There’s no shortage of things to do in Austin. The city is full of art, music, culture and history that will keep you entertained for days on end.
The city of Austin is the capital of Texas and is the fourth most populous city in the United States of America. It is also known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” due to its vibrant live music scene. Austin has many things to do and see.
If you’re looking for a place that has something for everyone, then Austin is the place for you. From fine dining to nightlife and entertainment, there are endless options available to suit your every need.
Austin is fast becoming a city where many of silicon Valley tech companies are moving their offices, because of the booming tech industry and the large number of educated millennials who want to work there.
Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Austin Texas:
Downtown Austin Texas
Austin, Texas, boasts one of the most distinguishable skylines in the entirety of the state of Texas thanks to its glittering buildings and picturesque waterside views.
On the other hand, there are nearly as many exciting sights to take in down below!
The sidewalks are lined with stores and eating establishments.
A night out in the town can be filled with entertainment at shopping centers, museums, art galleries, and performance theatres.
Every week, a farmer’s market offers consumers the opportunity to purchase fresh produce as well as artisanal goods.
In addition to the river, there is a boardwalk that can be used for sightseeing.
There are guided tours that can be taken of the state capitol building.
You can satisfy every whim and investigate every trail by renting cars, bikes, and boats to get around.
Downtown Austin has everything you could possibly want, whether you’re looking to shop until you drop or stuff your belly until it explodes.
It doesn’t matter how long you plan to spend in the city, you absolutely have to make time for this activity.
The Lady Bird Lake Trail
This trail runs along Lady Bird Lake, a reservoir on the Colorado River. It is about 10 miles long and is a great place for running, walking, or biking.
The trail has many beautiful views of the lake, as well as some of the city’s most popular attractions. There are also plenty of benches along the way so that you can rest if needed.
The hike and bike trail is free and open from sunrise to sunset. You do not need an ID or pass to walk, run or bike on this trail. Zilker Botanical Garden: This garden is located next to Barton Springs Pool in Austin and has over 2,000 species of plants from around the world.
Texas Capitol
Home to the state legislature and the executive branch of government, the Texas Capitol is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Austin.
The building is located at 11th Street and Congress Avenue and was built in 1888. It was designed by Elijah E. Myers, who also designed courthouses throughout Texas.
The building is made of pink granite from Marble Falls and has a copper dome. It was the first state capitol building in Texas, replacing an earlier wooden structure. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Sprawling green space with recreation facilities, Zilker Metropolitan Park is one of the most popular spots in Austin.
The park has walking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool. It also hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
For those looking for a greener space in which to relax and enjoy nature, this park is an ideal option.
The park also hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival. For those looking for a greener space in which to relax and enjoy nature, this park is an ideal option.
Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is one of the premier art museums in Texas.
The museum, which is located on the University of Texas campus in Austin, houses a large collection of artwork from many different periods and cultures.
Its collection includes pieces by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Constantin Brancusi among many others.
The museum also hosts a number of exhibits throughout the year, including one on the Abstract Expressionist movement and another on 19th-century French art. For those looking to see some of the finest works in Texas, this is a must-see attraction.
Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712, United States
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a state park is located right at the junction of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek.
Open for day & overnight use all year, this park is a great place to spend a day enjoying the outdoors.
It features swimming, hiking, and biking trails as well as camping sites for those who want to spend the night there.
Located just north of Austin, it’s easy to reach from anywhere in the city by car or public transportation.
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, United States
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and presenting the history of Texas. Located a few blocks north of the Capitol at 1800 North Congress Avenue in Austin, TX it’s your chance to see national treasures up close!
This museum features exhibits on the culture, history, and arts of Texas. It is located in the heart of downtown Austin in The Bullock Texas State History Museum building, which was originally constructed in 1915 as the first high school for African-Americans in Austin.
Address: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
Tickets: www.thestoryoftexas.com
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Go to this external recreation Pool in Austin for a great day outing. The best part about this pool is that water for the Barton Springs Pool comes entirely from natural springs in the area, making it a unique recreational outdoor swimming pool.
This 3-acre swimming pool in Zilker Park is a public park that remains open year-round.
The water is heated to an average temperature of 68 degrees, making it a comfortable place to swim on those hot Texas days when you don’t want to go all the way out to Barton Springs.
It has two diving boards, one for kids and one for adults, as well as a kiddie pool and five hot tubs.
Address: 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Located at The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The facility hosts a variety of educational activities and events in addition to housing more than 900 kinds of native Texas plants in both garden and wild settings.
Sprawling gardens & research center The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a public garden and research center located on the grounds of Austin’s former Windsor Park.
It features more than 10 acres of native wildflowers, including the world’s first living urban pollinator habitat.
The Center is home to various programs that promote environmental awareness and sustainability in Central Texas communities.
Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739, United States
Tickets: www.wildflower.org/visit
Lady Bird Lake
This man-made river-like reservoir in Autin Tx was initially constructed for the purpose of serving as a cooling pond for a newly constructed city power plant.
The lake is formed by Longhorn Dam, which was completed in 1960 for municipal and industrial water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
The lake, which has a surface area of 416 acres, is utilized most frequently these days for flood control and recreational purposes.
Serene reservoir for paddling & walks Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas.
The lake has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing.
Mount Bonnell
High lookout with scenic lake vistas Mount Bonnell is a prominent limestone mountain in Austin, Texas.
The peak rises 848 feet above sea level and is located in the middle of Lake Austin. Its elevation makes it one of the highest points in the city of Austin and offers views of downtown, Lake Travis, and other surrounding areas.
The peak is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and runners. The hike to the top begins at Bee Creek Trailhead on Payton Gin Rd. and is approximately 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 feet.
LBJ Presidential Library
Exhibits about President Johnson The library features 14 permanent exhibits, including the Oval Office.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and offers educational programs and events.
The LBJ School of Public Affairs was founded in 1981 and is ranked #1 in public affairs by U.S. News & World Report.
It’s located on the University of Texas campus, where tuition is $9,000 per semester for in-state students and $27,500 for out-of-state students (2018).
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Park with biking, swimming & climbing The park is a 30-mile long trail that runs through the city of Austin.
There are many access points along the way, including one near downtown. It’s also possible to bike on a portion of the trail called “Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail” that runs from Zilker Park to Congress Ave.
Other popular spots include Barton Springs Pool – The only natural spring-fed pool in Texas! Home of endangered species like bats, salamanders & fish. Austin Nature & Science Center – Live animal exhibits, nature walks & planetarium shows for kids!
Thinkery Children Museum
It is an Interactive children’s museum in Austin Texas. The Thinkery is an interactive children’s museum in Austin, Texas. It features a variety of exhibits that encourage children to learn through play.
The museum was established in 1983 but has never had a fixed location; instead, it has provided exhibitions that travel to various public locations such as shopping centers, parks, and libraries.
The Austin Children’s Museum opened its doors for the first time in a storefront on Fifth Street in 1987, making it the institution’s first permanent home. The museum was able to relocate to its current location at Colorado and Second Street in 1997 thanks to a successful fundraising campaign that included a donation of one million dollars made by Michael and Susan Dell.
Address: 830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, United States
Tickets: www.thinkeryaustin.org
Final Thoughts
If you love exploring new places, then Austin is the perfect city for you. The city offers an endless amount of things to do and many are free or very affordable, making it a great place to visit even on a budget.
Whether you’re looking for live music, shopping, food or outdoor activities, Austin has something for everyone!
We hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in Austin Texas. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
