can watch the largest urban bat colony in North America fly out from under the bridge at sunset.
Food Scene
Austin is known for its food trucks, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. Places like Franklin Barbecue have earned a national reputation.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Learn about the state’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Mount Bonnell
Known as the highest point in Austin, it offers fantastic views of the city and the surrounding hills.
Blanton Museum of Art
The museum is part of the University of Texas and houses extensive collections of European paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin American art.
Sixth Street
Often compared to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, Sixth Street is one of the city’s main entertainment districts. It’s packed with bars, clubs, music venues, and restaurants. The atmosphere here is always lively, particularly during the city’s many music festivals.
University of Texas at Austin
You can take a stroll around the beautiful campus of one of the country’s largest universities. Don’t miss the Tower, which offers stunning views of the campus and the city, and the University of Texas Longhorn football games if you’re a sports fan.
Austin Zoo
This rescue zoo provides a home for a wide variety of animals that need care. It’s a smaller and more intimate zoo experience, with a mission rooted in rescue and rehabilitation.
Rainey Street
This historic area has been transformed into a nightlife district, with the old bungalows converted into bars and restaurants. It’s a unique place to experience Austin’s nightlife, with a more laid-back feel than Sixth Street.
Texas Hill Country
Just outside of Austin is the Texas Hill Country, known for its beautiful rolling hills, wineries, and the picturesque towns of Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, and Wimberley.
Conclusion: Best things to do in Austin, Texas
Whether it is a buzzing arts scene, incredible live music, heart-pumping outdoor activities, or fantastic food, Austin has something for everyone. We hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to the top activities and attractions in Austin, Texas!