While many folks flock to the big-name cities like Miami and Los Angeles when planning their American adventures, Austin stands out as a mid-sized city that delivers experiences far beyond its size. The Texas capital blends small-town friendliness with a dynamic food scene, outdoor activities, and a music culture that’s earned it the nickname “Live Music Capital of the World.”
From food truck feasts to swimming holes that locals have enjoyed for generations, here are 20 things to do in Austin that’ll help you experience the city like a true Texan, whether you’re here for a weekend or settling in for a longer stay.
Texas State Capitol
If you’re eager to learn about Texas history while marveling at impressive architecture, head to the Texas State Capitol. Standing proudly in downtown Austin, this Italian Renaissance Revival building holds the distinction of being the largest state capitol in the U.S. – even taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Inside, you can explore the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, admire the rotunda’s portraits of past Texas governors, and take in the beautiful grounds dotted with monuments and memorials.
Lady Bird Lake
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake has been a beloved outdoor escape since the 1960s. Created by damming a portion of the Colorado River, this peaceful reservoir stretches for miles through the city center, offering a natural respite from the urban bustle. The lake’s glassy surface reflects Austin’s growing skyline, while its shoreline hums with activity from dawn until dusk. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail loops around the water’s edge, drawing locals and visitors alike for morning jogs, afternoon strolls, and sunset walks. Kayakers and paddleboarders dot the water year-round, sharing the space with turtles sunbathing on fallen logs and herons wading near the banks. As day fades to evening, crowds gather on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their home underneath, creating one of Austin’s most memorable natural spectacles.
Barton Springs Pool
Looking to escape Austin’s summer heat? Head straight to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming spot in the heart of Zilker Park. This three-acre pool maintains a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round, making it the perfect place to cool off whether it’s January or July. With its grassy hills for sunbathing and crystal-clear waters that reach depths of 18 feet, locals and visitors alike flock here for a dose of natural Austin charm.
South Congress Avenue
Of all the streets I’ve walked in Austin, none captures the city’s spirit quite like South Congress Avenue. This beloved strip stretches through the heart of the city, where local shops and restaurants have been serving up authentic Austin culture for decades. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours browsing through quirky boutiques, sampling food truck tacos, and watching street musicians perform against the backdrop of the Texas State Capitol. South Congress isn’t just a street – it’s where both locals and visitors come to experience the laid-back, creative energy that makes Austin unique. The street really comes alive at sunset when people gather at its outdoor patios and rooftop bars to take in views of downtown while enjoying live music and cold drinks.
Zilker Park
Locals and visitors alike flock to Zilker Park, Austin’s beloved 351-acre green space in the heart of the city. This sprawling park along Lady Bird Lake offers something for everyone – from the refreshing Barton Springs Pool where you can cool off on hot summer days, to miles of hiking trails, sports fields, and plenty of open spaces perfect for picnics or throwing a frisbee. The park also hosts major events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Trail of Lights during the holidays.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Austin’s most famous park started as a humble 350-acre donation from businessman Andrew Jackson Zilker to the city back in 1917? Today, this green oasis welcomes over 1.3 million visitors each year who come to swim in Barton Springs Pool, catch outdoor concerts, fly kites at the spring festival, or simply enjoy a picnic with views of the downtown skyline.
Mount Bonnell
Perched 775 feet above Austin’s skyline sits Mount Bonnell, the highest point in the city limits. Unlike most Austin attractions that buzz with live music and food trucks, this spot offers a different side of the city – one of quiet reflection and wide-open views. Getting to the top means climbing 106 limestone steps, but locals will tell you it’s worth every step. From up here, you can see the winding Colorado River cutting through the city, boats dotting Lake Austin, and mansions nestled into the hillsides. The spot has been drawing couples, families, and photographers since the 1850s, making it one of Austin’s oldest tourist destinations. Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and come around sunset – that’s when the changing colors paint the sky and the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Rock out at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, one of the biggest music events in Texas. Every October, Zilker Park transforms into a musical playground with eight stages featuring over 140 artists across two weekends. You can bounce between stages catching everything from rock and hip-hop to electronic and folk music while grabbing bites from local food vendors. For a VIP experience, spring for platinum tickets that give you access to air-conditioned lounges, exclusive viewing areas, and complimentary drinks. It’s the perfect way to experience Austin’s legendary music scene while soaking up the fall weather.
Franklin Barbecue
Join the legendary line at Franklin Barbecue, widely considered the best BBQ joint in Texas. People start queuing up at dawn for a taste of Aaron Franklin’s famous brisket, which sells out almost every day by early afternoon. While you wait, grab a lawn chair and make friends with fellow BBQ enthusiasts – it’s all part of the experience. The restaurant opens at 11 AM, and once inside, you can order meat by the pound or opt for classic sandwiches. Don’t skip the house-made sides like potato salad and coleslaw, which perfectly complement the smoky meats.
Blanton Museum of Art
Explore the heart of Texas art culture at the Blanton Museum of Art, the largest university art museum in the South. Located on the University of Texas campus, this museum houses over 21,000 works spanning from ancient Greek pottery to modern American paintings. You can wander through the European art galleries, featuring pieces from the 14th to 18th centuries, or check out the impressive Latin American collection. The museum’s crown jewel is Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” a 2,715-square-foot stone building with colored glass windows that create rainbow-like patterns on the floor. Stop by the café for a light lunch, or browse the gift shop for unique art-inspired souvenirs.
The Continental Club
Step into the beating heart of Austin’s live music scene at The Continental Club, a beloved fixture on South Congress Avenue since 1955. This iconic venue hosts nightly performances featuring everything from rockabilly and country to blues and rock ‘n’ roll. The red neon sign outside leads you into a cozy space where both up-and-coming local artists and music legends have graced the stage. Head upstairs to the Gallery, a more intimate setting where you can catch acoustic sets while sipping craft cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to experience authentic Austin culture and maybe even discover your new favorite band.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Step into Texas history at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where the state’s rich past comes alive through three floors of exhibits. You can explore everything from ancient native artifacts to space-age technology that shaped the Lone Star State. The museum’s IMAX theater shows both educational documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters on a massive screen, while the Texas Spirit Theater offers immersive 4D experiences that put you right in the middle of historic events. Don’t miss the original NASA Apollo command module in the space exploration exhibit, or stop by the museum store to pick up uniquely Texan souvenirs.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Named after the former First Lady, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center serves as both a botanical garden and research center focused on native Texas plants. While most visitors come to see the colorful wildflower meadows that bloom in spring, the 284-acre facility offers so much more throughout the year. Walking trails wind through different Texas ecosystems, from blackland prairie to oak savanna, giving visitors a chance to learn about the state’s natural heritage. Kids particularly enjoy the Family Garden with its climbable structures and water features, while gardening enthusiasts can get ideas for their own yards from the themed display gardens. The center also puts on seasonal events like plant sales and photography workshops, making it worth visiting in any season.
Austin Bat Bridge
Every evening at dusk, locals and visitors gather at the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness one of Austin’s most unusual natural events. From March through October, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the bridge to feed, creating a swirling black cloud against the evening sky. While the bridge itself is a regular commuter route during the day, it has become an unexpected wildlife viewing spot that draws crowds to its rails and nearby viewing areas. The best times to visit are during peak summer months when the colony reaches its largest size, though you can watch this natural spectacle any evening during bat season. You can join a boat tour on Lady Bird Lake for a water-level view or simply find a spot along the bridge’s pedestrian walkway to experience this unique Austin tradition.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery
If you’re into street art and urban culture, you need to check out HOPE Outdoor Gallery. Located in East Austin, this community art park lets visitors watch local artists work their magic on concrete walls while creating ever-changing murals and graffiti pieces. The site has become Austin’s largest outdoor gallery space, where anyone with a permit can grab some spray paint and add their own artistic touch to the walls.
Cool Fact:
When the HOPE Outdoor Gallery first opened in 2011, it turned an abandoned construction site into Austin’s coolest legal graffiti park where artists could freely express themselves on massive concrete walls. Though the original location closed in 2019, the gallery lives on at its new Carson Creek Ranch home, where visitors can still watch artists at work and even try their hand at spray painting in designated areas.
Circuit of the Americas
Many racing enthusiasts flock to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin for Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix, but this world-class facility offers much more than just F1 events. The 3.4-mile track hosts numerous racing competitions throughout the year, including MotoGP and NASCAR races, while its 1,500-acre complex features an outdoor amphitheater for major concerts and festivals. Even when there isn’t a big event scheduled, visitors can experience the thrill of the track through go-karting sessions or guided tours that provide behind-the-scenes access to areas like the pit lane and race control tower.
The Domain
If you’re looking for Austin’s most sophisticated shopping and dining scene, head straight to The Domain. Located in North Austin, this massive outdoor complex combines high-end retail stores like Neiman Marcus and Louis Vuitton with local boutiques, trendy restaurants, and entertainment spots spread across 303 acres. Think of it as Austin’s second downtown – but with easier parking and a more polished feel.
McKinney Falls State Park
Just 10 miles southeast of downtown Austin lies McKinney Falls State Park, where limestone ledges and cypress trees meet the flowing waters of Onion Creek. Like many parks near the city, it offers hiking trails and swimming spots, but there’s something distinctly different about this 641-acre sanctuary. As you walk along the creek beds, you’ll spot the remains of an old homestead and gristmill, remnants of one of Texas’s earliest settlers, Thomas McKinney. Thanks to its location away from the city buzz, the park serves as a favorite escape for both locals and visitors, who come to fish in its tranquil waters, explore nearly 9 miles of trails, and camp under the star-filled Texas sky. The ancient limestone formations, carved by centuries of flowing water, create natural pools where children splash and families gather during the warm months.
The Broken Spoke
If you want to experience an authentic piece of Austin’s honky-tonk history, head straight to The Broken Spoke. This legendary dance hall has been keeping Texas two-stepping alive since 1964, hosting country music greats like Willie Nelson and George Strait while serving up cold beers and classic chicken fried steak to both locals and tourists.
6th Street Entertainment District
6th Street has been the beating heart of Austin’s nightlife since the 1970s. Running through downtown Austin’s entertainment district, this historic strip is where live music spills onto the streets from countless bars and clubs. During the day, the red-brick buildings and old-school architecture tell stories of the city’s past, while at night, the neon signs light up and crowds of college students, locals, and tourists fill the sidewalks. The nine-block stretch between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 is where you’ll find most of the action – from blues joints and jazz clubs to honky-tonks playing country music. On weekend nights, the street closes to traffic, turning into a walking-only zone where street performers and food vendors add to the festive atmosphere that’s become synonymous with Austin’s “Keep It Weird” motto.
