10 Fun Activities To Do in Austin, Texas – including Barton Springs Pool

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Austin is the place to visit if you want to pack lots of events into your itinerary. It’s known for its live music scene, expansive outdoor spaces, and world-class museums. It’s ideal for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or an overnight road trip with all of your loved ones. This list has everything from America’s best BBQ to breathtakingly beautiful jumping pools to Wild West-style saloons. Read on to find out more about all the must-see attractions in the fun and wonderful capital of the great state of Texas!

Are you looking for a place to stay in Austin? Then take a look at our list of Austin accommodations. From hostels and apartments to hotels, there is something for every budget.

There is so much to see but so little time? There is nothing to worry about. With our in-depth travel guide for the weekend in Austin, we’ve put together two structured days with the most beautiful sights and activities in Austin!

Fun things to do in Austin, Texas

Some cities are known for only one or two attractions, but Austin is almost overwhelming for the variety of sights, sounds, and tastes that set it apart from the rest of the country. When visiting Austin, these are some of our favorite things to do. You are sure to discover some gems whether you visited one or all of them!

Franklin Barbecue serves the best brisket in Texas

It has been named the best barbecue in the country by food critics. Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama both had dinner here. Queues form early in the morning and can wrap themselves around the block. Some might wonder if Franklin is really worth the hype, but this restaurant, which started grilling out of a trailer a little over a decade ago, has sold out every day since it opened. Franklin is one of those must-see places, with hundreds of honors for his name and plenty of local love to support him. No trip to Austin would be complete without the ultimate BBQ experience. Their brisket is made from all-natural beef and smoked for 12 to 18 hours. The beef will melt in your tongue when topped with Franklin’s unique espresso sauce.

Visiting the Barton Springs Pool is a must

One of the coolest things to do in Austin during the summer is to visit this famous watering hole. Barton Springs, on the other hand, is open to swimmers all year round, hosts a polar bear plunge in winter and, of course, serves as a refreshing swim in summer. Because the pool is filled with natural springs, it will maintain a constant temperature regardless of the weather outside – a cool 68-70 degrees F. It is also home to the critically endangered Barton Springs salamander, so be careful! This is not your average swimming pool; It was designed to house the local wildlife. Park officials ensure that the salamanders are safe in their natural habitat. Barton Springs has both humble wading areas and deeper swimming sections that ensure everyone in the family has a good time. Put a spot in the grassy hills surrounding the pools when you’re ready to warm up again and let the sun dry you off.

They have live music on Sixth Street

A live music experience is one of the many things to do in Austin. In fact, this city is known as the live music capital of the world, with open mic jams, local band concerts, and a variety of acts happening almost every night. Sixth Street takes center stage, despite its different reputation as a party hotspot. This boulevard, lined with pubs and restaurants that glow neon at sunset, is only open to pedestrians on weekends. Crowds pour out of the bars and onto the streets, bringing the festivities to the streets. Whether you are people watching from a distance or you are directly immersed in the action, you are likely to find great entertainment. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar has catchy performances with music from every decade, while The Parish hosts a variety of well-known musicians and local up-and-coming artists. Listen to reggae at Flamingo Cantina or hip-hop and electronic music at The Belmont. Austin has every kind of music you can imagine.

Take a tour of the State Capitol to learn about local government

Austin is the state capital of Texas, which means there are many historic structures and government buildings to visit. The most iconic structure is the imposing red granite State Capitol, which houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and Governor of Texas. Guided tours are possible on weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 3.30 p.m. If you wish, you can take a self-guided tour. The visitor center is always full of interesting exhibitions. It delves deeper into Texas history and culture, including the Texas Revolution and the Cowboys.

At Veracruz All Natural, Guac Your World

What to do in Austin after exploring all of the city’s top grilled spots? If there’s one food this town is familiar with, it’s Tex Mex. Veracruz All Natural is a family owned, Latina and women-owned company that attracts Austinites and visitors alike. Your ultra-trendy taco truck sells out every day so get there early. Breakfast tacos are also available so you can never start too early. Visit one of the many restaurants around town and order a few things to share because they are all so tasty. The migas is a traditional morning option, while the La Reyna tacos with egg whites, avocado, and pico de gallo are a slightly healthier option. Don’t miss the handcrafted corn tortillas, which can be filled with beef, pork, chicken or fish for lunch or dinner. They also offer vegetarian dishes so that non-meat eaters can also enjoy them. If you want to come for all three meals, we don’t blame you.

Austin’s annual bat-watching festivals will drive you crazy

This is hands down one of the stranger sights in Austin, but that’s one more reason to add it to your itinerary! From mid-March to the end of October, the Congress Avenue Bridge, located in the heart of the city, is transformed into a full-fledged bat cave. That’s because Austin has the largest population of urban bats in the United States. Thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats soar into the sky in a spectacular aerial spectacle at sunset. You can see the display from a variety of vantage points, including the city’s walking trails, a river boat, and more, but make sure you get there on time. Bats usually fly between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and this is a mother-nature show not to be missed. You can even take part in the Bat Fest in August, which includes not only a tour of the night flight, but concerts, food trucks, and a bat costume contest.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a great place to go for a ride

Spend a lazy afternoon hiking or biking on Lady Bird Lake to get away from the hustle and bustle of Austin. Although this 10 mile hiking trail winds through central Austin, the hustle and bustle of the city is drowned out by the rush of water lapping against the shore. Even your running shoes can be swapped for a kayak or paddleboard. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, named after a former Austin Mayor and his wife, combines the best of life: closeness to nature, fun in the sun and plenty of people-watching. It is still considered sightseeing! You can get expansive views of the Austin skyline, and visit several notable statues and other cultural landmarks along the way.

Take a close look at the great works at the Blanton Museum of Art

As one of the largest university art museums in the country, Blanton has far too many exhibits to see in a single visit. They have around 20,000 pieces in their permanent collection, and rotating exhibitions feature everything from woven textiles exploring diverse identities to compilations by famous art historians. They also host several events throughout the year, such as block parties, nightly visits, and other art-related activities. If you’re traveling as a couple, this is one of the most romantic things to do in Austin and a great idea for a date. The only problem you will have is choosing between looking at your loved ones or all of the beautiful works of art!

You can enjoy food truck cooking at The Picnic

Exploring Austin’s food truck culture, which took the term to a whole new level, is one of the must-do things to do in town. The city is so passionate about food trucks that it founded The Picnic, a food trailer park just outside the city center. The goal of the project is to support local businesses so that you can give your all while knowing you are helping the community. They serve Thai, Italian, Tex-Mex, and American cuisine. The easiest way to satisfy your hunger is to order from any store that appeals to you. You’ll have a whole food truck picnic ready to eat before you know it! For a slightly different dining experience, we recommend The Mighty Cone and Cannones Italian Ice Cream.

The Hillside Theater in Zilker Park offers a free show

From March to October, a spectacular outdoor amphitheater offers musicals, concerts and cultural activities. Everything is open to the general public and free of charge. You are welcome to bring your blanket or deck chair as well as a snack package or picnic to watch the game. The Zilker summer musical is a must every year. The Little Mermaid, the Wizard of Oz, hairspray, Oklahoma! and other masterpieces have all been staged in the past. Family movie nights, Shakespeare in the Park, and live music are also available on-site. Before heading to Austin, be sure to check the schedule to see if there are any shows to fit into your schedule.

Final thoughts

Whenever you visit Austin, Texas, you probably want to know how to navigate the area, right? So, if you’re looking to see more of Texas Hill Country, we’ve put together a list of the top day trips from Austin that you shouldn’t miss out on. Fredericksburg and some of its world-class vineyards are included, as are several Austin state parks and beautiful beaches nearby or in Austin.

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10 Fun Activities To Do in Austin, Texas – including Barton Springs Pool