The capital of Texas, Austin is thought for its stay 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 points of interest and greatest issues to do in Austin, Texas.
Austin is a metropolis that prides itself on being just a bit totally different.
Certainly, the state capital feels worlds other than the remainder of Texas. Folks right here embrace that, although. An unofficial slogan of the town is “Hold Austin Bizarre,” and I’d say they’re doing a high quality job.
In all seriousness, although, the Texas capital packs a critical punch as a journey vacation spot and Austin is on our listing of the perfect 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 may’t wait to return.
Finest Issues To Do in Austin
You have got loads of choices for having fun with the nice outdoor in Austin. Go mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and rather more, it’s exhausting to be bored on this metropolis.
In case you’re able to plan an superior journey to ATX, learn on for an in depth take a look at the highest points of interest and what to do in Austin for each kind of traveler.
1. Strive an Escape Room
Escape rooms are all the fad nowadays! Not solely are they numerous enjoyable for staff constructing and teams, however it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Austin for buddies and households.
The Escape Recreation Austin gives 7 totally different rooms so that you can attempt to escape from – every surrounding a unique theme, and for varied ability ranges. A couple 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 serious worldwide risk.
Essentially the most difficult room is the Jail Break, whereas the Labeled room (stopping the worldwide risk), is one among solely two discovered across the USA. You have got only one hour to flee! Guide your tickets right here.
Deal with: 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 occurring a tour of the Texas State Capitol. This lovely 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 all the things’s greater in Texas, and that’s definitely true of the state capitol. It’s really greater than the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Its well-known “sundown” colour comes from the pink granite that was utilized in its building.
You’ll positively 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 going down 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 in the event you don’t make it on a tour, as they’ve received some nice sources for making your individual self-guided tour. Simply head to their web site to obtain free brochures, or drop into the Customer Heart firstly of your go to. For one thing somewhat extra enjoyable, go to the Capito by segway with this tour.
Bonus: Governor’s Mansion
When you’re over right here, you would possibly as properly take a look at the Texas Governor’s Mansion as properly. You want to enroll in excursions not less than per week upfront, although, so click on right here to try this earlier than your journey.
In case 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 situated). Try this listing of locations to remain in Austin for some nice suggestions.
3. Go to Zilker Metropolitan Park
One of many high Austin points of interest to go to is Zilker Metropolitan Park. This massive inexperienced area 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 residence to many beautiful theme gardens, together with rose, herb, and Japanese. It solely prices $3 for adults and $1 for youths, so it’s properly value a go to!
One other standard 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 residence to over 150 of his sculptures and works.
This one can be an excellent discount at $3.50 for adults and $1 for youngsters. 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 truth, 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 sizzling day in Austin (there are many them!), there’s nothing higher than cooling off within the river. At Zilker Park, you could 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 approach.
They cost $18 an hour or $54 for the entire day and solely take money. They’re open each day from 9 AM till nightfall, so you possibly can positively get your cash’s value in the event you go for the complete day. Another choice is to be a part of this enjoyable kayaking tour which takes you thru downtown to Barton Springs. Discover out extra right here.
In case you’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back affair, then you possibly can benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities as an alternative — tubing!
You may enroll with ATXcursions for a carefree day of floating down the river, ice-cold beer in hand. They supply all of the gear and also you convey your individual drinks. Oh yeah, don’t overlook 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 mountain climbing trails within the state.
For a comparatively simple hike, begin out on the trailhead on Spyglass Drive (click on right here for instructions). In case 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 mountain climbing 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 approach to cool off in that usually intense Texas warmth.
The pool is open from daybreak to nightfall each day, however it 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 youths to enter.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Mountaineering a brief a part of the path to the pool is a simple approach to benefit from the nice outdoor in Austin. In case you’re up for extra of a problem, you may also 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 may verify the MTB Venture for a map of mountain biking trails in Austin to get began.
In case you’re actually critical about mountain biking, it’s possible you’ll wish to think about 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 residence to a number of totally different trails.
Positioned 60 miles northwest of the town on Buchanan Lake, it’s a wonderful place so as to add to your listing of issues to do in Austin.
A full-day move for the carry 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 contains the bike gear, information and park charges. You’ll study 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
Keep in mind how I mentioned the town’s unofficial slogan is “Hold Austin Bizarre?” Effectively, one of many high 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 very fashionable factor to do right here, so make sure you get there a bit early to say a good spot.
The walkway on the east aspect of the bridge gives the perfect vantage level, however the hill under the bridge can be good since you possibly can lay out a blanket.
In case you go that route, simply make sure you convey one thing to cowl your head from potential falling guano (bat droppings).
One other enjoyable approach to absorb the spectacle is on the water. You may take a rented SUP or kayak out to see the bats, and a few native companies even have particular excursions. Try this enjoyable, 2-hour, sundown kayak tour and luxuriate in an superior view of the bats flying above. Be taught extra right here.
8. Picture Ops
You wouldn’t wish to journey all the best way to Austin and never have some superior pictures for the ‘gram! That’s why I’m together with some standard picture ops on this listing of the perfect 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 seems to be 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 publish about how a lot you like (insert title right here).
It might be your vital different, it might 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 high quality 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 Reside Music
In a metropolis that likes to name itself the Reside Music Capital of the World, you realize 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 could find it right here.
There are such a lot of selections for stay music in Austin that it may be overwhelming. Apparently, there are over 250 totally different stay music venues right here.
Among the greatest locations to catch a present in ATX embrace ACL Reside 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.
Severely. I visited throughout 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 stay music to your listing of issues to do in Austin.
For a singular tour concept, take the “Austin Reside Music Crawl” the place you’ll take a look at 3 iconic music venues, some up-and-coming ones, and hearken to native, stay 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 glorious stay music nearly any evening of the yr in Austin, you simply can’t beat experiencing a competition right here.
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 very thrilling occasion to expertise. Examine their web site for all the main points.
One other behemoth of a competition, ACL (Austin Metropolis Limits) is such an enormous 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.
After all it does!
Along with the aforementioned Bat Fest, Austin additionally has a Scorching Sauce Pageant, Comedian-Con Wizard World, and even a competition for Eeyore’s birthday. That’s proper, Eeyore, the unhappy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. I instructed you this metropolis was bizarre…
11. Go Museum Hopping
There are many museums you possibly can add to your listing of issues to do in Austin Texas. Whether or not you’re fascinated about 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 means of interactive reveals, audio recordings, movies, and extra, you’ll get an in-depth take a look at the state from prehistoric occasions up till at the moment. As well as, the museum hosts a number of totally different occasions all year long and there’s an superior IMAX theater right here as properly.
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 youngsters, 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 residence to a powerful assortment of almost 20,000 totally different artistic endeavors 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 youths, 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. You too can 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 situated at the back of the Fortunate Lizard Curios & Presents store (click on right here for instructions) and is open from 10 AM-midnight daily.
12. Go to The College of Texas
After visiting the historical past and artwork museums, it’s positively value it to discover the campus of the college. It’s a wonderful faculty campus that’s filled with public artwork and historic landmarks, and it makes for a pleasant leisurely stroll.
One factor you gained’t wish to miss on UT’s campus is The Coloration Inside, an interesting Skyspace by artist James Turrell.
One of the best time to actually expertise it’s round sundown, however you’ll want to order your spot properly upfront. Head to their web site to seek out the subsequent accessible time.
One other must-see whereas exploring campus is the UT Tower. You may join a self-guided tour of the tower the place you’ll go as much as the statement deck to absorb the views. Excursions final 45 minutes and price $6 per particular person. Click on right here to verify the occasions and reserve your spot.
In case you’re visiting throughout soccer season, it is best to positively attempt to get tickets for a recreation.
Be a part of the gang of over 100,000 to cheer the Longhorns on to victory. Dwelling video games happen on Saturdays from late August to late November, and you’ll head to their web site to search for tickets. Even in the event you’re not on the town on a recreation day, you possibly can nonetheless take a tour of the stadium.
13. Go to The LBJ Presidential Library
One of many high Austin points of interest to go to is the LBJ Presidential Library. Native Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson turned 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 impression he had on the nation.
It’s residence 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 lots to see and do right here to maintain you busy for a number of hours.
You may step into a reproduction of LBJ’s Oval Workplace, hearken to precise telephone calls he had throughout his time as president, and even take a look at his stretch limousine.
The library and museum are open each day from 9 AM-5 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for youngsters and you’ll click on right here to purchase them on-line upfront.
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14. Get pleasure from Girl Chook Lake
Subsequent up on our listing is a spot that was really named after the previous First Girl.
LBJ’s spouse was referred to as Girl Chook and was a beloved public determine for her work in beautifying the nation’s cities, together with Austin. Town named Girl Chook Lake after her, and it’s an excellent place to return take pleasure in some mountain climbing or biking.
One of the best ways 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 approach to absorb the sights of Austin whereas getting some train on the similar time! Click on right here to obtain a map of the path.
Even in the event you’re not up for a protracted hike or journey 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 certain you take a look at the Belting It Out artwork set up whilst you’re right here. It is a assortment of bronze belts with tune lyrics from well-known Texas musicians engraved on them.
After all, you may also expertise Girl Chook 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 realm referred to as SoCo (South Congress). This buying and cultural district is residence to loads of eclectic boutiques, cafes, music and artwork venues, and rather more.
For a splash of 80’s and 90’s nostalgia, you possibly can drop into the quirky Monkey See Monkey Do store. Right here you’ll discover classic motion figures and different random collector’s gadgets.
When you’re completed in right here, head subsequent door to Massive High — a circus-themed sweet retailer with an old-school soda fountain.
One other enjoyable place value trying out is Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds. To start with, that must be the best store title ever. Second, this has received to be one among, if not the perfect, costume outlets within the land.
It’s far more than simply pre-assembled costumes, although. They’ve every kind of clothes, jewellery, masks, equipment, and extra, so you will get actually artistic right here.
Lately, SoCo can be identified for its abundance of meals vans. This began with the arrival of Hey Cupcake! again in 2007. You may nonetheless get your cupcake repair right here, however in the event you want lunch earlier than dessert make 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 mountain climbing, swimming, biking, and dancing you’ve been doing, you’re positive to have fairly the urge for food.
Some think about Austin to be the taco capital of the US, and so they positively have a robust case. Town has genuine tacos from south of the border, traditional 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 suggestion 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 concept! I’ve already talked about Stubb’s as a stay music venue, however it’s value repeating only for its well-known BBQ. Different standard selections embrace Franklin, La Barbecue, and Stiles Change.
In case you want one thing tasty to scrub down all these tacos and BBQ, there are many glorious native craft beers in Austin. Click on right here for a strong listing of breweries in Austin which might be value visiting.
Now You Know What to Do in Austin
I don’t find out about you, however I’m able to drop all the things and head again to Austin after getting via 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 nice outdoor and stay 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 all the way down to Mexico. Regardless of there being a freakish chilly entrance that got here via the town, we nonetheless had a blast there.
I’m hoping to make it again for SXSW or Austin Metropolis Limits someday quickly, or perhaps simply swing via 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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