29 Finest Issues to do in Austin, Texas in 2022

In case you are on the lookout for issues to do in Austin, the excellent news is there are many selections. Because the Texas State Capitol, Austin embodies all issues Texas – promising a jam-packed itinerary. You possibly can find out about Texas historical past, go to enjoyable sights, admire Latin American artwork, and expertise a formidable cityscape. Because the Reside Music Capital of the world, there is no such thing as a scarcity of locations to look at dwell music within the metropolis. This exercise was positively certainly one of our favourite issues to do in Austin.

Prime Issues to Do in Austin

In fact, nature lovers may even discover many issues to do in Austin. Town sits within the Texas Hill Nation, surrounded by climbing trails, wildlife, and State Parks. The Colorado River runs by means of Austin, too – filling reservoirs like Lake Austin and Woman Chicken Lake. 

However, let’s take a extra detailed have a look at all one of the best issues to do in Austin! Austin supplies a unbelievable stability of indoor and out of doors actions and also you’ll discover issues to do in Austin unfold throughout the town.

1. Hire a Boat on Lake Austin

A picnic on the water is a romantic approach to begin or finish any day. We’d extremely advocate utilizing one of many many boat leases to rent a motorized boat and discover Lake Austin from the water. Pack a picnic and digicam, and you’ve got a luxurious, unbiased personal tour.

As certainly one of Austin’s important reservoirs, Lake Austin is a crucial asset to the town. Due to this, sure areas are privately owned or closed to the general public, so that you’ll want to concentrate to indicators and any restrictions. One of the simplest ways to get pleasure from Lake Austin is by boat, as swimming and fishing are restricted round many lake areas.

In case you don’t wish to hire a ship your self, this guided boat tour on Lake Austin is the proper various.

2. Swim in Lake Travis

Lake Travis is the place to move in case you’d choose to go swimming quite than store for boat leases.

The reservoir is Austin’s greatest and most spectacular sight! The lake’s 271 miles of shoreline additionally means plenty of swimming spots – particularly contemplating that the entire of Lake Travis is open to the general public.

Lake Travis’ well-known, ultra-blue waters are a results of the limestone rock beneath. It’s well-worth packing snorkeling gear in case you plan a swim, because the waters are identified for his or her nice visibility.

3. Tour the Texas State Capitol Constructing

The Texas State Capitol is on each Austin metropolis information for a very good purpose.

The Nineteenth-century constructing is the house of the Texan authorities and is the biggest state capitol constructing within the US. To find out about Texas structure and politics, visiting the Capitol Constructing is definitely among the finest issues to do in Austin.

You possibly can take a free guided tour or go to independently. Guided excursions run at staggered, set intervals. However, in case you select a self-guided tour, you’ll be capable to tour every time it fits you.

An effective way to go to the Capitol is to bundle it along with a small group tour of Austin. This one lets you skip the road and is prone to promote out! You possibly can ebook it right here.

4. Texas Memorial Museum

The Texas Memorial Museum carries the lofty title of Austin’s first state museum. To find out about pure and cultural historical past in Texas, we advocate paying this place a go to.

From fossils to exhibitions of the newest analysis, the museum covers numerous matters with momentary, and everlasting displays. The attraction additionally has a collection of entrance price reductions, with college students receiving appreciable worth reductions.

The museum is on the College Campus and is an academic, fascinating place to spend a few hours.

5. Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Park is a 358-acre inner-city inexperienced area comprising of Zilker Botanical Backyard, Barton Springs Pool, Umlauf Sculpture Backyard, and The Nice Garden.

If you wish to spend a day entertained in only one place, we’d counsel selecting Zilker Metropolitan Park. The Barton Springs Pool is stuffed with water from a close-by pure spring and is thermally heated, so excellent for swimming all 12 months spherical. Close by, the Zilker Botanical and Sculpture Gardens are good to wander on foot.

If you are within the space ensure to go to the Austin Nature & Science Middle which is positioned proper on the fringe of the park.

6. Mckinney Falls State Park

Bear in mind these close by State Parks we talked about above? Mckinney Falls State Park is Austin’s finest.

Select Mckinney Falls over Zilker Park in case you want to spend a morning on distant trails and near wildlife. The park’s set within the Hill Nation woods, with Onion Creek to swim and fish alongside. The woodland offers the park a extra secluded, quiet really feel than Zilker’s open inexperienced area.

Select the Rock Shelter Path for a brief and scenic hike. This route passes Previous Baldy, a 500-year-old tree and common pure vacationer attraction to go to in Austin.

In case you are a bicycle owner or hiker who doesn’t thoughts passing bikes, the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Path is longer and tougher. Leap in an air-conditioned van and discover all this space has to supply. Ebook it right here!

7. Take heed to Reside Nation Music

Okay, so that you went to The Continental however missed the nation music evening? Don’t fear. There are many venues that play dwell music, and there are at all times live performance ticket gross sales to grab up discount tickets.

The Gap within the Wall, Damaged Step and San Jac Saloon are all good pub-style venues to seize a drink and hearken to nation tunes. Whereas the Moody Theater, Emo’s Austin, and Maggie Mae’s Live performance Corridor are an excellent bigger live performance and festival-style venues – ebook forward to keep away from disappointment.

Listening to nation music is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Austin, Texas. So, positively prioritize taking in a live performance or dwell music bar when visiting.

8. Tour Austin Metropolis Limits

http://it acltv.comAustin Metropolis Limits is the longest-running music manufacturing on TV. To have the ability to watch a taping, common of us are put right into a lottery system however you’ll be able to ebook excursions of the venue. From Monday to Saturday, 90-minute excursions are supplied of the dwell venue to see behind the scenes together with the superior images from acts which have been performing right here since 1974.

Austin Metropolis Limits Competition

The annual Austin Metropolis Limits Competition is among the finest out of doors festivals within the nation that hosts 130 artists attracting 1 / 4 million patrons every year at Zilker Park. If you wish to attend this competition, go to their web site to purchase tickets.

9. Catch Reside Music at The Continental Membership

Individuals name Austin the dwell music capital of Texas, and The Continental Membership is called one of many greatest golf equipment in Austin, Texas.

The membership has been internet hosting dwell music since 1955 – taking part in the whole lot from blues and nation, to rock, and swing. To pay a go to, head to South Congress in South Austin. Enter the membership beneath the classic neon lights, pull up a stool, seize a drink, and luxuriate in one of the best of Texan music tradition.

10. Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo is a non-profit group that promotes wildlife conservation and rescues native and unique animals. The zoo has over 300 animals, together with endangered species like tigers, ring-tailed lemurs, and spider monkeys.

You possibly can be taught in regards to the significance of conservation efforts, the historical past of the zoo, and meet animals up shut. Ensure to catch the prepare across the park and go to the petting space to satisfy among the pleasant home animals.

11. Tour the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

The LBJ Library and Museum is one other attraction positioned on the Austin campus.

The attraction is devoted to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the thirty sixth US President. Guests obtain an in-depth introduction to Johnson’s life and the whole thing of his presidency. You’ll entry exhibitions on occasions in his presidency, just like the Vietnam Conflict, hear voice recordings of Johnson discussing essential issues, and be taught loads of private particulars in regards to the earlier president. In case you are curious about politics or presidential historical past, we’d advocate a go to.

12. LBJ Ranch

Nevertheless, we discovered touring the LBJ Ranch simply exterior of Austin to be very fascinating. Whereas a tour of the Texas White Home is briefly closed as a result of structural considerations, you’ll be able to nonetheless take a driving tour of the ranch.

This was the childhood residence of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and through his time in workplace, he spent 20% of his time working from right here. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Web site is a brilliant cool tour by means of the ranch to see the cattle which might be descendants of LBJs livestock. Ebook it right here!

13. Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park is a 21-acre reservation website with strolling trails frequented by extra roaming peacocks than different individuals. If you’d like a quiet day within the metropolis’s West, visiting the park is among the finest issues to do in Austin.

The park is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so it’s a good attraction for all guests to Austin, Texas. And, in case you’d like to mix Austin’s nature with historical past, you’ll admire the historic cottage within the park heart.

14. Eat at Franklin Barbecue

When in Texas, strive the delicacies at Franklin Barbecue. Barbecue grilled meats have lengthy been the long-lasting Austin meals, and Franklin Barbecue is the preferred venue to do this native specialty.

At Franklin Barbecue, you’ll be able to order brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage variations by the pound – excellent for giant teams and households. Alternatively, order a sandwich full of grilled meat of your selection or a candy dessert pie.

Franklin Barbecue is positioned in East Austin and is a favourite spot amongst Austin residents.

15. The Modern Austin, Laguna Gloria

The Laguna Gloria is Austin’s solely devoted up to date artwork gallery. Artwork fans ought to place the gallery excessive on their listing of issues to do in Austin, because the venue provides a unbelievable vary of exhibitions and artists.

From the Betty and Marcus Sculpture Park to momentary trending exhibitions, it’s simple to spend half a day visiting the Laguna Gloria. Whereas primarily that includes up to date sculptures, you’ll discover a variety of artwork varieties to research and admire.

16. Go to the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum

How acquainted are you with the story of Texas? To expertise a residing historical past museum, the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum is among the biggest issues to do in Austin.

The museum has a cinema, a mix of momentary and everlasting exhibitions, and artifacts. So, whether or not you be taught visually, kinetically, or by means of auditory info, there will probably be loads of alternatives to absorb Texas’ residing historical past.

You possibly can find out about Texan social historical past – from the unique inhabitants to the primary European colonizers and the latest battles for equality.

17. See the Largest City Bat Colony

This addition to our listing of issues to do in Austin would possibly sound unusual, however it’s a massively spectacular phenomenon.

The most important city bat colony is in Downtown Austin – proper beneath the South Congress Avenue Bridge. Each night, over 1.5 million bats emerge from their daytime perches beneath the South Congress Bridge and take to the sky in a dramatic spectacle. Animal-lover or not, the city bat colony is one thing you need to prioritize witnessing in Austin.

For a special perspective on the bats strive this kayaking tour which takes you proper beneath the bridge.

18. Desert Door Distillery

Have you ever ever tried Texas sotol? Sotol is an alcoholic spirit and is regarded as the first-ever alcoholic beverage drunk by people. Sotol has been drunk for over 800 years now, however the Desert Door Distillery is the one distillery in the US.

You possibly can go to for a tasting expertise on Thursdays to Sundays. The distillery is a forty-minute drive exterior of Austin, positioned within the suburb of Driftwood. Nevertheless, it’s effectively value making the drive for a go to or organizing a switch.

19. Go to Woman Chicken Lake

Woman Chicken Lake is one other reservoir to your itinerary! Whereas swimming is prohibited, the lake has many different out of doors actions that you need to strive.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Path is the well-known loop round Woman Chicken Lake. The ten-mile path circles the complete lake perimeter, with combined terrain of boardwalk and pavement.

You possibly can seize a espresso and luxuriate in taking within the stunning surroundings that’s sandwiched between the cityscape and lake. Or, for runners and cyclists, you need to use the circuit to maintain accountable and match whereas on vacation.

Woman Chicken Lake additionally runs beneath South Congress Bridge, so ebook a ship tour in order for you a singular approach to watch the bat colony emerge.

20. Spend Noon in Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez is a energetic neighborhood, filled with motion and hospitality. To expertise the suburb on a time restrict, we’d advocate spending noon on Cesar Chavez Road, which hyperlinks downtown and east Austin.

Don’t know the place to start out? Start with a go to to Ladies & Their Work, a non-profit artwork gallery, then purchase tacos to go from Granny’s Tacos – you’ll be able to calm down and eat your lunch within the Pan American Neighborhood Park.

21. Go to the Secret Seashore

Everybody loves a secret, proper? Though preserving them is evidently a lot more durable because the Secret Seashore is not-so-secret anymore.

Alongside the river in East Austin, you’ll discover a sand seaside the place locals sunbathe and swim within the river. If you’d like a quiet seaside expertise in central Texas, the Secret Seashore is your finest guess.

You should use Google Maps to simply entry the seaside by means of Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park.

22. Take a Bike Tour of Austin

We extremely advocate sightseeing in Austin, however who mentioned you couldn’t do it on two wheels?

Many firms run bike excursions round Austin, supplying you with info on the town and enjoyable train on the identical time. Many individuals discover biking simpler than strolling a metropolis too, and it could be a faster approach to sightsee in case you solely have a brief go to deliberate.

You possibly can enquire on the Austin Customer Middle or ebook excursions on-line like this one on an Electrical Bike by means of Get Your Information.

23. Have a Recreation of Mini Golf

Generally a little bit of lighthearted enjoyable is bliss. Mini golf is a enjoyable household exercise, problem with pals, or as a date.

Austin has a shocking quantity of golf venues, however we advocate Peter Pan Mini Golf. This course has been working since 1946 but retains including modern new concepts. Nutmeg a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex, hit the ball by means of a large Converse shoe, and purpose straight into an orca’s mouth – the Peter Pan course is as whacky as they arrive.

A recreation at Peter Pan is among the most entertaining issues to do in Austin; bizarre, it’s certain to get a giggle or two.

24. Go Wine Tasting on the Austin Vineyard

Get pleasure from tasting new wines? Or simply need an indulgent, fascinating exercise to your itinerary? Wine tasting on the Austin Vineyard is a superb factor to do when staying in Austin, Texas.

You don’t want a reservation to go to the Austin Vineyard, and the venue runs tasting classes 4 days per week. The tasting menu lets you pattern a beneficiant variety of completely different wines, with the choice to buy further snacks like cheeseboards and olives.

If wine tasting is your factor then this Wine Shuttle could be proper up your alley.

25. Go to the Museum of the Bizarre, Austin

Austin’s slogan is Preserve Austin Bizarre and The Museum of the Bizarre caters to that bizarre, eclectic, and unusually intriguing factor that makes Austin particular.

The attraction self-proclaims to be ‘America’s Strangest Attraction’. From shrunken heads to bigfoot memorabilia, the museum is an entertaining spot to go to whereas in Austin. There may be additionally a present store subsequent door, simply in case you get impressed to deliver any oddities residence!

The attraction is open from 10 am till 7 pm every single day, so it’s a good attraction to go to final minute.

26. See the Austin Murals

Austin has many, many stunning murals. The truth is, the town has so many who mural excursions have change into a reliable factor to do.

You possibly can buy a tour on-line, go to the customer heart for recommendation, or got down to discover one of the best murals independently.

In case you boldly select the latter possibility, these are the murals that you need to prioritize: Greetings From Austin, Received’t You Be My Neighbor, Tau Ceti, and the Austin Texas Mural.

27. Go to the Austin Aquarium

Unhealthy climate? No downside. The Austin Aquarium is a protected possibility – no matter whether or not it’s too scorching, wet, or chilly.

The aquarium is small however has plenty of hands-on encounters and animals to identify. You possibly can meet octopuses, stingrays, sharks, turtles, and many tropical fish. There are additionally mammals to satisfy like sloths and lemurs.

These touring with youngsters ought to be aware that the Aquarium has resident mermaids! Younger youngsters will probably be mesmerized by coming face-to-face with a ‘actual life’ mermaid, and the actresses carry out routines and work together with guests whereas in tanks.

28. Take a Dip in Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is among the most fascinating swimming spots in Austin.

The pool sits beneath a 50ft waterfall, the place Hamilton Creek plummets over the cliff edge above. Hamilton Pool was shaped when an underground river collapsed, and now guests climb down to achieve the pool degree.

Hamilton Pool is an hour’s drive from Austin and isn’t accessible through public transport. Nevertheless, in case you don’t have a automobile, it’s value stopping by the Austin Customer Middle to investigate about any obtainable excursions.

29. Drop by the Cathedral of Junk

You’ve possible seen a variety of cathedrals in your time. A cathedral created from junk? In all probability not.

The Cathedral of Junk is constructed from over sixty tons of undesirable objects – together with furnishings, tennis rackets, tires, and even classroom skeletons.

The cathedral is an extremely eccentric artwork sculpture and is privately owned. To go to, ebook an appointment (512-299-7413), because the sculpture is within the proprietor’s yard.

Necessary Info

A Fast Have a look at Austin…

That will help you arrive ready in Austin, it’s a good suggestion to know how the town is laid out. This fashion, you’ll be able to plan an itinerary that is smart geographically and logistically! So, let’s check out one of the best areas inside the metropolis limits.

Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin is cool. The district embodies up to date Austin, with dwell music venues, hip retailers, and plenty of cultural sights. Downtown Austin is fast-paced and finest suited to those that need a busy environment.

Key streets to recollect are Rainey Road and Sixth Road. Rainey Road is the place to eat, with rows of bungalows transformed to hospitality venues. Sixth Road is a nightlife hotspot, with bars, speakeasies, and rooftop events galore.

Central Austin

Central Austin has a sociable environment because of being residence to the College of Texas campus.

The realm has an everything-you-need structure, typical of pupil areas and metropolis facilities. As a vacationer, you’ll be able to go to numerous museums on campus, watch dwell music, or simply benefit from the common eating places and cafes.

In case you wish to be within the metropolis heart and simply hop on the metro from most sights, the Central area is for you.

South Austin

In distinction, South Austin feels extra suburban. You’ll meet extra Austin residents right here, as the realm is residential quite than aimed toward college students or vacationers.

The very best avenue to go to is South Congress Avenue, whereas South Lamar is a neighborhood value stopping by.

South Congress Avenue is the place you’ll discover a well-known Austin mural – a cursive message in purple studying ‘I like you a lot’. Additionally it is the place to go for purchasing wants, and if you wish to buy a pair of cowboy boots, Allen’s Boots is the spot.

South Lamar is a budget-friendly and really protected space in Austin, Texas. In case you are on the lookout for a fairly priced meal or a chunk of artwork, ensure to go to the neighborhood of South Lamar.

East Austin

People who discover downtown Austin fashionable however not fairly quirky sufficient ought to head to east Austin.

The realm is beneath speedy gentrification and improvement – which means it nonetheless has that thrilling, fresh-faced enchantment. East Austin is extensively identified for its avenue artwork, eateries selling sustainable residing, and inexperienced area.

You would be lazing by Woman Chicken Lake by morning, taking a avenue artwork tour by afternoon, and eating in fashionable areas like Cesar Chavez by evening.

Now that you simply’ve began to construct an itinerary of issues to do in Austin, these are some further issues so that you can take into account.

The best way to Get to Austin, Texas?

Attending to Austin is straightforward, and the town is well-connected by roads and flight paths.

The quickest approach to get to Austin is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport, which connects Austin with each the remainder of the US and the remainder of the world.

Getting Round Austin

Austin has glorious public transportation inside the metropolis limits. When touring between neighborhoods and sights, you need to use the buses or mild rail system with out counting on a automobile.

Nevertheless, when visiting sights exterior the town limits, be ready for restricted or non-existent public transport.

In case you have distant locations you wish to go to within the Texas Hill Nation, we advocate renting a automobile or reserving a tour.

When is the Finest Time to Go to Austin?

When judging primarily based on temperature, March to Might and September to October are one of the best months to go to Austin. You possibly can anticipate heat climate with out having to take care of mugginess and humidity.

Nevertheless, these months are the height seasons for visiting Austin. If you wish to avoid wasting cash, take into account reserving for the shoulder seasons – particularly February and November, when the temperatures are nonetheless comparatively cool.

The place to Keep in Austin?

• BudgetHostels are nice for budgets, so ebook into the Firehouse Hostel if you’re comfy in a dormitory room.The hostel is positioned in the course of Downtown Austin – excellent for straightforward entry to metropolis sights.
• Mid-Vary Sentral East Austin 1610 is a superb mid-range lodging selection. You will have luxuries like a health heart and a classy location however may even lower your expenses by having full use of a kitchen.
• LuxuryReserve a room on the Fairmont Austin Gold Expertise for luxurious in Austin. A 5-star resort with a Seventh-floor terrace pool and 5 completely different on-site eating places, the Fairmont is bound to tick all of your packing containers.

Austin is an incredible introduction to Texas. Town can maintain you entertained for a weekend or per week, all 12 months spherical.

In fact, don’t simply cease in Austin! Head North to affix Route 66, East to the coast, or West for desert State Parks – Texas is a state that calls for exploring.