If you’re in search of issues to do in Austin, the excellent news is there are many decisions. Because the Texas State Capitol, Austin embodies all issues Texas – promising a jam-packed itinerary. You possibly can study Texas historical past, go to enjoyable sights, admire Latin American artwork, and expertise a powerful cityscape. Because the Stay Music Capital of the world, there isn’t any scarcity of locations to look at dwell music within the metropolis. This exercise was undoubtedly one among our favourite issues to do in Austin.
Prime Issues to Do in Austin
After all, nature lovers may even discover many issues to do in Austin. 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 supplies a unbelievable stability of indoor and out of doors actions and also you’ll discover issues to do in Austin unfold throughout town.
1. Lease a Boat on Lake Austin
A picnic on the water is a romantic solution 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 personal tour.
As one among Austin’s most important 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. The easiest way to get pleasure from Lake Austin is by boat, as swimming and fishing are restricted round many lake areas.
If you happen to don’t wish to hire a ship your self, this guided boat tour on Lake Austin is the right different.
2. Swim in Lake Travis
Lake Travis is the place to go in case you’d desire to go swimming slightly than store for boat leases.
The reservoir is Austin’s greatest and most spectacular sight! The lake’s 271 miles of shoreline additionally means plenty 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 in case 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 biggest state capitol constructing within the US. To study Texas structure and politics, visiting the Capitol Constructing is well the most effective issues to do in Austin.
You possibly can take a free guided tour or go to independently. Guided excursions run at staggered, set intervals. However, in case 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 prone to promote out! You possibly can ebook 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 most recent analysis, the museum covers varied matters with non permanent, and everlasting reveals. 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, attention-grabbing 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 crammed with water from a close-by pure spring and is thermally heated, so good for swimming all 12 months spherical. Close by, the Zilker Botanical and Sculpture Gardens are good to wander on foot.
While you’re within the space be sure that to go to the Austin Nature & Science Middle 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 in case 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 offers 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 Outdated Baldy, a 500-year-old tree and well-liked 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 more difficult. Leap in an air-conditioned van and discover all this space has to supply. E book it right here!
7. Hearken to Stay 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 dwell music, and there are at all times live performance ticket gross sales to grab up cut price tickets.
The Gap within the Wall, Damaged Step and San Jac Saloon are all good pub-style venues to seize a drink and take heed to nation tunes. Whereas the Moody Theater, Emo’s Austin, and Maggie Mae’s Live performance Corridor are a really perfect bigger live performance and festival-style venues – ebook 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 dwell 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 possibly can ebook excursions of the venue. From Monday to Saturday, 90-minute excursions are supplied of the dwell venue to see behind the scenes together with the superior images from acts which were performing right here since 1974.
Austin Metropolis Limits Pageant
The annual Austin Metropolis Limits Pageant is without doubt one of the greatest out of doors festivals within the nation that hosts 130 artists attracting 1 / 4 million patrons annually at Zilker Park. If you wish to attend this pageant, go to their web site to purchase tickets.
9. Catch Stay Music at The Continental Membership
Individuals name Austin the dwell music capital of Texas, and The Continental Membership is named one of many greatest golf equipment in Austin, Texas.
The membership has been internet hosting dwell music since 1955 – taking part in every little thing 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 possibly can study concerning the significance of conservation efforts, the historical past of the zoo, and meet animals up shut. Be sure that to catch the prepare across the park and go to the petting space to satisfy 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 the whole thing of his presidency. You’ll entry exhibitions on occasions in his presidency, just like the Vietnam Battle, hear voice recordings of Johnson discussing vital issues, and study loads of private particulars concerning the earlier president. If you’re taken with politics or presidential historical past, we’d suggest a go to.
12. LBJ Ranch
Nonetheless, we discovered touring the LBJ Ranch simply outdoors of Austin to be very attention-grabbing. Whereas a tour of the Texas White Home is briefly closed resulting from structural issues, you possibly can nonetheless take a driving tour of the ranch.
This was the childhood house 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 Website 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 folks. 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, in case you’d like to mix Austin’s nature with historical past, you’ll admire the historic cottage within the park middle.
14. Eat at Franklin Barbecue
When in Texas, strive 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 possibly can order brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage variations by the pound – good for giant teams and households. Alternatively, order a sandwich full of 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 up to date artwork gallery. Artwork lovers ought to place the gallery excessive on their record of issues to do in Austin, because the venue presents a unbelievable vary of exhibitions and artists.
From the Betty and Marcus Sculpture Park to non permanent trending exhibitions, it’s straightforward to spend half a day visiting the Laguna Gloria. Whereas primarily that includes up to date sculptures, you will see that a spread of artwork kinds to investigate and admire.
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 non permanent and everlasting exhibitions, and artifacts. So, whether or not you study visually, kinetically, or via auditory data, there will probably be loads of alternatives to take in Texas’ dwelling historical past.
You possibly can study Texan social historical past – from the unique inhabitants to the primary European colonizers and the current battles for equality.
17. See the Largest City Bat Colony
This addition to our record 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 need to prioritize witnessing in Austin.
For a distinct perspective on the bats strive 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 regarded as 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 possibly can go to for a tasting expertise on Thursdays to Sundays. The distillery is a forty-minute drive outdoors of Austin, situated within the suburb of Driftwood. Nonetheless, it’s effectively price making the drive for a go to or organizing a switch.
19. Go to Woman Hen Lake
Woman Hen Lake is one other reservoir in your itinerary! Whereas swimming is prohibited, the lake has many different out of doors actions that you need to strive.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Path is the well-known loop round Woman Hen Lake. The ten-mile path circles the complete lake perimeter, with combined terrain of boardwalk and pavement.
You possibly can seize a espresso and luxuriate in taking within the stunning surroundings that’s sandwiched between the cityscape and lake. Or, for runners and cyclists, you need to use the circuit to maintain accountable and match whereas on vacation.
Woman Hen Lake additionally runs beneath South Congress Bridge, so ebook a ship tour if you’d like a singular solution to watch the bat colony emerge.
20. Spend Noon in Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez is a energetic neighborhood, stuffed 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 begin? Start with a go to to Girls & Their Work, a non-profit artwork gallery, then purchase tacos to go from Granny’s Tacos – you possibly can calm down 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 guess.
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, providing you with data on town and enjoyable train on the similar time. Many individuals discover biking simpler than strolling a metropolis too, and it may be a faster solution to sightsee in case you solely have a brief go to deliberate.
You possibly can enquire on the Austin Customer Middle or ebook 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 mates, or as a date.
Austin has a shocking quantity of golf venues, however we suggest Peter Pan Mini Golf. This course has been working since 1946 but retains including progressive new concepts. Nutmeg a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex, hit the ball via a large Converse shoe, and goal straight into an orca’s mouth – the Peter Pan course is as whacky as they arrive.
A sport at Peter Pan is without doubt one of the most entertaining issues to do in Austin; strange, it’s sure 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, attention-grabbing exercise in 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 periods 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 may be proper up your alley.
25. Go to the Museum of the Bizarre, Austin
Austin’s slogan is Maintain 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 house!
The attraction is open from 10 am till 7 pm daily, so it’s a good attraction to go to final minute.
26. See the Austin Murals
Austin has many, many stunning murals. In actual fact, town has so many who mural excursions have turn out to be a professional factor to do.
You possibly can buy a tour on-line, go to the customer middle for recommendation, or got down to discover the most effective murals independently.
If you happen to boldly select the latter choice, these are the murals that you need to prioritize: Greetings From Austin, Gained’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 plenty of hands-on encounters and animals to identify. You possibly can meet octopuses, stingrays, sharks, turtles, and many tropical fish. There are additionally mammals to satisfy like sloths and lemurs.
These touring with youngsters ought to be aware that the Aquarium has resident mermaids! Younger youngsters will probably 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 attention-grabbing swimming spots in Austin.
The pool sits beneath a 50ft waterfall, the place Hamilton Creek plummets over the cliff edge above. Hamilton Pool was fashioned when an underground river collapsed, and now guests climb down to succeed in the pool degree.
Hamilton Pool is an hour’s drive from Austin and isn’t accessible through public transport. Nonetheless, in case you don’t have a automotive, it’s price stopping by the Austin Customer Middle to investigate about any accessible excursions.
29. Drop by the Cathedral of Junk
You’ve probably seen plenty of cathedrals in your time. A cathedral comprised of 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, ebook an appointment (512-299-7413), because the sculpture is within the proprietor’s yard.
Necessary Data
A Fast Take a look at Austin…
That can assist you arrive ready in Austin, it’s a good suggestion to know how town is laid out. This fashion, you possibly can plan an itinerary that is sensible 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 up to date Austin, with dwell music venues, hip outlets, and plenty of cultural sights. Downtown Austin is fast-paced and greatest suited to those that desire a busy environment.
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 environment because of being house to the College of Texas campus.
The world has an everything-you-need format, typical of scholar areas and metropolis facilities. As a vacationer, you possibly can go to varied museums on campus, watch dwell music, or simply benefit from the well-liked eating places and cafes.
If you happen to wish to be within the metropolis middle and simply hop on the metro from most sights, 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 world is residential slightly than geared toward college students or vacationers.
The perfect avenue to go to is South Congress Avenue, whereas South Lamar is a neighborhood price 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 in search of a fairly priced meal or a bit of artwork, be sure that to go to the neighborhood of South Lamar.
East Austin
Those who discover downtown Austin fashionable however not fairly quirky sufficient ought to head to east Austin.
The world is beneath speedy 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 may be lazing by Woman Hen Lake by morning, taking a avenue artwork tour by afternoon, and eating in fashionable 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 further issues so that you can think about.
Easy methods to Get to Austin, Texas?
Attending to Austin is straightforward, and town is well-connected by roads and flight paths.
The quickest solution 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 wonderful public transportation inside the metropolis limits. When touring between neighborhoods and sights, you need to use the buses or mild rail system with out counting on a automotive.
Nonetheless, when visiting sights outdoors town limits, be ready for restricted or non-existent public transport.
In case you have distant locations you wish to go to within the Texas Hill Nation, we suggest renting a automotive or reserving a tour.
When is the Finest 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 possibly can count on heat climate with out having to cope with mugginess and humidity.
Nonetheless, 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 ebook into the Firehouse Hostel if you’re snug in a dormitory room.The hostel is situated in the midst of Downtown Austin – good for simple entry to metropolis sights.
- Mid-Vary Sentral East Austin 1610 is a good mid-range lodging selection. You will have luxuries like a health middle and a classy location however may 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 lodge with a Seventh-floor terrace pool and 5 totally different on-site eating places, the Fairmont is bound to tick all of your packing containers.
Austin is a tremendous introduction to Texas. Town can maintain you entertained for a weekend or per week, all 12 months spherical.
After all, don’t simply cease in Austin! Head North to hitch Route 66, East to the coast, or West for desert State Parks – Texas is a state that calls for exploring.
