Austin, the capital of Texas, is famous for its live music, barbecue, tacos, and beer. Even before my first visit, I was in love with this city! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best attractions and activities in Austin, making it clear why this city is popular among digital nomads and travelers.
Austin prides itself on being a bit different from the rest of Texas. The city’s unofficial slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” highlights its unique charm. Beyond the fun slogan, Austin is a top travel destination, bursting with amazing food, music, beer, and surrounded by rivers, lakes, and parks, offering endless outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
One of the fun activities in Austin, especially for groups, is visiting The Escape Game Austin. With seven different themed rooms of varying difficulty, from escaping prison to stopping international threats, it’s a thrilling experience where you have just one hour to escape. It’s located at 405 Red River St, Austin, TX.
A must-see in Austin is the Texas State Capitol. This Italian Renaissance Revival building, even larger than the US Capitol in Washington, DC, is a beautiful and historically significant site. Explore its grounds, admire the central rotunda, and check out the dome with its impressive star surrounded by “TEXAS.” The Capitol is open Monday to Friday from 7 AM-10 PM and on weekends with varying hours. Tours are free and depart every 30-45 minutes from the South Foyer.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is another top attraction. This large park at the junction of the Colorado River and Barton Creek offers trails, gardens, sports fields, and natural springs. The Zilker Botanical Garden and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum are highlights, with affordable entry fees. Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the river are popular activities here too.
For a trail adventure, the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, stretching over 12 miles, is great. Starting at Spyglass Drive, it passes Campbell’s Hole, a perfect swimming spot, and ends at Barton Springs Municipal Pool, known for its cool spring-fed water. The pool charges a small entry fee, and it’s a fantastic way to cool off in the Texas heat.
For mountain biking, notable trails include the Greenbelt, Slaughter Creek, and McKinney Falls Park. Spider Mountain Bike Park, located 60 miles northwest on Buchanan Lake, is the only year-round chairlift-served park in the country, offering various trails and rental gear.
For unique entertainment, the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is famous for its bat watching. From March to November, close to one and a half million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at sunset. Get there early for a good spot to witness this natural spectacle.
For Instagrammable spots, visit the Greetings From Austin mural, the I Love You So Much Wall at Jo’s Coffee, and the Willie for President mural. Each offers perfect backdrops for memorable photos.
Austin’s live music scene is vibrant, with over 250 venues. Top spots include ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the Continental Club, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and the Elephant Room. For a guided experience, the “Austin Live Music Crawl” tour takes you to iconic and up-and-coming venues with a local guide.
Austin hosts major festivals such as SXSW and Austin City Limits, showcasing music, media, and conferences. Other quirky festivals include the Bat Fest, Hot Sauce Festival, and even one for Eeyore’s birthday.
The city boasts several museums like the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, and the Museum of the Weird, which feature a range of exhibits from history and art to bizarre oddities.
The University of Texas campus is a beautiful area to explore, with must-sees like The Color Inside Skyspace and the UT Tower, offering fantastic views. If you visit during football season, try to catch a Longhorns game for an exciting experience.
The LBJ Presidential Library, named after the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, contains numerous artifacts and exhibits detailing his life and presidency. It’s open daily, charging a modest entry fee.
Named after Lady Bird Johnson, Lady Bird Lake is perfect for hiking or biking on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The boardwalk section is scenic and accessible for a short stroll or ride.
South Congress (SoCo) is a cultural hub with quirky shops, food trucks, and more. Notable spots include Monkey See Monkey Do for vintage finds and Big Top, a circus-themed candy store. Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds offers a fantastic selection of costumes and accessories.
Finally, no visit to Austin is complete without tasting its famous tacos and BBQ. From Rosita’s al Pastor to Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, and BBQ spots like Franklin and Stubb’s, the culinary scene is vibrant. Pair your meals with local craft beers from the city’s excellent breweries.
Austin offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities, live music, festivals, food, and unique cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re planning to attend a major festival or just exploring on a random weekend, Austin promises a great time.
