You’ve heard the slogan — Keep Austin Weird. Often treated like a distant relative to the rest of Texas, Austin’s counterculture reputation earns its spot as a fast-growing and fast-changing city. Whether you’re familiar with the city or just trying to hang like a local during SXSW, there’s plenty of new things to try in Austin, Texas. True to its reputation, most of its standout attractions involve downtown bars, barbeque, and non-touristy activities.
As the state capital of Texas, Austin is teeming with funky attractions. Prioritize the following iconic city activities before finding all the restaurants, bars, and landmarks that keep Austin weird.
The best things to do near Austin include:
Visiting ZIlker Park, a metropolitan recreational area
Watch the burnt orange insanity at a University of Texas home football game
Visit Leroy and Lewis for new-school smoked barbecue
Watch live music at South Congress’ The Continental Club Club
Though Austin is ostensibly non-touristy, visitors to the city can still find many photo ops and vacation cornerstones found throughout other popular city destinations. These Austin attractions can be found around almost every corner in the city.
Things to do for tourists in Austin include:
Visiting the Texas State Capitol, home to the state legislature
Look for the “yarn-bombed” trees found all over Austin
Explore Austin’s iconic murals all over the city
Explore Austin’s food truck parks throughout the city
See the public art installations at University of Texas campus
With its arcades, candy shops, fun parks, diverse eateries, and more, there is plenty of things to do in Austin with kids. Bring the whole family and explore what kid-approved activities the city has to offer today.
Family-friendly things to do near Austin include:
Spend time in rows of new and vintage pinball machines at Pinball Arcade
Test your skills among the characters at Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Look for wandering peacocks at Mayfield Park
Admire the wildflowers at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Visit Fareground, a modern food court with casual concepts
Even if it’s treated like an island, Austin is no stranger to the Texas sun and arid temperatures. Leave no stone left unturned and find indoor activities in Austin that everyone can enjoy.
Things to do indoors near Austin include:
Peruse David Foster Wallace’s papers at Harry Ransom Center
Learn more about Texas history at Bullock Texas State History Museum
Try the beer selection served at The Whip In
Look at the artifacts at Austin Nature & Science Center
Head to Seven Grand, a low-lit whiskey bar in downtown Austin
The majority of the sights to see in Austin are in the city, even the parks. But if you wander just outside city limits, you’ll find caverns, grottos, and lakes to explore.
Outdoor attractions near Austin include:
Find water-based equipment rentals to explore Lady Bird Lake
Head to Hamilton Pool, a natural swimming grotto
Do the full loop of Lady Bird Lake Hike
Explore the natural wonders of Longhorn Caverns
Hang out with waterlilies and quiet statues at Umlauf Sculpture Garden