Austin is a city that’s full of great things to do and see, but if you’re looking to get the most out of your visit, here are our top recommendations
Austin has a lot to see, and it’s no wonder why. It’s home to the Texas State Capitol building which you can tour for free, You can visit Zilker Metropolitan Park which has a 3-acre large swimming pool. You can also visit the University of Texas campus where you can find the student union building, known as “the Hill.”
Here is my cover of what should you not miss in Austin.
The best things to do in Austin are a little out of the ordinary. You’ll want to take advantage of all that Texas offers, and it’s often better to leave your car at home. I don’t think I can list them all, but here are some of my favorite attractions that what should you not miss in Austin:
Barton Creek Greenbelt & Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of our favorite places to go when we want to get away from city life and relax! There’s so much history here too, like the Barton Springs Pool, which was created by Lady Bird Johnson to help preserve natural areas around town while generating tourism dollars at the same time (they’ve done fantastic work). It’s also great for walking around nature trails2) Barton Springs Pool. This pool is great for swimming and cooling off in the summertime, and there’s also a hike around it for exercise!
Zilker Metropolitan Park
This park has plenty of trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and more—it’s basically like an outdoor amusement park! You can go hiking or biking here, or just relax in one of their many parks.
The Texas State Capitol Building
This is the first thing you see when you enter the city, and it’s such a beautiful building! There’s also a museum on the second floor that tells the history of Texas. The Texas State Capitol is gorgeous and has a lot of history behind it. Take the time to walk around and see how it was built and what it used to be used for before becoming a state capitol building.
Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is home to more than 500 animals and boasts one of the largest collections of carnivorous plants in the world. The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Congress Avenue Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bridge offers great views of downtown Austin from its observation deck—you can even see Lake Travis from there! The bridge connects the south side and north side of the city (it was built in 1900), so you can get a good view of the city regardless of where you live in town!
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a unique museum dedicated to preserving the history of Texas and its people. The museum features artifacts from all over Texas, Austin state’s natural and cultural history, as well as its military history, as well as some from around the world, and has five galleries that explore everything from early American settlers to modern-day politics.
There are also exhibits about famous people from Texas history, such as President Lyndon B. Johnson and musician Willie Nelson. We highly recommend visiting this museum if you’re in Austin on a visit to see its amazing collection of historical artifacts!
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Austin, Texas, with its waterfalls and lush greenery. It’s also home to several different species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, and falcons. It’s a state park with plenty of trails, camping sites, swimming and picnic grounds. There are also fishing areas and boat ramps.
Mayfield park and nature preserve
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is a beautiful place to spend some time in Austin, Texas. The park is located near the confluence of two rivers, which means there are plenty of places to take in the beautiful scenery, peacock and koi fishes and feel like you’re in the middle of nature. If you’re looking for someplace quiet, Mayfield Park is the perfect spot—you’ll never be bothered by other people or cars unless you want them to be.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a hike located in Austin, Texas. It is a great way to spend time with friends or family, and it’s also a good workout! If you’re looking for a fun activity that’s both outdoorsy and low-impact, this is the place for you. People love going on walks like this one because they get to see beautiful scenery without having to worry about getting sweaty or overheated.
The hill is covered in towering palm trees and contains many hiking trails that lead through dense forest wildlife to scenic overlooks. The mountain is also a popular spot for climbing enthusiasts to practice their skills.
Museum of the Weird
Maybe you’ve heard of the Museum of the Weird?
They’re based in Austin, Texas, and they’re pretty great. They have all kinds of weird stuff on display—from a skeleton made out of coconuts to a giant dildo with eyes. They even have a room full of creepy toys, including an inflatable pig that looks like it’s trying to say “I love you.”
It’s not just for kids—the museum is open to adults as well! It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the natural beauty of nature, this is the park for you! Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located in Austin and has over 8 miles of trails that are perfect for swimming, water activities hiking, running, or even just walking around. The park also has many different types of trees and plants that make for beautiful scenery.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re looking for a nice walk or a nice picnic. It’s also one of the most popular places for people to go in the city, so it’s always nice to take advantage of that and grab a bite to eat at one of their many food vendors.
Austin Nature & Science Center
Austin Nature & Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. They do this by providing authentic learning experiences that are designed to inspire curiosity, exploration, and appreciation for nature.
We offer programs for children, teens, and adults—from families with young children to college students looking for a new challenge. We also host events that bring together community members of all ages in our center’s unique space to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Hippie Hollow Park
The hippie hollow park is a nudist park in Austin, Texas. It’s open every day of the week from sunrise to sunset. The park is situated around a lake, and it has a small beach area with benches, as well as a volleyball court and horseshoe pits. The grounds are kept in good condition by the park’s volunteers.
Hippie Hollow is a family-friendly park that’s been around for decades, but it’s also home to many of Austin’s most famous attractions. The park is famous for its historic architecture and stunning natural surroundings, which makes it an ideal place to spend time with your kids or your friends. You’ll find plenty of picnic tables, pavilions, playgrounds, lakes, and hiking trails all within walking distance of the park.
Pease District Park
Pease District Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Austin, Texas. It’s a beautiful place to picnic and play, trails, and cycling and dog-walking it has awesome views of the city. This is a great place to get away from the city for a bit! It is located on the banks of Lady Bird Lake and offers a picturesque view of a restored neighborhood, as well as plenty of room to play and relax.
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FAQs
What is Austin TX best known for?
Austin is known for its live music scene and the fact that it’s home to the University of Texas. The city also hosts many festivals, including those focused on music, art, film, food and wine, and more!
How do I spend a day in Austin?
If you’re interested in experiencing all of the day in Austin, there are plenty of options.
You can take a walk through Congress Avenue and see the Texas State Capitol, or head to Lady Bird Lake and take a boat ride around it. You can also visit the Barton Springs Pool and go swimming, or find a nice restaurant for dinner.
What part of Austin is most fun?
The part of Austin that’s most fun is the Colorado River, which runs downtown. It’s so beautiful when the sun is shining on it and there are people out enjoying themselves on it. It’s so much fun to just sit there and watch people kayaking around or walking along the shoreline—it makes you feel like you’re in a different world.
What’s the fun street in Austin?
The most fun street in Austin is found in Downtown Austin. There’s a lot of entertainment there, nightlife, including bars and clubs. The main attraction, however, is the live music scene.
