41 Best Things To Do in Austin (By a Local)

Austin was always a favorite destination as a kid. But now, I’ve lived here since 2004, so I am looking forward to sharing my love of this great city with visitors.

Always famous for live music, history, and culture, Austin is now also known as a “foodie” town and, more recently, for its comedy scene. We’ll cover all of that, plus where to shop and fun day trips just outside of town.

This guide is a partner to my Where To Stay in Austin guide, so you’ll know where to hang your (cowboy?) hat at the end of the day.

Best Things To Do in Austin

Barton Springs Pool

Cool off at this Austin treasure located in Zilker Park.

Barton Springs Pool is the largest urban pool in the United States and an Austin treasure. Located inside Zilker Park and often called “The Crown Jewel of Austin,” this 3-acre natural pool is fed by underground springs that produce 26 million gallons of water a day.

Swimming in the cool waters is a year-round activity. The “Polar Bear Plunge” is a local tradition that happens every year on New Year’s Day. On most other days, though, it is warm enough to sunbathe on the grassy hills near the pool’s sides.

The maximum depth is eighteen feet, which tapers up to zero on the western end, but be careful; the rocks are slippery on this side.

The area around the pool is home to two endangered species. The Barton Springs salamander is found nowhere else on Earth, but the Texas blind salamander also lives in water-filled caves nearby.

Bat Watching

Witness the largest urban bat colony in the world, in the heart of Austin.

People standing at the Congress Avenue bridge and riding a small boat to watch the bats fly — *Spectators assemble on the Congress Avenue bridge as a small boat finds a scenic spot to witness millions of bats seeking their nightly dinner.*

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 7 pm to 9:30 pm mid-March to early fall | Entrance: Free to varied boat rental prices | 👉 Famous Austin Bat Boat Cruise

The Congress Avenue bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world. Every evening from late spring to early fall, over a million Mexican free-tailed bats spill into the sunset sky.

Bridge renovation in 1980 unwittingly created the ideal bat habitat, but at first, the bats were unpopular and nearly exterminated. This would have been a mistake; these bats consume up to 15 tons of mosquitoes per night! And they’re now a major part of Austin’s identity, from the Nightwing statue to the Ice Bats hockey team and Bat Fest.

The best time is late summer before the bats go to Mexico for the winter. The bats always emerge from the east side of the bridge, which is where most folks line up, but the darkness can make the bats difficult to see.

The river-level viewing areas and the trail/boardwalk offer a better angle. But by far the best way to see the bats is from the water. Rent a kayak, glowing paddle board, or climb aboard one of the larger river boats.

Mt. Bonnell

A short climb will reward you with breathtaking views of Austin and the Colorado River.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Best of Austin Tour with State Capitol and Mt. Bonnell

There is no better elevated view of Austin than at the top of Mt. Bonnell. Catch your breath after the challenging climb up 102 stone steps to the peak 775 feet above sea level, and then lose it again at the amazing vista. With a sweeping view of downtown at its back, the main focal point is the long look down the Colorado River in two directions. If your eyesight is good, you can see the Pennybacker Bridge in the distance.

The drive up to Mt. Bonnell takes you through gorgeous neighborhoods, no matter which direction you choose for your approach. Stop by and see the peacocks roaming Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve (no bathrooms), less than a mile from Mt. Bonnell. The outdoor art of Laguna Gloria is nearby as well.

For the two-vista’d adventurers, continue on and enjoy a canyon-esque drive to catch the sunset at our next attraction: The Oasis.

Note that there are no water or bathrooms at the top (or the bottom).

The Oasis

This enormous restaurant provides varied fare and spectacular sunset views.

Nicknamed the “Sunset Capital of Texas” for good reason, the wide westward view 450 feet above Lake Travis is unmatched anywhere in the Lone Star State.

Traditionally known as a Tex-Mex restaurant, the menu at The Oasis is actually quite varied, with items such as tempura-fried shrimp, gumbo, hamburgers, and gourmet salads. The drinks can be expensive, but can also be thought of as a cover charge for the spectacular view.

Lightning struck the restaurant in the summer of 2005, igniting a very bad fire. However, the rebuild made the Oasis bigger and better than ever. In 2019, it was recognized as the fourth largest restaurant in the world, with a capacity of 2,800 customers over its 30,000 square feet.

Local Tip: Grab a Lake Travis Party Boat during the afternoon before you visit the Oasis!

Lady Bird Lake

Enjoy boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more on and around Austin’s famous lake.

Lady Bird Lake underscores Austin’s skyline and offers many ways to enjoy its beauty.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Entrance: Free or varied tour fees | 👉 Lady Bird Lake Tours and Tickets

Austin just wouldn’t be Austin without the iconic Lady Bird Lake running along the southern edge of downtown. Still called “Town Lake” by many locals, it is formed by a dam in East Austin holding back the Colorado River. Barton Springs dumps around 30 million gallons of fresh spring water per day into the lake.

A wide variety of boat rentals and paddle boards are available. Take a 2-hour kayak lesson or rent your own kayak. Or, you can stay on land and walk the Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk, or ride around the shoreline on a Town Lake Trail Bike Tour.

Due to underwater remnants of old dams and other debris, swimming is not permitted for safety reasons. Go to the nearby Barton Springs Pool instead!

Sixth Street/Red River Entertainment District

Don’t miss this vibrant nightlife hub, home to awesome live music venues and an impressive comedy scene.

View of Revelers filling up Sixth Street — *Revelers fill up Sixth Street when the streets are closed to traffic on weekends.*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Sixth Street Bar Crawl

The rows of historic buildings on Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and I-35 burst into a vibrant nightlife scene when the sun sets.

Enjoy live rock at Friend’s Bar, Maggie Mae’s, The Blind Pig Pub, or reggae at The Flamingo Cantina. The Parish and Hotel Vegas hold court just on the other side of I-35. Antone’s is the grand-daddy venue and has moved just a block off Sixth Street.

Head north up Red River to catch shows at the Empire Control Room, Elysium, Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, Mohawk, or show your pride at Cheer Up Charlies.

This area now sports an impressive comedy scene as well.

This is not the area for fine dining, but the grab-and-go can be pretty good. Try Taqueria Las Chismosas or DittyDog. Sit down for a healthy asian-fusion meal at family-owned Koriente or go full carnivore at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q.

The Sixth Street/Red River Entertainment District is best explored spontaneously on foot.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Attend Austin’s most iconic music festival, which takes place every October.

Crowds gather at ACL Music Festival to watch the performances on stage — *Downtown Austin serves as the backdrop for the largest stage at the ACL Music Festival.*

📍 Google Maps | Website | When: Usually the first two weekends of October | Entrance: $170+

Nearly a half-million people attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival each year to hear the biggest stars in the music industry perform over two weekends in October. A continuous string of bands plays from 11 am to 10 pm over eight stages.

Inspired by the longest-running music show on television, Austin City Limits, the festival is produced by the same Austin company that produces Lollapalooza. The food court is filled with local vendors, as is the art market in the center. Austin Kiddie Limits offers a special area just for children.

If you are planning far enough in advance, I recommend booking the Carpenter Hotel to have the shortest walking distance to the festival.

Listen to Live Music

Listen up! You’re in the Live Music Capital of the World!

Miles Zuniga and Ben Jones performing on stage — *Miles Zuniga and Ben Jones belt out tunes in the intimate theater of the 04 Center.*

With over 300 live music venues spread throughout the greater Austin area, they can’t all be in the crowded collection of side-by-side stages on Sixth Street.

Check out top-notch talent at the Saxon Pub or the Historic Scoot Inn. Rock out at the Mohawk. Check out the latest up-and-coming bands at Hotel Vegas, blues at Antone’s or C-Boys, danceable country at the Broken Spoke, jazz in the dark basement of the Elephant Room, songwriter intimacy with the Monday Night Supper Club at El Mercado, or ultra-quirky Austin at Donn’s Depot.

Or, you can see which major acts are performing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival or Moody Amphitheater on Waller Creek.

Short on time? Book the Austin: Live Music Crawl or Austin City Limits Guided Backstage Tour at The Moody Theater, or even Jump on The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band, where the band rides and plays on the bus while you visit three different local breweries.

Franklin Barbecue

You can’t visit Austin without trying “the best barbecue in the known universe.”

📍Google Maps | Phone: (512) 653-1187 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3 pm daily, Closed Mon

World-renowned pitmaster Aaron Franklin raised the bar so high for the quality of barbecue in Austin that all the other barbecue places had to raise their standards to keep pace. That influence has extended nationwide and even internationally. Franklin Barbecue has been awarded Bon Appétit‘s “Best Barbecue Joint in America.”

Texas Monthly even says Franklin is “serving the best barbecue in the known universe.” Go early and expect to make friends while standing in line (some people bring chairs and queue up at 8 am for 11 am open!) or order on the web if you can handle the minimum online order.

Like so many of the best BBQ spots, when the meat is gone for the day, they simply shut down, usually around 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

Continental Club

Known as the “Granddaddy of Austin music venues.”

The legendary Continental Club is as deeply Texan as it gets. Vintage cars and motorcycles belong in front of the Continental. In its 70-year history, the locale was once Austin’s first burlesque club and then a day-drinker’s bar before evolving into the premier country, rock, and blues showcase it is today.

The intimacy of the small room is contrasted by the largesse of its reputation. Open seven nights a week, the club became famous for hosting the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, 10,000 Maniacs, Soul Asylum, and Spoon. Sonic Youth recorded a live album here in 1986.

The historic stage has also supported many surprise celebrity performances (e.g, Billy Gibbons/ZZ Top, Johnny Depp, and Robert Plant, who lived in the neighborhood for a time).

Drop in to The Continental Gallery upstairs, an almost-secret speakeasy with terrific local music.

👉 Want to see Austin’s highlights without the hassle? Join a tour like this Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour.

Outdoor Attractions in Austin

Zilker Botanical Garden

The “jewel in the heart of Austin” awaits your discovery.

View of downtown Austin from the Japanese Garden
Popular photo spot at the historic Butler Window
Butterfly chair
The Hartman Prehistoric Garden

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 477-8672 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $8 adults, $4 under 18

On the western edge of Zilker Park, the Zilker Botanical Garden is an underappreciated horticultural gem. Just across the lake from the bustle of downtown Austin, 28 acres of thematic gardens create a gorgeous maze including a butterfly trail, a hummingbird garden, a Pioneer Village, and a prehistoric garden with life-sized dinosaur sculptures.

The Rose Garden houses the keyhole-shaped Butler Window, famous for wedding photos. The Japanese Garden was built by 70-year-old Isamu Taniguchi on a rocky 3-acre hill. Peaceful paths and graceful bridges surround beautiful koi ponds. The garden was a gift to the City of Austin and opened in 1970.

Note: the Zilker Botanical Garden is closed during the ACL Music Festival and on major holidays.

Moody Amphitheater at Waller Creek

Catch a concert or event at this impressive open-air venue.

A band performing on The Moody Amphitheater — *The Moody Amphitheater is a vital upgrade to Austin’s historic Waterloo Park.*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Daily 5 am – 10 pm | Entrance: Free, event fees vary

One block east of the Texas State Capitol, the Moody Amphitheater provides Austin with a state-of-the-art open-air venue for concerts and community events. The Great Lawn can hold an audience of 5,000 or be used during the day for fun gatherings like Yoga Happy Hour. Park attendees can picnic or even perform on the stage when it is not in use for concerts.

The amphitheater was opened in 2021 as part of a special revitalization project creating the Waterloo Greenway, a 1.5-mile system of trails and play spaces along a rehabilitated creek, which will eventually connect all the way to Lady Bird Lake. Art installations often adorn the creek walkway and are lit up in bright colors at night.

Parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Garage at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd. The first two hours of daytime parking are free, and each additional half-hour is $1 (max $12).

Austin Walking Trails

Austin loves to walk! Enjoy miles of trails in and around the city.

Dogwalkers walking along the trails near Auditorium Shores — *Dog walkers navigate their clients along the edges of Lady Bird Lake on the pedestrian-friendly trails near Auditorium Shores.*

Austin offers plenty of opportunities to get your walk on, beyond the urban footwork involved in dancing through the concentrated nightlife of Sixth Street/Red River or Rainey Street or shopping along South Congress or the mini-city of The Domain.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, paired with the Austin Boardwalk, provides over ten miles of trails around the lake. Mt. Bonnell demands a climb up 102 stone steps. And the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trails are a network unto themselves.

Local secret: Grab some yummies at Taco Deli before or after an easy hike along the greenbelt from the Spyglass Trailhead. Head northeast past Campbell’s Hole all the way to Barton Springs.

The Violet Crown Trail is an ambitious project that has already yielded a 13-mile continuous trail from Zilker Park to the Wildflower Center and will eventually be twice as long. A popular segment is the Zilker Trailhead to 360 Trailhead.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Escape the bustle in this peaceful nature conservancy filled with wildflowers and other native plants.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 232-0100 | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Website | Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24-25, Dec 31-Jan 1 | Entrance: $15-$18 Adults, $12-$15 Seniors, $9-$12 Under 17

Feeling the need to temporarily escape the city and surround yourself with greenery? The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is just ten miles south of downtown. It’s an easy drive and well worth it; the 284 acres of nature conservancy deliver tranquility upon arrival.

The center is a wonderful family outing and offers several youth programs and seasonal events. Lady Bird Johnson felt she had a mission to bring more beauty to public landscapes, and this center protects more than 800 species of native plants.

Through its affiliation with the University of Texas at Austin, the center works to advance the conservation of native plants through the promotion of research and education and sponsoring outreach programs.

Spring-Fed Swimming Holes

Escape the heat and chill out at one of Austin’s many swimming holes.

People swimming and tube floating at San Marcos River — *A tube floats down the pristine spring-fed waters of the San Marcos River is often described as “pure heaven.”*

Just across the lake from famous Barton Springs is the oldest pool in Texas. The Deep Eddy Municipal Pool’s 600,000 gallons of fresh spring water are replaced every other day, and it is great for kids.

Less than an hour’s drive outside Austin, idyllic swimming holes abound.

Krause Springs (55 minutes) is a paradise of 32 springs in Spicewood (where Willie Nelson lives!). Swim in a concrete pool or under a waterfall dripping through ferns.

Jacob’s Well (45 minutes, reservations required) serves as the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which leads to Blue Hole Regional Park (45 minutes). Arguably, the best coldwater experience is at San Marcos River Tubing (35 minutes – pictured above).

Not spring-fed but still terrific is the photogenic Hamilton Pool (45 minutes, reservations required) and McKinney Falls State Park (20 minutes). The adventurous can cool off with clothes off at the swimsuit-optional Hippie Hollow (30 minutes), $15 per carload, 18+ only.

Live Music & Nightlife in Austin

Rainey Street

Enjoy great food, drinks, live music, bar games, and more in this new nightlife hotspot.

Two people dining al fresco at Stayput — *Though built for nightlife, most venues on Rainey Street are open during the day as well.*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Austin Bar Hunt: Raging on Rainey

A less-wild alternative to the Sixth Street scene is a newer nightlife hotspot with its own unique vibe: Rainey Street. If downtown Austin had a tail, it would be this formerly rundown neighborhood that has gone upscale. Food, drink, live music, bar games, and more can all be had in this densely packed mix of restaurants, fancy hotels, and casual bungalow bars.

To start your crawl, pop into the Hotel Van Zandt and check out Geraldine’s. Bring your dog to Lucille. With 100-200 beer taps and terrific sausage, Banger’s has become a Rainey Street staple.

The StayPut is the street’s first and only brewpub, serving beers brewed on-site along with guest taps. If you’re on the go, check out the food truck court near the bottom of the street. But for elegant dining, keep going past the roundabout and visit Emmer & Rye.

FYI, parking is difficult around here. Take a rideshare if you can.

Honky Tonkin’

What’s a trip to Austin without a little honky tonkin’?

*Lipstick kisses adorn George Strait’s album cover, displayed at the Broken Spoke.*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 442-6189 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Tue-Thu; 4 pm – 1:30 am Fri-Sat; Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: Varies, tip for the band encouraged

The cowboy culture in Austin is standing firm, despite the influence of the tech industry migration. Living proof is the Broken Spoke, Austin’s “True Texas Dancehall,” now surrounded by high-rise townhouses like in the movie “Up.”Listen to the best country bands and learn to two-step at the dance lessons, 8 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

The Little Longhorn Saloon is a tiny Texas honky-tonk famous for its Chicken Sh*t Bingo.

It may not get any more Austin than Sam’s Town Point, a secret locals may not want divulged. Authentic and weird, this way-south Austin honky-tonk dive bar is hidden within the residential neighborhood it long preceded. The Sagebrush is also deep in South Austin.

Saxon Pub

See Austin favorites perform live at this intimate and beloved music venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 448-2552 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Sun-Fri, 2 pm – 12 am Sat, Fall hours vary on game days | Entrance: Varies

Saxon Pub is a legendary music venue that has hosted over 30,000 performances and is beloved by musicians for its top-notch sound system. The intimate 150-person capacity space has table seats that can be booked online in advance, but standing-room-only is common for most shows.

When he is not on tour, you can catch Austin favorite, Bob Schneider, playing Monday nights with his Lonelyland band. You never know what you’ll get with Bob; he might be polishing up album songs or trying something he wrote that day and emailed to the band. Somehow, it is always “frunky” fun.

By the way, “Nothing Stays the Same, The Story of The Saxon Pub” is an award-winning documentary about the venue. It’s available on Amazon Prime Video.

👉Pro Tip: Grab a bite to eat at Ramen Tatsuya right next door. Also, keep your eyes open for Saxon’s free weekday happy hour shows.

Paramount Theatre

Attend a show at this legendary theatre.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 474–1221 | Website | Hours and entrance varies by event

With classical elegance, the Paramount Theatre is the “Artistic Heartbeat of Downtown Austin” and hosts over 500 events a year. Just two blocks from the Capitol, this vibrant cultural landmark is over a century old, one of only 20 of its kind left in the U.S.

The Paramount and the State Theater next door are the primary venues for the annual Moontower Comedy Festival, one of the largest in the nation.

Seeing a classic film in this ambience is further enhanced by the state-of-the-art sound and digital projection.

The ornate interior of the theater itself is an attraction, with its opulent opera boxes, full bars, tiered balconies, and neoclassical paintings. You can often spy a local in the audience, pointing at the elaborate arched ceiling, sharing their knowledge of the still visible Houdini Hole, which legend says the famous escape artist carved for a levitation trick.

El Mercado’s Monday Night Supper Club

I’ll let you in on a local secret… there’s a small music venue tucked behind El Mercado, a Tex-Mex restaurant.

Veteran rocker Bill Kirchen and Michael O’Connor performing at El Mercado Backstage — *Veteran rocker Bill Kirchen trades licks with Michael O’Connor at El Mercado Backstage.*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 447-7445 | Website | El Mercado Hours: 11 am – 8:30 pm Sun-Thu, 11 am – 9 pm Fri-Sat, Mon show 7 pm | Entrance: $10 cash only

Tucked behind a Tex-Mex restaurant is an intimate little listening room that you probably won’t find unless a local lets you in on the secret. On Monday nights, you’ll often feel like you’re eavesdropping on a songwriter’s circle, as three performers engage in a Song Swap. The musicians take turns playing solo, occasionally being accompanied instrumentally and/or vocally by the other songwriters.

The Backstage at El Mercado serves up great music on other nights of the week as well, but Monday is when you’ll get that living-room-style experience.

The food at El Mercado is your basic TexMex, the kind of generational staple that most Texans remember being excited about as kids.

Sam’s Town Point

This funky and divey neighborhood music bar is a true Austin gem.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 965-6028 | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 12 am Mon-Fri, 6 pm – 1 am Sat, 4 pm – 12 am Sun | Entrance: Usually $10 for the band

Sam’s Town Point is a secret that Austinites probably don’t want told. This cool cat is somewhat out of the bag, however, as its popularity has greatly increased in recent years. Grandfathered into a residential neighborhood, this funky dive honky tonk can be difficult to describe, but it boasts a “low-falutin’ creative fortitude that’s refreshingly real.”

Whether you’re learning to two-step to a western swing band or dancing to New Orleans-style zydeco, don’t be surprised if you make new friends at Sam’s Town Point. This is another Austin venue that Bill Murray has been known to haunt.

And as long as you are down in this area, you might want to check out these beer gardens: Moontower Saloon, Armadillo Den, and the South Austin Beer Garden.

Esther’s Follies

Expect the unexpected at this longstanding comedy club.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 320-0198 | Website | Showtimes: 7 pm Thu, 7 pm & 9 pm Fri & Sat

Often dubbed Texas’s answer to Saturday Night Live, Esther’s Follies has been an integral part of 6th Street since April Fool’s Day in 1977. The show itself, however, has never grown old, as the focus on current events requires that the show’s primary content — singing, dancing, and sketch comedy — is constantly updated. Interspersed with Vegas-style magic and juggling, this fast-paced revue never lets up.

The curtain behind the stage is flung open at specific times during the performance, revealing a huge window peering into the nightlife on 6th street, and that nightlife peers right back. Adept improv skills are required, as neither the performers nor the audience knows what is going to happen next.

For a much more low-key approach to comedy, visit the Velveeta Room next door, where local and touring comics stop by to workshop their jokes on a small, cocktail audience.

Just for Laughs

Dive into Austin’s exploding (and hilarious) comedy scene.

A panel of comedians at the stage of Cap City Comedy Club — *A panel of comedians records the “Doug Loves Movies” podcast at Cap City Comedy Club.*

Austin has become a comedy hotspot thanks to a more recent explosion of new venues, the hosting of the annual Moontower Comedy Festival, and the migration of big-name comedians. And of course, Austin classic Esther’s Follies has been selling out SNL-style shows for over forty years, and veteran Cap City Comedy Club has been hosting touring comedians for nearly that long.

In 2022, Joe Rogan bought the Ritz – an iconic 1920s theater on 6th Street with a wild history (read more about it here) – and transformed it into the Comedy Mothership.

Just up the street and next door to Esther’s, the sometimes lonely Velveeta Room hosts local talent and those trying out new material. The newest kid on the 6th Street comedy block is the Sunset Strip Comedy Club.

For fans of the spontaneous, both Coldtowne Theater and The Hideout have improv shows where anything can happen.

Shopping in Austin

SoCo Cultural District

A hotspot for iconic local attractions, shopping, dining, and fun.

View of the Congress Ave with the skyscrapers in the background — *The Texas Capitol, now nearly dwarfed by recent skyscraper construction, sets the anchor for Congress Avenue and is the standard backdrop for the SoCo district.*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups

A stroll up and down SoCo – the local nickname for the dynamic neighborhood along South Congress Avenue just below downtown – is a must for any visit to Austin. All kinds of food, fashion, and fun are packed door-to-door, starting with the famous bat watching at the edge of downtown.

Catch live music at The Continental Club or C-Boys Heart & Soul, or under the live oak trees at Guero’s Taco Bar.

Although you’re more likely to see classic cars or vintage motorcycles on SoCo, it all started with cattle, as this was originally part of the Chisholm Trail. Dress the part at Allen’s Boots and then get your picture taken in front of the “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee.

Some eatery highlights in SoCo include fine Mediterranean dining at Aba or casual/delicious NY-style Home Slice Pizza. Follow up with Amy’s Ice Creams or Big Top Candy Shop.

Go Thrifting in Austin

You can find standard antiques in Austin, but why would you? Here, the unusual is the usual.

Unique dolls and paintings being sold at a thrift store in Austin — *Austin has several unique thrift and vintage stores to satisfy curiosity seekers.*

Perhaps the king of Austin’s odd relic vendors is Uncommon Objects, where you’ll find the craziest and the sweetest mix of its namesake.

The UT campus area hosts several venues for special finds on vintage clothing; between Buffalo Exchange, Pavement Modern & Recycled Fashion, and Monkies Vintage and Thrift, you’re sure to find a fit.

Across town, Blackfeather Vintage is not as well-known. But it has one-of-a-kind wardrobe treasures.

A nice concentration of unconventional offerings can be found on North Loop, where Room Service Vintage, Blue Velvet, and Breakaway Records are neighbors with some fun bars and coffee shops. Top Drawer Thrift is also nearby.

Food & Drink in Austin

Must-Try Restaurants

Austin’s reputation as a top-notch foodie town is well-earned.

Lots of people dining in Loro — *Asian smokehouse called Loro, one of the many fine eateries in Austin.*

Beyond the finest Tex-Mex and “the best barbecue in the known universe,” Austin serves such a wide variety of quality meals that we can only offer a sample. Here is a short list of some must-try restaurants in Austin.

First up is Chuy’s, an Austin TexMex classic. Hometown favorites include Franklin Barbecue, Fonda San Miguel, Magnolia Cafe, Home Slice Pizza, Ramen Tatsu-ya, Terry Black’s, and Texas Chili Parlor. And you can’t go wrong with Clay Pit, La Barbecue, or Bangers Sausage House.

Have vegetarian fare at Bouldin Creek Cafe. Try the one-of-a-kind Asian smokehouse, Loro. Or, sip some coffee on the water at Mozart’s. Lastly, these fine-dining picks will never disappoint: Uchiko, Suerte, Dai Due, Birdies, Justine’s, Vaspaio, and Soto.

For a structured approach, try any of these local foodie tours:

Breweries, Distilleries, & Wineries

Beer enthusiasts, wine lovers, and spirit collectors, listen up!

People drinking at Pinthouse Brewing — *A visit to Pinthouse Brewing is highly recommended on your way to or from the airport.*

Three of the finest breweries anywhere are in the vicinity of the Austin airport. Grab these award-winners: the Hefeweizen at Live Oak Brewing, the Tender Robot from Meanwhile Brewing, and the delicious Electric Jellyfish from Pinthouse Brewing.

Austin Beerworks has both a brewery in town and a spacious taproom with a professional disc golf course. Zilker Brewing pairs great quality with a great location.

For a highly-recommended country drive just outside city limits, head up Fitzhugh Road to the Jester King Brewery and family-friendly Treaty Oak Distilling. You won’t be far from the tasting room for Deep Eddy Vodka.

South Austin has a triple threat – the fast-rising Still Austin offers a Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting next door to top-notch St. Elmo Brewing, and Austin Winery is down the block. Wimberley Valley and Duchman Family Winery are just outside of town.

You can visit a dense collection of Texas wineries on the way to Fredericksburg, less than two hours from Austin, or hire a half-day private tour.

Austin Festivals & Events

South By Southwest Festival

Creatives shouldn’t miss this annual March festival, all about showcasing music, film, and interactive media.

A crowd enjoying the performance of a band on Sixth Street — *Musicians draw a crowd on Sixth Street during the South By Southwest Festival.*

📍 Google Maps | Website | When: Mid-March each year | Entrance: Cost of pass varies by access level

Every year in the middle of March, over 300,000 attendees flock to downtown Austin to attend the South by Southwest Conference and Festival. There were over half a million participants in 2024.

The conglomerated event is made up of three “tracks” — the Interactive Conference (often called the “Tech Track”), the Film & TV Festival, and the Music Festival. The Tech Track is centered around emerging technologies.

SxSW Film hosts keynotes and workshops, and special screenings all over Austin. More than 2000 acts perform at SxSW Music, making it the largest music festival of its kind in the world. Every possible venue in Austin is utilized, and some stages are improvised.

The conference is usually based in the Austin Convention Center, which is currently being torn down and rebuilt, with completion scheduled for 2029. Festival organizers have made plans to decentralize the activities and spread them out among various large venues in downtown Austin.

Tailgating at a Texas Longhorns Game

Hook ‘Em Horns!

View of the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium — *Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is the home of the University of Texas Longhorns.*

📍 Google Maps | Website

If you are not a student or alumnus, you are going to have a hard time getting into a University of Texas Football game, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join the party. Tailgating is a legendary Austin tradition.

Without a season pass, it can be difficult to attend a game. Single-game tickets sell out quickly and are hard to come by, even in the expensive resell market. But you can enjoy the festivities before the game! Some tailgate parties require a game ticket, but most do not.

Bevo Boulevard is a free street party with food, music, and merchandise. Scholz Garten is a popular place to celebrate before and after.

Get yourself to the northeast corner of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to witness rituals like the Stadium Stampede, where the team arrives at the field along with the band, the cheerleaders, and Bevo, the team’s mascot – a live Longhorn steer.

Circuit of the Americas

Catch a race at the only permanent Formula 1 track in America.

Just east of the Austin airport, an enormous motorsports and entertainment venue hosts the most famous names in racing and music and offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. The only permanent Formula 1 track in the U.S., Circuit of the Americas – “COTA” – has been a hit since it opened in 2012.

There are plenty of things to do year-round beyond the major events, though: Go-Karts, Bike Night, Cars and Coffee, and the COTA Driving Experience. They even have their own RV Park.

In November and December, COTA welcomes families into the holiday season with the Peppermint Parkway featuring light displays that stretch out over a mile, food, rides, dancing elves, cookie decorating, a petting zoo, and two mini-golf courses.

The music industry’s biggest artists come to perform at Austin’s largest outdoor amphitheater. And construction is underway for the COTALAND Theme Park. The roller coaster is already up!

Austin Kite Festival

This festival is more proof that springtime in Austin is heavenly.

Austin Kite Festival is a family-focused event that fills Austin’s skies with the bright colors and fluttering tails of kites. Soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary, this local tradition was created in 1929 to foster creativity in children.

It is not even necessary to bring a kite. You can build your own kite at the festival and take it into the field for its maiden flight. Volunteers are on hand to teach about the engineering involved in building kites and how the shape, size, and weight of the kite determine how much wind is needed for it to fly.

There is even a children’s music concert.

Major League Soccer in Austin

Soccer fans, don’t miss an opportunity to watch Austin FC play if you can.

View outside the Q2 Stadium — *Q2 Stadium, home to the Austin FC, was designed for more than just sports.*

📍 Google Maps | Premium Sales: (512) 855-1942 Facility: (512) 855-1549 | Website | Verde Store Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Match times vary | Entrance: $20 – $60

Austin was the largest city in the United States without a professional major league sports team until 2018, which marked the founding of Austin FC. The team played its first game in 2021 and exceeded expectations by making the playoffs in its second year, setting a record for the largest points improvement.

The organization’s embrace of Austin culture was palpable. The team color of “Bright Verde” is intended to “project the vibrancy and creative energy of Austin,” resulting in the rallying cry “Verde! Listos!” which means “Green! Ready!” This quickly became a beloved Austin brand, and the signature merchandise was soon everywhere.

Now, home games are usually sold out. The Austin FC schedule is available here.

The stadium can hold over 20,000 spectators, and there is a 3000 seat amphitheater just outside its gates. In addition to concerts and festivals, the venue is available for cultural events, corporate function,s and even weddings.

Also, the Q2 Stadium is just minutes from the Domain shopping district.

Austin Arts & Culture

Enjoy The Things That “Keep Austin Weird”

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Austin weirdness.

View of the Malin’s Fountain aka the Pease Park Troll — *Malin’s Fountain, aka the Pease Park Troll, was built with local volunteers working alongside the artist and is made of 80% recycled materials.*

The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” may have started as an off-handed comment from a caller into a community radio show, but it has clearly become the city’s motto. And there are so many ways to take part in Austin’s quirkiness.

In April, all of Austin celebrates weirdness at Eeyore’s Birthday Party.

It wouldn’t be “Dirty Sixth” without Museum of the Weird and it wouldn’t be the Little Longhorn Saloon without Chicken Sh*t Bingo.

Want some weird shopping? Visit the unique boutique Uncommon Objects or the always-fun Toy Joy. Or, enjoy the absurd genius of the Cathedral of Junk or the created-by-neighbors Sparky Park.

If you’d prefer a guide, take the Weird Austin City Tour with a live musician, or go interactive with the Keep Austin Weird Scavenger Hunt.

Unique Theaters and Museums

Austin has movie theaters, live performances, and museums for everyone.

View of the ticket stand at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema — *The quirky and very fun Alamo Drafthouse Cinema serves up movies, food, and drink for those who need to Feed their Seymour.*

Nobody delivers movies better than the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your showtime to order your cocktails, gourmet food, or bottomless popcorn and catch the custom pre-show for each film.

The Violet Crowne Cinema downtown also has a bar, and the front row has full recliners with ottomans. For last-century luxury, visit the Paramount Theater.

For live theater, see the Long Center for the Performing Arts, ZACH Theatre, or more indie productions at The VORTEX.

Only five miles from downtown and a popular wedding venue due to its art-covered grounds, Laguna Gloria is now sister to the downtown Jones Center, both under The Contemporary Austin umbrella. The Blanton Museum of Art is free on Tuesdays.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum tells the Lone Star State’s story and has an IMAX theater to boot. For national history, check out the LBJ Presidential Library.

Mural Referral

Austin is filled with cool, colorful murals that are worth seeing.

Collage of several murals seen in Austin — *Austin’s vibrant art culture finds its way outside on building walls throughout the city.*

👉 Austin Mural Selfie Tour by Pedicab

Visitors love to have their picture taken in front of Austin’s colorful murals. In particular, the “I love you so much” mural on the side of Jo’s Coffee on South Congress, the Austin Sign, the Historic 6th Street Mural next to the freeway, and the “You’re My Butter Half” mural on MLK Jr Blvd.

The largest mural in Austin is “The Beauty of Liberty and Equality,” standing 12 stories tall and celebrating women’s rights by depicting Wonder Woman breaking a chain.

Enjoy the colorful culture of the historic Six Square district with a stroll through Urdy Plaza.

Gaining wide fame in 1992 due to Kurt Cobain wearing a T-shirt bearing this image, the “Hi, How Are You” mural is resilient; community outrage prevented a restaurant remodel from tearing it down several years ago. When its host building was demolished in 2023, the mural was preserved and left standing.

Texas History

Being the capital city, Austin is rich in Texas history.

View of the Texas State Capitol building — *The Texas State Capitol building*.

Soaking up the history of the Lone Star State is easy in the town originally called Waterloo. Observe the state’s history preserved in museums, or still thriving like The Driskill Hotel, Scholz Garten, or the Historic Scoot Inn.

Take a Downtown History Walking Tour or the Downtown Austin Walk: History with Food and Drink Options. For a spooky twist, try the Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour.

If walking is not your thing, you might like the Historic Austin Private Pedicab Tour. For a really deep dive, head to the Austin History Center.

Lastly, here are some fun Texas facts for you:

An acoustical phenomenon inside the Capitol rotunda lets a whisper in the center be heard clearly in the outer passages.
Texas intentionally built its Capitol to resemble the U.S. Capitol, but in the tradition of “everything’s bigger in Texas,” they also chose to build it 14.5 feet taller.
Texas has been a part of six nations: the United States, Mexico, France, Spain, the Confederacy, and the Republic of Texas. This served as inspiration for the Six Flags amusement park, which now has 42 locations.

Day Trips from Austin

Krause Springs

The perfect place to cool off and relax, about an hour outside the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (401) 236-7554 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Adults $10, Children 4-11 $6, Under 4 Free

Nearly an hour northwest of Austin in Spicewood (where Willie Nelson lives), you’ll find Krause Springs, a gorgeous place to cool off on a hot summer day. The 115-acre property with 32 natural springs pumps 70 gallons per minute of 68-degree water into a concrete pool, then over a fern-covered waterfall into the swimming pond before finally making its way to Lake Travis.

Krause Springs is family-owned but also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The family welcomes you to stroll through their ornately decorated Butterfly Garden.

Note that there are no reservations, but capacity can be reached early in the day during peak season. Camping is available on-site. Water shoes are definitely recommended for the slippery rocks, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Bring your own food and drink (no glass containers) or pick up BBQ from Opie’s.

On the way back, stop at the hilltop patio of Angel’s Icehouse for “Live Music, Full Bar, Fresh Home Cooking & Kid’s Playground.”

Hamilton Pool

This longtime favorite nature area is home to a scenic grotto with a waterfall and swimming hole.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (512) 854-2581 | Website | Hours: Morning reservation slot is 9 am – 12:30 pm, Afternoon reservation slot is 2 pm – 5:30 pm | Entrance: $12 per vehicle paid online during reservation + per person park fee (cash only; paid onsite) $8 per adult (13 to 61), (62+), 12 and under free

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a stunning grotto and scenic paradise formed by the collapsed ceiling of an underground river. This longtime favorite is about 45 minutes from downtown Austin.

Due to newly-discovered safety concerns, the iconic portion of the trail under the overhanging cliff and behind the waterfall is closed, and the park has to limit visitors. It is no longer possible to simply show up, and reservations are required. The silver lining is that you will only share your time with a few other people.

Beyond the waterfall area, there are over 200 acres with several hiking trails. Following Hamilton Creek for about ¾ mile to the Pedernales River is a wonderful opportunity to see the bald cypress and lush plantlife. When the river is low, a hike down the flat rock riverbed is also recommended.

Water quality is monitored, and occasionally restrictions on swimming are put in place. Check the website prior to your visit.

Day Trips Less Than an Hour Away

From small towns to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of quick day trips from Austin.

A yellow building with the Welcome to Lockhart sign — *Lockhart is known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” but brands itself as the Little City with the Big Heart. Less than an hour from Austin, but a trip back in time.*

If you’re looking to escape the city bustle or just experience something new, there are tons of day trips from Austin that are less than an hour away. Below are some of my favorites.

Lockhart (45 minutes) is a BBQ haven: Smitty’s Market is wonderfully authentic. A family feud split up Terry Black’s and Black’s, and Barbs B Q is a female-owned, Franklin BBQ-trained, weekend-only trendsetter.

Wimberley (45 minutes) is known for its artisan market/downtown shopping. On Wimberley Market Days, 500 tree-shaded vendor booths cover over 20 acres. Check out local vineyards, Wimberley Valley, and Duchman Family Winery. There are also great swimming holes to explore.

Driftwood (30 minutes) is spread out in the famous Salt Lick BBQ’s expansive country acreage, or get a wider menu and hear live music at the Hays City Store.

Dripping Springs (45 minutes) is home to an amazing bakery, Thyme & Dough, across the highway from Barber Shop Bar and Hudson’s, both on walkable/shoppable Mercer Street.

Buda (30 minutes) has a historic downtown with antique shops, a farmer’s market, and Buda’s Birthday festivities.

San Marcos (45 minutes) is home to the greatest spring water floating experience around.

Day Trips Under 2 Hours

Have a little more time? Plenty of day trips await you.

View of the cascading limestone hills of the Pedernales Falls State Park — *The cascading limestone hills of the Pedernales Falls State Park become a raging horizontal waterfall when the flash floods of the Texas Hill Country roll through.*

These are the places I recommend if you want to explore a little further:

Pedernales Falls State Park is just over an hour from downtown Austin. It’s a great spot for hikers who don’t mind elevation changes. The relaxing country drive up Fitzhugh Road allows for stops at the spacious brewery Jester King Brewery and Treaty Oak Distilling.

Johnson City (65 minutes) is known to Austinites for its Light Spectacular every Christmas. Families love the Science Mill.

Nearly connected, Stonewall (75 minutes) is the place where our 36th President was born, attended school, and is now buried. These spots are all within one mile of each other inside the Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park, which you can drive through for free (obtain a pass at the Visitor’s Center).

Luckenbach (90 minutes) – the town, not the song – is small but a must-stop on your way to …

Fredericksburg (2 hours) is a town known for its German heritage, and you’ll pass too many Texas wineries to count on your way over.

***

I would love to tell you that I have covered every single wonderful activity in Austin, but new ones are springing up all the time. We didn’t even talk about the Moontowers! If you think I have missed something or want to ask me a question about anything, Austin, please leave me a comment below. I will investigate and let you know!

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