Updated: June 5th, 2024 |Â By:Â Grace Kim
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Have you ever considered visiting Austin, Texas? If so, you’re at the right place. Austin has been one of the most up and coming cities to visit in the US, with a lot of amazing things to do that will have your days packed. If you want a mix between nature and city and don’t want to leave a dent in your wallet, think no more. With the best barbecue in the country to explore breathtaking nature spots to see which enjoying warm weather all year around, visiting Austin Texas is a no brainer.
I spent a long weekend exploring all of what Austin has to offer and what I loved most was how compact and convenient the city is for the amount of activities it offers. Rent a Lime Bike and get from the beginning to the end of downtown in no more than 15 minutes. Then, at the end of the day, simply experience the night life by bar hopping from Rainey Street to 6th Street.
If you’re a nature lover, I recommend renting a car for at least a day. There are so many places to see outside of downtown Austin that are definitely worth the drive. Looking back, the first time I ever visited Austin, I didn’t rent a car and regretted it. I didn’t realize how much nature was out there and ended up coming back to experience just that. So with a mix of both city and nature, here are some of my favorite, and the best things to do in Austin Texas to fulfill your bucket list travels.
1. Catch Sunrise at Pennybacker Bridge
Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the 360 Bridge, is about a 20 minute drive out of the city. It’s right around the corner of University of Texas, and is an iconic bridge you don’t want to miss. Also make sure to head to Pennybacker before rush hour because it’ll take you a while to get there because of traffic. Plus, you’ll want extra time to find parking and to set up your camera to take your shots.
Unfortunately, it was overcast when I got to Pennybacker Bridge, so I didn’t get the sunrise pictures I had originally wanted. But the bridge is also a relaxing place to be to view all the cars passing by, and to get an awesome view of downtown Austin.
2. Take a Small Hike up Mount Bonnell
Want the best views of the Colorado River? Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell. When I initially got to the top, I expected to hike up a big trail but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Even if you haven’t worked out in months, hiking to the top isn’t too bad but just make sure that you’re wearing sneakers. You’ll have to walk up a flight of stairs, but that might be the hardest part. The trail also shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes, so no need to bring camping gear.
When I got to the top, I was a bit confused because I looked around and the views did not look like what I saw online. But if you turn to the left, you’ll be able to see amazing views of the Colorado River. The only issue is that you can only see the view behind a fence. However, like many, I hopped over the fence as I was then able to admire the views on top of Mount Bonnell. The best views usually require you to break the rules, doesn’t it?
3. Catch Sunset at The Oasis on Lake Travis
My absolute favorite view in Austin Texas was at The Oasis Restaurant at Lake Travis. If you’re looking for the best views of sunset, you’ll regret not visiting Lake Travis. Especially if you’re enjoying a nice meal, what better way is there than to end off the day with the most amazing views?
Note: The Oasis Restaurant is closed on Mondays if you’re trying to get a meal, but the patio is still open for the views.
4. Swimming at the Hamilton Pool Preserve
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Holy smokes! I still can’t believe I made it to Hamilton Pool Preserve. I was bummed the first time I visited Austin because I didn’t have time to head over to Hamilton Pool Preserve. So during the second time I visited, I made sure Hamilton Pool was one of the first places I visited in order to take my time exploring the area.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural swimming pool preserve that was created when a river collapsed thousands of years ago. Now, it’s known to be one of Austin’s main attraction spots to visit all year around. Bring your bathing suit and swim in the natural waters. The body of water stays pretty leveled throughout the year so even in case of drought, the pool doesn’t get too affected.
Note: Book your tickets 1-2 months before visiting. They are very strict and require all visitors to have a ticket or you cannot get in. No exceptions. Reservations can be found online for $11 paid with a credit card. Parking is also a mandatory $15 in cash to enter. Credit cards are not accepted when paying for parking.
Note: Only one vehicle is allowed with each reservation. Max reservation for one party is 8 people.
5. Take a Stroll at the University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas is the biggest University in Austin that holds 50,000+ students. Take a stroll around the University and feel like you’re back in school again. While I was touring, I felt like a like I was back in school!
The coolest building I visited was the Computer Science Building. So if you’re into cool, funky interiors and expensive chairs, you’ll love walking inside.
6. Visit the Texas State Capitol
Whether you have time to check the inside of the State Capitol or not, seeing this historical building is worth the visit. Also, what’s best if you like free stuff, is a free, quick 30-minute tours of the State Capitol.
Hours of Operation of the State Capitol Tour
Monday – Friday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Saturday: 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Sunday: 12PM – 3:30PM
7. View the Frost Bank Tower from the Congress Bridge
There are a bunch of hidden pockets of the city to view the Frost Bank Tower, but I had success getting great views of the tower from the Congress Bridge. I also got the long exposure shots I’ve always wanted to capture so if you’re into photography, you’ll be in for a treat!
Fun Fact: The Frost Bank Tower was the first high-rise tower to ever be built in the United States after the attack of 9/11 in New York City.
8. Go Sunset Bat Watching along the Congress Bridge
From March to October, Congress Bridge is known for bat watching season. Unfortunately, because I was visiting Austin Texas at the end of October, I had just missed the bats. But if you’re visiting during season, book a boat tour or wait on Congress Bridge with hundreds of others waiting to watch bats fly across the sky.
The best time to catch the bats is during sunset anywhere between 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM. And just in case you come late, you’re in luck because it takes about 45 minutes for all the bats to exit the bridge.
9. Stroll Around Lady Bird Lake
There are so many things to do around Lady Bird Lake, both paid and free. If you’re looking to bike, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trails will get your heart pumped for the rest of the day since they are both 10 miles long.
As an alternative, you can rent kayaks, canoes, rowing shells and dragon boards on the lake. If the weather is nice, totally go on a River Cruise and enjoy rocking around the river over a nice lunch or dinner.
10. Admire Art at The Contemporary Museum in Austin
The Contemporary Austin has two locations that showcase art through education and collections. The first location is located downtown at the historic Jones Center on Congress Ave. The second location is located at Laguna Gloria, an art-in-nature site that includes some landmarks, such as the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, Driscoll Villa, the Art School at Laguna, and the Moody Pavilions.
11. View Through Blanton’s Museum of Art
You can find Austin’s primary art collection at the Blanton Museum of Art. Blanton’s art museum showcases art from artists of all ages, and holds some of country’s most outstanding art collections in all of Austin. Blanton is unique and does a great job at attracting visitors as you’re probably familiar with it’s rainbow filled, window designed art.
12. Strategize Getting Into Graffiti Park at Castle Hill
If you’re up for adventure, take a peek into Grafitti Park. This is such a unique park as every single part of the area is covered in unique graffiti from incredibly talented artists.
You can see so much emotion and personality from the different work of art and replications of heroes on these walls. I enjoyed the talent that was spray painted all across the park, even though I cut myself tripping over spiked wire. But it was all worth getting dirty from head to toe by the end of my time exploring Graffiti Park.
Unfortunately, the park is now closed and is covered in wired fences. But if you don’t mind taking photos outside of the gate or admiring the art from afar, I highly recommend swinging and taking a look.
13. Be Outdoorsy at Barton Creek Greenbelt
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Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of the more popular spots to visit in Austin during the summer. There are a bunch of activities to participate in at the Sculpture Falls, Flats, and Twin Falls. If you’re an outdoorsy person, any of these spots within Barton Creek will have you jumping into one of Austin’s most well known waterfalls, or simply enjoying the nice weather with friends.
14. Swim in a Natural Water Hole at Barton Springs Pool
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Have you ever dived into an aquifer fed pool? What does this even mean? This means that no matter what time of year you choose to visit, that the water temperature in this hole stays pretty stagnant sitting at 68 degrees. Obviously during the winter, you don’t want to be swimming at Barton Springs because you’ll be freezing your butt off, but it’s the perfect place to be at during the Spring and Summer.
15. Sunbath at McKinney Falls State Park
If it’s way too crowded at Barton Creek and you want more personal space and not get splashed on by random strangers, check out McKinney Falls State Park. Not only will you still get the waterfall effect, but you’ll also have enough room to lay out your towel and bath in the sun.
Also, don’t forget to bring cash because there is an entry of $5 to enter the park.
16. Devour Brisket at Franklin’s BBQ
Is your visit to Austin Texas complete without getting a bike at Franklin’s BBQ? Waiting on line at Franklin’s is worth every minute even though the line probably starts before the time you set your alarm in the morning.
Serving the absolute best BBQ in Austin, Texas, people have said that they waited around 2 hours just to get inside. Yes, the lines are always super long and they pretty much serve food until they are out, which is typically around 3 – 4 PM. But if you don’t mind catching sunrise in the morning on line, then you’re in luck! On average, I hear that people wait about 4 hours on line to get their food!
We got super lucky when we got to Franklin’s because we only waited on line for about 20 minutes. I believe I went on a weekday around 2:00 PM. Once we sat down and ate brisket and pulled pork, I couldn’t believe what I was tasting. It was simply the best barbecue I’ve ever had in my life! There are days where I’d randomly crave Franklin’s because of how rich and promising the tastes were.
17. Outdoor Activities at Zilker Park
Zikler Park, located south of Austin offers a ton of activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, and kayaking with a lot of open space.
There’s even a botanical garden that you may want to consider checking out and of course if you visit during the Spring, you’ll be able to see the start of flowers blooming.
18. Go Bar Hopping on Rainey Street
Rainey Street is one of the cutest streets I’ve ever visited in a city. It’s a short, cute and quaint street that is full of outdoor food trucks, bars, and picturesque spots in every corner. In the most recent years, a lot of people have been hosting their bachelorette parties in Austin, Texas. As we all know, many host their last, single life celebrations over in Las Vegas, but because of the growth of the booming city in Austin, you’ll often start seeing groups of girls celebrating over at Rainey.
I’d also like to say that Rainey Street is full of young professionals. Known for the close proximity of bars and food trucks, you can walk across the street with your eyes closed and know exactly where you’re going.
Another thing I also love about Rainey is that every building is different, a lot made from container! Crazy, right? Go Green! You’re also able to go inside one of these containers, grab a quick drink, and start mingling with the crowd!
19. Get Down and Dirty on 6th Street
Can’t stop, won’t stop dancing? You’re in luck because 6th Street, also known as Dirty Sixth, provides just that for you. Drinks are super cheap across most bars and if you’re on a budget, this is the perfect place to be.
If you’re planning on going out with your girl friends, you’re in luck because you’ll get in most places for free. Plus, there’s even a good chance that you’ll get drinks for free! During my night out on Rainey, me and my were handed free drinks across many bars. But if you’re with guys, sorry boys, the chance of you getting free drinks is not as likely.
Also note that 6th Street is full of college students so if you’re looking for an older, young adult crowd, Rainey Street is your better bet. The one interesting thing about Austin nightlife is that many party on Sunday night as if it’s a Friday or Saturday.
20. Show Proof that You Visited Austin at the Welcome to Austin Mural
Austin is known for all their beautiful murals painted by some of the best artists around. You can spend day hopping from mural to mural but but the one you have to visit is the most popular, the Welcome to Austin Mural. Park around the corner on 1st Street and snap your photos.
>> Exact Location: 1720 S 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704-4250
21. Share a moment with your Butter Half
If you’re visiting Austin with friends or a significant other, share a moment with your butter half. Break some bread at one of Austin’s more infamous murals and spread some butter on your relationship.
22. Show your Love, From Austin Mural
Yes! Another mural indeed. I mean, if you fell in love with Austin like I did, show some love by taking a picture at the Love From Austin Mural. Austin is full of so many murals, with different personalities to them. This mural is definitely a must see, as it’s only a few minutes away from the Butter Half mural.
23. I Love You a Lot… More Than You Know
Alright, alright let’s hold in the tears for now. Yes, the person you’re probably viewing this mural with is someone you love a lot, but let’s save the crying for later. Or, if you’re into solo traveling like me, I hope this mural is a friendly reminder to love yourself a bit more than you do.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is that visiting Austin Texas without checking out the I love you so much mural wouldn’t complete your trip.
24. Take a Picture of Tau Ceti, Austin’s Tallest Public Artwork
I refused to leave Austin without taking a look at Tau Ceti. Austin’s Tallest Public Artwork is on the corner of Brazos and Second Street, designed by artist, Josef Kristofoletti. This artwork will have you turn your head twice just by glancing at it, as it is stretches up 10 floors high in the middle of Downtown Austin.
Note: If you want to take a photo of the entire design, you will need a wide angle lens. There is no way that you will be able to take it just off a regular iPhone. But thanks to iPhone’s advanced technology, I was able to catch the entirety of Tau Ceti with an iPhone 11.
Located between Brazos and 2nd Street
25. Show the World When You’re Strange… Actually, Aren’t I Always Strange?
I guess Austin wants to showcase how strange some of their locals are. This is a cool mural as it’s not as popular but beautifully created! Apparently Austin is known to be strange, but aren’t we all?
Located at E. 6th and Navasota Streets
26. Thank Mr. Rogers for Completing Your Childhood
Located right in Downtown Austin is where you might see someone familiar. The Mr. Rogers mural is a must visit if you grew up watching him like I did! I’ve always wanted Mr. Rogers to be my neighbor, so I guess I could say he was for a couple of minutes while I was in Austin.
27. Sip on a Summer Moon Half Moon Latte
You’re visit to Austin isn’t complete if you don’t get coffee at Summer Moon Coffee. Every time someone asks for coffee recommendations, the first place I always recommend is Summer Moon. I did a road trip a few months prior and I wish I was over-exaggerating but during my road trip, we hit at least 12 coffee shops. And out of the list of 12, the one that stood out the most was Summer Moon Coffee.
Not only is it the biggest privately owned coffee shop franchise in Texas, but they also have 20 locations scattered around the entire state selling their infamous Moon Milk. Try their famous Moon Milk and get the full Summer Moon Coffee experience.
28. BYOB and Enjoy a Delicious Meal at Salt Lick BBQ
Austin is full of some of the best barbecue in the country. Swing by Salt Lick BBQ if you want amazing BBQ, or if the lines are too long at Franklins BBQ.
Salt Like BBQ is located about half an hour drive from downtown. They only accept cash but if you’re trying to have a grand ole time, it’s also BYOB! Enjoy awesome country music on their patio as you’re enjoying a barbecue feast!
Note: if you’re visiting the location in Driftwood, Texas, you can secure your spot by booking a reservation online!
29. Get Funky at Wonder Bar
Walk into room full of emojis and drink out of disco bar cocktails. Located north of Downtown Austin is Wonder Bar, right by the Domain Mall. This is hands down one of the funkiest bar you’ll visit in Austin with vibrant decorations and signs everywhere. Enjoy a drink while swinging on bananas, and always be on top of their seasonal room changes.
When I visited Wonder Bar, the rooms were Halloween themed, as it changes by the season. The bartenders were extremely friendly and made us some of the coolest drinks that we sipped on out of disco balls or mini tequila handles.
Location: 11500 Rock Rose Ave Suite D, Austin, TX 78758
30. Get drinks at Handlebar in Downtown Austin
Time to get funky and weird at a mustache bar in the heart of Downtown. As Handlebar likes to call themselves “Adult Wonderland”, they are known for those loving to jam out while enjoying some of the best, local craft beverages.
Happy Hour is served Monday to Saturday from 3PM – 8PM, and all day Sunday. Who doesn’t like happy hour priced drinks all day Sunday?
I heard out about Handle Bar because of the meetup that Nomadic Matt was hosting. Although rainey, I’m glad I was able to finally meet Matt in person!
Exact Location: 121 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
31. Eat a Dirty Bastard at Voodoo Doughnut
These intricate doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut will have you buying dozens just being from the way they look. They are super unique and delicious from all the different flavors they have!
The taste of the Old Dirty Bastard fit perfectly with its taste. I wasn’t even planning on it, but I finished eating the entire doughnut in one sitting. Yes, I was jumping off the walls from a sugar high immediately after, but was definitely worth every single bite.
Final Thoughts
Austin, Texas is one of the most up and coming cities to visit in the US, and for good reason. From exploring the outdoors to grabbing drinks at fun and unique bars, I hope this blog helped you pinpoint some of the best things to do in Austin, Texas.
Austin is a place I am able to see myself live as it’s small enough where you don’t have to rent a car but big enough where your days will be packed. The list look like a lot, but as long as you’re planning out your route, I promise you’ll be able to complete all 31 best things to do while visiting Austin Texas for a long weekend.
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