Places to visit in Austin

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.
Powered by AI
BETA

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Austin.


Top Attractions in Austin

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Presidential library with a detailed Oval Office replica, historical exhibits on the 1960s, and an emphasis on civil rights and social programmes.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Hidden grotto and lush plant life on a guided nature walk in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing local flora, conservation, and natural springs.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Urban oasis with sprawling green spaces, botanical gardens, and clear waters for swimming. Enjoy hiking, biking, and picnics with skyline views and abundant wildlife.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1



*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

  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA2,149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Barton 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Munah
    172 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Greg Johnson
    Pennsylvania85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA2,149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Greg Johnson
    Pennsylvania85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recommended 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne C
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pdonatyandkids
    Westborough, MA275 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pdonatyandkids
    Westborough, MA275 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Samantha J
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Toni R
    Waco, TX40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Neat 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 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • California_momofsix
    Fairfield1,119 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shelby C
    Fenton, MI167 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very 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 2024
    This 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.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All Austin HotelsAustin Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Austin
All things to do in Austin
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday homesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire