Explore Things to Do in Austin, Tx

Situated in Central Texas, Austin lies on the beautiful Colorado River and is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Although the city is just an hour-or-so drive from San Antonio and a couple of hours from Houston, Austinites don’t need to travel far from home to experience world-class sports and a host of amenities available just minutes away.

Introduction to Austin, Tx

Austin, Texas, the capital of the Lone Star State, is every bit the college town with the feel of a big city. A jewel in the Southwest and home to the University of Texas (go Horns), Austin is home to more than 960,000 Texans, according to the 2020 Census. An amazing location to live and work, the city offers much to discover for both visitors and residents.

History of Austin, TX

Austin may be a lively city now, but it wasn’t always so. Many native tribes, including the Comanches, Lipan Apaches, and Tonkawas traveled and camped along the creeks for hundreds of years before the Spanish set up missions in the late 1700s. It wasn’t until the 1830s that the first white settlers arrived and named their village Waterloo. In 1839, Waterloo was proclaimed the capitol of the new Republic of Texas; however, a new city was quickly built in the wilderness and named after “the father of Texas,” Stephen F. Austin. The entire government of Texas arrived from Houston in October 1839, and from there the village grew, officially becoming a city in 1880.

From the construction of the Great Granite Dam on the Colorado River in 1893 to research laboratories and think tanks emerging in the 1950s, Austin has long been a revolutionary place known for its cultural life and technological innovations. Rapid growth in the 1970s led Austin into being the metro area it is today, with plenty of bars, wedding venues, parks, event venues, restaurants, and dining clubs.

Why You Should Visit Austin … and Consider Staying

There are many reasons to visit Austin, from its thriving arts community and live music scene to its interactive history and innovative architecture. Young scholars may consider attending the University of Texas, which is located right in Austin, and offers many UT Austin events. Good food, beautiful scenery, and fun, friendly people will make you want to stay and never leave.

Attractions in Austin

There are many venues in Austin, from the Texas Longhorns venue to clubs at the University of Austin. Whether you’re seeking live music, family entertainment, or a venture into the world of politics, Austin attractions have a bit of everything for everyone.

Texas Capitol

The Texas Capitol was once considered the 7th largest building in the world. In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was finally recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. The building itself is an impressive feat, featuring a rectangular base with a four-story central block, symmetrical three-story wings, and a central dome rising in the middle. A central rotunda features art, with portraits of all the past presidents from Texas and all the former governors from the Republic of Texas. When you visit Austin, you’ll definitely want to make sure a tour of the Texas Capitol is on your to-do list.

Austin Aquarium

Another event space in Austin is the Austin Aquarium. From Animal Encounters to Mermaids at the Aquarium, the Austin Aquarium offers a wide variety of entertainment for guests of all ages.

Circuit of the Americas

If racing is your game, you’ll want to swing by the Circuit of the Americas. Located right on the outskirts of downtown Austin on 1,500 acres of sprawling land, the Circuit of the Americas venue has presented some of the most famous names in action sports, racing, and live music.

Austin Zoo

Stop by the Austin Zoo while you’re in the area. Whether you want to come by on a Sunday morning for Family Nature Experiences, or you wish to meet the animals, or you’re planning on a birthday party, the Austin Zoo offers much to experience.

Getting Married in Austin

Austin Offers Beautiful Wedding Venues

Choosing Austin, TX, for your nuptial exchange puts many beautiful wedding venues at your disposal. Say “I do” with the beautiful Austin city skyline behind you, or opt for a traditional ceremony in one of the city’s lovely old churches. From lavish country club affairs to more rustic destinations right in the heart of Austin, the city offers brides-to-be and their grooms a bevy of choices.

Enjoying the Outdoors in Austin

Of course, indoor activities aren’t the only thing that Austin has to offer. There are many outdoor activities and events that you’ll want to check out while you’re in Austin.

Barton Springs Municipal Pool

If you’re into swimming or sunbathing, you’ll want to visit Barton Springs Municipal Pool. Austin is proud to boast the spring-fed, 3-acre pool that sits right in the middle of town. This natural wonder stays a brisk 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, thanks to the four bubbling springs that feed into it.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park, considered “Austin’s most loved park,” offers a wide variety of recreational activities, facilities, and special events on its 351 acres.

McKinney Falls State Park

If rugged beauty is what you seek, look no further than McKinney Falls State Park. Located only 13 short miles from Austin’s state capitol, McKinney Falls State Park offers a creek flowing over limestone and winding trails curling through Hill Country woods. There are a variety of things you can do at the state park, such as fishing, camping, hiking, geocaching, and swimming.

Texas Hill Country

Many visitors of Austin enjoy taking day trips to Texas Hill Country. Located in the 14,000 square miles surrounding Austin’s metro area, Texas Hill Country offers historic towns and more than two dozen vineyards for you to explore.

Zilker Botanical Garden

Located in the bosom of Zilker Metropolitan Park, Zilker Botanical Garden is considered a “jewel in the heart of Texas.” Featuring three themed gardens – Hartman Prehistoric Garden, Taniguchi Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden – and winding trails connecting them, the Zilker Botanical Garden offers a peaceful respite from the busy city life.

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park is a venue known for hosting outside events, such as concerts and festivals; it is also a great place to go kite flying or take your dog for a stroll.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a great place to go and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you wish to go zip lining or sailing, the lake has plenty to offer.

Pease District Park

Considered Austin’s first public park, Pease District Park, or Pease Park Conservancy, has limestone bluffs, shaded trails, and a rich cultural history. The Conservancy works to maintain and preserve 84 acres of public green space for all to enjoy.

Hippie Hollow Park

If clothing dampens your style, consider a visit to Hippie Hollow Park at Lake Travis, where clothing is optional. In fact, Hippie Hollow Park is the only nudist park that’s public in the entire state of Texas.

Austin is Home to Amazing Country Clubs

If rubbing elbows with like-minded individuals is on your to-do list, Austin does not disappoint with its amazing country clubs. Hit the social club of your choice to network with colleagues, get your fitness on, or enjoy top cuisine with your family.

Arts, Museums, and Culture in Austin

If art and museums are your jam, look no further than Austin. A hotspot for art and culture, there are many options available among Austin’s attractions.

Mexic-Arte Museum

The Mexic-Arte Museum exists to share the culture and art of Mexico with Texas. Located right in the heart of Austin’s downtown area, the Mexic-Arte Museum aims to improve the quality of life among Texans by sharing innovative exhibits and educational programs. It is one of the small handfuls of Mexican art museums in the entire United States.

LBJ Presidential Library

The LBJ Presidential Library is located on the grounds of UT at Austin. It contains 45 million documents pertaining to former President Lyndon B. Johnson and serves as a museum dedicated to the 36th President of the United States.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum offers a wide berth of history on the state of Texas. Many exhibitions have been displayed here, offering a unique look at Texas’ history.

Blanton Museum of Art

If you’re a fan of art, the Blanton Museum of Art, located at the University of Texas Austin, has much to offer. Members get in free, but you don’t have to be a member to visit.

Music Festivals in Austin

They don’t call Austin the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. Austin is famous for its music festivals, attracting audiences from far and wide, especially Austin City Limits and South By Southwest, two of the biggest and most popular among them.

Austin City Limits is an annual music festival that boasts nine stages and over 100 performers. From The Chicks to P!nk and Lil Nas X to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Austin City Limits offers music of a wide array of genres. The festival takes place in October every year and lasts for two weekends.

Austin’s very own South by Southwest (SXSW) festival takes place over two weekends in March every year. It is a festival that brings together musicians, industry professionals, and music lovers all in one place, so fans can enjoy live music and performers can further their careers.

Music Festivals in Austin

Higher Education in Austin

There are many reasons to choose Austin as a place to further your education. Austin is proud to be the home of the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, Austin Community College, Central Texas College, Temple College, and St. Edward’s University. The University of Texas at Austin is the oldest institution in the university system in Texas. It is also considered one of the top 40 best universities in the world. The university offers bold, ambitious education, and it has plenty of clubs in UT Austin.

Events and Event Venues in Austin

No matter the gathering, there's an Austin event venue that's perfect for it. From small bridal showers to grandiose weddings and corporate retreats to employee game days, event venues in Austin are available to create the perfect backdrop for your big day.

Nearby Areas of Austin

In addition to being one of the major metropolises in the United States, Austin is just a stone’s throw from other exciting towns, including Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Elgin, Cedar Creek, Buda, and Zilker. Austinians also love to explore the communities below.

Mueller

Mueller is a 700-acre community just 3 miles away from downtown Austin. Once an airport, Mueller is now an urban village with diverse residents.

Travis Heights

A historic neighborhood in south Austin, Travis Heights is home to Lady Bird Lake. It was originally intended to be a neighborhood exclusive to the extremely wealthy.

Bouldin Creek

Another neighborhood in Austin, Texas, is Bouldin Creek. Bouldin Creek is diverse, with a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and architecture mixing together.

South Lamar

South Lamar, a neighborhood in south Austin, is famous for its dance hall, The Broken Spoke. First founded in 1964, the dance hall still features live music every night, with notable performers including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Strait, and the (Dixie) Chicks.

Round Rock

One of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Round Rock has a population of over 120,000 and is considered one of the safest cities with a population over 100,000.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” located approximately 25 minutes outside of Austin. It features natural wonders, historic treasures, and eclectic live music venues.

South Congress

South Congress is famous for its variety of restaurants, vintage shops, boutiques, bars, and live music. Austin restaurants are among the best in the South Congress neighborhood.

Where to Stay in Austin

Lodging in Austin is abundant, from five-star hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast options. Book a luxury suite at the Hilton Austin Airport or Hotel Granduca Austin, or stay over at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Austin. Brava House Bed and Breakfast and Casa de Sol Bed and Breakfast offer more cozy and intimate options.

Plan Your Trip to Austin, TX, Today

Whether you want to watch the Horns take on their opponent on their home turf with the family or meet with colleagues for drinks at the local country club, Austin awaits. Plan your visit to Austin, TX, and use the list of things to do in the city to guide you to the best Austin has to offer.

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