Things To Do in Austin

Things To Do in Austin

Austin is a city that blends live music, outdoor adventure, great food, and a creative spirit you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or exploring your own backyard, here are the top things to do around the city.

1. Explore Austin’s Live Music Scene

Austin isn’t called the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. You’ll find performances every night of the week.

  • Continental Club – Iconic South Congress venue with blues, rock, and roots music
  • Mohawk – Outdoor/indoor stages in the Red River District
  • ACL Live at Moody Theater – Big-name shows in a world-class venue
  • Broken Spoke – Classic Texas dance hall with live country music

2. Enjoy the Outdoors

Austin is packed with trails, lakes, and green spaces.

  • Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail – Scenic 10-mile loop around the lake
  • Zilker Park – Central green space for picnics, festivals, and kayaking
  • Barton Springs Pool – Natural spring-fed pool at a perfect 68–70°F
  • Mount Bonnell – Short climb with one of the best sunset views in the city

3. Get on the Water

Water activities are a huge part of Austin life.

  • Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
  • Swimming at Barton Springs
  • Boating on Lake Austin or Lake Travis
  • Floating the San Marcos or Guadalupe River (short drive away)

4. Watch the Congress Avenue Bats

From March to October, over a million bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. It’s one of Austin’s most unique attractions.

  • On the bridge itself
  • The lawn at the Statesman Bat Observation Center
  • A sunset bat-watching boat tour

5. Eat Your Way Through Austin

Austin’s food scene is legendary — especially BBQ, tacos, and food trucks.

  • Franklin Barbecue – Famous brisket (go early)
  • Terry Black’s – Great BBQ with shorter lines
  • Torchy’s Tacos – Creative Austin-style tacos
  • Veracruz All Natural – Award-winning migas tacos
  • The Picnic Food Truck Park – Dozens of rotating trucks

6. Wander South Congress (SoCo)

A lively stretch of shops, restaurants, murals, and live music.

  • Allen’s Boots – Iconic Texas boot store
  • Jo’s Coffee – Home of the “I Love You So Much” mural
  • Home Slice Pizza – Austin favorite
  • Lucy in Disguise – Legendary costume shop (if reopened)

7. Visit Museums & Cultural Spots

Austin has a mix of history, art, and quirky attractions.

  • Blanton Museum of Art
  • Bullock Texas State History Museum
  • LBJ Presidential Library
  • Mexic-Arte Museum

8. Take a Day Trip

If you want to explore beyond the city:

  • Dripping Springs – Breweries, distilleries, and wineries
  • Wimberley – Swimming holes and small-town charm
  • Fredericksburg – Hill Country wine region
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve – Stunning natural grotto (reservations required)

9. Experience Austin’s Festivals

Austin hosts some of the biggest festivals in the country.

  • SXSW – Music, film, and tech
  • Austin City Limits (ACL) – Two weekends of live music
  • Pecan Street Festival – Local art and vendors
  • Trail of Lights – Holiday tradition in Zilker Park

10. Explore Austin Neighborhoods

Each area has its own vibe.

  • Downtown – Skyscrapers, nightlife, restaurants
  • South Congress – Trendy, walkable, iconic Austin
  • East Austin – Murals, breweries, food trucks
  • The Domain / North Austin – Shopping, dining, nightlife