Things to do & places to visit in Austin, Texas, United States

Live music is the essence of Austin, but it isn’t even close to the whole story. With spectacular entertainment districts, ubiquitous culture and top-notch restaurants, Austin allows you to create your own soundtrack. Austin boasts more than 250 music venues, the world’s first James Beard Award-winning barbeque pitmaster, an eclectic arts scene and the unique migration of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Take a look around and put the Live Music Capital of the World on your playlist.

Austin city in Texas, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 16:50.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Moody Theater (216 reviews)
- A Must See
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Theaters

Whether or not your a fan of Austin City Limits, you'll definitely enjoy this 90 minute guided tour of The Moody Theater where ACL is filmed. This history, the stories and the magnitude of what it takes to put on a concert, film an episode of ACL or host a private party is incredible. The photo gallery is a favorite with iconic photos by Scott Newton and Jim Marshall. See more..
5.0 Zach Theatre (186 reviews)
- Superb Regional Theatre
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Theaters

Zach Theatre is one of the finest regional theaters n the U.S. Michael Learned was here this month performing in Mothers & Sons and she gave the theatre high praise. As a volunteer usher, I often meet New Yorkers who come here because of Zach and the high quality of their performances. We're fortunate to have a lot of local talent in Austin but our excellent Artistic Director, Dave Steakly, also brings in talent from elsewhere. www.zachtheatre.org See more..
5.0 Magic's Theater (158 reviews)
- Real Magic, the way it should be!
Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

A hidden gem! As a former attendee of the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood, I was thrilled to learn a former Castle performer has his own show in Austin/Dripping Springs. Presented in an intimate theatre inside a meticulously curated magic museum, John Magic is the real deal. His entire family presents the 90min show for a BYOB audience. It's a perfect event for an unforgettable night out. See more..
4.5 Texas State Capitol (7.977 reviews)
- Don't mess with Texas --- Big State Capitol for a Big State
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

If it's in Texas, it must be bigger and better. That is the motto that architects followed with the Capitol Building in Austin. At one time, it was the tallest capitol building in the nation. Others might be taller now, but this is still a beautiful building that shows off many of the natural resources which are so prevalent in Texas, such as limestone and the landscapes. See more..
4.5 LBJ Presidential Library (3.476 reviews)
- Presidential Library
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, also known as the LBJ Presidential Library, is the presidential library and museum of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. It is one of fourteen presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. We are open daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with the last admission at 4:00 p.m. Admission is $3-$13 per person, with free admission given to children 12 and under, active military, student groups, and UT Austin students, faculty, and staff with valid ID. Free parking is available in visitor lot #38. Learn more at lbjlibrary.org. See more..
4.5 Barton Springs Pool (2.770 reviews)
- Fun day in the sun with the family
Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Bodies of Water • Hot Springs & Geysers

Pull off a cannonball jump at this three-acre swimming pool in Zilker Park. Fed by natural underground springs with an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, this limestone pool is a lovely respite from the scorching Texan summers. Switch between tanning on the lawns and swimming in the chilly waters. Plan your visit though as admission is only free in the early morning and late at night. Nominal fees are collected in between. The pool is closed for cleaning on some days, so it’s best to check ahead. Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Bullock Texas State History Museum (2.758 reviews)
- A Fantastic Must-See!
Tuesday: Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is the state's official history museum and features three floors of exhibition galleries, IMAX® Theatre, Texas Spirit Theater, Story of Texas Cafe, and Bullock Museum Store. See more..
4.5 Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail (2.733 reviews)
- The of Downtown Austin at the Lady Bird Lake
Hiking Trails

Scenic trail through lush green parks and peaceful lakes: a great place to bike, hike and run. See more..
4.5 The Driskill (1.848 reviews)
- Historic hotel in a great location!
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Austin's original and iconic hotel features beautiful Romanesque architecture from the late 1800's. With a grand entrance into the opulent lobby, you will be transported to an historic era, with its marble floors, stained-glass dome, and corridors filled with museum-quality artwork. Head up the grand staircase to the most authentic Texas bar in downtown Austin, with daily live music and happy hour. See more..
4.5 Mount Bonnell (1.635 reviews)
- So pretty!
Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Lookouts • Parks

Beautiful park looming almost 800 feet over Austin. See more..
4.5 South Congress Avenue (1.498 reviews)
- Funky and Fun!
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Street lined with lots of great restaurants. See more..
4.5 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (1.102 reviews)
- Field of Light - WOW!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Located a quick but quiet ten miles from downtown, we are a botanical garden open to the public year-round and have become a favored venue for everything from conservation-focused conventions to beautiful weddings. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation and application of native plants through our gardens, campus, research, education and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance human health and happiness. Visit, learn and make a better world with us. The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 and became a part of The University of Texas at Austin in 2006. See more..
4.5 University of Texas at Austin (944 reviews)
- Big beautiful campus with lots to do
Educational sites

Founded in 1883, this university is steeped in history. See more..
4.5 Zilker Metropolitan Park (940 reviews)
- Nice Scenic Park Amidst a Busy City
Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks • Gardens

Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination. See more..
4.5 SoCo District (850 reviews)
- Not much happening here
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods

Trendy Austin area south of Congress Avenue. See more..
4.5 The Blanton Museum of Art (520 reviews)
- Great museum
Tuesday: Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Educational sites • Art Museums

As the primary art collection for the city of Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art is a major resource for the community. With more than 21,000 works in the collection, the Blanton showcases art from across the ages, from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism. With a year-round schedule of traveling exhibitions, art lovers are sure to discover new and old favorites at the Blanton. See more..
4.5 Town Lake (481 reviews)
- fit bit baby!
Bodies of Water

Visitors can rent canoes or rowboats along this part of Lake Austin that flows five miles through the heart of downtown Austin. See more..
4.5 Thinkery (427 reviews)
- Real fun
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

Thinkery is an evolution of Austin Children's Museum. It's Austin's sparkling new home for "why" and "how." A place where science and families play side by side. Where people connect with ideas by doing, making and experiencing. It's a foundry for a new generation of innovators and creative problem solvers. And it's a heck of a good time. See more..
4.5 Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue (365 reviews)
- Great memorial for Stevie
Monuments & Statues

This bronze statue commemorates the life and music of singer/songwriter Stevie Ray Vaughan. See more..
4.5 Capitol Complex Visitors Center (364 reviews)
- Lots of history
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

The state's oldest office building now houses a tourist center, full of brochures to help you get the most out of your trip. See more..
4.5 Austin City Limits Live (313 reviews)
- ACL Live at the Moody ... Iconic Theatre
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Theaters

We are one of the best live music venues here in Austin, TX, providing the Austin community with a plethora of eclectic musicians from all over the world. See more..
4.5 The Domain (298 reviews)
- Great to shop around, eat or just take a stroll
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Situated in a beautiful park-like setting, The Domain features 100 upscale and mainstream retail stores and restaurants, almost half of which are exclusive within the market. A sampling of retailers includes high-end boutiques such as David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, AllSaints, Tiffany & Co. and Austin's only Neiman Marcus, as well as more traditional retailers like American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Express and more. Restaurants include favorites like True Food Kitchen, Kona Grill, Grand Lux Cafe, Maggiano's Little Italy, North Italia and many more. The multi-phased Domain development is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's and Dick's Sporting Goods and also offers more than 800 residential units and ample Class A office space, in addition to four on site hotels - Westin Austin at The Domain, Lone Star Court by Valencia Group, The Archer Hotel and Aloft Austin. With the center's ideal location and exceptional amenities, amazing restaurant selection, convenient parking See more..
4.5 Texas State Cemetery (297 reviews)
- Very educational!
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cemeteries

Some of Texas' most prominent historical figures are buried in this cemetery. See more..
4.5 Texas Military Forces Museum (264 reviews)
- Top Notch History
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Military Museums

This is an absolute gem of a museum. If you have any interest in the military history of the past 150 years, this is worth a visit. The history in the explanatory panels is top notch, the dioramas are fascinating and there are exhibits that I haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s unusual to see German artillery equipment, for example. The breadth and diversity of the displays speak both to the generosity of the Texans who contributed the items in the exhibits, and to their courage and steadfastness in battle without losing sight of the larger historical context. Don’t miss this one. See more..
4.5 Mayfield Park (241 reviews)
- So cool - peacocks!!
Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

We came across Mayfield Park by accident on our way to Mt. Bonnel. I am so glad we stopped. It is a little park with short walking paths. Peacocks roam free. We were able to see a couple of the males show their feathers. Hearing the peacocks all talk to each other was really cool too. It's free! See more..
4.5 Barton Creek Greenbelt (238 reviews)
- Great hike to the hidden pools
Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

If you walk far enough you come upon these "hidden pools" that are a locals secret..oops.Great place to walk you dog, or just take a hike. Bring a swimsuit, because after that hike you might to take a swim in these hidden pools. Note to parents: you might not want to bring kids to these pools because there is a lot of topless sunbathing and swimming, plus on really hot weekend days, these pools tend to attract the massive beer drinking types. See more..
4.5 Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center (125 reviews)
- Loved the Grotto and Cave, but felt rushed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Prepare yourself - the majestic beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve will leave you breathless! Our expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below. (Canyon Tours offered every Saturday & Sunday - weather permitting). Self Guided Hikes Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 1:30pm (no Canyon Access weekdays without prior reservation) See more..
4.0 Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching (4.153 reviews)
- Go Bat Crazy in Austin !
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Austin bridge is where nearly 1.5 million bats live. See more..
4.0 Zilker Botanical Garden (783 reviews)
- Worth a visit; Recommend
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gardens

Botanical Gardens includes 31 acres of land with plants that thrive in arid southwestern conditions. See more..
4.0 McKinney Falls State Park (591 reviews)
- Gorgeous
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks

This tranquil, 641-acre park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation including fishing, mountain biking and hiking. See more..