Things to Do in Austin
50 curated spots from Austin itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Barton Springs Pool
Swim in the spring-fed pool (68°F year-round), picnic on grassy shores; beach-like natural spot.
2h · $5-9
Texas State Capitol
Free self-guided tour of historic grounds and dome; lush gardens for relaxed wandering (10min walk from Blanton).
1h 30m · Free
Blanton Museum of Art
Explore modern and Latin American collections; quiet galleries with tropical-inspired exhibits (1.5hr).
1h 30m · $12 or Free Thursdays
Mount Bonnell
Short hike to panoramic views of the Colorado River and Hill Country.
1h · Free
South Congress Avenue
Stroll the shops, mural spots, and sidewalks for easy family photos and a classic Austin introduction.
2h · Free
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Walk the park grounds, relax under trees, and enjoy open green space with the family.
1h 30m · Free
Continental Club
Catch live music sets; Friday nights peak social energy with dancing—check Austin Chronicle for lineup.
2h · $10-20 cover
South Congress Avenue Stroll
Walk the strip for murals (including the “I love you so much” wall at Jo’s Coffee), local boutiques, vintage shops, boot stores, and casual street photography.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Texas State Capitol & Grounds
Tour the historic building (self-guided or free guided tours when available) and wander the landscaped grounds with monuments and memorials.
2h · Free
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Stroll shaded outdoor paths among bronze sculptures and small exhibits, blending art, quiet nature, and manageable walking.
1h 15m · $7-12
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (East Segment)
Rent bikes nearby or walk a lakeside section between the I-35 and Congress Avenue bridges for skyline views and breezy paths.
2h · Free (bike rental ~$15-25)
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Viewing
Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to watch up to a million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge, with skyline views over Lady Bird Lake.
1h · Free
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching (Shoreline)
In season, arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset, find a spot along the trail or on the bridge, and watch the massive bat colony emerge.
1h · Free
Austin Skyline Day Tour (Lady Bird Lake Paddle)
2-hour guided paddling tour offering unbeatable daytime views of downtown skyline, Congress Avenue Bridge, and Texas State Capitol from water level. Locally-owned, mom-and-pop operated by passionate guides sharing authentic stories.
2h · $60-85 per person
Barton Creek Greenbelt Short Hike (Zilker Access)
From the Zilker access, follow an easy out-and-back along the creek; when water levels are good, you’ll see swimming holes and limestone cliffs popular with climbers.
1h 30m · Free
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Swim in the spring-fed, year-round 68°F (20°C) pool surrounded by grassy hillsides perfect for lounging.
2h · $5-9 per person (non-resident rates vary by season)
Bullock Texas State History Museum (Free Hours)
State history museum with 3 floors. Free admission the first Sunday of each month (10 AM-2 PM). Audio descriptions available. Elevators throughout.
2h · Free (once monthly)
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Viewing
Watch up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk (peak season May-August; limited March). Accessible viewing platform with seating.
1h · FreeCongress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
Arrive before sunset to watch the bat flight from the bridge or nearby lawn space.
1h · Free
Downtown / 6th Street Daytime Walk
Explore 6th Street and surrounding blocks during the day for murals, historic façades, and souvenir shopping without the late-night crowds.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
East Austin Mural Walk
Look for colorful walls, creative storefronts, and street scenes that work well for family photos.
1h 30m · Free
Free Explore: Lady Bird Lake Trail Segment
Walk a short, scenic stretch of the trail near Rainey Street and the lake, pausing at viewpoints for family photos of the skyline and water.
1h · Free
Greetings from Austin Mural & South 1st Street Murals
Stop by the postcard-style mural at 1720 S 1st St and wander a few blocks to spot more colorful street art.
45m · Free
Lady Bird Lake
Rent kayaks or paddleboards for skyline views and Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
2h · $30-50
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Paddle
Rent paddleboards or walk trails; sunset views, 2hr free explore boardwalk (15min walk from Capitol area).
2h · $20-30 rental or Free
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
Rent bikes or walk 10-mile loop with skyline views; scenic and flat.
1h 30m · $10-20 bike rental
Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail (Accessible Loop)
10-mile paved loop; fully accessible and flat. Walk or bike partial sections. Multiple entry points to customize distance. Scenic water views throughout.
1h 30m · Free
Lady Bird Lake Kayak Rental (Congress Avenue Area)
Rent a single or double kayak from an outfitter near the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and paddle along Lady Bird Lake with skyline views.
2h · $20-30 per person
Lady Bird Lake Sunset Cruise
45-min accessible boat tour from Zilker dock (step-free boarding); spot skyline and bats if in season; photography from seated deck at golden hour.
1h · $30-50
Lady Bird Lake Trail
Take a gentle lakeside walk for skyline views and outdoor photos before the afternoon heat builds.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Franklin Barbecue
Legendary brisket and ribs; arrive early for tickets (opens 11am).
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Jo's Coffee
Iconic local coffee shop featuring Austin's famous 'Jo's' pastries and espresso drinks. A perfect starting point for the morning walk tour.
45m · $8-15 per person
Paperboy
Try elevated brunch plates, pastries, and strong coffee before a relaxed East Austin exploration.
1h · $18-30 per person
Terry Black's Barbecue
Order the 2-meat plate with brisket and turkey, sides of slaw and beans; fully customizable for any dietary needs with modifications available.
1h · $25-40 per person
Torchy's Tacos
Order trailer park taco (fried chicken, green chiles, no queso) or veggie options—all customizable dairy-free.
45m · $10-16 per person
Veracruz All Natural
Fresh migas tacos and juices from food truck origins; multiple locations.
45m · $12-20 per person
Aba Austin
Upscale Mediterranean restaurant with lush patio, excellent spreads, kebabs, and shareable plates—reserve ahead for a comfortable midday break.
1h 15m · $35-55 per person
Aris
Modern Mediterranean with dry-aged steaks and sleek glass-box dining room.
2h · $90-150 per person
Barton Springs Café (Zilker Park)
Casual café overlooking Barton Springs Pool; sandwiches and salads. Ground-floor seating with lake views.
1h · $7-11 per person
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Vegan brunch; order tempeh scramble or pancakes (soy-based)—extensive dairy-free menu.
1h · $12-18 per person
Café No Sé
Bright, stylish café inside the South Congress Hotel with excellent pastries, avocado toast, and kid-friendly options.
1h · $25-35 per person
Cenote East
Neighborhood cafe with good coffee, breakfast tacos, and lighter options; grab a seat on the patio.
1h · $10-15 per person
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Central Texas BBQ with a casual counter line; share brisket, sausage, and sides like mac and cheese to keep costs in check.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Franklin Barbecue or Salt Lick
Authentic Texas BBQ at one of Austin's oldest and most respected joints. Brisket, ribs, and sides showcase local culinary tradition.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Geraldine’s
Modern restaurant inside the Hotel Van Zandt with Southern-influenced dishes, great cocktails, and regular live music in a refined space.
1h 30m · $45-70 per person
Home Slice Pizza
NY-style pizzas and slices; lively South Congress spot with outdoor seating.
1h · $15-30 per person
Homestate (South Congress)
New York-style pizza and Mexican breakfast. Ground-floor counter service with accessible seating.
45m · $5-9 per person
Jeffrey’s
Classic steakhouse with caviar service, dry-aged steaks, and tableside martini cart.
2h · $100-200 per person
Jo's Coffee (South Congress)
Casual coffee spot with pastries and breakfast tacos; famous for 'I Love You So Much' mural. Wheelchair accessible counter service.
45m · $4-7 per person
Joann's Fine Foods
Try avocado toast or eggs any style with fresh juices; accommodates all dietary restrictions with vegan/gluten-free options clearly marked.
1h · $20-35 per person