As Austin has grown and added more and more residents, it has also become more and more of a tourist destination for everyone from rowdy bachelor parties to families. It’s also not uncommon to hear from some out-of-state friend asking if they can come to visit as soon as they sniff out a free place to stay. And who can blame them? We live in a pretty fun place to visit.
Whether you’re playing tour guide for your parents or that old friend from high school, here are just a few of our recommendations for where to take visitors in Austin.
Barton Springs
If it’s hot (and it probably is), a dip in Barton Springs is the way to go, where the water is 68 degrees even during the most sweltering of summer days. Plus, you can take a stroll through Zilker Park before or after.
The Bullock Museum
Learn about the Lone Star State at the official history museum of Texas, where permanent and temporary exhibits tell the story of the state. There’s also an IMAX screen where you can see a movie. As a bonus: Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
The Blanton Museum of Art
UT’s art museum just got a big facelift, and it’s well worth the visit. See rotating exhibits, Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, as well as the museum’s large collection of Mexican and Latin American art. It’s also steps away from the Bullock Museum.
South Congress
Yes, it has become a tourist hotspot, but anyone who is visiting has probably heard of it and probably wants to go. Grab a slice of pizza at More Home Slice, take a photo at the iconic “I love you so much” mural, and shop at the local stores that line the street.
Alternatively: South First also has a collection of funky galleries, restaurants and shops and is much less packed than South Congress. Photo credit: Texas Monthly
A Concert or Anywhere With Live Music
Austin is, of course, known for its live music, and it would be a loss not to take an out-of-towner to see some. For a very comfortable experience, catch a concert at ACL Live on Wille Nelson Boulevard. Or you can head to one of Austin’s more laidback establishments, like the White Horse for two-stepping, Hole in the Wall near UT’s campus, or the legendary Continental Club on South Congress. Photo credit: @garymillershoots
AFS Cinema
Take the movie buffs to the nonprofit art house theater from Austin Film Society, which founded by famed director Richard Linklater. AFS Cinema specializes in indie films of all types, as well as special events. See a movie you likely won’t see playing anywhere else.
Somewhere With Tacos and Margaritas
The preferred diet of Austinites, tacos and margaritas are easy to find throughout the city. Güero’s Taco Bar has been a mainstay on South Congress for years, the first Chuy’s is still serving on Barton Springs, Radio Coffee & Beer has a full cocktail menu, and the excellent Veracruz All Natural truck parked on-site. El Alma has a perfect rooftop patio for an ice-cold marg … The list goes on and on.
Somewhere With Barbecue
Texas means barbecue, and Austin is no different. Especially if your visitors are coming from out of state, a taste of some tender-enough-to-fall-apart brisket is required. Some of our favorites: Terry Black’s, Franklin (if you can brave the wait), Lambert’s, Distant Relatives, and InterStellar BBQ.
