If you’re in Texas, one of the best cities in the US to visit is Austin. It is the type of location that is just fantastic for a weekend trip or a longer journey while exploring Texas. Additionally, it has a tonne of the best things to do in Austin, which are dispersed across (and outside of) the city.
Now, if you’ve ever visited Texas, you know that the state has a distinct culture and identity. It’s a big state and not a wallflower. In all honesty, I had no idea how big it was until we started driving across; in the end, it took me almost ten hours to cross the state. Ginormous is putting it mildly.
If you’re in a car seeing some of the larger southern cities, it’s pretty simple to visit and is just about 100 miles or so from San Antonio. Additionally, you can join a trip to Houston.
I won’t go on and on about all the other locations you can go to, though. After all, discovering all the best things to do in Austin will take up a lot of your time. Just remember to bring sunscreen! When we explored this part of Texas, it was hot.
Swimming in the Barton Springs Pool.
Grab your beach towel and sunscreen and head to Zilker Park for a leisurely day. You may locate the beautiful Barton Spring Pool nearby, which is quite nice on a hot day. Additionally, it’s among the top activities in Austin for cooling off.
The freshwater pool, which is accessible for a nominal entrance fee and is fed by a local natural spring, is the ideal place to enjoy some of that renowned Texan sunshine.
In all honesty, I think you’ll appreciate this more if you postpone it until after a few days of walking around and sightseeing.
Identifying Lake Travis
Now, Lake Travis covers 18,000 acres (amazing, huh?) and is brimming with exciting outdoor activities.
If you want a change of pace from city life, you may actually reserve a room to stay by the lake once you arrive.If you want to spend some time outside of the city limits, it’s one of the top things to do in Austin.
Pay a trip to the Blanton Museum of Art
One of the biggest university art museums in the country is housed at the University of Texas at Austin campus. It truly is among the top things to do in Austin for art enthusiasts. It’s safe to say that it’s the ideal place to let your inner culture vulture go. Therefore, if you are not a fan of the arts, you might want to avoid this stop.
Wander through Hippie Hollow Park
You can find the phrase “Keep Austin Weird” printed on t-shirts and bumper stickers all throughout the town.
Visit Hippie Hollow Park in Northwest Austin and live the mantra.
Feel free to take advantage of the sunshine in your birthday suit as it is the only clothing-optional park in the state of Texas and is situated on Lake Travis. Now, it’s undoubtedly not for everyone, but if you like it, it’s something completely new.
Celebrate at 6th Street
This neighborhood, known affectionately as the “dirty 6th” (not sure why), is filled with bars, eateries, and throngs of partygoers.
On the weekends, it really is a hive of activity and fairly busy.
But to be fair, you can make the experience as filthy as you like! If hardcore partying isn’t your style, there are plenty of fantastic cafes, taco joints, boutiques, and live music venues to enjoy on the 6th.
One of the nicest things to do in Austin during the day or night is in this all-purpose area.
Take in the splendor of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a wonderful place to take in some outdoor art and is close to the Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park.
It was once the residence of American sculptor Charles Umlauf, but it is now a public museum. Visit this location to check out the native flora in the outdoor garden and a range of sculptures created by Umlauf and other artists.
Visit the Texas Memorial Museum to learn about Texas history.
This is a must-see for anyone interested in Texas history and is situated on the University of Texas campus in Austin.
Although there is an admission fee, it is affordable! Additionally, it’s a fascinating place to examine a variety of historical exhibits.
After that, examine the Texas State Capitol building as well.
It’s one of the best things to do in Austin if you truly want to go further into the culture, past, and beautiful architecture of the city.
Enter Hamilton Pool Preserve by jumping in.
Visit the naturally occurring Hamilton Pool if you wish to spend some time outside the city.
The pool, which lies a little more than 20 miles west of Austin, was created when an ancient underground river collapsed.
Sit back, unwind, and take in the waterfall’s surroundings. The location is surrounded by limestone slabs, and the pure, blue waters beckon you to jump in.
Just remember to bring some dry clothes for the actual drive back to Austin. Nobody enjoys having wet car seats!
Take a trip to Longhorn Caverns
Longhorns Caverns is a 90-minute trip northwest of Austin, but if you want to see something a little different, the drive is well worth it.
Visit the caves, discover their fascinating past, and stop to say hello to the local bat population. If you want to get outside of Austin, it’s one of the best things to do.
Perform at the Paramount Theater
Visit the historic Paramount Theatre to see a live performance or a movie.
The theatre, a famous landmark in downtown Austin that was built in 1915, is quite simple to discover while exploring the area on foot.
Prior to your trip, check their events calendar and treat yourself to a fantastic night of entertainment in Austin.