70 Fun Things to Do in Austin, Texas

Love from Austin Mural

Austin, the capital of the state of Texas in the United States, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years.

The area that is now Austin was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. In the 1830s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, and the city was officially founded in 1839, named after Stephen F. Austin, one of the most important figures in Texas history.

In the mid-19th century, Austin became an important center for trade, commerce, and government in Texas, and the construction of the Texas State Capitol building in the 1880s solidified its status as the state capital. Throughout the 20th century, Austin continued to grow and develop, becoming a major center for education, technology, and music.

Today, Austin is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including its world-famous music festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits, as well as its thriving tech industry and reputation as a hub for progressive politics. It remains a unique and vibrant city, known for its blend of history, culture, and innovation.

  1. Visit the Texas State Capitol Building
  2. See a concert at the famous music venue, the Moody Theater
  3. Stroll around the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  4. Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool
  5. Explore the many food trucks and trailers around the city
  6. Take a hike up Mount Bonnell for a beautiful view of the city
  7. Catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
  8. Check out the art and exhibits at the Blanton Museum of Art
  9. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
  10. Visit the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary
  11. Explore the Texas Memorial Museum at the University of Texas
  12. Take a tour of the historic Texas Governor's Mansion
  13. Enjoy the nightlife on Sixth Street
  14. Check out the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge
  15. Take a bike ride or walk on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
  16. Have a picnic at Zilker Park
  17. Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center
  18. Take a tour of the famous University of Texas Tower
  19. Go shopping at the eclectic stores on South Congress Avenue
  20. See a show at the historic Paramount Theatre
  21. Visit the Mexic-Arte Museum for a unique cultural experience
  22. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and gardens at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
  23. Take a trip to the LBJ Presidential Library
  24. Visit the contemporary art exhibits at The Contemporary Austin
  25. Take a tour of the famous Franklin Barbecue restaurant
  26. Explore the Texas Military Forces Museum
  27. Take a stroll through the beautiful Texas Capitol Grounds
  28. Check out the street art and murals around the city
  29. Take a dip in the Hamilton Pool Preserve
  30. Enjoy some local beer at one of Austin's many breweries
  31. Attend a football game at the University of Texas' Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
  32. Take a food tour of the city's best restaurants and cafes
  33. See a play at the Zach Theatre
  34. Visit the French Legation Museum, one of the oldest homes in Austin
  35. Explore the famous graffiti park at Castle Hill
  36. Take a cooking class at the Sustainable Food Center
  37. Have a drink and listen to live music at the Continental Club
  38. Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum
  39. Take a tour of the famous Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
  40. Visit the Elisabet Ney Museum, a historical artist studio and sculpture museum
  41. Enjoy a round of golf at one of Austin's many golf courses
  42. See a movie at the historic Paramount Theatre
  43. Take a tour of the famous Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
  44. Take a dip in the Krause Springs natural swimming hole
  45. Take a stroll around the Mueller Lake Park and catch a glimpse of the city's skyline
  46. Go on a horseback riding tour of the Texas Hill Country
  47. Attend the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival
  48. Take a tour of the famous Stubb's BBQ restaurant and live music venue
  49. Take a tour of the historic Driskill Hotel, a landmark hotel in downtown Austin
  50. Visit the Asian American Resource Center for cultural exhibits and events
  51. Take a trip to the Austin Aquarium for a unique aquatic experience
  52. Explore the exhibits at the Mexic-Arte Museum
  53. Attend the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, a popular music, film, and interactive media festival
  54. Visit the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, an open-air graffiti and street art park
  55. Take a cooking class at the Central Market Cooking School
  56. Take a stroll through the Mueller Farmers Market and sample local foods
  57. Visit the Wildflower Center's Native Plant Garden for a stunning display of native flora
  58. Explore the contemporary art exhibits at the Blanton Museum of Art
  59. Take a tour of the famous Austin Java coffeehouse
  60. Take a trip to the Austin Wine and Cider tasting rooms
  61. Take a tour of the famous Treaty Oak Distilling Company
  62. Visit the Austin Public Art Collection for a look at the city's public art installations
  63. Take a stroll through the historic East Austin neighborhood
  64. Visit the French-inspired Juliet Italian Kitchen
  65. Take a tour of the famous Jester King Brewery and Farmhouse Kitchen
  66. Explore the exhibits and events at the Thinkery's Maker Faire
  67. Visit the Texas Folklife Gallery for a look at Texas' unique cultural heritage
  68. Take a yoga class at the famous Wanderlust Yoga studio
  69. Visit the famous Hole in the Wall music venue
  70. Explore the Texas Memorial Museum's Dino Pit exhibit for a look at prehistoric Texas