700 San Jacinto at 8th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 476-3700, Fax: (512) 397-4888
25 Things To Do In Austin
Soak up the local sound, sun and culture. Indoors or out, ther are so many spectacular things to do in Austin. Here are 25 fun things to do while visiting the city. Bring the kids, or just act like one while you take it all in.
- Take center stage in the “Austin Kiddie Limits” exhibit at the Austin Children’s Museum.
- Discover the artist within. Visit the Austin Museum of Art and review contemporary, modern and western art, as well as other fine collections.
- Take a walk on the wild side at the Austin Zoo. This animal sanctuary and zoo in the hill country is committed to taking in unwanted animals.
- Go for a hike through 7.9 miles of lush vegetation with other hikers, bikers and their canine companions along the beautiful Barton Creek Greenbelt. You can even enjoy a dip in one of the many swimming holes on the way! Access points at: Zilker Park, Spyglass Dr. @ Barton Skyway, Hwy. 360 & S. Loop 1 and S. Loop 1 @ Hwy. 360 exit.
- Take a dip in Austin’s most famous spring-fed pool, Barton Springs Pool.
- Go batty and see the world’s largest bat population take flight at Congress Avenue Bridge. Bat watching tours available through Capital Cruises & Lonestar Riverboat.
- Expand your knowledge on Texas history at the Bob Bullock State History Museum. Exhibits range from the Alamo to art in Texas. Also visit the Texas Spirit Theater; the only multimedia special effects theater of its kind in Texas.
- Tour the State Capitol of Texas. Free tours every 15 minutes daily.
- Laugh until it hurts at Esther’s Follies. Part magic show, part vaudeville review, part improv variety. Shows nightly Thursday – Saturday.
- Stay up late with First Thursdays on South Congress. Shops, restaurants and clubs throw a street party that runs from about 5 pm – 1 am on the first Thursday of every month.
- Austin’s own version of a mini-Smithsonian, the Harry Ransom Center. See a hodge-podge of art and artifacts to interest every member of the family! Free.
- Experience life like a president at the L.B.J. Library & Museum. Presidential library holds 36 million personal and official documents, as well as LBJ’s limousine, gifts of state and a talking replica of the man himself.
- Explore the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A botanical garden dedicated to preserving native plants and educating the public about protecting, conserving and restoring natural landscapes.
- Tour the Central Texas Wine Country and sip on award winning wine from the Fall Creek Vineyards.
- Climb 99 steps to the top of Mt. Bonell, Austin’s highest point. Provides a scenic vista overlooking Lake Austin; good for picnics and nature walks.
- Unwind with a massage at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown.
- Parasailing at Lake Travis. Get a new perspective on things by floating 600 feet above Lake Travis.
- Find out why Austin is known as the "The Live Music Capital of the World,” with a visit to the Sixth Street Entertainment District. Sixth Street is closed between Red River and Brazos to contain the young and adventurous inside this strip of bars, restaurants and live music venues. If you’re looking for original live music, head around the corner up Red River.
- Sail off into the sunset on a Sunset Cruise on Lake Travis. The ship departs at 7 pm from the marina ship store for a 2-hour cruise. Refreshments and snacks are available.
- Pay your respects to famous Texans and Confederate veterans at the Texas State Cemetery.
- Go for a hike or bike ride on Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a gravel lakeside trail. You can also rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat to navigate Town Lake.
- Stroll through the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and admire the lush surrounding that house a collection of sculptures by Charles Umlauf, as well as an adjoining museum.
- Saddle up! Enjoy horseback riding along the Onion Creek Greenbelt at the White Fences Equestrian Center.
- Head to the Warehouse District for great restaurants and music, including one of Austin’s favorite live music venues, Antones.
- Take a ride on a miniature train, explore nature trails or test your skills with a game of disc golf at Zilker Park, home to the Botanical Gardens, Science & Nature Center, Barton Springs Pool, The Zilker Zepher (miniature train) and the Disc Golf Course.