19 Best Things to do in Austin Texas 2024 | Travel Guide

renowned as the live music capital of the world Austin boasts a unique culture that beckons visitors from all Corners you'll discover an abundance of venues where you can enjoy live performances while savoring a drink but Austin is more than just music it's an adventure Seekers Paradise from Urban green spaces to outdoor activities like hiking swimming paddling and blue bonnet sightings there's something for everyone so sit back relax and get ready to experience all the sights and sounds of this amazing City Welcome to travel-minded today we're counting down the 19 best things to do in Austin Texas are you a fan of our videos be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos number 19 mckin Falls State Park within Austin City Limits lies mckin Falls State Park an outdoor Oasis perfect for disconnect in from technology and immersing oneself in nature this picturesque Park features a stunning waterfall offering a serene escape from the bustling Springs at Zilker Metropolitan Park though standing at a modest height of 10 to 15 ft these waterfalls exude a captivating charm moreover during periods of low water levels visitors can Venture across to explore a well-preserved Old Homestead nestled within the park Onion Creek meanders through the park carving Limestone Cliffs and creating both upper and lower waterfalls for admiration visitors can engage in various activities such as hiking biking bouldering camping at one of the 81 campsites or taking a refreshing swim in Onion Creek after a dip embark on The Onion Creek hike and bike trail to stumble upon ancient ruins nestled in the forest do miss the chance to visit Old Baldi one of Texas's oldest bald cypress trees standing at a Remar remarkable 500 years old and towering 103 ft tall It's a Wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while exploring Austin's Outdoors number 18 the state capital the Texas state capital stands proudly as the heart of Austin the vibrant capital city of Texas built in 1888 it's a Monumental structure and one of the largest state capital buildings in the entire United States it's distinctive Renaissance survival style reaching a towering height of 308 ft ranks it as the sixth tallest state capital in the nation This Magnificent pink Granite structure has a magnificent rotunda crowned by a gorgeous zinc dome which is adorned with portraits of Texas Heroes within its walls the capital hosts the offices of Key State figures such as the governor lieutenant governor and Speaker of the House along with the Texas House of Representatives and Senate chambers numerous committee rooms and State state agency offices despite Austin's modern Skyline the capital remains a prominent Landmark visible from all corners of the city whether you're a history Enthusiast seeking insight into the area's past or simply looking to admire the remarkable architecture this building offers insight into the Lone Star State's Rich history number 17 day trip to the Hill Country surrounded by the Texas Hill Country Austin offers a blend of Vineyards breweries and distill iies amid Scenic Plains adorned with wild flowers historic towns reminiscent of the old west dot the landscape with Fredericksburg standing out for its German charm and wineries like William Chris Vineyard further into the hill country lies Enchanted Rock a pink Granite Mountain ideal for hiking rock climbing and stargazing as the largest pink granite manano in the US it offers breathtaking views from its Summit and a 5em Trail Loop for close closer exploration but that's not all just 45 minutes west of Austin Hamilton Pool is celebrated as the eighth natural wonder of the world by some locals formed by the collapse of an underground river Dome it captivates visitors with its natural beauty though swimming may be restricted due to Wildlife activity surrounding the pool are collapsed Grotto diverse plant life and various mammal species creating a unique natural landscape worth exploring number 16 visit the Austin Zoo nestled Southwest of the Barton Creek habitat preserve the Austin Zoo offers a delightful family outing as a charity Zoo its mission is to provide a Haven for rescued exotic animals with a focus on Rescue Rehabilitation and education the Austin Zoo welcomes visitors year round to meet its diverse array of around 300 animals from 100 different species whether you're a kid or a grown-up there's plenty to enjoy at the zoo including feeding sessions a Charming train ride and engaging educational programs join in on the daily zookeeper talks to learn fascinating facts about various animal species or opt for a 90minut family activity on Sunday mornings for young adventurers aged 6 to 10 the zoo offers all day camps on select Saturdays you can spend the day feeding the animals strolling along the paths and admiring the enclosures amidst Lush Greenery number 15 food trucks when you stroll through Austin you can't miss the abundance of food trucks lining the streets they're a must try when you're in town whether you're craving a family-friendly atmosphere or a tasty late night snack Austin has you covered with a diverse array of Cuisines representing cultures from around the globe you can embark on a culinary Journey without leaving the city limits food trucks not only offer delicious food but also save you the hassle of deciding where to dine if your group needs more time to make up their minds head to one of the many parks like buzz Mill or Arbor Food Park buzzmill dishes up everything from Philly cheesecakes to Dim Sum along with a side of comedy and concerts meanwhile Arbor Food Park is pet friendly and serves up mouthwatering tacos Gyros and pizza number 14 Barton Springs Barton Springs nestled within Zilker Park is a beloved Oasis in Austin this 3 Acre pool fed by natural springs is 68° year round perfect for a refreshing swim during the scorching Summers with temperatures soaring into the 9s it's a welcome Escape for locals and visitors alike divided into shallow deep and lap swimming sections it caters to all levels of swimmers surrounded by Lush Greenery including Majestic oak trees it offers ample space for picnics and sunbathing keep an eye out for the diverse Aquatic Life from fish to Turtles thriving in its Waters the historic bath house a 70-year-old gem adds a nostalgic touch to the experience and is listed as a state historical landmark and for the daring there's even a diving board to Showcase your acrobatic skills don't forget to admire the Barton Springs salamander a unique inhabitant of this protected ecosystem number 13 6th Street when you're in the live music capital of the world you've got to experienced the vibe of six Street back in the 1960s they give it a makeover to shake off its rough reputation and since then it's been the heart of Austin's music scene now Sixth Street between Congress Street and Interstate 35 is where the action is affectionately called the Dirty sixths by locals it's a lively stretch packed with shops eateries bars and legendary music spots like Maggie May Pete's Dueling Piano Bar and the Historic drkill Hotel When the Sun Goes goes down 6th Street comes alive with a sound of live music the aroma of TexMex from food trucks and the buzz of nightlife sure it can get loud and wild but that's part of its charm on Thursday to Saturday nights the street shuts down to cars so it's all about walking grabbing a drink enjoying the tunes and maybe grabbing a slice of late night pizza number 12 bulock Texas State History Museum if you into Texas history you've got to check out the bulock State History Museum in Austin named after Texas's 38th lieutenant governor this Museum Dives deep into the Lone Star State's fascinating past from the original goddess of liberty statue at the top of the state capital Dome to a 1960s missile control console from Houston Space Center the artifacts here tell compelling Stories the museum is massive and captivating with fantastic exhibits you can easily spend hours wandering around exploring different floors and watching informative documentaries on key historical events plus the first level features a whole ship giving you a glimpse of the Museum's scale at the bulock you'll discover stories about the Bush family space exploration and more don't forget to grab a photo with the impressive 35t tall bronze star outside the building before you leave number 11 Mount Bonnell at Mount Bonnell you'll find breathtaking views of the Austin Skyline Colorado River and surrounding Hill Country making it a must visit spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers to reach the summit of the 775 ft tall mountain you'll Ascend a flight of stone steps while the climb can be a bit steep the payoff at the top is well worth it once you've made it to the summit you can stroll along the Ridge and take in the Magnificent views of the surrounding area Sunset is the prime time to complete the hike and as golden hour approach approaches both visitors and locals gather at the trail head to begin the ascent after reaching the top you can take a moment to relax in a pavilion or on the viewing deck before starting your descent from the summit you'll witness the sunset casting its warm glow over the city towers and reflecting off the glistening Colorado River number 10 Austin duck Adventures if you're searching for a fun way to visit Austin Texas take note because the Austin duckboat tour is a not so Hidden Gem this 75-minute Austin sightseeing trip takes you through downtown Austin including the Sixth Street District the Texas state capital building and Governor's Mansion the State History Museum the University of Texas and even Lake Austin the expert guides provide many amusing facts and point out a variety of interesting locations such as natural springs and the Google skyscraper they narrate the entire tour so you can simply sit back and enjoy the journey with their US Coast Guard approved Hydra Tera Vehicles the duck can easily move from dry land to water making that adjustment is a really cool experience if you haven't done any of these tours yet add them to your list number nine LBJ Presidential Library while exploring a Presidential Library might seem like something other than the most thrilling activity the lyen B Johnson Presidential Library is different named after the third 36th president of the United States this Library offers more than just the usual presidential artifacts alongside the expected presidential documents you'll find some unexpected exhibits like lbj's limousine if you're interested in visiting his Ranch it's just about an hour outside of the city in the Texas Hill Country situated on the UT campus the library and Museum boast an impressive collection of images and documents from the president's time in office on the top floor you'll even find a replica of the Oval Office as well as Lady Bird Johnson's office one of the most striking features is the vast archive section visible from the main hall which adds a sense of grandor not often seen in modern presidential libraries number eight bat bridge if you're in Austin between March and October make sure you catch a glimpse of the bats living under the Congress Avenue Bridge Austin boasts the world's largest urban bat Colony with over .5 million Mexican freet tailed bats calling it home every evening usually around Sunset these bats take flight creating a mesmerizing sight as they swirl around before heading out over the water to get the best view arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to find a good spot keep in mind that they only emerge when it's warm and dry whether you're on the bridge nearby or right underneath your in for a treat and the bonus no need for bug spray the bats happily snack on those pesky mosquitoes as they soore through the sky against the backdrop of the Setting Sun number seven miral Austin's vibrant street art scene adds a unique charm to the city constantly evolving to reflect its creative Spirit you'll discover colorful murals scattered throughout Austin each telling its own story online Maps make it easy to find the most popular pieces from Iconic portraits of Janice Joplin and Willie Nelson to Whimsical images like the Pizza astronaut favorites to check out include the Austin mural near 6th Street and the pizza astronaut although the latter might only be around for a short time due to the closure of the shop it was behind taking a stroll to admire these murals downtown adds a splash of color to your Austin visit and offers a glimpse into the city's creative Spirit consider embarking on a self-guided tour to discover the best street art in town it's a delightful way to spend your time in Austin number six explore the ladybird Lake ladybird Lake nestled in Austin's heart is a picturesque Reservoir created by damning part of the Colorado River covering around 416 Acres it winds through downtown and beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge offering various activities it's a prime Leisure spot in Austin you can enjoy a stroll along the scenic Boardwalk or paddle the Tranquil Waters with the city skyline as your backdrop follow designated paths or T your course with access to nearby Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy pool rental services like rowing dog in the Texas rowing Center offer kayaks and paddle boards and pets are welcome from magical experience kayak at night during Bat season from May to October when millions of bats take flight overhead you could also drift along soaking in the stunning views of the Austin Skyline and Charming Urban Parks number five visit the Austin nature and Science Center if you have a budding naturalist or future environmentalist in your family a trip to the Austin Nature and Science Center is a must do nestled in the corner of Zilker Park this Center is all about nurturing a love for nature especially among kids you'll find interactive displays that make learning about the environment fun for everyone take a stroll along the Forest Trail to discover 45 different types of native trees planted along the path and remember to visit the dino pit where kids can dig up fossil casts and delve into the world of paleontology inside you'll encounter various animal exhibits from small fish and reptiles to Majestic Birds of Prey and even Bobcats make sure to check out the honeybee colony and take a leisurely walk around the pond for a complete nature immersion experience number four explore the live music scene Austin renowned as the live music capital of the world world boasts over 250 music venues offering nightly live performances spanning various genres from country western to punk rock among the must visit spots is the Continental Club a classic venue since 1955 featuring live music ranging from rockabilly to Jazz in its intimate Continental Gallery Anton's nightclub a blues institution since 1975 has hosted Legends like Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton the Moody Theater offers a cuttingedge Audi visual experience with its top-notch technology and spacious capacity for a more relaxed Vibe Mohawk in the Red River Cultural District showcases emerging talent in its indooroutdoor space suitable for all ages don't miss the iconic South by Southwest sxsw Festival in March a highlight of Austin's music calendar sxsw is a great opportunity to bring your cre creative ideas to the table and turn that dream into a reality with its diverse range of venues and vibrant music scene Austin truly lives up to its reputation as a music Lover's Paradise number three breweries Austin boasts a rich tradition of craft beer appreciation with a plethora of unique breweries scattered throughout the city thanks to its consistently Pleasant weather unwinding outdoors in a beer garden during the evening is an absolute Delight light in the picturesque Hill Country Jester King stands out with its superb Farmhouse alses while other notable spots like Pint House St Elmo and Austin Beer Works offer their distinctive bruise the overall Ambiance amenities and culinary offerings at Austin breweries have reached New Heights with so many opportunities to sa for your favorite hoppy or multi beverages of close it's heartening to witness the industry's shift towards lighter warm weather bruise that perfectly complement the local climate and preferences whether you're drawn by the beer selection the delicious Pub Fair or a family-friendly atmosphere there's something here for everyone to enjoy number two explore rainy Street rainy Street seems like a calm street with cozy wooden porches and Charming Picket Fences during the day but when nightfalls it undergo a dramatic transformation the historic craftsman style Bungalow homes many of which have been around since the late 1800s have been repurposed into a row of trendy pubs and eateries that cater to a hipster crowd as you stroll down the street you'll come across food trucks parked alongside popular nightlife spots like halfstep geraldines luster Pearl emmer and rye and Banger Sausage House and beer garden it's a place where you can relax on a porch or a picnic table with your family or furry friend during the day and then let noose with friends or your special someone at night number one South Congressman no visit to Austin is complete without experiencing Soo South Congress Avenue affectionately known as Soo by locals is a vibrant part of the city's culture here you'll find stunning views of the Texas state capital and immerse yourself in Austin's Creative Energy everywhere you turn there are opportunities for memorable photos with colorful murals like Willie for president and the iconic I love you so much adorning the street you can explore the funky and eclectic side of Austin by wandering through unique stores eclectic restaurants Lively food trucks and bustling live music venues whether you're browsing genuine boot shops or trendy boutiques Soo offers something for everyone attracting both tourists and locals alike don't miss the chance to D al fresco on one of the many inviting patios where you can enjoy delicious snacks and when you need a break from shopping and dining step into the Continental Club for a refreshing drink and some live music Soo truly embodies the essence of Austin's spirited culture

Channel: TravelMinded

Views: 12,549

Keywords: 19 best things to do in Austin Texas, austin texas, things to do in austin texas, austin texas things to do, austin texas tour, best things to do in austin texas, austin tx, austin, texas, things to do in austin, what to do in austin texas, fun things to do in austin texas, austin texas travel guide, top things to do in austin, guide to austin texas, travel guide, mckinney falls austin texas, austin bat bridge, rainey street, austin bat brid, travel video, South congress ave

Id: KVJdN_f02Gw

Length: 20min 7sec (1207 seconds)

Published: Thu Mar 07 2024