Exploring Austin: 16 Things to Do in Texas' Vibrant Capital City

Home to the largest urban bat colony in the world, with over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the bridge is a popular spot to watch the bats emerge at sunset between March and October.

Located on the University of Texas campus, this museum showcases photographs and documents from President Lyndon B. Johnson's time in office, including a replica Oval Office and Lady Bird Johnson's office.

Home to the LBJ Ranch, located about an hour outside the city.

The location of the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, and the Blanton Museum of Art.

A replica of the Oval Office is located in the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum.

A large, interactive museum with exhibits on Texas history, including the Alamo, Texas ranching, and Austin City Limits.

Mentioned as a topic of exhibits in the Bullock State History Museum.

Mentioned as a topic of exhibits in the Bullock State History Museum.

A mini golf spot that has been around since 1948, featuring two courses with sculptures on many of the holes.

A natural area with hiking trails and upper and lower falls cascading over limestone rocks, located 15 minutes outside of Austin.

A botanical garden named after Lady Bird Johnson, known for its integration with nature and hiking trails through fields of flowers; best visited in the spring when the Blue Bonnets bloom.

Home to Barton Springs.

A public pool in Zilker Park fed by underground springs, with cool and clear water around 68 degrees year round.

Offering panoramic views of the Austin skyline, Colorado River, and surrounding Hill Country, this 775-foot tall mountain is accessible via stone steps and ideal for hikes and sunset views.

The Pennybacker Bridge crosses this river; views of the river are available from the cliffs below the bridge.

An iconic Austin landmark known for its arch design and scenic setting, with the best views from the trail on the north side of the bridge.

With diverse plants, themed gardens, and picturesque landscapes, the garden offers trails, art integration, and a relaxing experience.

A lake where you can walk, bike, or experience from the shore, with the south side path offering views of the city skyline and attractions like the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue.

A statue located along the path on the south side of Lady Bird Lake.

Near the Austin mural.

A small museum with oddities, curiosities, and unusual artifacts, offering a quirky and offbeat experience.

The government home for the state, offering free guided tours to learn about Texas's history and featuring a stunning rotunda.

The grounds surrounding the Texas State Capitol.

Also known as Soco, this is a vibrant cultural hub with unique shops, restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues.

A coffee shop located on South Congress Avenue (Soco).

A pizza restaurant located on South Congress Avenue (Soco).

A live music venue located on South Congress Avenue (Soco).

Located on the University of Texas campus, this museum showcases a diverse collection of artwork and features Ellsworth Kelly's Austin building.

A stunning piece of art located outside of the main Blanton Museum of Art, especially beautiful when the light shines in the colorful windows.