19 Best Things to do in Austin Texas 2024 | Travel Guide
Discover the eclectic soul of Austin, Texas, with this guide to its best attractions. From the natural wonders of the Hill Country and Hamilton Pool to the vibrant live music scene on Sixth Street and the cultural richness of the State Capital, Austin offers an unforgettable blend of outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and legendary entertainment for every traveler.
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is an outdoor oasis within Austin featuring a waterfall, Onion Creek, hiking and biking trails, campsites, and Old Baldi, a 500-year-old bald cypress tree.
Texas State Capital
The Texas State Capital in Austin is a monumental Renaissance Revival structure built in 1888, housing the offices of key state figures and offering insight into Texas' rich history and remarkable architecture.
Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin offers vineyards, breweries, distilleries, scenic plains, historic towns, and natural attractions like Enchanted Rock and Hamilton Pool.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a town in the Texas Hill Country known for its German charm and wineries.
William Chris Vineyard
William Chris Vineyard is a winery located in the Texas Hill Country.
Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain in the Texas Hill Country, ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing, offering breathtaking views from its summit.
Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool is a natural grotto formed by the collapse of an underground river dome, celebrated for its natural beauty and diverse plant and animal life.
Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is a charity zoo focused on rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals, offering feeding sessions, train rides, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Buzz Mill
Buzz Mill is a food truck park in Austin offering a variety of cuisines and entertainment, including comedy and concerts.
Arbor Food Park
Arbor Food Park is a pet-friendly food truck park offering tacos, gyros, and pizza.
Barton Springs
Barton Springs is a natural spring-fed pool within Zilker Park, offering year-round swimming, surrounded by greenery and home to diverse aquatic life, including the Barton Springs salamander.
Sixth Street
Sixth Street in Austin is a lively entertainment district packed with shops, eateries, bars, and music venues, known for its vibrant nightlife and live music scene.
Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel is a historic hotel on Sixth Street.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin delves into the state's past, featuring artifacts like the original goddess of liberty statue and exhibits on space exploration.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell offers views of the Austin skyline, Colorado River, and Hill Country, a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, especially at sunset.
Colorado River
The Colorado River is a river that flow through Texas.
Austin Duck Adventures
Austin Duck Adventures offers a 75-minute sightseeing tour through downtown Austin, including Sixth Street, the Texas State Capital, and Lake Austin, using a US Coast Guard-approved Hydra Terra Vehicle.
Texas State Capital Building
The Texas State Capital Building is located in Austin.
Governor's Mansion
The Governor's Mansion is a location on the Austin Duck Adventures tour.
State History Museum
The State History Museum is a location on the Austin Duck Adventures tour.
University of Texas
The University of Texas is a location on the Austin Duck Adventures tour.
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is a location on the Austin Duck Adventures tour.
LBJ Presidential Library
The LBJ Presidential Library on the UT campus offers exhibits beyond presidential artifacts, including LBJ's limousine and a replica of the Oval Office.
UT Campus
The UT Campus is home to the LBJ Presidential Library.
Congress Avenue Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin is home to the world's largest urban bat colony, with over half a million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging at sunset between March and October.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake in Austin is a reservoir on the Colorado River, offering activities like strolling along the boardwalk, paddling, and kayaking, with views of the city skyline.
Austin Nature and Science Center
The Austin Nature and Science Center in Zilker Park nurtures a love for nature with interactive displays, a forest trail, a dino pit, and animal exhibits.
Continental Club
The Continental Club is a classic Austin music venue since 1955, featuring live music from rockabilly to jazz.
Mohawk
Mohawk, located in the Red River Cultural District, is a music venue showcasing emerging talent in an indoor/outdoor space suitable for all ages.
Red River Cultural District
The Red River Cultural District is the location of Mohawk.
South by Southwest
South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in March is a highlight of Austin's music calendar.
Jester King
Jester King is a brewery in the Hill Country known for its farmhouse ales.
Rainy Street
Rainy Street in Austin features historic craftsman-style bungalows repurposed into trendy pubs and eateries, offering a mix of daytime relaxation and nighttime entertainment.
Banger Sausage House
Banger's Sausage House is a popular nightlife spot on Rainy Street.
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue (SoCo) is a vibrant street with views of the Texas State Capital, colorful murals, unique stores, restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a park in Austin.