25 Best Things To Do in Austin for Locals and Visitors
Austin has been named ‘The Best City in America’ by dozens of publications in recent years. An influx in population has changed the city in many ways, but this list strives to feature activities that both visitors and locals alike should include on their bucket lists for THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN.
25. Visit the Austin Oasis That Is Hamilton Pool
This swimming hole sits in a natural grotto carved out of limestone and is complete with a small beach area and a 50-foot waterfall! They now require reservations during the busy summer months so be sure to make reservations before heading to the pool.
24. Start Your Own Bike Gang
There’s no feeling “tourist-y” while cruising around town on an electric minibike! Create your own biker gang and experience the city like you never have before. Rentals and biker gang adventures run daily, and kids 15 yrs and under can ride with a parent for free! It’s an incredible bonding experience for couples, families, friends, or co-workers.
*Must be at least 48″ tall to ride (approx 7yrs old), 16 years or older to operate our electric minibikes. Everyone 16 and older must have their own ticket.
23. Drink Margaritas
Our city offers some of the best tequila and mezcal variations in the country. Visitors and locals alike should be sure to try some (or all) of our favorites.
22. Explore Local Museums
An excellent indoor activity when you’re looking to beat the heat. This list includes some of our favorites.
21. Test Your Skills At The Escape Game Austin
If you’re looking for an escape room in Austin, this one is our favorite by a landslide. They have multiple experiences to choose from, and we’ve loved them all, but ‘Gold Rush’ (pictured above) is our number one recommendation.
20. Exploring East, West, And Dirty 6th Street
Each section of the world-famous street has its own unique character, and reasons for visiting. Which face of Sixth Street is right for you?
20. Karting Experience at Circuit of the Americas
There’s a new thrill at Circuit of the Americas and this time you won’t be watching—you’ll be driving! Karting is here and it’s a blast for the whole family. A great location for private events, birthday parties, corporate outings, and more; COTA Karting is here to elevate your Karting Experience.
COTA Karting offers high speed fun at the only Formula 1 track in the U.S. They cater to novice karters, elite karters, and everything in between! In a single race, drivers can expect to get 10 minutes of race time on a technical course (plenty of time to get in 10 laps if you are fast enough). Similar to that of the Formula 1 Circuit, the karting track elements include elevation changes, hairpin turn, stars and stripes, and fuels the need for speed! Learn more Circuit of the America’s Karting Experience here.
18. Rent A Boat On Lake Austin Or Lake Travis
Hitting the lake is definitely one of our favorite summertime activities, and our friends at Float On Boat Rentals offer the best access to both lakes, boat captain optional.
17. Eat All The Breakfast Tacos
Where you’re from they may call them breakfast burritos, but in Austin, we’re all about that taco life. Check out some of our favorites of the breakfast variety listed here.
16. Seek Thrills With Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
This thrilling adventure over Lake Travis will get your blood pumping. The views over the lake while ziplining are absolutely incredible, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Be prepared to reach speeds of 60 mph.
15. Take A Selfie In Front Of The ‘I Love You So Much’ Mural
Because did your trip to Austin really happen if there aren’t pictures? You can find the location of this mural and some of our other favorites here.
14. Relax Outdoors At Zilker Park
Zilker Park is a 351-acre, dog-friendly park situated in the heart of Austin. It serves as a hub for many special events such as ACL, SWSW, The Zilker Kite Festival, and many more. It’s also a great location to setup a blanket and do some people watching.
13. Take A Yoga Class
Austin is a city that loves to be active! We’ve teamed up with Wanderlust Yoga to offer FREE Yoga in the Park every Wednesday this summer! Each class will be accompanied by live music or a DJ.
12. Explore Rainey Street
The most well known party-street in Austin is still 6th Street, but in recent years Rainey Street has given it a run for its money. There are a plethora of older homes that have been turned into bars, and most of them have great outdoor patios. There are also several really great dining options in the neighborhood as well.
11. Visit Local Breweries
Looking for a departure from the 6th Street bars? Austin is regularly ranked as one of the top cities in the nation for craft brewing. Take a tasting tour of the local microbreweries such as Jester King, Hops & Grain, and Austin Beerworks. Drink yummy craft beer, meet awesome people.
10. Celebrate Fall at Wurstfest
Wurstfest was voted the number two Oktoberfest in the country by USA Today! This “10-Day Salute To Sausage” in New Braunfels is one of our favorite festivals of the year. With sausage, beer, polka and potato pancakes as far as the eye can see, it’s a Bavarian wonderland that’s not to be missed.
9. Visit The Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is the oldest surviving state office structure, and a great place to learn about Texas history.
8. Cruise Around On Lady Bird Lake
One of the best ways to check out Downtown Austin is from the water. Lady Bird Lake (or Town Lake as some locals still call it) runs from the Westside of the city, all the way past Highway 35 into East Austin. The water is calm enough for a peaceful day trip or a sunset paddle. Be sure to bring your beverage of choice and a waterproof camera or ziplock bag for your phone; you’re going to want to take pictures!
The Rowing Dock is located on the Southern shore of the lake just West of MoPac (Loop 1), and they offer a wide selection of kayaks, canoes, and Stand Up Paddle-boards for rental.
7. Take A Stroll Down South Congress
Eclectic, hip, fashionable, and funky all combined. Surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops, and music venues. Also a cool view of the Capitol and downtown skyline from the top of the hill.
8. Go For A Hike
Central Texas is often referred to as the gateway to the Hill Country, and with the hills come beautiful trails, streams, and greenbelts that are absolutely perfect for outdoor adventures.
5. Climb Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin at 775 feet. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals to view the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
4. Watch The Congress Avenue Bats at Sunset
The Congress Bridge plays home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. About 1.5 million Mexican free tail bats call the Congress Bridge home from Spring to early Fall as they migrate north.
Each night around dusk the bats start their evening flight. It normally starts with a single bat leaving the bridge and quickly turns into a steady flow of countless bats in search of food. It’s one of those things that is truly unexplainable until you see it first hand.
Many people choose to watch from the Congress Bridge but the real treat is seeing it from the water. Capital Cruises offers great bat watching tours. You can also rent them privately which make for great birthdays or corporate events. Here’s an insider secret, if you don’t have a big group look into Duffy Boat rentals. I do them every time I have company in town and they’re always a hit.
3. Sink Your Teeth Into Local BBQ
Central Texas has long been famous for its brisket and other smoked meats, but now some of the most highly praised joints in Austin reside within the city limits. We highly recommend la Barbecue, Valentina’s Tex Mex, Micklethwait Craft Meats, and of course, Franklin BBQ.
2. Listen To Live Music
You can’t come to the “Live Music Capital of The World” and not listen to live music, how un-Austin of you. Don’t know where to start? A few of our favorite venues are Emo’s, Stubb’s, ACL Live, and the Mohawk.
1. Take A Dip At Barton Springs
Barton Springs Pool is situated at the grounds of Zilker Park. It is a must-go-to place in the summer to cool off, with a 68 degree temperature all year round.
