Fun Things To Do In Austin

Austin has so many options for arts, dining, entertainment, history, museums, natural spaces within its city limits, nightlife, shopping, state political engagement, and outdoor activities like biking and mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife watching. 

Most Austinites have not seen and done all there is to do in Texas’ Capital City. Of course, it all depends on interests and tastes, but Austin has something to satisfy most any interest any day of the year. Austin’s temperate climate makes it a city always on the move with something to do every day year-round.

There are plenty of things to do in Austin, Texas, such as…

Get On The Water

Lake Austin

• Water sports: Paddleboard, kayak, canoe, row boat, or jet ski 
• Boat rentals: Rent a boat, pontoon, or riverboat for the day 
• Cruises: Take a party boat cruise, a sunset boat tour, or a celebrity mansions boat cruise 
• Swimming: Anchor a boat, lay out a lily pad, and dive into the water 
• Visit a park: Explore Emma Long Metropolitan Park, which has shore side camping, picnic facilities, and giant cypress trees.
• Eat at a restaurant: Dine at a restaurant with a dock.
• Take a class at the Lake Austin Spa Resort 
• Participate in one of the special programs and events offered at the Lake Austin Spa Resort

The Colorado River Inside Austin City Limits

The Colorado River enters Texas in the northwest in Dawson County and the river flows southeast to empty into the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda Bay. It happily flows through Austin, providing super-fun recreational opportunities for Austinites and visitors. 

• Fishing: The Colorado River is known for freshwater fishing, including largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Check the local fishing regulations. 
• Boating: You can kayak, canoe, or powerboat on the river. There are restrictions on different sections of the Colorado River regarding vessels in Austin, so please check with local authorities. You can rent a boat with water sports equipment, 
• Picnicking: You can picnic in the parks in Austin on the Colorado River
• Paddleboard and kayak rentals: You can rent paddleboards and kayaks from many rental companies in Austin along the river.  
• Watch over a million bats fly out from under the Congress Street Bridge from a canoe or kayak at dusk. 

Lady Bird Lake 

Lady Bird Lake, located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, is a scenic reservoir on the Colorado River. The lake spans about 200 acres and is a popular destination for outdoor activities, but swimming is prohibited. 

• Paddle board, kayak, canoe, or SUP on the lake. You can rent equipment from local businesses along the lake. Some popular spots to paddle include Festival Beach and Red Bud Isle. 
• The 11-mile Lady Bird Lake Trail is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and running. The trail has eight access points and many places to rest in the shade. 
• The Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake is a paved path that’s great for walking or exercising. You can enjoy views of the city skyline, wildlife, and boats on the water. 
• From April to October, you can see over 1.5 million bats migrate into the sunset from near the Congress Avenue Bridge or on a sunset cruise on the lake. 
• Visit the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue. This bronze statue honors the legendary blues musician who called Austin home. 
• Visit Barton Springs or the Deep Eddy Pool. Both of these spring-fed pools are open year-round. 
• Relax at Festival Beach or Red Bud Isle. Festival Beach has sandy shores. Red Bud Isle is lined with cypress trees with an off-leash dog park.

Adventure in Zilker Park 

Zilker Park is the central and symbolic identity of Austin, Texas, and known as the “crown jewel” of Austin’s parks. it serves as a gathering place for thousands and offers an ideal mix of culture, nature, and recreation. The park covers around 350 acres and holds deep cultural and historical richness in Austin.

• Zilker Botanical Garden: This 31-acre garden showcases a variety of themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Butterfly Garden. It’s perfect for plant enthusiasts or anyone looking for a peaceful stroll​.
• ​Barton Springs Pool: This iconic, spring-fed pool is a favorite spot to cool off. The water stays a refreshing 68 degrees year-round, making it a popular destination in all seasons​..
• Zilker Hillside Theatre: The Hillside Theatre hosts free performances of classic plays, such as Shakespeare in the Park during the summer months, making it a great option for a casual night out​
• Barton Creek Greenbelt: This nearby natural area offers miles of hiking and biking trails, with beautiful creek views–perfect for outdoor adventure seekers​
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake: You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes from Zilker Boat Rentals, which offers easy access to Lady Bird Lake for a day of water fun.​
• Zilker Kite Festival: Held annually, the Zilker Kite Festival is one of the oldest kite festivals in the country. It’s an exciting event that draws locals and tourists to watch colorful kites soar against Austin’s skyline.
• Zilker Playground: The park’s expansive playground is perfect for families with young children, with ample play equipment, picnic areas, and shady spots​ to commune in. 
• Austin Nature & Science Center: This family-friendly center features interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and nature trails, offering an educational experience in the great outdoors​
• Zilker Park Train: A fun, miniature train ride that winds through the park, offering families a great way to explore Zilker Park while keeping the little ones entertained​.
• Events and Festivals: Zilker Park is home to numerous festivals throughout the year. 

Hike and Bike the Trails

A wealth of of hike-and-bike trails graces the City of Austin. They provide residents and visitors with access to natural beauty, urban landscapes, and wildlife watching. 

Austin’s Popular Trails:

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: A 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake, with striking views of Austin’s skyline and easy access to downtown. Walk, run, and cycle via the many access points to experience scenic areas for picnics and resting.

Barton Creek Greenbelt: This 7.9-mile trail runs through the heart of Austin and connects downtown Austin to the Hill Country. It features hiking paths, swimming spots like Twin Falls, and rock climbing cliffs. 

Lady Bird Lake Trail: This section is a part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. It offers a blend of natural and urban landscapes with access to the surrounding parks.

Shoal Creek Trail: This 3.5-mile trail runs from Kramer Lane to Lady Bird Lake. It passes through several parks and offers views of Shoal Creek with easy access for a walk or bike ride close to downtown Austin.

Southern Walnut Creek Trail: A 7.3-mile trail that runs from Govalle Park to Decker Lake. It is mostly paved, and people use it for cycling and walking. This trail meanders through scenic forests and open spaces​.

Turkey Creek Trail: This trail is located in Loop 360’s Bull Creek District Park. It offers a tranquil hiking experience through forested areas with views of the creek and waterfalls.

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park Trails: This is a 3.6-mile trail that winds through scenic hills. It features peaceful hikes and wildlife spotting and is more secluded than some of Austin’s more popular trails.

Lick Creek Greenbelt: This 2.5-mile trail offers a serene, forested landscape that follows Lick Creek. It connects to other nearby trails for extended hikes.

Mount Bonnell and Covert Park

Take a short hike to the top of Mount Bonnell or the bluff on the east side of the 360 bridge for a fantastic panoramic view of Lake Austin and the Austin Hills. Mount Bonnell rises 785-feet above downtown Austin and Lake Austin. It is ”the” place to picnic. Hours are 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is a small hilltop park built above a city water reservoir near Mount Bonnell. Covert Park is a historic Austin landmark and a popular spot for picturesque views of the Colorado River, Austin skyline, and surrounding Hill Country.

Texas Outside’s Biking & Hiking Section has more information, including trail maps, on biking and hiking around Austin.

Go Camping 

Yep! You can camp inside Austin’s city limits! Amazing! Check out Emma Long Metropolitan Park for camping on Lake Austin or McKinney Falls State Park to enjoy nature. For the big rigs, head to Austin Lone Star RV Park or La Hacienda RV Resort. All of these parks are within 15 minutes of downtown Austin.

Experience Live Music

Music, Music, Music, and more Music! Austin is the “Music Capital of Texas” and famous as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. You will find every genre of music in a wide variety of venues in Austin. Austin sports 250 music venues give or take a few, at any time. Austin hosts quite a few annual music festivals too!

Austin’s Primary Annual Music Festivals

• Eeyore’s Birthday Party 
• Levitation (formerly Austin Psych Fest) 
• Texas Book Festival Music Events 
• Blue Genie Art Bazaar 
• Blanton Museum of Art Concerts 
• Austin Blues Festival 
• Austin Jazz Festival 
• Pecan Street Festival 
• Hot Luck Festival 

Hit The Austin Nightlife

Each neighborhood of Austin offers a unique take on Austin’s rich and dynamic music culture, catering to a variety of musical tastes and nightlife preferences. With around 250 music venues, you can discover some of Austin’s best musical hotspots in the following districts.

Downtown Austin

Sixth Street: This bustling entertainment hub is filled with bars and clubs offering live music nightly. Highlights include The Parish, a popular venue for intimate performances, and Antone’s Nightclub, renowned for its legendary blues acts.

Red River Cultural District

Known for its diverse music scene, this area features venues like Stubb’s BBQ, famous for hosting major performers alongside local talent, and Mohawk, which attracts crowds with its eclectic music offerings.

South Congress Avenue (SoCo)

SoCo is home to the immersive nightlife scene, which includes the Continental Club, a historic and iconic venue showcasing rock, country, and roots music, making it a must-see destination for music enthusiasts visiting Austin.

East Austin

This vibrant neighborhood is home to newer hotspots such as Hotel Vegas, known for its indie and alternative shows, and The White Horse, a honky-tonk bar celebrated for its lively two-stepping and Texas-style country music.

Rainey Street

Renowned for its relaxed yet trendy vibe, Rainey Street features bungalow-style bars like Lustre Pearl and Icenhauer’s, which host acoustic and indie music performances in a casual setting.

The Domain (Rock Rose District)

Located in North Austin, this emerging area includes venues like The Rose Room, which offers a high-energy nightclub experience, and Kung Fu Saloon, a quirky spot combining retro games with live DJ sets.

South Lamar

Known for cozy, intimate music venues, South Lamar scene showcases talented local artists in welcoming spaces, providing a relaxed atmosphere for music lovers.

Austin’s Notable Hot Spots

• Broken Spoke: A legendary dance hall for traditional country music.
• C-Boy’s Heart & Soul: A vintage-inspired bar featuring soul, blues, and R&B.
• ACL Live at the Moody Theater: Hosts big-name concerts and tapings of the famous “Austin City Limits” TV show.

Experience Austin’s Restaurant Scene

Austin, Texas, is famous for its dynamic and eclectic restaurant scene, where you will find something for every palate. Austin blends culinary traditions with avant-garde flair, which reflects the city’s vibrant culture and status as a serious foodie destination.

The following highlights the four popular cuisines that Austin is renowned for. Austin sports many varieties of cuisine besides the following four. Like Austin’s innovative fine dining and upscale restaurants, international fusion flavor chefs, late night and casual favorites, plus the delectable cuisines of popular foreign cuisines highlighting their cultures. 

BBQ, Chili, and Tex-Mex

Tex-Mex and BBQ royalty live a rich and healthy life full of flavor in Austin. Tex-Mex staples like fajitas, enchiladas, queso, and tacos are prolific all over Austin. Legendary World-famous BBQ joints also call Austin home. These two cuisines, plus Texas’ “Bowl of Red” are king in Texas. Some of Austin’s BBQ and Tex-Mex dining establishments enjoy world-wide prominence. …and most of them serve bowls of red as well!

Farm-to-Table Movement

Austin is central to local farms. This close proximity to farm fresh veggies spurred on a flourishing farm-to-table culture in our Capital City years ago. Restaurants like Austin’s Dai Due and Odd Duck celebrate Texas produce. They prioritize seasonal produce dishes that change with the growing season. These establishments are only two of Austin’s many serving this popular cuisine. 

Food Truck Revolution

Food trucks are a mainstay of Austin’s street-dining lifestyles. From gourmet creations to fusion delights in the city boasts hundreds of mobile eateries that feature accessibility and variety. 

(But Austinites consume a lot of tacos)

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Austin is a haven for plant-based eaters, with vegan-focused restaurants like The Beer Plant and Casa de Luz, as well as many omnivorous spots offering exceptional vegetarian dishes.

Miscellaneous Fun Things To Do In Austin

• If you run out of the above things to do, you can always choose out some of these fun and exhilarating adventures.
• Get locked in a room with friends, family, and co-workers with 60 minutes to escape. Austin Panic Room is challenging you.
• Try an exciting new indoor adventure suitable for all ages: indoor sky diving with iFly. Read about our fun fly with iFly
• Fake a fun ride on Austin Steam Train.
• Sip some tasty craft beer or whiskey at one of these Austin Breweries and Brew Pubs and Austin Distilleries.
• Put on your cowboy hat and boots. Go for a trail ride across splendid water crossings, hilly pastures, open fields, and woods with Maverick Horseback Riding in Round Rock, Austin’s northern suburb. 
• Take a tour of Austin and Lake Austin on the Austin Duck.
• Visit the Austin Zoo, It is impossible to run out of things to do in Austin, Texas. 

---

Austin, Texas FAQ

What Is the Famous Street in Austin?

The most famous street in Austin, Texas, is Sixth Street; Sixth Street is iconic for its bustling nightlife, historic buildings, and live music venues. Sixth Street is a mecca for visitors and locals. The three famous sections of Sixth Street run northwest from Texas SH Loop 1, southeast to I-35 south of downtown Austin.

• Dirty Sixth refers to the portion of East Sixth Street running from Congress Avenue to Interstate 35.
• East Sixth Street: Known for its laid-back, artsy vibe with dive bars and unique eateries.
• West Sixth Street: A more upscale area with trendy bars, cocktail lounges, and a more mature crowd.

Beyond Sixth Street, other well-known streets include:

• South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Famous for its boutique shops, restaurants, and live music venues, this section of SoCo offers a quintessential Austin experience.
• Rainey Street is trendy for its converted bungalow bars with a relaxed yet trendy atmosphere.

What Food Is Austin Texas Famous For?

BBQ, Chili, and Tex-Mex!

Is Austin a Walkable Town?

Yes and no. Many Austin neighborhoods, outdoor spaces, and commercial districts are ADA and pedestrian-friendly, with so much more to offer. As with any metroplex, there are areas in Austin that are not walkable. 

Is it Safe to Walk Around Downtown Austin at Night?

Downtown Austin is considered safe to walk around at night in popular districts like Sixth Street, Rainey Street, and South Congress. These streets are well-lit and bustle with foot traffic. However, like any urban area, it is vital to stay alert and follow common safety practices.

Do You Need a Car to Get Around Austin?

If you’re staying in central areas like Downtown, South Congress, or East Austin, you can get around easily on foot, by bike, or by using public transportation like buses and light rail. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, as are e-scooters and bike rentals. However, a car is necessary to explore most places in Texas’ major cities.