The capital of Texas, Austin is understood for its stay music, barbecue, tacos, and beer. That is exactly why I used to be in love with this metropolis earlier than I even traveled there! On this information, we’ll dive into these and several other extra of the points of interest and finest issues to do in Austin.

Austin is a metropolis that prides itself on being just a bit completely different.

Certainly, the state capital feels worlds aside from the remainder of Texas. Folks right here embrace that, although. An unofficial slogan of town is “Preserve Austin Bizarre,” and I’d say they’re doing a positive job.

In all seriousness, although, the Texas capital packs a critical punch as a journey vacation spot. Along with the superb meals, music, and beer, Austin is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and parks.

You’ve gotten loads of choices for having fun with the nice outside right here. Go climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and way more, it’s arduous to be bored in Austin.

If you happen to’re able to plan an superior journey to ATX, learn on for an in depth take a look at the 15 prime Austin points of interest and what to do in this thrilling metropolis.

1. Tour the Texas Capitol

Topping our record of issues to do in Austin is happening a tour of the Texas State Capitol. This lovely Italian Renaissance Revival constructing is the seat of presidency for the state of Texas. It’s additionally a must-see for guests to Austin.

They are saying every little thing’s greater in Texas, and that’s definitely true of the state capitol. It’s really greater than america Capitol in Washington, DC. Its well-known “sundown” coloration comes from the purple granite that was used in its development.

You’ll undoubtedly wish to spend a while exploring the capitol grounds to take all of it in.

Head inside to admire the central rotunda, which is flanked by footage of previous governors. Lookup on the spectacular dome, the place you’ll see an enormous star surrounded by the phrase “TEXAS” – a nod to its nickname of the Lone Star State.

The Texas Capitol is open Monday to Friday from 7 AM-10 PM, nonetheless, excursions solely run from 8:30-4:30 pm. On the weekend it’s open from 9 AM-Eight PM, with excursions happening between 9:30-3:30 on Saturday and noon-3:30 on Sunday. These excursions are completely free and depart each 30-45 minutes from the South Lobby.  

No worries for those who don’t make it on a tour, as they’ve obtained some nice assets for making your individual self-guided tour. Simply head to their web site to obtain free brochures, or drop into the Customer Heart in the beginning of your go to. For one thing a bit of extra enjoyable, go to the Capito by segway with this tour. 

Bonus: Governor’s Mansion

Whilst you’re over right here, you would possibly as properly take a look at the Texas Governor’s Mansion as properly. You want to enroll in excursions not less than in per week, although, so click on right here to try this earlier than your journey.

If you happen to’re visiting Austin for the primary time, you’ll in all probability wish to e book lodging in the downtown space (which is the place the State Capitol is situated). Try this record of locations to remain in Austin for some nice suggestions. 

2. Go to Zilker Metropolitan Park

One of many prime Austin points of interest to go to is Zilker Metropolitan Park. This massive inexperienced area on the juncture of the Colorado River and Barton Creek is the right place to come back get pleasure from a day full of out of doors actions.

The park covers round 350 acres and is filled with trails, gardens, pure springs, sports activities fields and courts, and way more.

Right here you’ll discover the Zilker Botanical Backyard, which is named the “jewel in the guts of Austin.” It’s residence to many pretty theme gardens, together with rose, herb, and Japanese. It solely prices $Three for adults and $1 for teenagers, so it’s properly value a go to!

One other widespread place to go to in the park is the Umlauf Sculpture Backyard and Museum. It’s devoted to the work of Charles Umlauf and is residence to over 150 of his sculptures and works.

This one can also be an incredible discount at $3.50 for adults and $1 for youngsters. It’s open Tuesday-Friday from 10 AM-Four PM and on the weekend from 12-4.

I haven’t even scratched the floor of all of the enjoyable issues to do in or round Zilker Park. As a matter of truth, a number of of the opposite actions on provide right here deserve their very own spot on the record!

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3. Fun on the River (probably the greatest issues to do in Austin in the summer season)

On a scorching day in Austin (there are many them!), there’s nothing higher than cooling off in the river. At Zilker Park, you have got loads of choices for enjoyable in the water. SUPing, kayaking, and canoeing are all on faucet right here. 

Zilker Park Boat Leases has been in enterprise since 1969 serving to folks benefit from the river in an environmentally-friendly method.

They cost $18 an hour or $54 for the entire day and solely take money. They’re open each day from 9 AM till nightfall, so you may undoubtedly get your cash’s value for those who go for the total day.

If you happen to’re searching for a extra laid again affair, then you may benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities as a substitute — tubing!

You possibly can enroll with ATXcursions for a carefree day of floating down the river, ice-cold beer in hand. They supply all of the gear and also you deliver your individual drinks. Oh yeah, don’t overlook sunscreen and shades, both. 

They run tubing journeys on the weekends and on some holidays. Costs vary from $59 to $79 relying on the day of the week. Head to their web site to take a look at all of the choices.

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4. Hike Barton Creek Path (Barton Springs Pool)

Subsequent up on our record of issues to do in Austin really begins south of the park, however it will definitely finally ends up there. The Barton Creek Greenbelt Path stretches for over 12 miles and is taken into account probably the greatest climbing trails in the state. 

For a comparatively simple hike, begin out on the trailhead on Spyglass Drive (click on right here for instructions). If you happen to want some gasoline for the highway, drop into Tacodeli for some scrumptious brekky tacos earlier than heading out on the path. Click on right here to learn a full information to the Greenbelt and all its entry factors.

Head north on the path and earlier than lengthy you’ll arrive at Campbell’s Gap — an incredible spot to take a dip and funky off.

Preserve climbing for about 20 minutes and also you’ll attain the Barton Springs Municipal Pool again in the park. The water right here is fed by a pure spring and it’s normally a pleasant cool 68 °F (20 °C). This makes for the right approach to cool off in that usually intense Texas warmth.

The pool is open from daybreak to nightfall each day, however it closes from 9 AM-7 PM on Thursday for rigorous cleansing. You’ll want to purchase a ticket to entry the pool between late April and late September. It prices $9 for adults and $Four for teenagers to enter. 

5. Go Mountain Biking

Climbing a brief a part of the path to the pool is a straightforward approach to benefit from the nice outside in Austin. If you happen to’re up for extra of a problem, you can even attempt some mountain biking alongside the path and several other different locations across the metropolis.

Along with the Greenbelt, different trails in town embrace Slaughter Creek and McKinney Falls Park. You possibly can examine the MTB Undertaking for a map of mountain biking trails in Austin to get began.

If you happen to’re actually critical about mountain biking, you might wish to take into account a day journey out to Spider Mountain Bike Park. It’s the one year-round chairlift-served mountain bike park in the nation and is residence to a number of completely different trails.

Situated 60 miles northwest of town on Buchanan Lake, it’s an attractive place so as to add to your record of issues to do in Austin.

A full-day move for the carry and path entry prices $50 for adults and $45 for youth. They even hire bikes, helmets, and pads, so that you don’t even want any gear. Examine their web site for all the main points.

For a extra chilled out day of biking, take a look at the Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour, which takes you across the metropolis. The tour contains the bike gear, information and park charges. You’ll study concerning the historical past of town and see the native landmarks. Or, add craft beer to your bike tour with Austin’s Gem Bike Tour!

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6. See the Bats

Bear in mind how I mentioned town’s unofficial slogan is “Preserve Austin Bizarre?” Properly, one of many prime issues to do in Austin is watching bats. Sure, these bats. The nocturnal flying mammals. There’s even a “Bat Fest” right here yearly in August!

Between March and November, almost one and a half million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge simply earlier than sundown.

They arrive out of crevices in the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge (click on right here for instructions) about 20-30 minutes earlier than sundown. It’s a very fashionable factor to do right here, so be sure you get there a bit early to say a good spot. 

The walkway on the east facet of the bridge gives the perfect vantage level, however the hill beneath the bridge can also be good since you may lay out a blanket.

If you happen to go that route, simply be sure you deliver one thing to cowl your head from potential falling guano (bat droppings). 

One other enjoyable approach to take in the spectacle is on the water. You possibly can take a rented SUP or kayak out to see the bats, and a few native companies even have particular excursions. Dwell Love Paddle runs a nightly 2.5-hour SUP tour to see the bats for $45 per particular person.

7. Picture Ops

You wouldn’t wish to journey all the best way to Austin and never have some superior pictures for the ‘gram! That’s why I’m together with some widespread photograph ops on this record of the perfect issues to do in Austin Texas. Fortunately, there are a number of stable choices inside a brief stroll of one another.

First up is the Greetings From Austin mural. This colourful mural appears to be like like a retro postcard and makes for an superior backdrop for a photograph. 

One other go-to spot for pics is the I Love You So A lot Wall at Jo’s Espresso. It’s easy and to the purpose and lets you write a gushing publish about how a lot you like (insert title right here).

It may very well be your vital different, it may very well be town of Austin itself, or it might simply be tacos. Mmmm… tacos. Extra on them later.

Maybe my favourite is the Willie for President mural, which is only a block south. It depicts legendary singer-songwriter and native Texan Willie Nelson, who I believe would make a positive president!

Stroll a block east, and also you’ll discover the Earlier than I Die Wall. Seize a chunk of chalk and write one thing that’s in your bucket record, then get to work crossing it off.

8. See Dwell Music

In a metropolis that likes to name itself the Dwell Music Capital of the World, you recognize I’m becoming some tunes into this record. Whether or not you’re into rocking out in a cramped dive or classing it up in a jazz membership, you will discover it right here.

There are such a lot of decisions for stay music in Austin that it may be overwhelming. Apparently there are over 250 completely different stay music venues right here! 

A few of the finest locations to catch a present in ATX embrace: ACL Dwell on the Moody Theater, the Continental Membership, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and the Elephant Room. 

It doesn’t matter what evening of the week it’s, there are many choices for reveals in this metropolis.

Severely. I visited throughout the week in January when there was a freakish chilly spell, and the city was nonetheless rocking. Click on right here to take a look at a full record of upcoming concert events and add some stay music to your record of issues to do in Austin.

For a singular tour thought, take the “Austin Dwell Music Crawl” the place you’ll take a look at Three iconic music venues, some up and coming ones, and take heed to native, stay music. This highly-rated tour features a native information, transport and funky vibes. Plus, your information is a musician in Austin. 

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9. Expertise Native Festivals

Whilst you can catch some glorious stay music nearly any evening of the 12 months in Austin, you simply can’t beat experiencing a competition right here.

Town hosts a number of main festivals all year long, highlighted by SXSW (South By Southwest) and Austin Metropolis Limits.

The previous takes place in March and lasts for ten days. It’s a conglomeration of music, interactive media, movie, and conferences and it’s a very thrilling occasion to expertise. Examine their web site for all the main points.

One other behemoth of a competition, ACL (Austin Metropolis Limits) is such a giant deal that it now occupies two weekends. This world-famous music competition takes place in Zilker Park and all the time brings in a ridiculously good lineup.

Chances are you’ll be questioning if this metropolis that prides itself on being bizarre has any bizarre festivals.

In fact it does!

Along with the aforementioned Bat Fest, Austin additionally has a Scorching Sauce Pageant, Comedian-Con Wizard World, and even a competition for Eeyore’s birthday. That’s proper, Eeyore, the unhappy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. I informed you this metropolis was bizarre…

10. Go Museum Hopping

There are many museums you may add to your record of issues to do in Austin Texas. Whether or not you’re in historical past, artwork, or simply some good previous Austin quirkiness, there’s a museum for you right here.

First up, there’s the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum.

By way of interactive reveals, audio recordings, movies, and extra, you’ll get an in-depth take a look at the state from prehistoric instances up till at the moment. As well as, the museum hosts a number of completely different occasions all year long and there’s an superior IMAX theater right here as properly.

The historical past museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM-5 PM and from noon-5 on Sunday. Admission prices $13 for adults and $9 for youngsters, and you’ll click on right here to e book your tickets on-line. 

Proper throughout the road, you’ll discover the Blanton Museum of Artwork on the campus of the College of Texas.

It’s residence to a formidable assortment of almost 20,000 completely different artistic endeavors from throughout the ages. A significant spotlight is seeing the constructing titled Austin by famend artist Ellsworth Kelly. Well-known for its rainbow of coloured home windows, that is the one constructing he ever designed.

Tickets are normally $12 for adults and $5 for teenagers, and it’s completely free to go to on Thursday. It’s open from 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday to Friday, 11-5 on Saturday, and 1-5 on Sunday.

That’s not all, although. You too can take a look at the Mexic-Arte Museum, South Austin Museum of Pop Tradition, and even the Museum of the Bizarre.

The latter options issues like shrunken heads, fits of armor, and different random stuff. It’s situated in the again of the Fortunate Lizard Curios & Items store (click on right here for instructions) and is open from 10 AM-midnight day by day.

11. Go to The College of Texas

After visiting the historical past and artwork museums, it’s undoubtedly value it to discover the campus of the college. It’s an attractive faculty campus that’s filled with public artwork and historic landmarks, and it makes for a pleasant leisurely stroll.

One factor you received’t wish to miss on UT’s campus is The Shade Inside, a captivating Skyspace by artist James Turrell.

The most effective time to essentially expertise it’s round sundown, however you’ll want to order your spot properly in advance. Head to their web site to seek out the following out there time.

One other must-see whereas exploring campus is the UT Tower. You possibly can join a self-guided tour of the tower the place you’ll go as much as the statement deck to take in the views. Excursions final 45 minutes and value $6 per particular person. Click on right here to examine the instances and reserve your spot.

If you happen to’re visiting throughout soccer season, you must undoubtedly attempt to get tickets for a recreation.

Be a part of the gang of over 100,000 to cheer the Longhorns on to victory. House video games happen on Saturdays from late August to late November, and you’ll head to their web site to search for tickets. Even for those who’re not in city on a recreation day, you may nonetheless take a tour of the stadium.

12. Go to The LBJ Presidential Library

One of many prime Austin points of interest to go to is the LBJ Presidential Library. Native Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson grew to become the 36th President of america after the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy.

This presidential library and museum is devoted to LBJ and the affect he had on the nation.

It’s residence to over 50,000 objects donated by the previous president and his spouse, from the clothes the wore at his inauguration to the desk he used to signal the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

There’s lots to see and do right here to maintain you busy for a number of hours.

You possibly can step into a reproduction of LBJ’s Oval Workplace, take heed to precise telephone calls he had throughout his time as president, and even take a look at his stretch limousine.

The library and museum are open each day from 9 AM-5 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $Three for youngsters and you’ll click on right here to purchase them on-line in advance. 

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13. Take pleasure in Girl Fowl Lake

Subsequent up on our record is a spot that was really named after the previous First Girl.

LBJ’s spouse was referred to as Girl Fowl and was a beloved public determine for her work in beautifying the nation’s cities, together with Austin. Town named Girl Fowl Lake after her to honor, which is a good place to come back get pleasure from some climbing or biking.

One of the best ways to expertise it’s on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Path, which makes a 10-mile loop. It’s a really scenic approach to take in the sights of Austin whereas getting some train on the similar time! Click on right here to obtain a map of the path.

Even for those who’re not up for an extended hike or experience on the path, you must nonetheless come right here to take a look at the boardwalk part. It’s just one mile lengthy and is the right place to spend a while on a pleasant day.

Ensure you take a look at the Belting It Out artwork set up when you’re right here. This can be a assortment of bronze belts with tune lyrics from well-known Texas musicians engraved on them. 

In fact, you can even expertise Girl Fowl Lake out on the water. No motorized boats are allowed, so it’s fairly peaceable. As with different factors in town, it’s potential to hire kayaks, canoes, or stand-up-paddle boards right here. 

14. Cling Out at SoCo (South Congress)

One of many coolest locations to hang around in Austin is the world referred to as SoCo (South Congress). This purchasing and cultural district is residence to loads of eclectic boutiques, cafes, music and artwork venues, and way more.

For a touch of 80’s and 90’s nostalgia, you may drop into the quirky Monkey See Monkey Do store. Right here you’ll discover classic motion figures and different random collector’s objects.

When you’re completed in right here, head subsequent door to Massive High — a circus-themed sweet retailer with an old style soda fountain.

One other enjoyable place value testing is Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds. To start with, that must be the best store title ever. Second, this has obtained to be one in every of, if not the perfect, costume retailers in the land.

It’s far more than simply pre-assembled costumes, although. They’ve every kind of clothes, jewellery, masks, equipment, and extra, so you will get actually artistic right here.

As of late, SoCo can also be identified for its abundance of meals vans. This began with the arrival of Hey Cupcake! again in 2007.

You possibly can nonetheless get your cupcake repair right here, however for those who want lunch earlier than dessert be sure you take a look at Burro Cheese Kitchen for connoisseur grilled cheese sandwiches.

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15. Devour Tacos and BBQ

Rounding out our record of issues to do in Austin is sampling town’s well-known tacos and BBQ. In any case that climbing, swimming, biking, and dancing you’ve been doing, you’re positive to have fairly the urge for food.

Some take into account Austin to be the taco capital of the US, they usually undoubtedly have a robust case.

Town has genuine tacos from south of the border, traditional Tex-Mex, Asian fusion, breakfast tacos — you title it, you’ll discover it in Austin!

Along with the aforementioned Delitaco, different locations to take a look at embrace Rosita’s al Pastor, Tamale Home East, and Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ.

Talking of BBQ, that final suggestion is the right place to mix two of the tastiest issues in Austin.

Placing Texas BBQ classics like pulled pork and beef brisket in a taco is an absolute genius thought! I’ve already talked about Stubb’s as a stay music venue, however it’s value repeating only for its well-known BBQ. Different widespread decisions embrace Franklin, La Barbecue, and Stiles Swap.

If you happen to want one thing tasty to scrub down all these tacos and BBQ, there are many glorious native craft beers in Austin. Click on right here for a stable record of breweries in Austin which can be value visiting.

Now You Know What To Do in Austin!

I don’t find out about you, however I’m able to drop every little thing and head to Austin after getting by this record.

It’s simply such an thrilling metropolis with a lot occurring. I particularly love all of the choices for having fun with the nice outside and stay music there, plus the truth that Austinites are proud to be bizarre!

After listening to rave opinions about Austin for a few years, I lastly made it there throughout our bus journey right down to Mexico. Regardless of there being a freakish chilly entrance that got here by town, we nonetheless had a blast there.

I’m hoping to make it again for SXSW or Austin Metropolis Limits someday quickly, or perhaps simply swing by on a random weekend to skip the crowds. Everytime you journey to the Texas capital, one factor’s for positive, you’ll have a good time.

Have you ever traveled to Austin? When you have any superior suggestions for issues to do there, go away a remark beneath!

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