Today we’re keeping Austin weird and fun like it’s supposed to be! Whether you live in Austin or are planning a trip to arguably the best city in Texas, City Lifestyle has the only activity guide you’ll need.
To help you create an itinerary for your time in Austin, we’ve compiled a list of top-notch activities that will suit every age and every occasion. By the time you’re in Austin, you'll have so much on your itinerary that you might just have to extend your stay. After all, there are at least 30 fantastic things to do in good old Austin.
Fun Things To Do In Austin: Overall Winners
When it comes to Austin, you really can’t go wrong. However, we do have our tried-and-true favorites that we think everybody has to experience at least.
For A Day Spent in Nature
Austin isn’t just fun; it’s a sight to see. There are dozens of parks, trails, and lakes that are as calm as can be. If you’re looking to bike, hike, or run, check out Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Not only is it incredibly peaceful, but you can also rent out a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the water.
We also adore Mount Bonnell, located in Covert Park. It’s the highest point in Texas at almost 800 feet, and after you climb 102 steps, you can look out and admire the beautiful view. Sure, it's a bit of exercise but it's worth it, especially if you go at sunset. You just can’t beat the view.
For A Rainy Day
Unfortunately, the weather isn’t always on our side even on vacation or days off, but don’t let the rain get you down. There’s still plenty to experience in Austin while staying indoors. We love The Driskill, an iconic hotel that’s so pretty you'll probably want a photoshoot in it.
The architecture is 1800s Romanesque, and after you head up the grand staircase, you’ll find yourself at an authentic Texas Bar with live music. Talk about a complete package.
If you’re the type who likes to curl up with a good book on a rainy day, then take a trip to the LBJ Presidential Library.
The free parking is a perk and there are exhibits like a recreation of the Oval Office for when you need to stretch your legs. It’s an incredible setting for an afternoon when all you want to do is be inside.
For Exploring The City
Channel your inner biker, and enjoy the Austin Electric Minibike Adventure tour. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a pro behind the wheel.
The bikes are easy to maneuver, and there’s a “Road Captain” guiding you along the way. The ride goes through South Congress, Austin’s most prominent street, and then meanders off city streets so you can find Austin's hidden gems. There are also photoshoot opportunities if you want to capture your Harley Davidson moment.
The tour even brings professional photography gear so that you can always get the best lighting.
Located next to Lake Austin, Mayfield Park is an absolute dream. The area has peacocks roaming around, lily pads, beautiful gardens, and serene trails. You can sit, and people watch or take a walk and behold the utter beauty that is Austin.
Things To Do In Austin With Kids
The kids will love Austin, just as much as you, thanks to these unique spots. For starters, the Austin Aquarium is a no-brainer. Not only can you and the kiddos admire aquatic life, but you can participate in immersive activities that will make an unforgettable memory.
Choose from holding snakes, taking a selfie with an exotic bird, or feeding the stingrays. Both you and the kids can experience wildlife up close and personal, which isn’t something you get to see often.
Another kid-friendly spot parents rave about is the Thinkery. The Thinkery is an evolution of Austin’s Children’s Museum. It’s focused on science and family fun, so your kids can channel their creativity and feel like Albert Einstein. The wide variety of things to do in the Thinkery will keep the kids busy and happy. Some parents even report they stayed the whole day because it’s such good family-friendly fun!
If your kids love the water, the Barton Springs Pool is going to be a hit with toddlers and teenagers alike. This 1,000-foot-long natural limestone pool is great for fishing, swimming, and playing Marco Polo.
Plus, you can suntan or read a book while resting on the heavenly hillside.
Things To Do In Austin For Adults
Now that the kids have had their fun let’s move onto great things to do in Austin for adults. To kick off a day in Austin, you could hit up the SoCo district for shopping, lunch, and drinks. This hot spot is just south of Congress Avenue, and here you'll find every book, candy, and margarita imaginable.
A spookier option would be the Haunted Austin Walking History Tour. It’s only $25 per adult for 1.5 hours of hauntings and history. The majority of the tour is outside, which is perfect for enjoying that sweet Texas weather.
Lastly, the Paramount Theatre is a must for a show filled with sophistication and good times. The theatre offers Broadway shows, live music, comedy, plays, and music performances, which are always exceptional. There’s also a quick bar service if you and your companions would like to enjoy the theatre with some alcohol in hand.
Things To Do in Downtown Austin
The ever-popular Austin Zoo is also located downtown and has a $15 admission. This cheap activity is a hit with all ages so you can't go wrong. Also, the zoo is a rescue nonprofit, which means they take in animals previously subject to animal cruelty.
The best-selling zoo has hundreds of species to admire, so there’s something for every animal lover.
One of the best ways to see Austin in a nutshell is with the Austin and Hill Country Sight Seeing Tour. The tour is comprehensive and jam-packed with information on Austin’s culture and history. During the 90-minute tour, you will cover 30 miles of the Austin area and see over 50 uniquely Austin locations.
By the end of it, you’ll be a pro on all things Austin. And yes, you can brag about that.
Things To Do In Austin: At Night
So the sun has gone down, but you’re ready to take on the night! Great news: Austin’s nightlife is nothing short of spectacular. Buy a ticket for the Brew Bus, Austin’s brewery tour featuring a live band.
While on the Brew Bus, you will sample Austin’s brews and groove along to local artists' music. This three-hour-long tour will stop at 2/3 of the local breweries so you can fully immerse yourself in Austin's brewery scene.
Looking to spend an evening wining and dining? Sign up for the Food Is My Best Friend Tour. This one-of-a-kind food tour features mouthwatering local food.
For three delicious hours, you'll be an insider with Austin’s food scene and enjoy all types of cuisine. This tour is excellent for all ages so the kids can join too.
And if you’re feeling like dancing, DJ Mel hosts a virtual dance party every Saturday night from 6-10 p.m. so you can feel like you’re in the club while being safe during the pandemic. It’s a free Facebook live stream, so strap on your favorite dancing shoes and get ready to party at no cost whatsoever.
The Pub Crawler is similar to the Brew Bus because you get to drink booze and bike your way through the streets of Austin, which always makes for a great night out. This evening activity is perfect for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or a family reunion without the kids and teens.
Don’t worry, the crawler can only go 5 mph so can get silly with your drinks without worrying about making any bad decisions.
Things To Do In Austin, TX: Indoors
While there’s plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy in Austin, there are also indoor experiences that are just as memorable. For one, you can head to iFly Austin, an indoor skydiving experience.
There you'll take two flights with the help of a guidance instructor. The skydiving simulation is created with 175 mph winds, so if you can’t commit to skydiving, this is a great alternative. Plus, it gets your blood pumping! Woo!
Another well-loved indoor experience is Magic’s Theatre. Here you’ll wonder at artifacts from movie sets and famous magicians like Houdini, Blackstone, and Doug Henning. This activity is perfect for all ages, and while the tour is remarkable in itself, the magic show is the icing on top of the cake.
Beyond Cool Things To Do In Austin
Here’s a little fun fact for you: Austin has the world’s largest bat colony. Weird? Yes. Cool? Also, yes. And you can see these bats for yourself at the South Congress Avenue Bridge. Underneath the bridge, 1.5 million bats live, and at night they come out to play. Word of advice: Don’t stand underneath the bridge; things get smelly very fast. The best spot is on top of the bridge, where you can wonder at the spectacle of dozens of bats taking flight at sunset.
Another must-see experience is at the Mexic-Arte Museum downtown. Every two months, they bring in new art from Mexican and Mexican-American artists. The museum is dedicated to culturally enriching and educating those who pass through it. Visitors are always amazed at the wide range of art mediums and vibrant atmosphere at this museum.
If you’re a tree hugger, then the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is great. This conservation center is only ten miles from downtown, and it preserves native plants. Whether it’s spring and the flowers are in bloom or it’s fall, and the leaves are changing, this center will have you in awe.
Romantic Things To Do: Going All Out
Are you spending time in Austin with your partner? Well, lucky for you, there’s no shortage of things for couples to do in Austin. If you’re looking to spend an evening drinking wine and eating fancy food, check out the Marble Falls Winery Tour. Not only do you get to see the 20-acre vineyard, but you’ll also enjoy a three-course meal paired with accompanying wines from the vineyard.
If you’re looking for something more private, you can opt to sleep under the stars at one of the many state parks in Austin. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and McKinney Falls State Park are just a short drive from downtown. Pitch a tent at one of the many campsites, share drinks, and light a fire because stargazing is the best date.
If you and your partner are looking to treat yourselves, spend a day shopping at The Domain. The Domain is a shopping center with 100 stores and restaurants with a great mix of high-end and mid-range retailers. The convenient parking is an excellent bonus, so there won’t be arguments over parking options.
Lastly, for the perfect photo-op head to the "I Love You So Much" mural. Located on S. Congress Ave, this iconic graffiti art is the perfect stop for you and your partner to get a picture that you will treasure for years to come. A little birdie also said there’s a great coffee shop next door so you can enjoy a coffee date before or after viewing the mural.
And there you have it, dozens of incredible activities to do in Austin no matter who you're with because there's something a little weird and a lot of fun in Austin for all.