With its famous motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” Austin, Texas, stands out as one of the most unique cities in America. Known for its vibrant live music scene, mouthwatering barbecue, and beautiful natural landscapes, this Southern gem has something for everyone. Whether you’re new to the area or just going for a quick visit, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Austin. From quirky attractions to luscious trails, there is no shortage of fun in this creative town.
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Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
Running through central Austin, Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River that stretches for six miles. Alongside the lake is a stunning ten-mile-long trail, perfect for walkers and bikers looking for a leisurely adventure through the city. There are multiple access points, including some that wind through downtown Austin. The trail offers water fountains for both people and pets, bathrooms, shaded areas, and boat launches.
While swimming is prohibited in Lady Bird Lake, visitors can swim in nearby Barton Springs and Deep Eddy Pool. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent at multiple locations throughout the trail.
Thanks to Austin’s temperate weather, the Hike and Bike Trail is a great spot to check out year-round. Those looking for a challenge can venture the entire ten-mile trail, but its accessibility makes it easy to tailor the experience to your preference.
Zilker Park
Zilker Park, nestled alongside Lady Bird Lake, is Austin’s oldest and one of its most treasured parks. The park, covering over 350 acres, is the perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun for all ages!
Zilker Park offers a number of recreational activities, including volleyball courts and a full 18-hole disc golf course. Take the kids to the playscape for slides before going for a ride on the Zilker Eagle mini train. For the curious child, explore the Austin Nature and Science Center to check out some exotic animals or dig up dinosaur bones.
Art lovers can also find some unique offerings at Zilker Park. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a stunning art museum and outdoor garden centering on the work of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. While you can tour the grounds on your own, the Museum hosts a variety of events from crafts under the night sky to live music. The Zilker Hillside Theatre, running from March to October, is home to Shakespeare, jazz, musicals, and family-friendly films. Zilker Theatre Productions is a nonprofit that provides a pay-as-you-wish experience to thousands of theatregoers each year. Check out their current production as they are different every year!
Bat Bridge
If you’re in Austin during the warmer months (late spring to early fall), you can experience one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences in the country: Bat Bridge. Over 1.5 million bats live underneath Congress Avenue Bridge, making it the largest urban colony of bats in North America. Every evening around sunset, the bats emerge from underneath the bridge in a flurry that can last from 30 minutes to an hour.
The timing of the bats’ exit varies, but it is typically between 7:45 to 9:30. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to get the best viewing spot, which is on the bridge itself or the parks on the waterfront beneath the bridge. For a more immersive experience, try a kayak or paddle-boat tour. Setting sail right on time, these tours offer a truly remarkable viewpoint of the spectacle.
The Cathedral of Junk
Is it an art gallery, a sculpture, or a castle? The Cathedral of Junk is all of the above. Tucked away in a quiet backyard, the immense structure is an eclectic, awe-inspiring piece of art built entirely from scrap items like car bumpers, old utensils, bicycle parts, and even beer signs.
Vince Hannaman began constructing the cathedral in 1988 and has continued to add to it over the years, ensuring that it is constantly evolving. Neighbors and visitors, looking to be a part of the whimsy, donate many of the pieces. Composed of over 60 tons of material, the Cathedral of Junk has three levels and a series of rooms visitors can walk through at their own pace.
Admission is free, but visitors must schedule an appointment in advance. Whether you find it a masterpiece or decidedly strange, the Cathedral of Junk is a quintessential Austin experience.
See Live Music
They don’t call Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World” for nothing—there’s always a show to catch somewhere in the city. You may even hear it upon arrival, with musicians lining the airport terminal. You’ll spot them outside grocery stores, in local coffee shops, and nestled in community gardens. Music runs deep through the veins of the city, with diverse offerings, whether you enjoy country, blues, rock, indie, or jazz.
If you’re looking for a more standard live music experience, head to one of over 250 music venues. A few of the top venues are Continental Club, Mohawk, Radio East, Antone’s, and Elephant Room.
There are plenty of festivals throughout the year. The most famous is Austin City Limits, which takes place over two consecutive weekends in August. Old Settler’s Music Festival takes place in the spring, highlighting country and folk music. The city also hosts a series of concerts titled the Hillside Summer Concert Series throughout July.
Explore the University of Texas-Austin
Austin is home to the flagship Texas university: The University of Texas at Austin. Situated just north of downtown, the university’s main campus spans over 430 acres, making it a central feature of the city.
With its red-tile rooftops, tree-lined walkways, and historic architecture, the campus feels like a self-contained city within Austin. It’s a place where academics, culture, and public attractions seamlessly merge. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds or explore several on-campus destinations open to the public, including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Texas Memorial Museum, and a greenhouse that showcases a variety of native and exotic plant species. The university also features public art installations scattered throughout the campus.
For those interested in getting a deeper look at campus life and history, the university offers guided tours, as well as self-guided walking tours.
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Do (or Learn) the Texas Two-Step
No visit to Texas is complete without trying your hand (or feet) at the Texas Two-Step, a popular country-western dance that combines two quick steps followed by a slow one. While versions of the dance may vary slightly by region or venue, the spirit remains the same: lively, rhythmic, and unmistakably Texan.
Several iconic Austin dance halls offer lessons for all skill levels, and no dance partner is required. Popular spots include the Broken Spoke: one of the most legendary honky-tonks in Texas, known for its dance floor and live country music. Double or Nothing Two-Step‘s welcoming environment offers both group and private lessons. Hill Country Two-Step focuses on technique and fun, with regular events and themed nights.
For something a little different, check out Donn’s Depot. The unique bar and dance venue is housed in a former train station. With a vintage charm and a rotating schedule of events that include live piano performances, open mic nights, and dance lessons, Donn’s Depot offers a fun and nostalgic atmosphere.
Experience 6th Street
Smack in the heart of downtown Austin is the legendary 6th Street, also known locally as “Dirty Sixth.” Known for its gritty charm and anything-goes vibe, this bustling stretch is lined with bars, live music venues, dive joints, and late-night eateries.
But 6th Street isn’t just for nightlife. During the day, the area transforms into a more laid-back destination with local markets, vintage shops, street performers, yoga studios, and quaint coffee spots. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly outing or an unforgettable night out, 6th Street delivers with its eclectic energy and non-stop entertainment.
Visit South Congress Avenue
[Go to] South Congress Avenue on a weekday morning—skip the crowds and enjoy local shops. Grab a leisurely brunch at Café No Sé.
Lucy Appel, Austin Local
No trip to Austin is complete without heading to South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo. A short walk from downtown, the iconic street is full of vibrant Austin charm. Whether you’re spending just a few hours wandering on SoCo or the entire day, fun is guaranteed!
Stop by some of the famous SoCo murals for a memorable picture. Perhaps the most cherished is the “Greetings from Austin” mural at 1720 South 1st Street. Designed to look like a vintage postcard, this bright mural features some of Austin’s most iconic sites, from the state capitol to the Bat Bridge. Another beloved piece is the “I Love You So Much” mural located on the side of Jo’s Coffee at 1300 S Congress Avenue. This simplistic, understated mural looks like somebody quickly sprayed the words “I love you so much” in effortless handwriting.
Get your shopping fix in at some of SoCo’s boutiques and antique shops. Stop into the famous Allen’s Boots for rows and rows of handcrafted cowboy boots. Grab a quirky gift from Uncommon Objects, an antique store with a vast array of vintage items, from jewelry to taxidermy. Living in Stereo is a modern record store filled with vintage decor, movie posters, and, of course, a curated selection of vinyls.
Hike Mount Bonnell
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Austin skyline, Mount Bonnell is the place for you. It is one of the highest points in Austin at 781 feet and features panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and the surrounding hills.
While it may sound daunting, the hike is relatively short and simple, comprised of climbing 102 steps to the top. Once at the top, you can dine at one of the many picnic tables, snap some photos, or just take in the scenery and relax. It is one of the best spots in the city to watch a sunrise or sunset, with the sky painted in vibrant colors.
Mount Bonnell is open from 5 AM to 10 PM and is free to the public.
Conclusion
Austin isn’t just a city, it’s an experience. Whether you’re dancing at a honky-tonk, hiking a scenic overlook, or listening to live music under the stars, you’ll feel the city’s creative spirit everywhere you go. From funky art installations to natural wonders, historic campuses to modern-day murals, Austin offers a vibrant mix of the unexpected. It’s a place where adventure, weirdness, and passion come together, and there’s always something new to discover.
So pack your boots (or grab some on South Congress), and dive into everything this one-of-a-kind Texas city has to offer.
FAQs
Austin is famous for live music, barbecue, and nature. Check out festivals like Austin City Limits or the Hillside Summer Concert Series. Some iconic venues include the Continental Club, Antone’s Night Club, and the Elephant Room. Walk along the Lady Bird Lake trail or hike Mount Bonnell to get some great views of Austin!
6th Street is a historical street in central Austin filled with restaurants, bars, and entertainment. There are a few distinct sections of 6th Street, with some areas catering to college students and others being more family-friendly. The street is known for its rowdy nightlife and grungy feel.
Yes! Austin has plenty of fun, quirky things to do. Visit the Cathedral of Junk—a giant art structure composed of trash that visitors can walk through. Learn how to two-step in a converted old western train station. Austin is also famously home to the largest urban bat colony in the world, which can be viewed emerging every night during certain parts of the year.
The top 10 things to do in Austin include Lady Bird Lake and the adjacent Zilker Park for some outdoor fun. If you’re looking for a view, hike Mount Bonnell or check out a free show at Bat Bridge. 6th Street and South Congress Avenue are iconic streets filled with unique shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues for all ages. If you’re looking for quintessential Austin, head to the Cathedral of Junk or the University of Texas at Austin. Finally, if you’re in Austin, you must see some live music at places like the Continental Club or Elephant Room.
Elisa Miller grew up in Chicago and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Communications. If she is not lost in a book, she can be found running, watching 30 Rock, or doing a puzzle.
