Things to Do in Austin
50 curated spots from Austin itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Barton Springs Pool
Swim in the historic spring-fed pool at Zilker Park with constant 68°F water.
2h · $5-9
Mount Bonnell
Short hike to 775-ft viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River and city.
1h · Free
Texas State Capitol
Free guided tours of the grand pink granite building and grounds.
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
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 for boutique shopping, murals like 'I Love You So Much', and people-watching.
2h · Free
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
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 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 · 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
Lake Austin Waterfront Walk (Near Tom Miller Dam)
Stroll short stretches of the shoreline area and small parks near the dam for extra water views and a mellow, romantic walk.
45m · Free
Live Music on Rainey Street
Historic district with ground-floor venues featuring live performances nightly. No cover charges at most venues; drink minimums typical ($8-12). Wheelchair-accessible bars.
2h · Free (drink/food minimum $8-15)
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Wander gardens with free-roaming peacocks and hop onto short nature trails through the surrounding preserve.
1h 30m · Free
Mexic-Arte Museum
Explore contemporary Mexican art and vibrant Chicano culture exhibits.
1h 30m · $5-10
Mount Bonnell Hike
Climb the short but steep stairway to one of Austin’s highest points for sweeping views over Lake Austin and Hill Country.
1h 30m · Free
Rainey Street
Bar-hop historic bungalows turned pubs; live music most nights.
2h · $10-20 drinks
Rainey Street Historic District
Bar-hop converted bungalows with live music and craft cocktails.
3h · $20-50
Rainey Street Social Hour
Bar hop bungalows with live music or patios; BYOB non-alcoholic if needed, free explore vibe.
2h · Free entry
Red River Cultural District Live Music
Hop between small venues along Red River Street to catch local bands in genres from indie rock to blues.
2h · $10-20 cover plus drinksRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Franklin Barbecue
Famous Texas BBQ; famous brisket and ribs. Outdoor covered queue with seating areas. Service desk is wheelchair accessible.
2h · $15-18 per person
Terry Black's Barbecue
Smoky brisket, sausage, and sides; spacious with quick lines compared to rivals.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Torchy's Tacos
Local chain with creative tacos like Trailer Park; try queso for sharing.
45m · $15-25 per person
Veracruz All Natural
Fresh migas tacos and juices from food truck origins; multiple locations.
45m · $12-20 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
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
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
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
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
Juan in a Million
Tex-Mex plates; order migas or breakfast tacos without cheese—dairy-free options confirmed.
45m · $10-15 per person
La Condesa
Modern Mexican with tacos al pastor and mezcal cocktails.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Le Calamar
French-Texan spot with stuffed chicken wings, crudos, and steak au poivre; try the $77 prix fixe.
2h · $80-150 per person
Magnolia Cafe South
Casual, long-loved Austin diner; go for migas, gingerbread pancakes, or breakfast tacos with lots of coffee.
1h · $12-18 per person