THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Austin, TX
Places to Visit in Austin
There's lots to explore in Austin. Paddleboard in Lady Bird Lake, visit Texas' State Capitol, and bar hop through Rainey Street. Bat watching is on from May till September. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Austin.
- fromper adult₹3,280
- Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹8,820
- E-Bike Toursfromper adult₹6,192
- Pub Toursfromper adult₹3,119
- Wine Tastingsfromper adult₹5,791
- Likely To Sell Outfromper adult₹3,475
- Luxury Car Toursfromper adult₹4,009
- Eco Toursfromper adult₹5,791
- Ghost Toursfromper adult₹2,450
- Weddings & Celebrationsfromper adult₹2,411
Bodies of Water
Natural spring-fed pool in a tranquil green setting, featuring clear, cool waters with a rocky bottom and a diving board, plus habitat for endangered salamanders.
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Historic Sites
Historic state capitol with free tours, featuring grand architecture, curated gardens, and a well-stocked gift shop. Explore the grounds and enjoy the building's unique pink granite.
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Libraries
Presidential library with a detailed Oval Office replica, historical exhibits on the 1960s, and an emphasis on civil rights and social programmes.
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Hiking Trails
History Museums
Interactive exhibits on Texas history, from early settlements to modern times, with a highlight on the French ship La Belle and its artifacts. Features IMAX theatre and educational films.
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Historic Sites
Historic hotel with stained glass windows and Texan artifacts, known for its charming old-world atmosphere and vibrant lobby bar. Ideal for lovers of history and architecture.
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Lookouts
Scenic park with panoramic views of a river, lake, and city skyline. Features easy trails and stair access to the top, with seating areas for relaxed enjoyment.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Hidden grotto and lush plant life on a guided nature walk in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing local flora, conservation, and natural springs.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Vibrant district for shopping and dining, with unique boutiques, vintage finds, and iconic cowboy boot stores. Stroll past art galleries and cultural murals for a genuine Texas ambiance.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Witness the natural spectacle of North America's largest urban bat colony at dusk from the downtown bridge or lake. Diverse vantage points provide views of bats against the skyline.
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Urban oasis with sprawling green spaces, botanical gardens, and clear waters for swimming. Enjoy hiking, biking, and picnics with skyline views and abundant wildlife.
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Other Top Attractions around Austin
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA2,149 contributionsBarton Springs is a huge natural springs swimming area. You need to pay a nominal entrance fee to swim and there is a lifeguard on duty. I didn’t swim but my husband did and he loved it. He said the water was cool and refreshing and he saw a lot of fish.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Munah172 contributionsA great place to visit while in Austin. This gift shop had everything! I spent a good hour in here checking out all the cool souvenirs they had. The staff was kind and answered all of my questions. I got so many things, but just know I will be back for that Texas waffle maker!Written 17 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Greg JohnsonPennsylvania85 contributionsWe had heard very positive reviews from others. Our experience validated those reviews. A big part of travel is learning, and this museum provides such perspectives on many things that happened in the 1960s and early 70s. President Johnson really had incredible impact on our country. From civil rights, to space exploration, to food safety, to education, voting rights, and the war on poverty, he truly made a difference, all the while challenged by the War in Vietnam. The museum also shows a dedicated family man who had an amazing partner in Ladybird. The building itself is architecturally significant and right in the middle of the University of Texas campus. We were fortunate that in speaking with one of the docents, we learned he had been a student at UT when the building was being built. It was fascinating hearing about his experiences.Written 17 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA2,149 contributionsThe walking trail by the river is a really nice feature and it is heavily used. We saw many people jogging or walking dogs, etc. on the trail. The trail is a dirt trail which makes it easy to walk on and it is miles long. From Congress Bridge, on the opposite side of the tall buildings, facing the bridge – if you walk to the left and keep walking, you can reach Barton Springs, for example. If you walk right, instead, you soon reach a walkway over the river where you can look down and see turtles and fish. All in all, regardless of the direction, it is a beautiful walking path.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Greg JohnsonPennsylvania85 contributionsRecommended to us by a couple from Austin while we were eating at the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Exceeded our expectations. So much history so well presented. Allow 2-3 hours. The early history and the artifacts from 16,000 years of Texas history were fascinating. The museum also has excellent presentations on civil rights, space exploration, sports, and culture. We especially enjoyed the Austin City Limits looping video program with clips from countless bands and performers who have graced that stage over the years.Written 16 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anne C6 contributionsThis is a GORGEOUS place, full of history. Be sure to go on the hotel tour for guests. There is NOT a happy hour and there is NOT live music, however.Written 7 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PdonatyandkidsWestborough, MA275 contributionsThis is a small park in Austin (Covert Park). You can climb the stairs (100 plus) or go up a hill gradually. Views are of the lake, downtown and the surrounding hills. Parking is plenty. You do not need a lot of time and it is not a must see unless you have extra time.Written 9 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PdonatyandkidsWestborough, MA275 contributionsWe were here during a heat wave in the Fall. So, be prepared as we found there was not a lot of shaded spots. Everything seems in good condition. This is a Botanic Garden which goes by the season. So, we were not surprised that “flowers” were limited. If you have small kids, they have a really nice playground.Written 9 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Samantha J3 contributionsI am visiting from Chicago and I regularly try to find new places to explore while I'm in Texas often visiting family. I loved this tour, I appreciated the knowledge about the trees, rocks, and birds (though I'm not sure I retained it). Mara was our guide and she was very knowledgeable and kind.Written 17 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Toni RWaco, TX40 contributionsNeat place with lots of things to do, shop and eat. Cool casual vibe walking down the street as you pass street vendors and live music. Other great restaurants and food trucks are nearby as well.Written 28 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- California_momofsixFairfield1,119 contributionsVisited in April and crowds waiting for the bats to emerge were huge (post eclipse crowds). I thought it felt too cold to me for bats, but seeing how many people crowded the bridge, and both shores on either side of the bridge, I figured they must know something I don't. Nope, many more people than bats emerged that night. We did see a few bats, especially when looking into the lights of the hotels and you can hear their squeaks. I would recommend checking the Bat Refuge website, they do a nightly prediction of what you might see. Would love to come back in summer and try again. We found some cheap street parking along the side streets on the North side.Written 21 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shelby CFenton, MI167 contributionsVery nice, big park, but very busy on the weekends! It was very difficult to find somewhere to park and then had to walk long distances to get to the different attractions. It is a great place to come and see the skyline of Austin though. We enjoyed the nature and science center and the park. It's too bad the little train ride wasn't working, my kids would've loved it.Written 5 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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