Things To Do in Austin, TX: 50+ Activities for Your Bucket List

Austin, Texas, is an awesome place for adventure, whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind event or just want a creative cocktail. From the barbecue to the live music, find out all the best things to do in Austin below.

How to Use This List

It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime local or a first-time tourist — you can use this list to plan your day, your week, or maybe even your month. Austin is like a playground of museums, music venues, restaurants, bars, parks and more. If you know where to go, you’ll never be bored, and that’s what this list is for. Save this page the next time you’re looking for fun and intrigue in Austin.

Outdoor Activities

Austin is a major city, but it still feels connected to nature. The Colorado River runs right through Downtown Austin, and the city is full of parks and trails. If you want to get outside and enjoy the Texas sunshine, dive into the best outdoor activities in Austin:

• One of the most beloved spots in Austin is the Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. This three-acre pool is fed fresh water from underground springs, offering comfortable 70ºF water year-round.
• Another gem inside Zilker Park is the Zilker Botanical Garden, which features themed gardens that tell a story as you walk through. Stop and smell the flowers in the Rose Garden or admire more unusual plants in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden.
• Many refer to McKinney Falls State Park as Austin’s backyard, as it’s only 13 miles from the city. The large park is teeming with Texas wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. Hike along Onion Creek or camp beside Williamson Creek and soak up the scenery.
• Lady Bird Lake is a hotspot for paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking and more outdoor activities. You can’t swim in the lake, but just being beside or on the water feels refreshing.
• Mount Bonnell isn’t much of a mountain, making it perfect for those who want to admire panoramic views of Austin without a grueling hike. This viewpoint is accessible via a manageable limestone stairway with just over 100 steps.
• Austin is filled with popular walking, hiking and biking trails, including the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, the lengthy Southern Walnut Creek Trail, the short Johnson Creek Hike and Bike Trail and the scenic Shoal Creek Trail.
• The Barton Creek Greenbelt alone has over a dozen trailheads, as well as seasonal swimming holes and majestic limestone cliffs. The large public park invites locals to go swimming, rock-climbing, biking and picnicking in the sunshine.
• Lake Austin is another beloved body of water that people flock to during the sweltering summers. Sit at one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy the views, or find thrills on the water with wakeboarding and water skiing.
• Lake Travis is the most visited freshwater lake in all of Texas, with a water level that can go up or down by a whopping 100 feet. You’re welcome to swim in the crystal-clear water or zip around on a motorboat.

Dining & Drinks

If Texas is known for one food, it’s barbecue. Austin is no exception, with plenty of barbecue restaurants ready to pile meat onto your plate. Staying in tune with Austin’s weirdness, many of the best barbecue joints depart from the traditional, reinventing barbecue without losing all of that meaty charm:

• la Barbecue is a favorite among Austin locals. It’s a casual barbecue counter set up in a small market with outdoor tables, selling brisket, ribs, turkey and pulled pork by the pound, along with homemade sauce and to-die-for sides.
• From award-winning chef John Bates, InterStellar BBQ puts a modern twist on classic Texas barbecue, with offerings like tipsy turkey, peach tea-glazed pork belly, lamb tacos and more mouthwatering dishes.
• The humble meat trailer known as the LeRoy and Lewis Store became a coveted barbecue spot in Austin and has now expanded into a restaurant and bar location in South Austin. Their motto is “New School BBQ, Old School Service,” with staff that serves up Southern charm along with generous servings of tender meat.
• Distant Relatives is a family-friendly food truck that brings African flair to Texas barbecue. Try the pork shoulder with tamarind and molasses sauce or snack on the smoked and roasted spicy peanuts.

If barbecue isn’t your thing, that’s OK. Austin has a diverse food scene that ranges from sushi to tacos to doughnuts. Check out these popular spots:

• Located on South Congress, Magnolia Cafe is a local favorite that’s open 24 hours on most days. Order a queso omelet at 3 a.m. or try the voodoo blue burger with bold “voodoo spices.”
• Aba Austin is a modern Mediterranean restaurant with a whimsical atmosphere and exceptional outdoor space. It’s the ultimate place for friends to meet up for small plates like short rib hummus and truffled salmon.
• When you need to get your taco fix, look no further than Cuantos Tacos. This spot serves Mexico City-style tacos, filled with everything from grilled mushrooms to Mexican chorizo to pork stomach.
• Odd Duck is a legendary spot with a bright vibe and impeccable food. The creative, refined menu has standout dishes, like redfish ceviche, pork belly pizza and aged wagyu burgers.
• If you’re craving Tex-Mex, head to Matt’s El Rancho on South Lamar, an Austin staple since 1952. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and an easygoing menu that can satisfy the pickiest eaters.
• Vigilantes Gastropub and Games combines great food with endless fun. Enjoy the small bites and drinks while playing classic games like Scrabble and Cards Against Humanity, along with underground games you’ve probably never heard of.
• For dessert, head to OMG Squee, an Asian-American bakery and dessert shop. Indulge in their unique treats, like butter mochi donuts and swirled soft serve, which come in rotating flavors like melon milk, ube, black sesame, miso, Mexican vanilla and Earl Grey.

When you’re more focused on happy hour drinks or late-night cocktails than food, Austin has places you can indulge in local wine, craft beers, specialty cocktails and more libations:

• For the (arguably) best beer on tap in Austin, stop in St. Elmo Brewing Company for craft brews and fried chicken. The company has two spacious locations in Austin, one in South Austin and one in Springdale.
• If you’re in the mood for a creative, colorful cocktail, The Roosevelt Room is a must-visit. They craft dozens of gorgeous cocktails, and the menu is divided by different eras to add to the eccentric vibe.
• Whether you want a glass of pinot or a new Pothos plant, Flourish has you covered. This wine bar/plant shop has a contemporary atmosphere, a long list of wines for tastings and a collection of green plants waiting to be taken home.

Music & Arts Scene

Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” one of the top things to do in Austin is to catch a live music performance. The venue options range from intimate and underground to mesmerizing and massive. There are even whole streets renowned for their spirited, musical atmosphere. These are the top places to find live music in Austin:

• Sixth Street is not a venue; it’s an actual street. But it’s a historic spot where you’ll find the Dirty Sixth district, where there’s always a party going on. The East Sixth district has a more honky-tonk vibe if you’re in the mood for something rustic and rowdy.
• Rainey Street is another strip where live music is always on. However, this area is less wild and more family-friendly, with performances on small patios and in beer gardens.
• The Moody Center is the city’s largest music venue, holding over 15,000 people, and it’s part of the University of Texas at Austin campus. This is the place to go if you want to see the biggest artists of the day, like Olivia Dean, Tim McGraw and Weezer, just to name a few.
• The Saxon Pub is one of the smaller venues that feels cozy and moody. It has free music performances during weekday happy hour, giving local artists a chance to perform and giving locals a place to indulge in the sound of Austin.
• Antone’s Nightclub is a lively spot where you can hear old-school blues music and contemporary takes on this genre. Legends like B.B. King and Ray Charles once played here, so it’s a truly iconic location.
• For the smooth sounds of jazz, head to the Elephant Room. This gritty, underground jazz bar is exactly what you expect, with neon cocktail signs and low lighting.
• Take a break from the music and have a few laughs at one of the vibrant comedy clubs in Austin. Spots like Comedy Mothership, The Creek and The Cave and Esther’s Follies are sure to have you cackling.
• Immerse yourself in a historic landmark at The Continental Club on South Congress. This is another music venue, but it doubles as an art gallery, and it’s been a quintessential Austin destination since 1955.

Not all creatives in Austin are musical. The city also has a buzzing modern art scene, and there are plenty of museums and sculpture parks to explore:

• View the modern artwork at the Blanton Museum of Art, which has a comprehensive collection of Latin American art. The museum itself is a work of art, with a dramatic outdoor installation, as well as exhibits that explore themes like the American West and mediums like plaster sculptures.
• The Contemporary Austin is another modern art museum and has two locations in the city. It boasts a colorful collection of striking artwork, including the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park.
• If you want to learn more about the state’s music scene, there’s no better place than the Texas Music Museum. There are exhibits dedicated to blues, gospel, jazz, piano and more genres.
• The Mexic-Arte Museum is a spirited destination with exhibits that honor Mexican artists and history. The museum also hosts exciting events, like the annual Viva la Vida Festival and Parade that brings the community together.

History & Culture

Like all major cities, Austin has its own distinct history that can give you insight into the modern culture. If you’re a history buff or just curious about Texas’ past, the city has several landmarks and museums to visit, as well as areas that are simultaneously historic and hip:

• The Texas State Capitol is an essential destination for anyone who finds themself in Austin. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. You can learn more about the building and history on one of the excellent guided tours.
• Texas has a fascinating history, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum is a wonderful place to dive into the state’s culture, legacy and community. Walk through the galleries that trace Texas’ history, starting thousands of years ago.
• The Texas Science and Natural History Museum is famous for being home to the Quetzalcoatlus skeleton, the largest flying animal ever discovered. Locals and tourists note this exhibit as a must-see, and that’s just one exhibit in the museum.
• Anyone interested in President Lyndon B. Johnson should visit the LBJ Presidential Library, where you can see a replica Oval Office and Lady Bird Johnson’s Office, along with films that detail the president’s impact on America.
• The Texas Military Forces Museum is a free museum with a massive collection of military uniforms, weapons, vehicles and other significant artifacts. Even if military topics don’t generally interest you, the collection of historic documents, propaganda and photographs gives you a unique glimpse into the country’s past.
• Walk down East Eleventh Street in Austin’s African American Heritage Cultural District to better understand the resilient Black community that lives in the area. From the Black-owned BBQ restaurants to the famous mosaic tile art and street murals, it’s an enriching street that is an important part of Austin’s history.

Family Fun

Austin is a family-friendly city, making it easy to plan a day out with the kids. Whether your group is into slow-paced fun or fast thrills, Austin won’t disappoint with these top activities for families:

• Looking for classic family fun? The Original Pinballz Arcade is the perfect place to spend an afternoon playing classic games like pinball or modern arcade games that delight kids. Best of all, it’s BYOB, so you can save money and have a good time.
• The Thinkery is a unique children’s museum with a quirky outdoor playground and artistic indoor exhibitions with interactive elements that keep kids engaged. With frequent events like kid carnivals and book readings, it’s easy to get lost in the fun here.
• The Texas Toy Museum and Arcade is just as silly and fun as it sounds. You can check out vintage toys and comic books, and play classic arcade games that can be hard to find these days. And all the games are set to freeplay!
• Zilker Metropolitan Park is one of the best places for families to spend the day in Austin. It’s where the Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Botanical Garden are located, but you can simply enjoy the sprawling green grass and city views.
• Nothing says family fun like mini golf, and the Peter Pan Mini Golf course has been in Austin since 1948. Play your way through the funky holes that feature giant dinosaurs, whales, clowns, turtles, sneakers and more weirdness.
• To see beautiful animals up close, visit the Austin Zoo, a non-profit rescue zoo that prioritizes conservation and education. You’ll see everything from peacocks to lions, and there’s a petting zoo where kids can safely interact with gentle animals.
• Enjoy three hours of sky-high thrills at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. This has the longest and fastest ziplines in the state, making it a sensational activity for adventurous families.

Unexpected Gems & Eclectic Experiences

Sometimes, the best things to do in a city don’t fit into a typical category, or they feel like secrets only the locals know about. Some might say these activities define the real Austin. Discover the kinds of places that “Keep Austin Weird”:

• Many locals praise the Austin Central Library for its architectural style, modern amenities and stunning rooftop garden. While a library doesn’t sound like an exciting destination, this library is a serene and scenic place that gives you a feel for contemporary Austin culture.
• Leave the kids at home for this one — Hippie Hollow is Texas’ only clothing-optional public park. This nudist park sits on Lake Travis’ rugged shoreline and definitely offers a one-of-a-kind Austin experience (for adults only).
• The Cathedral of Junk is an art gallery constructed out of over 60 tons of… trash. Walk through the tunnels made of old license plates, broken lamps and lone bicycle wheels. It’s an eclectic destination worth visiting, and many locals agree that pictures do not do it justice.
• “Explore the stranger side of Austin” at the Museum of the Weird on Sixth Street. You never know what you might see in here, from mummified Fijian mermaids to wax figures of your favorite monsters.
• Here’s one that might be too freaky for some: the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, with roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Every night from March through November, you can see the colony take flight at dusk.
• If you’re looking for unusual items for your home, you can find odd treasures at the Uncommon Objects Antique Store. This adorable shop sells everything from antique jewelry and furniture to vintage records and cameras. No matter how long you live in Austin, every visit will feature something new.
• Strings in the Woods is a musical hiking experience where you’ll be led through wooded areas in Austin, such as the Barton Creek Greenbelt or Bull Creek. It’s a wholesome activity that occurs on most Monday evenings around 7:30 PM.
• If you wish you lived in Mordor, then you have to check out the Tiny Minotaur Tavern, a bar curated around LARPing and fantasy worlds. It’s like stepping into your favorite fantasy book, and there are often strange events hosted here, like seances or karaoke.