The 21 Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas, Right Now – Southern Living

Austin, Texas, is a city that moves to its own groove. The Texas state capital has become known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe and vibrant live music scene, attracting droves of young professionals, retirees, and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping in South Congress or taking in the fine arts, paddle-boarding, or touring the capitol, Austin promises endless days of fun.

Among similarly sprawling Southern cities, Austin stands out for its widely popular outdoor activities. From the Barton Springs swimming hole to Lady Bird Lake—its glossy water is often dotted with paddle boards and kayaks—the city’s prolific green spaces and waterways are a surprising and wonderful addition to the urban landscape.

To get a real pulse on the city, we partnered with our Texas-based editors to round up some of the can’t-miss spots in the live music capital of the world. Between tacos and two-stepping, check out some of these Austin hot spots. Here are the top things to do in Austin, Texas.

Outdoor Activities

Swim at Barton Springs

This outdoor swimming hole in Zilker Park is entirely fed by natural springs, making it the perfect spot to cool down during hot Texas summers. It’s surrounded by a picturesque grassy area, and on hot summer days, it seems as if all of Austin is there to cool off. (The visitor count has approached 800,000 in recent years).

austintexas.gov/barton-springs-pool, 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

See the Bats on the Congress Avenue Bridge

Each night, spectators line the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the world’s largest urban bat colony—we’re talking 1.5 million bats—fly out from a roost beneath the bridge. Don’t fear: Bats are gentle animals, and the city appreciates that its bats “eat from 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of insects, including agricultural pests.”

batsinaustin.com, South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Go Mural-Spotting

In a city known for its street art, wandering around to find some of the city’s signature murals proves an ever-entertaining activity. You’ll find many along South Congress Avenue, including the notable “I Love You So Much” mural on the side of Jo’s Coffee. On the East side and downtown, keep an eye out and you’ll count dozens more murals on your walks and drives.

Stroll Along the Hike-And-Bike Trail

Take in the downtown skyline as you bike or run along Lady Bird Lake on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. You may have to do a double take to believe that this idyllic trail is right in the heart of the city.

Paddle Board or Kayak on Lady Bird Lake

Hitting the lake is simply an essential Austin experience. You can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand up paddleboards from the Rowing Dock.

rowingdock.com, 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes in 1982, this 284-acre state botanical garden and arboretum is home to more than 1,000 species from all over Texas, the most diverse collection of such in North America.

wildflower.org, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739

Take a Cruise on Lady Bird Lake

It’s no secret that there are many ways you can get on the water while in Austin, but the cruises offer a unique view, especially at dusk, when you can see the city at sunset and watch the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Book a tour with Capital Cruises and Lone Star Riverboat.

Culture Activities

Learn How to Two-Step

Stop by The White Horse in East Austin for free dance lessons from different genres, or visit legendary spot Broken Spoke for lessons and live music, Wednesday through Saturday evenings. When in Texas, learn to two-step!

Take a Capitol Tour

Get a quick lesson in Texas history with a free tour of the Capitol building. Seasonally, they also can offer themed tours, including one dedicated to Women in Texas History.

tspb.texas.gov, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Visit the Blanton Museum of Art

This University of Texas museum is naturally one of the largest university art museums in the country. Pro tip: Entry is free every Tuesday. Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.

blantonmuseum.org, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712

See Immersive Art at Wonderspaces

This interactive art exhibit highlights 14 interesting installations that you can explore and immerse yourself in. It’s open year-round with a rotation of artwork displayed, as well as a full bar to enjoy while meandering through the expansive spaces.

austin.wonderspaces.com, 1205 Sheldon Cove #2A, Austin, TX 78753

Where To Eat and Drink

Try Out Authentic Tex-Mex

It’s no secret that barbecue and tacos reign supreme in Austin, Texas. Experience an epic mashup of these Austin specialties at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, or test out some of our other favorite spots to eat in Austin right now, including the famed Matt’s El Rancho Tex-Mex, taco truck Discada, and Veracruz All Natural for breakfast tacos. While most people will recommend the classic Migas, you won’t go wrong with any of the breakfast taco options and one of the fresh-squeezed juices on the side. 

Wait in Line for Real Texas Barbecue

While you can find the state’s famous brisket in many cities and towns, Austin boasts some of the best in the business, including the iconic Franklin Barbecue (make sure to show up early), Leroy & Lewis (try the not-your-usual proteins and side dishes), Stubb’s B-B-Q (go to the gospel brunch on Sundays), and Asian-influenced Loro (don’t skip out on the boozy slushies).

Spend the Day Touring Breweries

On a sunny day, get a taste of the Hill Country with a drive out to Jester King, a brewery, kitchen, and farm just 30 minutes outside Austin’s city center. Come for the exciting beer varieties, stay for the wood-fired pizza made with Texas grain.

If you’re looking for something within city limits, check out Austin Beerworks, The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (the ABGB), or Live Oak Brewing Company.

Explore Downtown’s Rainey Street

Admittedly, this block of historic houses-turned-bars skew to a younger crowd at night, we recommend going during the day to sit in one of the cozy courtyards, listen to music, and try out a Texas Ranch Water. Walk up and down to find your favorite place to post up, but we recommend Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden for a German-style meal, Half Step for more crafted cocktails, and Lucille Patio Lounge, which decks itself out in decorations for most holidays.

Where To Experience the Music Scene

As the live music capital of the world, Austin has a diverse music scene that spans genres and decades. Here are a few of our favorite spots for taking in the tunes.

Hit the Historic Continental Club

The Continental Club, fondly dubbed “the granddaddy of live music venues,” is one of the most celebrated live music venues in Austin. You feel like you’re living part of history when you’re there. Next door to Continental Club is its upstairs sister property, the Gallery. The shows here are smaller and the set-up almost feels like you’re listening to music in someone’s living room.

continentalclub.com, 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

See Big Names at the New Moody Theater

The Moody Theater at ACL Live is a great place to see big name shows—think Kacey Musgraves, Martina McBride, and Jason Isbell. Even in the balcony, the acoustics make the 2,750-person theater feel intimate.

acllive.com, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Wander Between the Many Other Local Music Venues

C-Boys Heart & Soul is another South Congress venue that caters to blues, soul, and country music fans. Antone’s Nightclub has been a downtown staple since 1975, and Carousel Lounge is a colorful carnival-themed watering hole that’s been a local spot since it opened in 1963.

Best Places To Shop

Explore South Congress Avenue

The walkable district of South Congress is home to many of Austin’s iconic boutiques. Some favorite spots include Big Top Candy Shop (a whimsical candy store with an old-fashioned soda fountain and over 300 different varieties of candy), Parts & Labour (a mix of fun souvenirs from local artisans), and South Congress Books (a used bookstore with quite a few signed editions and collectibles). Cool off after an afternoon of shopping with a scoop from Amy’s Ice Cream, a charming walk-up stand serving over 350 flavors.

Find a Unique Pair of Boots

There are many places to find a pair of cowboy boots that will have you feeling ready to two-step. Allen’s Boots on South Congress Avenue is a great place to start, thanks to a collection of over 4,000 boots. Tecovas offers quality-made Western wear and boots in both classic styles and those with unique modern flair, while the shelves of Heritage Boot Co. are lined with a curated collection of artisan-made boots.

Leave With a Custom Hat

There’s something so festively Texan about designing your own custom hat. Maufrais on South Congress Avenue features a a top-notch experience where you can personalize your own Western-style hat with bands, charms, and art. You’ll also find customizable options at Goorin Bros. and Trovador.

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