If you want a taste of Texas, try it with a twist of Austin. The city’s slogan, ‘Keep Austin Weird’, lets you know this city will give you a ton of unique options in lodging, food, and activities. It’s best known for its live music scene, green spaces, breweries, and culinary options. They also have great weather, which means any time of year is a good time to visit the Texas state capital. Here are 20 must-do activities that you don’t want to miss out on in Austin, Texas.
Tour the Texas Capitol
Since you are in the state capital, why not start off with a visit to the Renaissance Revival style Texas Capitol? It is built from red granite quarried locally. It was restored in the 1990s and is free to tour.
Explore the Austin River Walk
Just a short walk from the Texas State Capitol is the Austin River Walk. A main feature of the walk is a loop around Lady Bird Lake. The trail also takes you past iconic attractions like the Museum of the Weird, Paramount Theatre, and lots of shopping and dining options. The trail showcases both the natural and urban splendor of the city.
Go to the Museum of the Weird
Museum of the Weird, located inside Lucky Lizard Curios & Gifts, keeps the spirit of classic dime museums alive. It showcases an eclectic mix of oddities, including mummies, shrunken heads, mythical creatures, and paranormal exhibits like ghosts and UFOs, including the famous Creature in Ice.
The Paramount Theatre
Bringing Broadway flair to Texas, this 1,250-seat theater hosts around 160,000 guests annually. Its diverse lineup includes musicals, plays, solo acts, orchestras, children’s shows, classic film revivals, and live music. The Paramount Theatre offers a rich blend of local and touring performances, so there is something here for everyone.
Visit Lake Travis
For great scenic views and a chance to get some fresh air, check out Lake Travis. Like everything else, Lake Travis will have you convinced that lakes are bigger in Texas, too! Almost 300 miles of shoreline are home to a park that allows for hiking, biking, picnicking, and just hanging out.
See a Race at Circuit of the Americas
Circuit of the Americas hosts all types of events throughout the year, but it is predominantly a Formula One race track. Nothing beats watching everyone zip around the track and cheering for your favorite. There is also an amphitheater and an observation deck with a perfect view of Austin’s skyline on site.
Walk Down Rainey Street
The Rainey Street Historic District in downtown Austin features charming historic homes transformed into lively bars, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy diverse cuisine, brunch spots like Banger’s, food trucks, and weekend drink specials.
Learn Something New at the The George Washington Carver Museum
The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in Austin, celebrates and preserves the history and cultural contributions of African Americans locally and nationally. Exhibits highlight Juneteenth, historic schools, family stories, and traditions. Housed in a landmark building, the center also offers a genealogy center, theater, and year-round special events.
See Paintings a Different Way
Austin’s downtown is known for its striking murals, showcasing bold, colorful art at every turn. The famous “Greetings from Austin” mural, styled like a vintage postcard with local landmarks, is a favorite selfie spot. Visitors can also book private tours to discover more of the city’s iconic street art.
Get a Taste of Austin
Austin’s food tours offer a delicious way to explore the city’s culinary scene. Visitors can sample everything from Texas barbecue to gourmet tacos while discovering hidden gems and local favorites. Many tours include stops at the city’s famous food trucks, showcasing creative, mouthwatering dishes that reflect Austin’s unique food culture.
Attend a Music Festival
Austin is host to over a dozen music festivals each year. Annually, in Austin, you can attend South by Southwest (SXSW), Rodeo Austin, Free Week (which spans many genres), OUTsiderfest, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Austin City Limits Music Festival, and others.
Enjoy an Art Museum
The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin is a top U.S. art destination, showcasing European masterpieces, Latin American works, and impressive prints and drawings by artists like Picasso. Its modern and contemporary collection includes striking sculptures, photos, and paintings, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Have a Drink
Austin’s craft beverage scene invites visitors to tour its many breweries, microbreweries, cideries, and nearby wineries. Guests can enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences, sample unique local beers and ciders, and savor Texas wines in scenic settings. These tours offer a fun, flavorful way to explore Austin’s creative and ever-growing drink culture.
Stop and Smell the Roses at Zilker Park
Inside Zilker Park, Zilker Botanical Garden spans 26 acres of lush, varied landscapes and offers stunning views of the Austin skyline. Visitors can explore themed gardens like roses, cacti, herbs, and a tranquil Japanese garden with koi ponds and waterfalls. Open year-round, it’s a serene escape.
Learn Some History at the Bullock Museum
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, just north of the Capitol, covers over 400 years of Texas history through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and photographs. Visitors learn about Indigenous cultures, European colonization, ranching, oil, NASA, and more. Interactive displays make it especially popular with kids, offering an educational experience.
Explore the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum
The LBJ Presidential Library, located on the University of Texas campus near the Capitol, honors President Lyndon B. Johnson’s legacy. Visitors can view historic documents, personal artifacts, the presidential limousine, and exhibits on Lady Bird Johnson. A highlight is the full-scale replica of Johnson’s Oval Office on the top floor.
Check Out Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park offers a serene escape with its historic buildings, colorful gardens, and iconic free-roaming peacocks. Spread across 23 acres, the park features lily-covered ponds, towering palms, and a charming cottage for events. This lush, tranquil oasis feels worlds away from the bustling city just beyond its walls.
Tour the Cathedral of Saint Mary
The Cathedral of Saint Mary was built between 1872 and 1874. It became the cathedral of the Diocese of Austin in 1948. Originally built in the Victorian style, stained glass was added in the 1890s, and neo-Gothic revival towers and spires in 1907.
Visit Mexic-Arte Museum
The Mexic-Arte Museum showcases traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latino art, aiming to educate and inspire the community. Founded in 1983, it became Texas’s official Mexican American fine art museum in 2003. Since 1988, it has been a vibrant cultural landmark.
Tour the City by Bus
Travel on a loop around the city that passes by top landmarks in Austin’s downtown area. Along the way, listen to commentary from a guide, get great photos from the top deck, or sit in the climate-controlled lower deck. Highlights include 6th Street, The Driskill Hotel, the Texas State Capitol, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.
For more travel tips and hacks, visit our website and explore our resources to enhance your next adventure.