What Are The Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas?

Austin, Texas is known for being an eclectic and vibrant city with a great deal to offer visitors. From its iconic music scene to its numerous outdoor activities and thriving dining scene, Austin has grown into one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Whether you’re looking for nightlife and entertainment, shopping, culture, or natural beauty, there are plenty of things to do in Austin to keep you busy.

Austin Music Scene

The most iconic thing Austin has to offer is music. Nicknamed “The Live Music Capital of the World,” the city has numerous live music venues up and down its iconic 6th street district. For lovers of music and entertainment, this is a must-see destination in Austin. Austin also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including the South by Southwest Music Festival & Conference, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest, and the Moontower Comedy Festival.

Outdoor Activities

Austin offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. From swimming in natural springs to kayaking on Lake Austin or Lake Travis, there are plenty of ways to get outside and explore. Hiking is also popular in and around the city, with trails that range from easy to challenging and offer views of the Texas hill country. Visitors who love to shop should be sure to check out Barton Creek Square Mall and the downtown boutiques, where they’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to stylish clothing.

Dining and Nightlife

Austin has become known as a foodie destination in recent years, with a huge selection of restaurants serving everything from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese cuisine. From hole-in-the-wall taco shacks to upscale vegan restaurants, there’s something for everyone. The city’s bar scene is also thriving, with craft breweries, dive bars, and upscale lounges throughout town. Whether you’re looking to enjoy craft cocktails or dance the night away, you’ll find no shortage of entertainment options.

Cultural Attractions

Austin is also home to a number of cultural attractions that are worth exploring. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a great place to learn more about the state’s history and the Blanton Museum of Art showcases a variety of works from around the world. Visitors should also be sure to check out the landmark Texas Capitol Building or head to Zilker Park where they can enjoy concerts or take a jog along one of the trails.

Conclusion

The best things to do in Austin, Texas depend on personal interests and preferences. Whether you’re into music and entertainment or outdoor adventures, shopping, dining out or exploring the city’s culture and history, Austin has something for everyone. From T-shirts emblazoned with “Keep Austin Weird” to its beautiful lakes and hill country landscape, it truly is an exceptional city full of unique experiences. The Official Travel Guide from TravelAustinOnline.com is a great source for finding more activities, attractions, and events in Austin as well as tips for navigating the city like a local.

Insider’s Guide: Things to Do in Austin, Texas

Welcome to Austin, the capital of the Lone Star State! Famed for its music, food, and history, Austin is the perfect destination for tourists looking for a diverse and exciting vacation. The city’s laid-back vibe, abundant green spaces, and vibrant culture make it an ideal location to relax and explore alike. So why not check out some of the best things to do in Austin?

Local Attractions

Austin is brimming with landmarks, museums, and tourist attractions that are worth visiting. For a slice of history, head to the Texas State Capitol – the impressive pink granite building standing 311 feet tall is a stunning sight. The LBJ Presidential Library is an excellent destination for history buffs, providing an in-depth look into Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency, while the Bullock Texas State History Museum has fascinating exhibits about the state’s past.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which is dedicated to conserving the region’s flora and fauna. The center boasts a scenic network of trails, beautiful gardens, and educational exhibits. Austin also has many parks renowned for their outdoor recreation opportunities, such as Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Mount Bonnell.

For art lovers, a visit to the Blanton Museum of Art should be at the top of the list. The museum has a massive collection of over 18,000 pieces, including modern and contemporary art, European paintings, and even some ancient Greek artifacts. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is another excellent spot to enjoy outdoor art exhibitions.

Dining Spots

One reason Austin’s culinary scene is famous is because of the city’s unique mix of Southern cooking, Mexican cuisine, and barbecue culture. If you’re looking for world-renowned barbecue, then you won’t regret a trip to Franklin Barbecue or Terry Black’s Barbecue. If you prefer a vegan or vegetarian diet, don’t worry – Austin has plenty of options. Try a taco from the Vegan Nom or one of the many meat-free dishes at the East Side King.

For breakfast, try the tacos and migas at Veracruz All Natural or Kerbey Lane Cafe. If you’re looking for something sweet, don’t miss Gourdough’s Donuts, which serves up inventive donut creations like biscuit donut sandwiches and fried chicken-topped donuts. And for a unique drinking experience, head over to the Coffee House at Caroline, where you can enjoy your java with a side of ping pong.

Cultural Experiences

Austin’s culture is undoubtedly its defining feature – the city is known for its thriving music scene, innovative film festivals, and avant-garde theatre productions. As the “Live Music Capital of the World,” there’s always a show to catch in Austin. Head over to The Continental Club or Antone’s for a mix of rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and blues. The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which takes place every March, is a fantastic, immersive experience for music, film, and tech enthusiasts.

For theatre lovers, a trip to the Long Center for the Performing Arts or the Austin Playhouse is a must. And for those who appreciate the quirky side of culture, visit the Museum of the Weird or the Cathedral of Junk, a unique art installation built entirely out of recycled materials.

Local History

Austin’s history is rich, with stories surrounding its inception, its role in the Texas Revolution, and the city becoming the capital of Texas. A visit to the Texas State Cemetery is an excellent educational experience and an excellent place to pay respects to notable figures buried there, including Stephen F. Austin, Barbara Jordan, and Governor Ann Richards.

Take a tour of the French Legation Museum, which preserves the legacy of the diplomat that served right here or visit the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, where you can see working reproductions of early settlements, farmhouses, and even a stagecoach.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to take a break from the typical tourist hotspots, Austin has plenty of unique experiences to offer. A bat-watching excursion on the Congress Avenue Bridge is a must-see spectacle every dusk, with 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats swooping above the city skyline.

The Cathedral of Junk is a whimsical art installation not to be missed. Or visit the Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata, which houses an eclectic mix of odds and ends, from insects in uniform clothes to shoes cursed by witches.

Take a walk over to the Hope Outdoor Gallery, a graffiti artist’s paradise that has recently been transformed into the largest curated street art paradise. Or head over to the Blue Cat Cafe where you can sip on coffee while playing with rescued kittens.

With so many things to do in Austin, it may be difficult to decide what to do first. Whether it’s the vibrant culture, innovative dining, or rich local history, Austin will keep you busy for days. Make sure you explore what makes this Texan city so unique – you won’t regret it.