15 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas
Texas’s capital city has earned its “Keep Austin Weird” slogan through decades of embracing quirky attractions alongside Southern charm.
These 15 best things to do in Austin, Texas, will show you exactly why locals and visitors can’t get enough of this place.
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1. Explore Zilker Park And Barton Springs Pool
Zilker Park sprawls across 350 acres right in the middle of the city, and it’s Austin’s backyard. Swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool — water stays a refreshing 20–21°C (68–70°F) year-round.
The park isn’t just about swimming; there are trails for hiking and biking, plus places to kayak or paddleboard. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden brings outdoor art into the mix, and the botanical garden is packed with native Texas plants.
Dogs are welcome on most trails, so bring your furry sidekick. The downtown skyline pops in the background, making it a solid spot for photos or just hanging out on the grass with friends and snacks.
2. Listen To Live Music On Sixth Street
Sixth Street’s best nightclubs host live DJs, dance floors, and rooftop patios that keep things bumping way past midnight. There’s serious venue-hopping energy as local bands and touring acts fill the strip with everything from gritty rock to electronic beats.
The street stretches on for blocks, jammed with bars and clubs. Cover charges are usually low, and the music’s always on point. Peek inside before you commit — no shame in searching for your vibe.
Thursday through Saturday nights are wild, but weeknights are more chill and still packed with good music. In this so-called Live Music Capital, you could catch a show pretty much any night you want.
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3. Visit The Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol towers over the city — taller than the U.S. Capitol in D.C. — and you can check it out for free. Built in 1888 out of pink granite, it’s a stunner if you’re into architecture.
Guided tours run almost daily, skipping only the biggest holidays. You’ll walk through ornate rotundas, peek at legislative chambers, and pick up a few Texas history tidbits along the way.
The grounds go on for 22 acres, dotted with statues, monuments, and plenty of shady paths for wandering or snapping a few photos. Swing by the Capitol Visitor Center for interactive exhibits if you want to nerd out a bit more.
4. Tour The Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum makes Texas history a lot more interesting than you might expect. There are three floors of interactive exhibits, covering everything from ancient times to modern pop culture.
Catch a film on the giant IMAX screen or see the Texas Spirit Theater show. The top floor dives into Texas music, movies, and sports that shaped the country.
Special exhibits keep things fresh, so repeat visits don’t feel stale. If you get hungry, The Star Cafe has you covered, and the museum store is loaded with Texas-themed souvenirs.
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5. Stroll Through Lady Bird Lake Hike And Bike Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail loops around Lady Bird Lake for about 10 miles, cutting right through downtown. You’ll pass everything from skyscrapers to ball fields, and the water’s never far away.
Skyline views change with every turn. Walk, run, or bike the whole thing, or cross a bridge and shorten your route if you’re not feeling ambitious.
The Boardwalk section finally finished the loop, so you can circle the whole lake without backtracking. It’s a slice of nature tucked into the city, and it’s a solid way to clear your head.
6. Shop At South Congress Avenue Boutiques
South Congress Avenue is where Austin’s weirdness goes shopping. Vintage clothing, offbeat gift shops, and indie boutiques line this stretch — locals just call it SoCo.
It started as a spot for retro finds and oddities, but now it’s a major shopping strip with both homegrown favorites and big-name brands. Hunt for vintage denim, snag handmade jewelry, or scoop up Austin souvenirs you won’t see anywhere else.
Between stores, there are taco trucks and coffee shops to refuel. Murals and funky storefronts make window shopping almost as good as the real thing.
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7. Taste Modern Tex-Mex At Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is a local legend for a reason. The menu goes way beyond regular Tex-Mex, and people get pretty fired up about their queso and wild taco combos.
Order ahead with their app if you hate waiting, or just grab a table and dig through the options. There’s even a secret menu with seven off-the-books tacos for those in the know.
8. Watch The Bats Emerge From Congress Avenue Bridge
Every summer evening, around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats turn the Congress Avenue Bridge into a full-blown wildlife spectacle. It’s the largest urban bat colony in the world, and watching them pour out at sunset is a must.
Pick your spot — on the bridge, down by the grassy southeast shore, or even from a kayak on the water. The bats usually take flight 15–30 minutes after sunset, streaking across the sky in a wild, swirling cloud for up to 45 minutes.
Arrive early during the busy season; it fills up fast. Bring a blanket, maybe a snack, and settle in for one of the city’s weirdest (and coolest) free shows.
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9. Visit The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
The LBJ Presidential Library sits on the University of Texas campus and offers a close-up look at one of America’s most turbulent eras. This towering building is packed with artifacts from LBJ’s presidency — the Vietnam War, civil rights, and the Great Society.
Exhibits include photographs, immersive media, and original documents. There’s even a replica Oval Office for a peek at presidential life. Walk-up tickets are easy to get, so you can pop in on a whim.
The museum also highlights Lady Bird Johnson’s environmental work, which doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
10. Relax At The Umlauf Sculpture Garden And Museum
The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum is a hidden gem tucked next to Zilker Park. Across six acres, you’ll spot more than 40 sculptures by Charles Umlauf, who donated both his art and the land for this peaceful place.
Stroll shady paths where bronze figures pop out between native trees and plants. Admission is affordable, so it’s accessible for anyone needing a quiet break from the city buzz.
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11. Dine At Franklin Barbecue For Legendary Brisket
Franklin Barbecue draws barbecue pilgrims from all over — people line up for hours, folding chairs and coolers in tow, for a shot at some of the best smoked meat in Texas.
Inside, things are no-frills with metal ceilings and cement floors, but the menu is where the magic happens. The brisket is legendary, smoked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. There’s also pork ribs, sausage, turkey, and pulled pork, plus must-have sides like coleslaw.
The line moves faster than you’d think, and you’ll probably make a few friends while waiting. Get there early if you want a shot at the good stuff before it sells out.
12. Enjoy A Night At The Continental Club
The Continental Club has been Austin’s music soul since the ‘50s. Tucked on South Congress, it’s where you catch everything from rockabilly to blues to indie bands that might be huge next year.
The place is intimate — every seat feels close to the stage. Grab a drink at the bar and settle in for a few sets. The red lighting and vintage style give it a vibe you don’t see much anymore.
Shows usually kick off around 9:30 PM, but arrive early if you want a good spot. It fills up fast, especially on weekends — that’s just how it goes when the music’s this good.
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13. Visit The Blanton Museum Of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin campus holds more than 22,000 pieces, weaving together centuries of creative expression. Ancient Greek pottery sits just steps from bold modern abstracts.
The museum complex is made up of three buildings; it’s big enough to feel substantial, but never too overwhelming. Free guided tours are on offer if you want to get a deeper sense of the stories behind the art.
14. Play A Round At Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Peter Pan Mini Golf has been keeping Austin playful since 1948, and it’s still one of the city’s most cherished spots for a dose of retro fun. Two 18-hole courses snake through a parade of colorful figures: a towering T. rex, Peter Pan himself, and plenty of offbeat surprises at every turn.
Some holes are a breeze, others will have you muttering under your breath, but all come wrapped in the kind of kitschy charm that keeps Austin just a little bit weird. The courses are tidy and welcoming, and you can even tote along your own snacks and drinks if you want to make a picnic out of it.
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15. McKinney Falls State Park
Just 15 minutes from downtown, McKinney Falls State Park is where Austin locals and visitors alike sneak away for a break from city life. Spanning 714 acres, the park has upper and lower waterfalls where Onion Creek tumbles over limestone ledges.
There are nearly 9 miles of trails weaving through the Hill Country woods; perfect if you want to hike, try some mountain biking, or just see what’s rustling in the brush. Some folks come for fishing, others to camp under the stars — either way, it’s a solid reset button.
History buffs get a bonus here. Scattered around the park, you’ll stumble on old homestead ruins and a rock shelter that’s been around longer than any of us.
