If you’re searching for issues to do in Austin, the excellent news is there are many selections. Because the Texas State Capitol, Austin embodies all issues Texas – promising a jam-packed itinerary. You may study Texas historical past, go to enjoyable points of interest, admire Latin American artwork, and expertise a powerful cityscape. Because the Dwell Music Capital of the world, there is no such thing as a scarcity of locations to look at stay music within the metropolis. This exercise was undoubtedly considered one of our favourite issues to do in Austin.
Prime Issues to Do in Austin
In fact, nature lovers can even discover many issues to do in Austin. The town sits within the Texas Hill Nation, surrounded by climbing trails, wildlife, and State Parks. The Colorado River runs via Austin, too – filling reservoirs like Lake Austin and Woman Hen Lake.
However, let’s take a extra detailed have a look at all the most effective issues to do in Austin! Austin offers a improbable stability of indoor and outside actions and also you’ll discover issues to do in Austin unfold throughout town.
1. Hire a Boat on Lake Austin
A picnic on the water is a romantic strategy to begin or finish any day. We’d extremely suggest utilizing one of many many boat leases to rent a motorized boat and discover Lake Austin from the water. Pack a picnic and digicam, and you’ve got a luxurious, impartial non-public tour.
As considered one of Austin’s essential reservoirs, Lake Austin is a crucial asset to town. Due to this, sure areas are privately owned or closed to the general public, so that you’ll want to concentrate to indicators and any restrictions. One of the best ways to take pleasure in Lake Austin is by boat, as swimming and fishing are restricted round many lake areas.
Should you don’t need to lease a ship your self, this guided boat tour on Lake Austin is the proper different.
2. Swim in Lake Travis
Lake Travis is the place to move should you’d want to go swimming reasonably than store for boat leases.
The reservoir is Austin’s greatest and most spectacular sight! The lake’s 271 miles of shoreline additionally means a number of swimming spots – particularly contemplating that the entire of Lake Travis is open to the general public.
Lake Travis’ well-known, ultra-blue waters are a results of the limestone rock beneath. It’s well-worth packing snorkeling gear should you plan a swim, because the waters are identified for his or her nice visibility.
3. Tour the Texas State Capitol Constructing
The Texas State Capitol is on each Austin metropolis information for an excellent purpose.
The Nineteenth-century constructing is the house of the Texan authorities and is the most important state capitol constructing within the US. To study Texas structure and politics, visiting the Capitol Constructing is well probably the greatest issues to do in Austin.
You may take a free guided tour or go to independently. Guided excursions run at staggered, set intervals. However, should you select a self-guided tour, you’ll be capable of tour at any time when it fits you.
A good way to go to the Capitol is to bundle it along with a small group tour of Austin. This one lets you skip the road and is more likely to promote out! You may e book it right here.
4. Texas Memorial Museum
The Texas Memorial Museum carries the lofty title of Austin’s first state museum. To study pure and cultural historical past in Texas, we suggest paying this place a go to.
From fossils to exhibitions of the newest analysis, the museum covers varied subjects with short-term, and everlasting displays. The attraction additionally has a collection of entrance price reductions, with college students receiving appreciable value reductions.
The museum is on the College Campus and is an academic, fascinating place to spend a few hours.
5. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Park is a 358-acre inner-city inexperienced house comprising of Zilker Botanical Backyard, Barton Springs Pool, Umlauf Sculpture Backyard, and The Nice Garden.
If you wish to spend a day entertained in only one place, we’d counsel selecting Zilker Metropolitan Park. The Barton Springs Pool is full of water from a close-by pure spring and is thermally heated, so good for swimming all yr spherical. Close by, the Zilker Botanical and Sculpture Gardens are good to wander on foot.
If you are within the space be certain that to go to the Austin Nature & Science Heart which is situated proper on the fringe of the park.
6. Mckinney Falls State Park
Bear in mind these close by State Parks we talked about above? Mckinney Falls State Park is Austin’s greatest.
Select Mckinney Falls over Zilker Park should you want to spend a morning on distant trails and near wildlife. The park’s set within the Hill Nation woods, with Onion Creek to swim and fish alongside. The woodland provides the park a extra secluded, quiet really feel than Zilker’s open inexperienced house.
Select the Rock Shelter Path for a brief and scenic hike. This route passes Previous Baldy, a 500-year-old tree and widespread pure vacationer attraction to go to in Austin.
If you’re a bike owner or hiker who doesn’t thoughts passing bikes, the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Path is longer and tougher. Bounce in an air-conditioned van and discover all this space has to supply. E-book it right here!
7. Take heed to Dwell Nation Music
Okay, so that you went to The Continental however missed the nation music night time? Don’t fear. There are many venues that play stay music, and there are at all times live performance ticket gross sales to grab up discount tickets.
The Gap within the Wall, Damaged Step and San Jac Saloon are all good pub-style venues to seize a drink and hearken to nation tunes. Whereas the Moody Theater, Emo’s Austin, and Maggie Mae’s Live performance Corridor are a super bigger live performance and festival-style venues – e book forward to keep away from disappointment.
Listening to nation music is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Austin, Texas. So, undoubtedly prioritize taking in a live performance or stay music bar when visiting.
8. Tour Austin Metropolis Limits
http://it acltv.comAustin Metropolis Limits is the longest-running music manufacturing on TV. To have the ability to watch a taping, common of us are put right into a lottery system however you may e book excursions of the venue. From Monday to Saturday, 90-minute excursions are supplied of the stay venue to see behind the scenes together with the superior images from acts which were performing right here since 1974.
Austin Metropolis Limits Competition
The annual Austin Metropolis Limits Competition is without doubt one of the greatest outside festivals within the nation that hosts 130 artists attracting 1 / 4 million patrons every year at Zilker Park. If you wish to attend this pageant, go to their web site to purchase tickets.
9. Catch Dwell Music at The Continental Membership
Individuals name Austin the stay music capital of Texas, and The Continental Membership is called one of many greatest golf equipment in Austin, Texas.
The membership has been internet hosting stay music since 1955 – taking part in all the things from blues and nation, to rock, and swing. To pay a go to, head to South Congress in South Austin. Enter the membership beneath the classic neon lights, pull up a stool, seize a drink, and luxuriate in the most effective of Texan music tradition.
10. Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo is a non-profit group that promotes wildlife conservation and rescues native and unique animals. The zoo has over 300 animals, together with endangered species like tigers, ring-tailed lemurs, and spider monkeys.
You may study concerning the significance of conservation efforts, the historical past of the zoo, and meet animals up shut. Be certain that to catch the prepare across the park and go to the petting space to fulfill a number of the pleasant home animals.
11. Tour the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
The LBJ Library and Museum is one other attraction situated on the Austin campus.
The attraction is devoted to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the thirty sixth US President. Guests obtain an in-depth introduction to Johnson’s life and everything of his presidency. You’ll entry exhibitions on occasions in his presidency, just like the Vietnam Conflict, hear voice recordings of Johnson discussing vital issues, and study loads of private particulars concerning the earlier president. If you’re enthusiastic about politics or presidential historical past, we’d suggest a go to.
12. LBJ Ranch
Nevertheless, we discovered touring the LBJ Ranch simply exterior of Austin to be very fascinating. Whereas a tour of the Texas White Home is quickly closed as a result of structural considerations, you may nonetheless take a driving tour of the ranch.
This was the childhood residence of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and through his time in workplace, he spent 20% of his time working from right here. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Web site is an excellent cool tour via the ranch to see the cattle which can be descendants of LBJs livestock. E-book it right here!
13. Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park is a 21-acre reservation web site with strolling trails frequented by extra roaming peacocks than different individuals. If you need a quiet day within the metropolis’s West, visiting the park is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Austin.
The park is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so it’s a good attraction for all guests to Austin, Texas. And, should you’d like to mix Austin’s nature with historical past, you’ll respect the historic cottage within the park middle.
14. Eat at Franklin Barbecue
When in Texas, attempt the delicacies at Franklin Barbecue. Barbecue grilled meats have lengthy been the long-lasting Austin meals, and Franklin Barbecue is the most well-liked venue to do this native specialty.
At Franklin Barbecue, you may order brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage variations by the pound – good for giant teams and households. Alternatively, order a sandwich filled with grilled meat of your selection or a candy dessert pie.
Franklin Barbecue is situated in East Austin and is a favourite spot amongst Austin residents.
15. The Up to date Austin, Laguna Gloria
The Laguna Gloria is Austin’s solely devoted modern artwork gallery. Artwork fans ought to place the gallery excessive on their listing of issues to do in Austin, because the venue affords a improbable vary of exhibitions and artists.
From the Betty and Marcus Sculpture Park to short-term trending exhibitions, it’s simple to spend half a day visiting the Laguna Gloria. Whereas primarily that includes modern sculptures, you will discover a variety of artwork types to research and respect.
16. Go to the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum
How acquainted are you with the story of Texas? To expertise a dwelling historical past museum, the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum is without doubt one of the best issues to do in Austin.
The museum has a cinema, a mix of short-term and everlasting exhibitions, and artifacts. So, whether or not you study visually, kinetically, or via auditory info, there can be loads of alternatives to absorb Texas’ dwelling historical past.
You may study Texan social historical past – from the unique inhabitants to the primary European colonizers and the latest battles for equality.
17. See the Largest City Bat Colony
This addition to our listing of issues to do in Austin may sound unusual, however it’s a massively spectacular phenomenon.
The biggest city bat colony is in Downtown Austin – proper beneath the South Congress Avenue Bridge. Each night, over 1.5 million bats emerge from their daytime perches beneath the South Congress Bridge and take to the sky in a dramatic spectacle. Animal-lover or not, the city bat colony is one thing you must prioritize witnessing in Austin.
For a distinct perspective on the bats attempt this kayaking tour which takes you proper beneath the bridge.
18. Desert Door Distillery
Have you ever ever tried Texas sotol? Sotol is an alcoholic spirit and is considered the first-ever alcoholic beverage drunk by people. Sotol has been drunk for over 800 years now, however the Desert Door Distillery is the one distillery in america.
You may go to for a tasting expertise on Thursdays to Sundays. The distillery is a forty-minute drive exterior of Austin, situated within the suburb of Driftwood. Nevertheless, it’s effectively value making the drive for a go to or organizing a switch.
19. Go to Woman Hen Lake
Woman Hen Lake is one other reservoir on your itinerary! Whereas swimming is prohibited, the lake has many different outside actions that you must attempt.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Path is the well-known loop round Woman Hen Lake. The ten-mile path circles your entire lake perimeter, with combined terrain of boardwalk and pavement.
You may seize a espresso and luxuriate in taking within the lovely surroundings that’s sandwiched between the cityscape and lake. Or, for runners and cyclists, you should utilize the circuit to maintain accountable and match whereas on vacation.
Woman Hen Lake additionally runs beneath South Congress Bridge, so e book a ship tour in order for you a novel strategy to watch the bat colony emerge.
20. Spend Noon in Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez is a vigorous neighborhood, filled with motion and hospitality. To expertise the suburb on a time restrict, we’d suggest spending noon on Cesar Chavez Avenue, which hyperlinks downtown and east Austin.
Don’t know the place to start out? Start with a go to to Girls & Their Work, a non-profit artwork gallery, then purchase tacos to go from Granny’s Tacos – you may chill out and eat your lunch within the Pan American Neighborhood Park.
21. Go to the Secret Seashore
Everybody loves a secret, proper? Though protecting them is evidently a lot more durable because the Secret Seashore is not-so-secret anymore.
Alongside the river in East Austin, you’ll discover a sand seaside the place locals sunbathe and swim within the river. If you need a quiet seaside expertise in central Texas, the Secret Seashore is your greatest wager.
You should utilize Google Maps to simply entry the seaside via Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park.
22. Take a Bike Tour of Austin
We extremely suggest sightseeing in Austin, however who mentioned you couldn’t do it on two wheels?
Many corporations run bike excursions round Austin, supplying you with info on town and enjoyable train on the similar time. Many individuals discover biking simpler than strolling a metropolis too, and it is likely to be a faster strategy to sightsee should you solely have a brief go to deliberate.
You may enquire on the Austin Customer Heart or e book excursions on-line like this one on an Electrical Bike via Get Your Information.
23. Have a Sport of Mini Golf
Generally a little bit of lighthearted enjoyable is bliss. Mini golf is a enjoyable household exercise, problem with associates, or as a date.
Austin has a stunning quantity of golf venues, however we suggest Peter Pan Mini Golf. This course has been working since 1946 but retains including revolutionary new concepts. Nutmeg a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex, hit the ball via an enormous Converse shoe, and intention straight into an orca’s mouth – the Peter Pan course is as whacky as they arrive.
A recreation at Peter Pan is without doubt one of the most entertaining issues to do in Austin; bizarre, it’s certain to get a giggle or two.
24. Go Wine Tasting on the Austin Vineyard
Get pleasure from tasting new wines? Or simply need an indulgent, fascinating exercise on your itinerary? Wine tasting on the Austin Vineyard is a superb factor to do when staying in Austin, Texas.
You don’t want a reservation to go to the Austin Vineyard, and the venue runs tasting classes 4 days per week. The tasting menu lets you pattern a beneficiant variety of totally different wines, with the choice to buy further snacks like cheeseboards and olives.
If wine tasting is your factor then this Wine Shuttle is likely to be proper up your alley.
25. Go to the Museum of the Bizarre, Austin
Austin’s slogan is Hold Austin Bizarre and The Museum of the Bizarre caters to that bizarre, eclectic, and unusually intriguing factor that makes Austin particular.
The attraction self-proclaims to be ‘America’s Strangest Attraction’. From shrunken heads to bigfoot memorabilia, the museum is an entertaining spot to go to whereas in Austin. There’s additionally a present store subsequent door, simply in case you get impressed to deliver any oddities residence!
The attraction is open from 10 am till 7 pm every single day, so it’s a good attraction to go to final minute.
26. See the Austin Murals
Austin has many, many lovely murals. In reality, town has so many who mural excursions have turn into a official factor to do.
You may buy a tour on-line, go to the customer middle for recommendation, or got down to discover the most effective murals independently.
Should you boldly select the latter choice, these are the murals that you must prioritize: Greetings From Austin, Received’t You Be My Neighbor, Tau Ceti, and the Austin Texas Mural.
27. Go to the Austin Aquarium
Dangerous climate? No drawback. The Austin Aquarium is a protected choice – no matter whether or not it’s too sizzling, wet, or chilly.
The aquarium is small however has a number of hands-on encounters and animals to identify. You may meet octopuses, stingrays, sharks, turtles, and many tropical fish. There are additionally mammals to fulfill like sloths and lemurs.
These touring with kids ought to word that the Aquarium has resident mermaids! Younger kids can be mesmerized by coming face-to-face with a ‘actual life’ mermaid, and the actresses carry out routines and work together with guests whereas in tanks.
28. Take a Dip in Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool is without doubt one of the most fascinating swimming spots in Austin.
The pool sits beneath a 50ft waterfall, the place Hamilton Creek plummets over the cliff edge above. Hamilton Pool was shaped when an underground river collapsed, and now guests climb down to achieve the pool stage.
Hamilton Pool is an hour’s drive from Austin and isn’t accessible through public transport. Nevertheless, should you don’t have a automotive, it’s value stopping by the Austin Customer Heart to investigate about any obtainable excursions.
29. Drop by the Cathedral of Junk
You’ve probably seen a whole lot of cathedrals in your time. A cathedral created from junk? Most likely not.
The Cathedral of Junk is constructed from over sixty tons of undesirable gadgets – together with furnishings, tennis rackets, tires, and even classroom skeletons.
The cathedral is an extremely eccentric artwork sculpture and is privately owned. To go to, e book an appointment (512-299-7413), because the sculpture is within the proprietor’s yard.
Vital Data
A Fast Take a look at Austin…
That will help you arrive ready in Austin, it’s a good suggestion to know how town is laid out. This manner, you may plan an itinerary that is smart geographically and logistically! So, let’s check out the most effective areas inside the metropolis limits.
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is cool. The district embodies modern Austin, with stay music venues, hip outlets, and lots of cultural points of interest. Downtown Austin is fast-paced and greatest suited to those that desire a busy ambiance.
Key streets to recollect are Rainey Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Rainey Avenue is the place to eat, with rows of bungalows transformed to hospitality venues. Sixth Avenue is a nightlife hotspot, with bars, speakeasies, and rooftop events galore.
Central Austin
Central Austin has a sociable ambiance because of being residence to the College of Texas campus.
The world has an everything-you-need structure, typical of scholar areas and metropolis facilities. As a vacationer, you may go to varied museums on campus, watch stay music, or simply benefit from the widespread eating places and cafes.
Should you prefer to be within the metropolis middle and simply hop on the metro from most points of interest, the Central area is for you.
South Austin
In distinction, South Austin feels extra suburban. You’ll meet extra Austin residents right here, as the realm is residential reasonably than geared toward college students or vacationers.
The perfect avenue to go to is South Congress Avenue, whereas South Lamar is a neighborhood value stopping by.
South Congress Avenue is the place you’ll discover a well-known Austin mural – a cursive message in crimson studying ‘I really like you a lot’. It’s also the place to go for purchasing wants, and if you wish to buy a pair of cowboy boots, Allen’s Boots is the spot.
South Lamar is a budget-friendly and really protected space in Austin, Texas. If you’re searching for a fairly priced meal or a bit of artwork, be certain that to go to the neighborhood of South Lamar.
East Austin
People who discover downtown Austin stylish however not fairly quirky sufficient ought to head to east Austin.
The world is beneath fast gentrification and improvement – which means it nonetheless has that thrilling, fresh-faced attraction. East Austin is extensively identified for its avenue artwork, eateries selling sustainable dwelling, and inexperienced house.
You might be lazing by Woman Hen Lake by morning, taking a avenue artwork tour by afternoon, and eating in stylish areas like Cesar Chavez by night time.
Now that you just’ve began to construct an itinerary of issues to do in Austin, these are some additional issues so that you can think about.
The best way to Get to Austin, Texas?
Attending to Austin is straightforward, and town is well-connected by roads and flight paths.
The quickest strategy to get to Austin is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport, which connects Austin with each the remainder of the US and the remainder of the world.
Getting Round Austin
Austin has glorious public transportation inside the metropolis limits. When touring between neighborhoods and points of interest, you should utilize the buses or gentle rail system with out counting on a automotive.
Nevertheless, when visiting points of interest exterior town limits, be ready for restricted or non-existent public transport.
When you’ve got distant locations you need to go to within the Texas Hill Nation, we suggest renting a automotive or reserving a tour.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Austin?
When judging based mostly on temperature, March to Might and September to October are the most effective months to go to Austin. You may anticipate heat climate with out having to take care of mugginess and humidity.
Nevertheless, these months are the height seasons for visiting Austin. If you wish to avoid wasting cash, think about reserving for the shoulder seasons – particularly February and November, when the temperatures are nonetheless comparatively cool.
The place to Keep in Austin?
- BudgetHostels are nice for budgets, so e book into the Firehouse Hostel if you’re comfy in a dormitory room.The hostel is situated in the course of Downtown Austin – good for straightforward entry to metropolis points of interest.
- Mid-Vary Sentral East Austin 1610 is a good mid-range lodging selection. You may have luxuries like a health middle and a classy location however can even lower your expenses by having full use of a kitchen.
- LuxuryReserve a room on the Fairmont Austin Gold Expertise for luxurious in Austin. A 5-star resort with a Seventh-floor terrace pool and 5 totally different on-site eating places, the Fairmont is bound to tick all of your containers.
Austin is an incredible introduction to Texas. The town can maintain you entertained for a weekend or per week, all yr spherical.
In fact, don’t simply cease in Austin! Head North to affix Route 66, East to the coast, or West for desert State Parks – Texas is a state that calls for exploring.
