Top Things To Do In Austin

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
• Hike up to Mount Bonnell and watch the sunset

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

Being spontaneous in Austin ensures you will have an experience like no other. Check out any of the following places to visit in Austin today.

Exciting activities near Austin include:

• Grab a breakfast taco at Papalote
• Try the ultimate all-American fusion foods at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ all-American
• Visit Guild, a seafood-forward spot in North Lamar
• Pack a picnic and head to Emma Long Metropolitan Park
• Grab a pint at Jester King Brewery

When the sun goes down, Austin turns up. Austin has no shortage of bars, breweries, and cool spots to hang out at night.

Nightlife attractions near Austin include:

• Watch the fireworks over Lake Austin
• Order margaritas on the patio of Polvos Mexican Restaurant
• Go see a favorite movie at Alamo Drafthouse
• Sing punk and indie songs at Karaoke Underground
• Head to Cheer Up Charlies for a friendly club with two stages and an eclectic blend of genres

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