The capital of Texas, Austin is understood for its reside music, barbecue, tacos, and beer. That is exactly why I used to be in love with this metropolis earlier than I even traveled there! On this information, we’ll dive into these and several other extra of the sights and finest issues to do in Austin, Texas.
Austin is a metropolis that prides itself on being just a bit completely different.
Certainly, the state capital feels worlds aside from the remainder of Texas. Individuals right here embrace that, although. An unofficial slogan of the town is “Hold Austin Bizarre,” and I’d say they’re doing a positive job.
In all seriousness, although, the Texas capital packs a severe punch as a journey vacation spot and Austin is on our listing of the very best locations to go to within the US. Along with the wonderful meals, music, and beer, Austin is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and parks. I loved my journey to Austin and might’t wait to return.
Finest Issues To Do in Austin
You might have loads of choices for having fun with the good open air in Austin. Go mountaineering, kayaking, mountain biking, and rather more, it’s laborious to be bored on this metropolis.
Should you’re able to plan an superior journey to ATX, learn on for an in depth have a look at the highest sights and what to do in Austin for each sort of traveler.
1. Strive an Escape Room
Escape rooms are all the craze nowadays! Not solely are they a variety of enjoyable for workforce constructing and teams, but it surely’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Austin for mates and households.
The Escape Sport Austin presents 7 completely different rooms so that you can try to escape from – every surrounding a special theme, and for numerous talent ranges. A number of of the rooms that sound essentially the most attention-grabbing to me are escaping from jail, finishing a profitable artwork heist, discovering a bunch of gold, or stopping a significant worldwide menace.
Probably the most difficult room is the Jail Break, whereas the Categorized room (stopping the worldwide menace), is one in every of solely two discovered across the USA. You might have only one hour to flee! E book your tickets right here.
Handle: 405 Crimson River St, Austin, TX 78701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Tour the Texas Capitol
Topping my listing of issues to do in Austin is happening a tour of the Texas State Capitol. This stunning Italian Renaissance Revival constructing is the seat of presidency for the state of Texas. It’s additionally a must-see for guests to Austin.
They are saying every little thing’s greater in Texas, and that’s actually true of the state capitol. It’s really greater than the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Its well-known “sundown” coloration comes from the crimson granite that was utilized in its building.
You’ll undoubtedly wish to spend a while exploring the capitol grounds to take all of it in.
Head inside to admire the central rotunda, which is flanked by footage of previous governors. Lookup on the spectacular dome, the place you’ll see an enormous star surrounded by the phrase “TEXAS” – a nod to its nickname of the Lone Star State.
The Texas Capitol is open Monday to Friday from 7 AM-10 PM, nevertheless, excursions solely run from 8:30-4:30 pm. On the weekend it’s open from 9 AM-8 PM, with excursions happening between 9:30-3:30 on Saturday and noon-3:30 on Sunday. These excursions are completely free and depart each 30-45 minutes from the South Lobby.
No worries for those who don’t make it on a tour, as they’ve obtained some nice assets for making your individual self-guided tour. Simply head to their web site to obtain free brochures, or drop into the Customer Heart at first of your go to. For one thing slightly extra enjoyable, go to the Capito by segway with this tour.
Bonus: Governor’s Mansion
When you’re over right here, you may as effectively take a look at the Texas Governor’s Mansion as effectively. You want to enroll in excursions a minimum of every week prematurely, although, so click on right here to do this earlier than your journey.
Should you’re visiting Austin for the primary time, you’ll most likely wish to e-book lodging within the downtown space (which is the place the State Capitol is positioned). Take a look at this listing of locations to remain in Austin for some nice suggestions.
3. Go to Zilker Metropolitan Park
One of many prime Austin sights to go to is Zilker Metropolitan Park. This huge inexperienced house on the juncture of the Colorado River and Barton Creek is the right place to return take pleasure in a day full of outside actions.
The park covers round 350 acres and is filled with trails, gardens, pure springs, sports activities fields and courts, and rather more.
Right here you’ll discover the Zilker Botanical Backyard, which is named the “jewel within the coronary heart of Austin.” It’s dwelling to many pretty theme gardens, together with rose, herb, and Japanese. It solely prices $3 for adults and $1 for teenagers, so it’s effectively price a go to!
One other common place to go to within the park is the Umlauf Sculpture Backyard and Museum. It’s devoted to the work of Charles Umlauf and is dwelling to over 150 of his sculptures and works.
This one can be an excellent cut price at $3.50 for adults and $1 for kids. It’s open Tuesday-Friday from 10 AM-4 PM and on the weekend from 12-4.
I haven’t even scratched the floor of all of the enjoyable issues to do in or round Zilker Park. As a matter of reality, a number of of the opposite actions on provide right here deserve its personal spot on the listing!
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4. Enjoyable On The River (top-of-the-line issues to do in Austin in the summertime)
On a scorching day in Austin (there are many them!), there’s nothing higher than cooling off within the river. At Zilker Park, you will have loads of choices for enjoyable within the water. SUPing, kayaking, and canoeing are all on faucet right here.
Zilker Park Boat Leases has been in enterprise since 1969 serving to individuals benefit from the river in an environmentally-friendly means.
They cost $18 an hour or $54 for the entire day and solely take money. They’re open day by day from 9 AM till nightfall, so you may undoubtedly get your cash’s price for those who go for the total day. An alternative choice is to be part of this enjoyable kayaking tour which takes you thru downtown to Barton Springs. Discover out extra right here.
Should you’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back affair, then you may benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities as a substitute — tubing!
You’ll be able to join with ATXcursions for a carefree day of floating down the river, ice-cold beer in hand. They supply all of the tools and also you deliver your individual drinks. Oh yeah, don’t neglect sunscreen and shades, both.
They run tubing journeys on the weekends and on some holidays. Costs vary from $59 to $79 relying on the day of the week. Head to their web site to take a look at all of the choices.
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5. Hike Barton Creek Path (Barton Springs Pool)
Subsequent up on our listing of issues to do in Austin really begins south of the park, however it will definitely finally ends up there. The Barton Creek Greenbelt Path stretches for over 12 miles and is taken into account top-of-the-line mountaineering trails within the state.
For a comparatively straightforward hike, begin out on the trailhead on Spyglass Drive (click on right here for instructions). Should you want some gasoline for the street, drop into Tacodeli for some scrumptious brekky tacos earlier than heading out on the path. Click on right here to learn a full information to the Greenbelt and all its entry factors.
Head north on the path and earlier than lengthy you’ll arrive at Campbell’s Gap — an excellent spot to take a dip and funky off.
Hold mountaineering for about 20 minutes and also you’ll attain the Barton Springs Municipal Pool again within the park. The water right here is fed by a pure spring and it’s often a pleasant cool 68 °F (20 °C). This makes for the right option to cool off in that usually intense Texas warmth.
The pool is open from daybreak to nightfall day by day, but it surely closes from 9 AM-7 PM on Thursday for rigorous cleansing. You’ll want to purchase a ticket to entry the pool between late April and late September. It prices $9 for adults and $4 for teenagers to enter.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Climbing a brief a part of the path to the pool is a straightforward option to benefit from the nice open air in Austin. Should you’re up for extra of a problem, you may as well strive some mountain biking alongside the path and several other different locations across the metropolis.
Along with the Greenbelt, different trails within the metropolis embrace Slaughter Creek and McKinney Falls Park. You’ll be able to verify the MTB Venture for a map of mountain biking trails in Austin to get began.
Should you’re actually severe about mountain biking, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account a day journey out to Spider Mountain Bike Park. It’s the one year-round chairlift-served mountain bike park within the nation and is dwelling to a number of completely different trails.
Situated 60 miles northwest of the town on Buchanan Lake, it’s a phenomenal place so as to add to your listing of issues to do in Austin.
A full-day go for the elevate and path entry prices $50 for adults and $45 for youth. They even hire bikes, helmets, and pads, so that you don’t even want any gear.
For a extra chilled-out day of biking, take a look at the Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour, which takes you across the metropolis. The tour consists of the bike tools, information and park charges. You’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of the town and see the native landmarks. Or, add craft beer to your bike tour with Austin’s Gem Bike Tour!
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7. See The Bats
Bear in mind how I mentioned the town’s unofficial slogan is “Hold Austin Bizarre?” Nicely, one of many prime issues to do in Austin is watching bats. Sure, these bats. The nocturnal flying mammals. There’s even a “Bat Fest” right here yearly in August!
Between March and November, almost one and a half million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge simply earlier than sundown.
They arrive out of crevices within the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge (click on right here for instructions) about 20-Half-hour earlier than sundown. It’s a highly regarded factor to do right here, so be sure you get there a bit early to assert a good spot.
The walkway on the east facet of the bridge offers the very best vantage level, however the hill beneath the bridge can be good since you may lay out a blanket.
Should you go that route, simply be sure you deliver one thing to cowl your head from potential falling guano (bat droppings).
One other enjoyable means to soak up the spectacle is on the water. You’ll be able to take a rented SUP or kayak out to see the bats, and a few native companies even have particular excursions. Take a look at this enjoyable, 2-hour, sundown kayak tour and luxuriate in an superior view of the bats flying above. Study extra right here.
8. Photograph Ops
You wouldn’t wish to journey all the way in which to Austin and never have some superior photographs for the ‘gram! That’s why I’m together with some common photograph ops on this listing of the very best issues to do in Austin Texas. Fortunately, there are a number of strong choices inside a brief stroll of one another.
First up is the Greetings From Austin mural. This colourful mural appears like a retro postcard and makes for an superior backdrop for a photograph.
One other go-to spot for pics is the I Love You So A lot Wall at Jo’s Espresso. It’s easy and to the purpose and permits you to write a gushing submit about how a lot you like (insert title right here).
It may very well be your important different, it may very well be the town of Austin itself, or it may simply be tacos. Mmmm… tacos. Extra on them later.
Maybe my favourite is the Willie for President mural, which is only a block south. It depicts legendary singer-songwriter and native Texan Willie Nelson, who I feel would make a positive president!
Stroll a block east, and also you’ll discover the Earlier than I Die Wall. Seize a chunk of chalk and write one thing that’s in your bucket listing, then get to work crossing it off.
9. See Stay Music
In a metropolis that likes to name itself the Stay Music Capital of the World, you already know I’m becoming some tunes into this listing. Whether or not you’re into rocking out in a cramped dive or classing it up in a jazz membership, you will discover it right here.
There are such a lot of decisions for reside music in Austin that it may be overwhelming. Apparently, there are over 250 completely different reside music venues right here.
A number of the finest locations to catch a present in ATX embrace ACL Stay on the Moody Theater, the Continental Membership, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and the Elephant Room.
It doesn’t matter what evening of the week it’s, there are many choices for exhibits on this metropolis.
Critically. I visited in the course of the week in January when there was a freakish chilly spell, and the city was nonetheless rocking. Click on right here to take a look at a full listing of upcoming live shows and add some reside music to your listing of issues to do in Austin.
For a novel tour thought, take the “Austin Stay Music Crawl” the place you’ll take a look at 3 iconic music venues, some up-and-coming ones, and hearken to native, reside music. This highly-rated tour features a native information, transport, and funky vibes. Plus, your information is a musician in Austin. Discover out extra particulars right here.
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10. Expertise Native Festivals
When you can catch some wonderful reside music nearly any evening of the 12 months in Austin, you simply can’t beat experiencing a competition right here.
The town hosts a number of main festivals all year long, highlighted by SXSW (South By Southwest) and Austin Metropolis Limits.
The previous takes place in March and lasts for ten days. It’s a conglomeration of music, interactive media, movie, and conferences and it’s a extremely thrilling occasion to expertise. Examine their web site for all the small print.
One other behemoth of a competition, ACL (Austin Metropolis Limits) is such a giant deal that it now occupies two weekends. This world-famous music competition takes place in Zilker Park and at all times brings in a ridiculously good lineup.
It’s possible you’ll be questioning if this metropolis that prides itself on being bizarre has any bizarre festivals.
In fact it does!
Along with the aforementioned Bat Fest, Austin additionally has a Scorching Sauce Competition, Comedian-Con Wizard World, and even a competition for Eeyore’s birthday. That’s proper, Eeyore, the unhappy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. I informed you this metropolis was bizarre…
11. Go Museum Hopping
There are many museums you may add to your listing of issues to do in Austin Texas. Whether or not you’re excited by historical past, artwork, or simply some good outdated Austin quirkiness, there’s a museum for you right here.
First up, there’s the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum.
By interactive reveals, audio recordings, movies, and extra, you’ll get an in-depth have a look at the state from prehistoric occasions up till right now. As well as, the museum hosts a number of completely different occasions all year long and there’s an superior IMAX theater right here as effectively.
The historical past museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM-5 PM and from noon-5 on Sunday. Admission prices $13 for adults and $9 for kids, and you’ll click on right here to e-book your tickets on-line.
Proper throughout the road, you’ll discover the Blanton Museum of Artwork on the campus of the College of Texas.
It’s dwelling to a formidable assortment of almost 20,000 completely different artworks from throughout the ages. A serious spotlight is seeing the constructing titled Austin by famend artist Ellsworth Kelly. Well-known for its rainbow of coloured home windows, that is the one constructing he ever designed.
Tickets are often $12 for adults and $5 for teenagers, and it’s completely free to go to on Thursday. It’s open from 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday to Friday, 11-5 on Saturday, and 1-5 on Sunday.
That’s not all, although. It’s also possible to take a look at the Mexic-Arte Museum, South Austin Museum of Pop Tradition, and even the Museum of the Bizarre.
The latter options issues like shrunken heads, fits of armor, and different random stuff. It’s positioned behind the Fortunate Lizard Curios & Presents store (click on right here for instructions) and is open from 10 AM-midnight on daily basis.
12. Go to The College of Texas
After visiting the historical past and artwork museums, it’s undoubtedly price it to discover the campus of the college. It’s a phenomenal school campus that’s stuffed with public artwork and historic landmarks, and it makes for a pleasant leisurely stroll.
One factor you received’t wish to miss on UT’s campus is The Colour Inside, an enchanting Skyspace by artist James Turrell.
The very best time to essentially expertise it’s round sundown, however you’ll want to order your spot effectively prematurely. Head to their web site to seek out the following accessible time.
One other must-see whereas exploring campus is the UT Tower. You’ll be able to join a self-guided tour of the tower the place you’ll go as much as the commentary deck to soak up the views. Excursions final 45 minutes and price $6 per individual. Click on right here to verify the occasions and reserve your spot.
Should you’re visiting throughout soccer season, it is best to undoubtedly attempt to get tickets for a recreation.
Be part of the gang of over 100,000 to cheer the Longhorns on to victory. House video games happen on Saturdays from late August to late November, and you’ll head to their web site to search for tickets. Even for those who’re not on the town on a recreation day, you may nonetheless take a tour of the stadium.
13. Go to The LBJ Presidential Library
One of many prime Austin sights to go to is the LBJ Presidential Library. Native Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson grew to become the thirty sixth President of the US after the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy.
This presidential library and museum is devoted to LBJ and the influence he had on the nation.
It’s dwelling to over 50,000 objects donated by the previous president and his spouse, from the clothes he wore at his inauguration to the desk he used to signal the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
There’s loads to see and do right here to maintain you busy for a number of hours.
You’ll be able to step into a reproduction of LBJ’s Oval Workplace, hearken to precise cellphone calls he had throughout his time as president, and even take a look at his stretch limousine.
The library and museum are open day by day from 9 AM-5 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for kids and you’ll click on right here to purchase them on-line prematurely.
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14. Get pleasure from Girl Chicken Lake
Subsequent up on our listing is a spot that was really named after the previous First Girl.
LBJ’s spouse was often called Girl Chicken and was a beloved public determine for her work in beautifying the nation’s cities, together with Austin. The town named Girl Chicken Lake after her, and it’s an excellent place to return take pleasure in some mountaineering or biking.
The easiest way to expertise it’s on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Path, which makes a 10-mile loop. It’s a really scenic means to soak up the sights of Austin whereas getting some train on the identical time! Click on right here to obtain a map of the path.
Even for those who’re not up for an extended hike or experience on the path, it is best to nonetheless come right here to take a look at the boardwalk part. It’s just one mile lengthy and is the right place to spend a while on a pleasant day.
Make sure you take a look at the Belting It Out artwork set up whilst you’re right here. This can be a assortment of bronze belts with tune lyrics from well-known Texas musicians engraved on them.
In fact, you may as well expertise Girl Chicken Lake out on the water. No motorized boats are allowed, so it’s fairly peaceable. As with different factors within the metropolis, it’s attainable to hire kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddle boards right here.
15. Cling Out at SoCo (South Congress)
One of many coolest locations to hang around in Austin is the world often called SoCo (South Congress). This procuring and cultural district is dwelling to loads of eclectic boutiques, cafes, music and artwork venues, and rather more.
For a splash of 80’s and 90’s nostalgia, you may drop into the quirky Monkey See Monkey Do store. Right here you’ll discover classic motion figures and different random collector’s objects.
When you’re accomplished in right here, head subsequent door to Massive Prime — a circus-themed sweet retailer with an old-school soda fountain.
One other enjoyable place price testing is Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds. To begin with, that needs to be the good store title ever. Second, this has obtained to be one in every of, if not the very best, costume retailers within the land.
It’s far more than simply pre-assembled costumes, although. They’ve all types of clothes, jewellery, masks, equipment, and extra, so you will get actually inventive right here.
As of late, SoCo can be recognized for its abundance of meals vehicles. This began with the arrival of Hey Cupcake! again in 2007. You’ll be able to nonetheless get your cupcake repair right here, however for those who want lunch earlier than dessert be sure you take a look at Burro Cheese Kitchen for connoisseur grilled cheese sandwiches.
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BONUS! Devour Tacos and BBQ
Rounding out our listing of issues to do in Austin is sampling the town’s well-known tacos and BBQ. In spite of everything that mountaineering, swimming, biking, and dancing you’ve been doing, you’re positive to have fairly the urge for food.
Some take into account Austin to be the taco capital of the US, they usually undoubtedly have a powerful case. The town has genuine tacos from south of the border, basic Tex-Mex, Asian fusion, breakfast tacos — you title it, you’ll discover it in Austin!
Along with the aforementioned Delitaco, different locations to take a look at embrace Rosita’s al Pastor, Tamale Home East, and Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ.
Talking of BBQ, that final advice is the right place to mix two of the tastiest issues in Austin.
Placing Texas BBQ classics like pulled pork and beef brisket in a taco is an absolute genius thought! I’ve already talked about Stubb’s as a reside music venue, but it surely’s price repeating only for its well-known BBQ. Different common decisions embrace Franklin, La Barbecue, and Stiles Change.
Should you want one thing tasty to scrub down all these tacos and BBQ, there are many wonderful native craft beers in Austin. Click on right here for a strong listing of breweries in Austin which can be price visiting.
Now You Know What to Do in Austin
I don’t learn about you, however I’m able to drop every little thing and head again to Austin after getting by means of this listing.
It’s simply such an thrilling metropolis with a lot happening. I particularly love all of the choices for having fun with the good open air and reside music there, plus the truth that Austinites are proud to be bizarre!
After listening to rave opinions about Austin for a few years, I lastly made it there throughout our bus journey right down to Mexico. Regardless of there being a freakish chilly entrance that got here by means of the town, we nonetheless had a blast there.
I’m hoping to make it again for SXSW or Austin Metropolis Limits someday quickly, or possibly simply swing by means of on a random weekend to skip the crowds. Everytime you journey to the Texas capital, one factor’s for positive, you’ll have a good time.
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