Top 9 activities to experience in Austin

Austin is renowned for embracing its quirky motto, "Keep Austin weird."

As a resident of Austin since 2004, I welcome newcomers from California, New York, and beyond every day. Here are some of my favorite spots to recommend to friends and family when they visit.

Discover Texas history

In just one afternoon, you can immerse yourself in Texas history by visiting the Texas Capitol and the Bullock Museum of Texas state history. The Capitol is located a mile north of downtown Austin, while the Texas history museum lies just north of the Capitol grounds.

The Texas Capitol takes inspiration from the United States Capitol but boasts a distinctive façade made of local red granite. Visitors can join free tours most days throughout the year to discover more about local governance and history. (As of the latest update, tours are currently paused due to COVID-19.)

The Bullock Museum offers a changing lineup of exhibitions highlighting various facets of Texas's past, present, and future, including the state's ties to the oil and gas sector. One previous exhibition explored "Cowboys in space and fantastic worlds," while a summer 2021 exhibit examined "Black citizenship during the Jim Crow era."

You can also explore other cultures: The Mexic-Arte Museum downtown highlights the art and culture of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American communities, while the Asian American Resource Center offers resources to support Austin's diverse Asian diaspora.

Everything's bigger in Texas: Top 9 road trips from Austin

Catch a football game at the University of Texas stadium

Step across the street from the Bullock Museum and you'll find yourself in Longhorn territory.

In Texas, football is king. The Texas Longhorns have amassed over 900 victories in their 120-year history, boasting a dedicated fanbase that supports the team with unwavering passion.

You don't need to be a student to grab a ticket or two for the next home game: The impressive Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium accommodates more than 100,000 fans, making it one of the largest college stadiums in the nation.

Just two miles north of downtown, accessing the UT campus is a breeze with Austin's CapMetro public transit. You can also catch an Uber or Lyft for a quick trip, or rent a scooter for just a few cents.

If football isn't your passion, this stunning campus offers hundreds of alternative experiences to discover, including a museum that houses the Watergate papers and one of only five complete copies of the original Gutenberg Bible.

Enjoy a snack during happy hour, then stick around for dinner

You won't encounter many chain restaurants here. Austin takes pride in its local, one-of-a-kind, and inventive culinary offerings that reflect a wide variety of cuisines. No matter where you're staying—north, south, east, or west—you'll find a dining experience that delights your taste buds.

Austin's vibrant food scene has expanded tremendously over the last twenty years, and happy hour is a key part of the local culinary culture. Don’t let Austin’s trendy urban vibe fool you: Texas remains a land of ranchers, hearty beef, and satisfying meals, allowing you to indulge in a perfectly grilled chimichurri steak for just $10 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day in the bar and lounge area of Vince Young Steakhouse.

If you're a fan of margaritas and tacos, the city offers an abundance of choices, ranging from food trucks to long-standing establishments like Trudy's Tex-Mex, where the infamous tequila-based Mexican Martini is served in a full cocktail shaker, and patrons are limited to just two drinks.

Recently, Austin's fine dining scene has gained momentum, featuring a wide range of cuisines, including the elevated Japanese dishes at Uchiko, which hosts a daily "sake social" happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — a fantastic deal for sushi lovers. Most restaurants are also accommodating to vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners, and those with other dietary needs.

Austin's dining establishments can get busy, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance. You can typically locate your preferred restaurant on OpenTable, Tock, or Resy — or simply ask your Amex Platinum concierge for assistance.

Despite its culinary variety, Austin maintains a relaxed vibe. Except for a few high-end venues, jeans and a clean shirt are the norm here.

Witness the bats take flight from Congress Avenue Bridge

I get it if you’re not fond of squeaky, flying creatures. However, bats are undeniably a part of Austin's identity: A large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats makes their home under the bridge that links north and south Austin.

As dusk approaches each evening, the bridge walkways and the paths beneath become crowded with spectators eagerly looking up to watch 1.5 million small creatures emerge, ready to feast during the night.

While each bat may be much smaller than its wingspan indicates, the awe of seeing the entire colony take flight is something every visitor should experience at least once.

As a friendly reminder: Bats can carry rabies, so avoid touching them with your bare hands.

Go paddleboarding or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, or take a walk along the boardwalk

If you find yourself downtown waiting for bat time, spend some hours renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak on Lady Bird Lake, known locally as Town Lake. You'll discover a variety of rental locations along the waterfront.

Those in the know often refer to stand-up paddleboards as "SUP"; they're more stable than you might think. Still, I suggest donning a swimsuit just in case you take an unexpected plunge. With Austin's warm climate, even surprise swims in the lake feel refreshing, especially when temperatures often exceed 90 degrees for extended periods.

If you prefer to relax, you can rent a kayak for one or two people. If you'd rather stay on solid ground, stroll along the boardwalk for some stunning skyline views. For a quicker way to get around, consider renting a bike or grabbing a scooter.

Enjoy a rejuvenating swim in Barton Springs

To survive an Austin summer, having access to refreshing water is essential, and Barton Springs is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

Barton Springs is a natural spring-fed pool that maintains a steady temperature of 68 to 70 degrees all year round. In fact, many locals challenge themselves to begin each day with a swim, and the annual New Year's dip challenge is particularly popular.

During the brief yet brisk winter months, swimmers claim that the consistent temperature of Barton Springs creates a surprising sensation, making the water feel nearly warm when compared to the chilly air.

Discover Sixth Street and its surroundings for beverages, live music, and more

Austin's Sixth Street is often likened to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. While the comparison is valid, it's worth noting that Austin's nightlife actually extends across several streets on either side of the numerical designation.

From dive bars to vibrant college party spots, upscale venues, and hidden speakeasies crafting bespoke cocktails, Sixth Street and its nearby areas offer a diverse nightlife experience.

Many bars provide outdoor patios for enjoyment, and a growing number also accommodate food trucks, takeout windows, and other late-night dining options to pair with your drinks.

The streets around Sixth Street host some of Austin's iconic music venues, including Antone's Nightclub on Fifth Street. Established as a blues venue in the mid-'70s, this humble spot has welcomed legends over the past fifty years, such as Stevie Ray Vaughn (whose statue is located throughout Austin), Ray Charles, James Brown, and Willie Nelson.

However, music enthusiasts aren’t restricted to famous names and renowned venues: During normal times, snippets of live performances can be heard from open doorways, emerging from hidden speakeasies, or drifting down from rooftop terraces across this part of the city and beyond.

Attend the tech conferences, but linger for the art festivals

Austin's longstanding identity as a hub for creatives remains intact despite the tech industry's expanding influence in the city. In fact, there’s a certain synergy between these seemingly different sectors.

Consider the ever-popular South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which unfolds over nine days each March. It originated in the '80s as a gathering for creative professionals in entertainment and media. Alternatively, experience the legendary Austin City Limits music festival, held over two weekends in October, drawing visitors from all over the globe.

Snap a picture at the vibrant murals

If you didn’t capture a photo, did your visit even count? Austin boasts an array of quirky and vibrant murals. Among the most sought-after spots is the "Greetings from Austin" mural, found at the intersection of S. First Street and W. Annie.

You can also capture great shots at the "I love you so much" mural located on South Congress, right across from Jo's Coffee Shop at W. James Street, and the "You're my butter half" mural at Bennu Coffee on the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Alamo St. in East Austin.

In summary

No matter where you’re coming from, a trip to Austin is always a good idea. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, the Bat City will embrace you wholeheartedly.

Planning a visit to Austin? Explore these related guides:

• The top road trips you can embark on from Austin
• Organizing a family vacation to Austin
• Miles Away podcast: Beat the winter blues in Austin
• An affordable and safe staycation at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt in Austin