Things to Do in Austin Texas
Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken stands out in a state renowned for its fried chicken offerings with their gourmet burgers and fries – it’s known for both taste and greasiness, making it a tourist favorite spot.
The Museum of Weird is exactly as its name implies – an eclectic and captivating assortment of unusual artifacts designed to leave visitors stunned and confounded.
1. South Congress Avenue
South Austin’s main strip, commonly referred to by locals as SoCo, offers trendy boutiques, restaurants and art galleries that make this city such an exciting place. Plus, SoCo features some of the best street art around – bring your camera and take photos opps by those beautiful murals scattered about this area!
Once you’re feeling ready to unwind, head down to Lady Bird Lake. Although its waters may be cooler than those at Barton Springs, they remain free and just as picturesque; you can lounge on a float or sit beneath one of the many trees lining its shores.
Zilker Park provides plenty of activities. Hike, bike, kayak and jog trails abound here as well as plenty of space for children to play or adults to relax or even catch a concert!
Visit the Museum of the Weird for an educational experience on the University of Texas campus, celebrating natural science through exhibits dedicated to geology, herpetology and ichthyology – plus preserved fossils that you can touch! For an even more unforgettable visit there’s even an area dedicated to touching meteorite rocks!
To experience true Austin, visit Sixth Street and downtown. Here, the music scene is world-famous with big name musicians frequently performing at venues like Stubb’s bar. Additionally, The Drag is home to numerous clubs catering specifically to college students – another prime destination.
2. Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s favorite places to unwind, boasting 68-degree waters ideal for wading and lap swimming, plus outdoor movies during the summer months. But the real draw of Barton Springs Pool lies in its unique natural ambience; portable speakers are not permitted here and portable speakers often become the topic of bongo circles or groups of yogis posing at its edges, while Gen-Zers laze on unicorn floats or swimsuit models pose for photos (though most likely without topless models!).
Spend your afternoon relaxing by the pool, strolling along greenbelt trails or visiting one of the restaurants or bars along the waterfront. Or venture up to the high point for breathtaking views by hiking a few miles on Barton Creek Greenbelt – something all visitors to Austin must experience!
When feeling energetic, head down to the watersports dock and rent paddleboat or kayaks from Watersports Dock. Or check out the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum or hop aboard Hill Country Flyer for scenic tours of Lake Travis’ lakeside scenery. Or why not visit Texas Memorial Museum? A trip here provides you with an interactive educational experience in geology, zoology, herpetology and ichthyology – you’ll see fossils float in glass jars while dinosaur bones climb to dizzying heights while touching meteorite rocks or even touching meteorite rocks – perfect for all learning styles!
3. Museum of the Weird
One of the best ways to experience Austin’s quirky side is a visit to the Museum of the Weird. Here, visitors will discover an eclectic assortment of oddities spanning 3,000 years of time from classic sideshow items like an ancient Egyptian mummy to an Fiji mermaid made up of monkey and fish parts – with Steve Bustis himself serving as part showman, part Austin character; offering both science fiction and fact simultaneously and leaving visitors to determine what lies between.
There’s a reason the museum is such a favorite among groups, from scavenger hunts and city tours that venture off-path, to its hidden bar that serves craft drinks in an old warehouse space – it all adds up to an unforgettable experience!
Austin offers many fascinating points of interest, with one such being the Cathedral of Saint Mary – an eye-catching Catholic church with gothic features including an immense bell tower, interior dome and large stained glass window – offering one of the most exquisite experiences available to visitors to Austin.
Guided tours of Austin offer the ideal way to appreciate its charming points of interest, from free walks on weekends with Tipster Tours to more in-depth ghost and pub crawl tours with Walking Tours of Austin. Food tours like Austin Eats Food Tours also feature delicious itineraries that stop at Congress Avenue Bridge to admire its famous 1.5 million bat population roost every night here.
4. Barton Creek Greenbelt
Barton Creek Greenbelt trails provide 12 miles of breathtaking hiking and biking. While you’re here, make sure you visit Sculpture Falls – one of Austin’s most breathtaking waterfalls that requires a hike to reach. Sculpture Falls features an inviting swimming hole ideal for cooling off after an exhausting hike as well as being an excellent site for cliff diving and rappelling enthusiasts.
Be sure not to miss the Texas Governor’s Mansion during your Austin visit! Built in the 1800s and still housing every governor since, take a free tour and learn more about its rich history while admiring its rooms, furnishings and offices.
Barton Springs Pool is an ideal destination for locals to spend an enjoyable outdoor afternoon, yet many don’t realize that its park holds another exciting surprise: Snake Island! This secret oasis provides the perfect setting for an idyllic picnic with loved ones or swimming beneath its waterfalls – not to mention an exciting secret bar that only opens on the first Thursday of every month; to access it simply pull open an out-of-the-way bookcase!
5. Mayfield Park and Preserve
This park often ranks at the top of Things to Do in Austin Texas lists thanks to its large family of peacocks that roam freely across its garden. There are also walking trails and ponds frequented by wildlife at this park.
Esther’s Follies has been providing Austinites with a night of comedy for more than 40 years with its eclectic mix of sketches, comedy bits and magic acts – an enjoyable modern vaudeville that allows visitors to discover its vibrant culture.
Lady Bird Lake (or Town Lake, as some still refer to it) provides the ideal setting for an enjoyable paddle during a visit to downtown Austin. Its peaceful waters make for a peaceful day trip or sunset paddle experience, offering stunning views across Austin.
If you’re feeling active, check out the rowing dock in the park, or take a Segway Tour of Downtown (which includes visiting Driskill Hotel and its legendary ghosts and spirits). For some shopping fun head down South Congress Avenue where shops like Hopdoddy, Allen’s Boots and Home Slice Pizza await. Or check out Uncommon Objects where bargain hunters will discover unique finds they won’t see anywhere else!
6. Laguna Gloria
Attractions such as this one located near Zilker Nature Preserve have quickly become one of Austin, Texas’s top tourist draws for good reason. You’ll quickly see why when you discover its eye-popping colors and bizarre oddities. There’s also a fossil dig and wildlife exhibits to keep children happy and engaged, bats have long been associated with Austin; during warmer months Lady Bird Lake becomes even more prominent, offering sunset, sightseeing, and moonlight tours from numerous companies offering tours on its waters.
Laguna Gloria offers world-class modern art in an idyllic setting. Most sculptures can be found outside, and visitors often enjoy strolling the grounds to appreciate them. On the villa terrace is an eye-catching installation called Lost Money which contains 2,000 coins scattered across concrete – perfect for families to spend quality time together!
Stay at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown to make the most of your visit to Austin and take advantage of its many offerings, like breakfast buffet and renting bikes from them before exploring the sights. Once sightseeing has concluded, take a dip in their rooftop pool to cool off while sipping cocktails under twinkling city lights – and when it comes time for dinner there is also Spread and Co restaurant nearby!
