Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic city of Austin, Texas! Known for its live music, mouth-watering cuisine and warm hospitality, Austin offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. In this post, we'll delve into the heart of this vibrant city and discover the best things to do in Austin, from exploring its iconic sites to tasting its unique cultural experiences. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, we've got something for everyone, from must-see attractions to hidden gems that will make your Austin adventure one to remember. So, let’s dive in and start exploring the best that Austin has to offer! Please let us know anything we might have missed in the comments.
Congressional Bats
If you visit Austin anytime from March to October, you can't leave the city without seeing the bats living under the Congress Bridge. Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world, with more than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats residing there. The bats leave the bridge every night, just after sunset, which is a sight to behold. They fly in a circle, and once enough bats have gathered, they all leave the bridge along the water. Arrive about 30-45 minutes early to get a good spot to watch them. Also note that they only come out if it is warm enough and not raining. Another great way to see them is on a sightseeing cruise, our next recommendation.
Lady Bird Lake Sightseeing Cruise
I recommend taking the cruise that takes you to see the bats from the water at the end. But even if the bats aren't there, it's still worth taking a cruise along Lady Bird Johnson Lake at sunset. These cruises are affordable and take you slowly across the water. Along the way, the guide will tell you the history of the bridges, the lake, and downtown Austin. It's a fun way to learn about the city and experience the beauty of Lady Bird Lake. Plus, if you take a cruise to see the bats, you can watch them emerge from under the bridge from a great vantage point over the water.
LBJ Presidential Library and Museum
There LBJ Presidential Library and Museum are interesting places to learn about the 36th president, a famous Texas resident. His ranch is in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour outside of town, if you want to visit that too. The library and museum is located on the University of Texas campus and houses a large collection of photographs and documents from the president's era. They also have a replica Oval Office on the top floor and Lady Bird Johnson's office, which overlooks the city next door. The most impressive part is the large archive area which you can see from the main hall. It is imposing and something you rarely see in more modern presidential libraries.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Museum of Texas State History is a must-see in Austin if you're a fan of Texas history. The museum is large and interactive, with many excellent exhibits on everything from the Alamo to Texas cattle ranching and the Austin City Limits Theater. You can spend a few hours wandering the different floors and watching the educational videos on many of the most important moments in history. There is even an entire ship on the first floor of the museum, which gives you an idea of the size of the museum. Don't forget to take a photo with the 35-foot-tall bronze star outside the building when you're done.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
If you're visiting Austin with young children, consider a visit to Peter Pan Mini Golf. This mini-golf course has been present since 1948 and offers two courses of different difficulty. Peter Pan Mini Golf is known for the sculptures that stand on many of the holes, from clown heads to t-rexes. Although not difficult, it was a fun way to spend an hour in the city.
Sparky pocket park
The charming little pocket sparky park is a hidden gem in the heart of Austin. Featuring a unique art installation that covers an electrical substation, Pocket Sparky Park is an interesting example of art and a public park that changes the appearance of an otherwise drab and unused part of the city. This may not be a must-visit in itself unless you're in the area, but I found it a lot of fun, and I love discovering unique things like this in a city.
Zilker Botanical Garden
A visit to Zilker Botanical Garden offers an enchanted experience for all ages. With its diverse collection of plants, themed gardens and picturesque landscapes, the garden is a haven for nature lovers, photographers and those seeking a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city. The park has over a mile of trails, and I loved how the art is integrated throughout the garden. It's a beautiful place to explore as a family and one of the most relaxing places I've been to in Austin.
Lady Bird Lake Walking Path
Although we talked about getting out on the water at Lady Bird Lake earlier you should also walk, cycle or simply experience the lake from the shore. The path along the south side offers wonderful views of the city skyline and offers many fun attractions like the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue. I love the portion with an elevated walkway that juts out over the water and have seen everything from turtles to abundant bird life on my walks along the lake. It's a fantastic place to relax, exercise or enjoy a walk.
Downtown Austin Murals
Austin's vibrant and ever-changing arts scene adds a unique charm to the city. Murals are located all over the city, and you can find maps online to take you to some of the most popular ones. My favorites are the Austin mural near 6th Street and the Pizza Astronaut, which might only be there for a short time because the business it was located behind has closed. Explore the downtown murals offers the opportunity to appreciate local talent and add a colorful touch to your visit to Austin.
Museum of the strange
For a wacky and offbeat experience, visit Museum of the Strange in Austin. This small museum displays a variety of bizarre objects, curiosities and unusual artifacts that are sure to pique your interest. The museum can be visited in less than half an hour, but it is spread over three floors with many different pieces to discover and enjoy. I love this stuff, so this was a highlight for me in Austin, and I'm sure it would be a memorable and fun stop for those who appreciate the unusual.
Texas State Capitol
THE Texas State Capitol is the seat of state government and an architectural marvel that offers free guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the Lone Star State's rich past. The building was constructed in 1888 and has been updated several times over the years. It is impressive to explore, especially the large rotunda in the middle of the hall. You can go up several floors and see it from different angles. Plus, the beautiful Capitol Gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
No trip to Austin is complete without a visit to South Congress Avenue SoCo. SoCo is a bustling cultural hub that highlights Austin's funky and eclectic side by letting you wander through unique shops, restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues. Some of my favorite places here are Jos Coffee, Home Slice Pizza, and the Continental Club. There are also some great murals to see in this part of Austin.
Blanton Art Museum
THE Blanton Museum of Contemporary Art of Austin features a diverse collection of artwork from local, national and international artists. The museum is located on the campus of the University of Texas and has more than 21,000 pieces of art in its collection. It's a great place to spend a few hours, or even longer if you're an art lover. Also be sure to see Ellsworth Kelly's Austin building outside the main museum. This magnificent work is especially beautiful when the light shines through the colorful stained glass windows.
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