Are you planning a trip to Austin? Then you have made a perfect choice. Austin has a lot of things to do in Austin for you to see and experience. The cool springs of Barton Springs, the incredible bats on the Congress Avenue Bridge, the majestic State Capitol, and much more will give you a unique experience. We will provide you with a list of the best things to do in Austin, Texas. We’ll help you plan the perfect Austin trip.
🧐What is Austin, Texas Known for?
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital”. Music lovers will enjoy a wide range of music events here. You’ll enter a vibrant music scene with numerous live music venues, Austin City Limits, SXSW, and a long history of influential musicians and bands. These would be the fun things to do in Austin.
Austin is home to one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States: the University of Texas at Austin. The acclaimed university attracts many students and makes Austin a vibrant city.
Austin is known for its diverse demographics and cultural scene. Cultures from the southern United States, Mexico, and other parts of the world influence Austin’s cultural environment.
Austin has a warm climate and a beautiful natural style. Outdoor enthusiasts will experience various activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports.
Austin is known for its food, especially barbecue and Mexican cuisine. You can find a wide variety of cuisines offered here.
🏛️Things to Do in Austin: History and Culture
1. Blanton Museum of Art
Museum Hours:
Tues-Fri & Sun: 10 am-5 pm
Sat: 10 am-8 pm
Mon: CLOSED
Address: The University of Texas at Austin, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Austin, TX 78712
Tickets:
The University of Texas at Austin students and faculty can enter the museum for free with ID.
Adults: $15
Seniors 65+: $12
Free admission for visitors every Tuesday
Attention:
- No food or beverages, including water, are permitted in thegalleries and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.
- Write or sketch in pencil only. Do not use pens or markers.
- Please turn off your flash when taking photos of artwork.
As Austin’s premier art collection, the Blanton Museum of Art is the community’s most important resource. The Blanton Museum of Art has been named one of the top five college art museums by the Washington Post. Its collection of over 21,000 pieces showcases artwork from all eras. Art lovers can see European paintings, encyclopedic prints, and sketch collections, among other works of art, here. It is a paradise for art lovers. It would be one of the classy things to do in Austin this weekend.
2. Bullock Museum
Museum Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10 am-5 pm
Address: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Tickets:
Adults: $15
Students, military, seniors 65+: $11
Youth ages 4-17: $9
Attention:
- The Bullock Museum does not offer coat or bag storage. Backpacks smaller than 12x12x12 inches are allowed in the Exhibit Hall. Suitcases and large backpacks/bags are not permitted.
- Food and beverages are not allowed in the Exhibit Hall.
Visiting the Bullock Museum is one of the Austin family fun things to do. In the Bullock Museum, you will experience changing exhibits, innovative films, and unique programs and events. Here, you’ll delve into the story and history of Texas and experience the uniqueness of time. The museum also strongly focuses on education about children so that you can take your child here for an in-depth learning experience.
3. George Washington Carver Museum
Museum Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 am to 6 pm.
Thursday: 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm.
Sunday: Closed
Address: 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702
Tickets: free
Attention:
- Minimum $5 donation every Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 4 pm.
The Carver preserves and showcases African American material culture, history, and aesthetic expression, demonstrating the global contributions of black people, and you can visit for free here. There is a permanent exhibit on African American families in Austin, an artists’ gallery and a children’s gallery on African American scientists and inventors. It would be one of the free things to do in Austin.
🏄🏻♂️Things to Do in Austin: Outdoors
4. Lady Bird Lake
Attention:
- Public events or exhibits may only be held on the lake with authorization from the City of Austin.
- It is unlawful for any person to fish on the deck or other portion of any bridge crossing the Colorado River within the city limits.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to swim, bathe, wade or enter the waters.
- It is unlawful for anyone to occupy a boat on the lake to sleep or spend the night between dusk and dawn.
Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, United States. It is a central recreational area in Austin, with the lake shore bounded by the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and businesses providing recreational water transportation along portions of the lake. The lake is one of the popular things to do in Austin, TX, for paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating and rowing. In addition to professional rowing teams, many college teams practice on the lake each year during Christmas and spring break.
5. Barton Springs Pool
Hours of operation:
5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except Thursdays)
Attention:
- Alcohol, food, pets, balls, tobacco, and portable speakers are prohibited
Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor pool in Austin. It is fed by an underground spring and has an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for year-round swimming. This place attracts a different crowd every year to sunbathe here.
6. Congress Avenue Bridge
Attention:
- Every year in mid-August, Austin celebrates Batfest on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Batfest has become the largest bat-viewing party in the area.
One of the best things to do in Austin is the large number of bats that will appear at sunset. The Congress Avenue Bridge attracts a large number of Mexican bats. Locals adopt these critters and allow them to become their neighbours. Beginning in late March, the first bats start to fly out from under the bridge at sunset. Hundreds of bats will pour down from Lady Bird Lake as the sun sets. The bats are usually active for up to 45 minutes, so you can come early to occupy a suitable viewing spot.
🎸Things to Do in Austin: Live Music
7. Austin City Limits
Duration: October 3-5 and October 12, 2025
Tickets:
General Admission: $320
GA+: $ 700
VIP: $1,670
Platinum: $ 5,670
Y’all Access: $27,000
Bungalows: $30,000
Austin City Limits has made Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World” in the U.S. and is the only television program to have won the National Medal of Arts. The program is the longest-running popular music series in U.S. history. The festival showcases original musical genres such as western swing, Texas blues, avant-garde country and rock ‘n’ roll. The night is known for its intimate live performances that capture the passion and energy of the artists. You can maintain a strong connection with the performers.
8. Broken Spoke
Hours of operation:
Tuesday through Saturday at 4 p.m.
Address: 3201 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
Attention:
- Kitchen open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Broken Spoke is an iconic country hootenanny in Austin. It has long been recognized as a“true Texas dancehall”icon. It is known for its traditional country music and standard country bar decor. This includes low ceilings, pool tables, and neon lights. It has a long history of attracting more famous artists, including Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Roy Acuff, Tex Ritter, Ray Price, Floyd Tillman and Ernest Tubb. Not only that, but it also serves good food, and it is famous for its chicken fried steak. You can enjoy the food and the music at the same time. There is also The Tourist Trap Room, where you can enjoy memorabilia of country music. This would be one of the best things to do in Austin, Texas.
9. SXSW
Event Date: March 7-15, 2025
Address: 1400 Lavaca St STE 1100, Austin, TX 78701
SXSW is a diverse arts festival and conference held annually in Austin, Texas, United States, spanning music, film, interactive media, and more.SXSW is known for its showcase of emerging artists and innovative technologies and has seen the emergence of many notable creative newcomers, such as Uber and musician Billie Eilish. SXSW has a significant economic impact on Austin, attracting thousands of tourists and professionals to Austin each year and generating substantial financial benefits for local businesses.
🌮Things to Do in Austin: Food Scene
10. Matt’s EI Rancho
Hours of operation: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Attention:
- Christmas Eve, 11 am to 4 pm
- Christmas Day: closed
The restaurant has a long history, and despite its current size, it still insists on making all its ingredients from scratch. They insist on grinding non-GMO corn to create the freshest tortillas and chips. The famous margarita is also made with fresh lime juice. These classic dishes are so delicious that they attract many diners to their cuisine. It is one of the best things to do in Austin, TX, this weekend. The restaurant’s ambience is indoor and outdoor, and there is a bar area so you can dine in your favourite environment.
11. Franklin Barbecue
Hours of operation:
Monday: closed
Tuesday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m.
Location: 900 E. 11th, Austin, TX 78702
Attention:
- Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Christmas Day: closed
Franklin Barbecue is a very popular barbecue restaurant. The food they sell has very authentic flavours and aromas. Diners will often line up for hours to try the mouthwatering brisket. Not only that, but they also offer ribs, sausages, turkey and hand-tossed pork, as well as several sandwiches and classic sides. A cold local beer with this delicious barbecue will make for a pleasant experience.
12. Maudie’s TexMex
Hours of operation:
8 am to 10pm
Location: 1212 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Attention:
- Christmas Eve: 8 am to 9:30pm
- Christmas Day: 8 am to 9:30pm
Maudie’s Tex-Mex has been dedicated to serving diners authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Only the freshest ingredients, including natural proteins and local pasture-raised eggs, are used here. They prioritize healthy eating and traditional Mexican flavours. You can enjoy classic hand-rolled beef, burritos, and various tacos here.
🏘️Where to Stay in Austin
Looking for accommodation in Austin? Sure, it is essential to find a perfect place to stay after learning about so many popular destinations and fun things to do in Austin. That’s where uhomes.com comes in.
As a reliable platform with a professional team, we have the best housing in Austin for you to choose from. Whether you want to find a studio to stay in temporarily or a spacious loft to live in with your family, you will get the best on uhomes.com. Every room we listed is well-furnished and equipped with modern amenities to fit your needs. Also, our Austin housing enjoys easy access to the public transport system to ensure you can quickly get to wherever you want.
💡Conclusion
Austin is a vibrant destination with a unique blend of culture, technology and natural beauty. The things to do in Austin we have introduced to you will give you an insight into this beautiful city. We hope you have a pleasant trip to Austin.
🤷FAQs on Fun Things to Do in Austin
What are the best things to do in Austin?
Things to do in Austin is numerous, and the most recommended fun things to do in Austin are：
- Enjoy live music scene;
- Visit Zilker Park
- Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake
- Taste local food
Where to find fun things to do in Austin?
South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique shops, food trucks, and iconic views of the Texas State Capitol.
Downtown Austin: Home to a bustling nightlife scene, with numerous bars, live music venues, and restaurants, especially around Sixth Street.
Zilker Park: A great place for outdoor activities, picnics, and enjoying the scenic views of the city. The park also hosts various festivals throughout the year.
Which street has fun things to do in Austin?
South Congress Avenue (SoCo) has a lot of tings to do in Austin for:
Unique Shops: SoCo is lined with quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and local art galleries, perfect for browsing and finding one-of-a-kind items.
Great Food: The street features a variety of dining options, including food trucks, casual eateries, and sit-down restaurants offering everything from Tex-Mex to gourmet cuisine.
Iconic Landmarks: You can find famous spots like the Austin Motel and Guero’s Taco Bar, which add to the street’s charm.
Live Music: Many venues along SoCo host live music events, contributing to Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The street has a lively vibe with street performers, festivals, and community events that create a welcoming and energetic environment.
What is Austin best known for?
Austin is best known for:
Live Music: Austin hosts a vibrant music scene with numerous live music venues. It’s famous for events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival.
Food Scene: Austin is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, particularly its barbecue and Tex-Mex food. Food trucks are a popular way to enjoy local cuisine.
Outdoor Activities: With parks, trails, and lakes, Austin is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs Pool are popular spots.
How to spend a day in Austin?
Following this schedule to experience a series fun things to do in Austin during a day:
Morning:
Breakfast at a Local Café
Visit the Texas State Capitol
Late Morning:
Explore South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
Lunch:
Food Truck Lunch
Afternoon:
Zilker Park
Lady Bird Lake
Late Afternoon:
Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
Evening:
Dinner: Franklin Barbecue
Live Music: The Continental Club
Night:
Nightcap on Rainey Street
