With more than 250 music venues, Austin lives up to its reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World®. No matter the night of the week, you’ll find a performance to suit your tastes, from country-western to rockabilly to soul. That being said, there are countless other activities in this Texas capital, from gourmet dining to checking out the fantastic street art scene. Here are our 10 favorite things to do in Austin that don’t include a packed bar and live music (though we certainly suggest you add that to your itinerary, too!).
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1. Explore Lady Bird Lake
There’s no missing lovely Lady Bird Lake, in the middle of the city. The Lady Bird Lake Trail runs along the water’s edge, beckoning walkers, runners, bikers and skaters. Get out on the water itself on a stand-up paddleboard or boat (a variety of boat rental shops are located along the edge of the lake). Access the banks of the lake at Town Lake Metropolitan Park at Auditorium Shores or Festival Beach. If you’re out on the water at sunset between March and November, be sure to cruise on over to the Congress Avenue bridge to see the Mexican free-tailed bats emerge – it’s a uniquely Austin sight.
There’s no missing lovely Lady Bird Lake, in the middle of the city. The Lady Bird Lake Trail runs along the water’s edge, beckoning walkers, runners, bikers and skaters. Get out on the water itself on a stand-up paddleboard or boat (a variety of boat rental shops are located along the edge of the lake). Access the banks of the lake at Town Lake Metropolitan Park at Auditorium Shores or Festival Beach. If you’re out on the water at sunset between March and November, be sure to cruise on over to the Congress Avenue bridge to see the Mexican free-tailed bats emerge – it’s a uniquely Austin sight.
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2. Swim in Barton Springs
One of the most recognizable attractions within Austin is Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. The crystal-clear pool is fed by underground springs, keeping the water at a comfortable 68 to 70 degrees year-round. Grassy lawns surround the pool, perfect for picnicking and lounging. Bathhouses are available close by and there’s a great educational exhibit that’s worth a stop to learn more about the history and biology of the natural springs.
One of the most recognizable attractions within Austin is Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. The crystal-clear pool is fed by underground springs, keeping the water at a comfortable 68 to 70 degrees year-round. Grassy lawns surround the pool, perfect for picnicking and lounging. Bathhouses are available close by and there’s a great educational exhibit that’s worth a stop to learn more about the history and biology of the natural springs.
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3. Tour the Capitol … for Free
Take a complimentary tour of the impressive Texas State Capitol Building, an insightful activity whether or not you’re into history. Several free tours run throughout the day for about a half-hour each, during which you’re guided through rooms and floors you may not have found on your own. Take time before or after your tour to stroll about the 22 acres of lush lawns surrounding the Capitol, or stop by the Visitor’s Center to delve deeper into Texas history and traditions through interesting exhibits.
Take a complimentary tour of the impressive Texas State Capitol Building, an insightful activity whether or not you’re into history. Several free tours run throughout the day for about a half-hour each, during which you’re guided through rooms and floors you may not have found on your own. Take time before or after your tour to stroll about the 22 acres of lush lawns surrounding the Capitol, or stop by the Visitor’s Center to delve deeper into Texas history and traditions through interesting exhibits.
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4. Spend the Day at an Austin Museum
There are several world-class museums in which to wile away at day in Austin. Among our favorites are the Blanton Museum of Art, part of the University of Texas at Austin and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Within the Blanton, you can view more than 19,000 pieces of art, ranging from ancient Greek to Expressionism. The history museum, which is just across the street from the Blanton, learn about the state through artifact exhibits, films and first-person stories about the experiences and places that define the state.
There are several world-class museums in which to wile away at day in Austin. Among our favorites are the Blanton Museum of Art, part of the University of Texas at Austin and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Within the Blanton, you can view more than 19,000 pieces of art, ranging from ancient Greek to Expressionism. The history museum, which is just across the street from the Blanton, learn about the state through artifact exhibits, films and first-person stories about the experiences and places that define the state.
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5. Eat Tex-Mexs
Austin sure is proud of its Tex-Mex – after all, you can only get real Tex-Mex in Texas and the city argues that the best of the best is within its limits. This is the regional comfort food, so you’ll want to be sure to indulge. Pull up a chair at one (or several) of the numerous Tex-Mex restaurants and find your favorite. Try sopa azteca, carne guisada, sizzling fajitas and spicy margaritas. It all hits the spot!
Austin sure is proud of its Tex-Mex – after all, you can only get real Tex-Mex in Texas and the city argues that the best of the best is within its limits. This is the regional comfort food, so you’ll want to be sure to indulge. Pull up a chair at one (or several) of the numerous Tex-Mex restaurants and find your favorite. Try sopa azteca, carne guisada, sizzling fajitas and spicy margaritas. It all hits the spot!
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6. Or … Eat Barbecue
Follow up your Tex-Mex feast with grub from the renowned Franklin Barbecue. The hours-long wait is worth it for local celeb and head chef Aaron Franklin’s sausages and beef ribs. The wait is part of the experience, so bring a game, some friends, some beverages and a couple chairs and make it a day.
Follow up your Tex-Mex feast with grub from the renowned Franklin Barbecue. The hours-long wait is worth it for local celeb and head chef Aaron Franklin’s sausages and beef ribs. The wait is part of the experience, so bring a game, some friends, some beverages and a couple chairs and make it a day.
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7. Check Out the Street Art Scene
With murals in several neighborhoods and more showing up all the time, Austin street artists are starting to make a name for themselves. Look for these meaningful, colorful displays on walls, buildings and down alleyways all over the city. Some of the most popular are “Sweet You’re Here” on Burnet Road, “Tau Ceti” at Brazos and Second streets and “Love From Austin” on South Congress Street.
With murals in several neighborhoods and more showing up all the time, Austin street artists are starting to make a name for themselves. Look for these meaningful, colorful displays on walls, buildings and down alleyways all over the city. Some of the most popular are “Sweet You’re Here” on Burnet Road, “Tau Ceti” at Brazos and Second streets and “Love From Austin” on South Congress Street.
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8. Get Out of the City
Take an urban breather with a hike on Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin, in Covert Park. The views of the city, Lady Bird Lake and the western hills are phenomenal from here, so be sure to climb the 106 stairs to the viewing deck.
Take an urban breather with a hike on Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin, in Covert Park. The views of the city, Lady Bird Lake and the western hills are phenomenal from here, so be sure to climb the 106 stairs to the viewing deck.
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9. Visit the Cathedral of Junk
Only in Austin will you find a huge tangled web of junk that can be passed off as an art installation. Vince Hannemann, who is now referred to by the art community as a “yardist,” started assembling the multi-level structure in 1988, not as an art piece but because he thought it would be a cool thing to do. He estimates that the current structure holds 60 tons of “junk,” from illuminated beer signs to car bumpers to kitchen utensils. It’s a one-of-a-kind Austin attraction.
Only in Austin will you find a huge tangled web of junk that can be passed off as an art installation. Vince Hannemann, who is now referred to by the art community as a “yardist,” started assembling the multi-level structure in 1988, not as an art piece but because he thought it would be a cool thing to do. He estimates that the current structure holds 60 tons of “junk,” from illuminated beer signs to car bumpers to kitchen utensils. It’s a one-of-a-kind Austin attraction.
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10. Pick Up a Pair of True Texas Boots
Visit the iconic Allens Boots store on South Congress Street – you’ll know you’re there when you see the huge red boot sign. The family-owned business will quickly have you outfitted in boots from their collection of more than 4,000, plus a cowboy hat, clothes and accessories for an authentic Texan look.
Visit the iconic Allens Boots store on South Congress Street – you’ll know you’re there when you see the huge red boot sign. The family-owned business will quickly have you outfitted in boots from their collection of more than 4,000, plus a cowboy hat, clothes and accessories for an authentic Texan look.
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11. Dine at the Magnolia Cafe
After you pick out your boots, why not wear them down the street at the famous Magnolia Cafe, under the “Sorry, We’re Open” sign. This beloved, 24-hour establishment was visited by Barack Obama in 2014 and is a city landmark. No matter what you’re hankering for, you’ll find it, from chips and queso to omelettes to juicy burgers.
After you pick out your boots, why not wear them down the street at the famous Magnolia Cafe, under the “Sorry, We’re Open” sign. This beloved, 24-hour establishment was visited by Barack Obama in 2014 and is a city landmark. No matter what you’re hankering for, you’ll find it, from chips and queso to omelettes to juicy burgers.