Best Things to Do in Austin, TX

One of Austin's most beloved metropolitan parks, Zilker Park spans an impressive 351 acres and offers something for every kind of visitor. Walking paths, swimming areas, picnic facilities, bike and canoe rentals, disc golf, playgrounds, and a miniature train for families are all available within the park. Zilker Park also serves as the venue for the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Austin Kite Festival, making it a hub of activity year-round. The park is free to enter daily, though parking fees may apply.

A natural spring-fed swimming pool within Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool maintains a refreshing average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The crystal clear water and lush surrounding area have made it one of Austin's most iconic outdoor attractions, drawing close to 800,000 visitors in recent record-setting years. Managed by Austin Parks and Recreation, Barton Springs Pool requires a daily entry fee. Check the Austin Parks and Recreation website for current admission rates before your visit.

As the Capital of Texas, Austin is home to the historic Texas Capitol building, first constructed in the 1880s and covering approximately 360,000 square feet. A functioning government building housing the Senate, Governor's Office, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court, the Capitol also features impressive works of art, well-kept grounds, and the iconic Goddess of Liberty statue atop its dome. Free guided tours lasting 30 to 45 minutes are available, as are self-guided options.

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum offers a beautifully landscaped public garden adorned with sculptures by Charles Umlauf and other renowned artists. Rooted in a vision to serve as the epicenter of Austin's cultural arts scene, UMLAUF honors the legacy of Charles Umlauf, who taught art at the University of Texas for 40 years. Open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays, with admission varying for members and the general public.

Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus, the Blanton Museum of Art houses more than 21,000 pieces of artwork spanning from Greek pottery to abstract work. The museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibitions, with past rotating shows covering Latin American colonial fashion, 16th to 18th-century prints, and a range of artist spotlights. Open Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays.

The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to North America's largest urban bat colony, made up of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats that inhabit the underside of the bridge from late March through early fall. Around sunset, more than 100,000 bats can be seen emerging from beneath the bridge. Observing the bat colony is free, and the first emergence is best viewed from the river edge at the southeast end. Please be mindful and respectful of the wildlife during your visit.

Open for more than 40 years, Waterloo Records is an independent record store and a cornerstone of the Austin music scene. The store features an extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes spanning all musical genres, alongside a regular calendar of live music and performances. A visit to Waterloo Records is one of the most characterful and enjoyable things to do in Austin for anyone who loves music.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile trail winding around the shores of Lady Bird Lake near Zilker Park, drawing more than 2.6 million visitors each year. Named after a former Austin mayor and his wife, the trail promotes recreational adventure and physical activity within the community. Visiting the trail is free and accessible year-round. Maps are available for download on the Austin Parks and Recreation website.

Hosted over two weekends in Zilker Park, the Austin City Limits Music Festival features performances from globally recognized artists across multiple stages. The festival also includes the ACL Eats Food Court with offerings from Austin's best restaurants and food trucks, alongside merchandise booths, giveaways, and kids' activities, making it a great experience for the whole family.

As the highest point in Austin, Mount Bonnell stands at 775 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Austin skyline and the surrounding Colorado River. Made from limestone and accessible via a long set of stairs, the climb can be strenuous, so bringing adequate water and sun protection is recommended. Mount Bonnell is free to visit daily, and dogs are welcome.

Located just outside Austin in Dripping Springs, the Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole and designated preserve since 1990, featuring a stunning collapsed grotto, limestone cliffs, a cascading waterfall, and scenic hiking trails. Swimming access depends on current water conditions, so checking the website before your visit is advised. Reservations are required, and admission fees are cash only.

Hosted in and around the State Capitol, the Texas Book Festival brings together more than 275 nationally recognized authors each year for panel discussions, book signings, readings, and other events. A non-profit supporting literacy programs and public libraries across Texas, the festival draws roughly 50,000 attendees annually.

Founded in 1983 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes and now managed by the University of Texas at Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center spans 284 acres of cultivated gardens, managed natural areas, wildlands, and an arboretum. Native plants, wildflowers, and sustainable landscaping line the center's meandering trails. Hours and admission rates vary by season, so visiting the website ahead of your trip is recommended.

The Cathedral of Junk is one of Austin's most whimsical attractions, an ever-evolving art installation by artist Vince Hannemann built from old tools, toys, and countless other found objects in the shape of a cathedral, located in the artist's own backyard. Admission is currently free, though donations are welcome. It is one of the most unique things to do in Austin.

South by Southwest, or SXSW, is Austin's annual convergence of arts, culture, and innovation, combining musical performances with art exhibitions, film screenings, technology demonstrations, and panel discussions. Both a festival and a conference, SXSW showcases nationally known and local artists alongside industry leaders and creative thinkers from around the world.

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