View more places in Texas
Austin, often called the “Live Music Capital of the World,” has a remarkable number of live music venues per person compared to any other place in the country. This vibrant city has nurtured the budding talents of famous musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin, and the Dixie Chicks. In spite of experiencing substantial growth in recent times, Austin has managed to maintain a unique and relaxed ambiance that sets it apart from other cities in Texas. Visitors often perceive Austin as a haven for unconventional individuals, but the locals embrace their idiosyncrasies and proudly embrace the city’s motto, “Keep Austin Weird.”
Austin is not just known for its vibrant music and nightlife scenes, but also for its abundance of outdoor activities. With an impressive average of around 300 sunny days each year and plenty of green spaces such as Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the best places to live in America. It offers a little something for everyone: history enthusiasts can explore LBJ’s library and the Texas State History Museum, art lovers can immerse themselves in the Blanton Museum of Art, sports fans can cheer on the University of Texas at Austin football team, and aspiring musicians can find their place on Sixth Street. After experiencing all this, you might find yourself wondering why you don’t call Austin home.
One of the best times to visit Austin is from September to November or from March to May. During these months, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, which are quite pleasant. However, if you’re not used to high humidity and scorching temperatures in the mid- to high 90s, it’s best to avoid visiting during the Texan summer, which falls between June and August. Alternatively, winter (December to February) offers a relatively mild and dry climate, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-60s. Austin is known for its vibrant festival scene, which is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture. If you have the flexibility in your travel plans, consider attending a festival that aligns with your interests. Just keep in mind that during festival seasons, accommodation prices tend to increase.
Here are some of our recommended things to do in Austin. Choose away!
Located in the heart of the city, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, also known as the Lady Bird Lake trail, is a beloved outdoor area spanning 10 miles. This popular trail attracts both locals and tourists who enjoy activities such as …
Austin, Texas is known for housing the largest urban bat colony in North America, as per experts. Around 1.5 million bats find their home at the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge for a part of the year. These bats settled here after the bridge …
Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater is a popular venue where many famous bands have performed. It’s also known for hosting the iconic “Austin City Limits” television series, which holds the record for being the longest running music series …
The Austin Nature & Science Center is located in Zilker Park and offers exciting opportunities for outdoor exploration, especially for children. The center features interactive exhibits that aim to foster a love for the natural world. One popular …
Barton Springs Pool, located in Zilker Metropolitan Park, has been a beloved swimming spot for both locals and visitors for many years. It holds a rich history that dates back to the time when Native Americans utilized the springs, which later …
Located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art lovers. It is renowned as one of the largest art museums in the country that belongs to a university. Housing an impressive …
Experience the fascinating history of Texas at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. This museum, named after Texas’s 38th lieutenant governor, offers a vibrant exploration of the Lone Star State’s past. With over 700 artifacts, you can discover …
Esther’s Follies Esther’s Follies, situated on the renowned Sixth Street in Austin, combines music, magic, and comedy to create a unique Texan experience. Since its start in 1977, the show has captivated diverse audiences with its hilarious take on …
If you have a passion for flowers, then the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect place to visit. This center, named after Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, who was the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, aims to educate people about …
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes its lakes. Take Lake Travis, for example. Stretching nearly 64 miles long and surrounded by a staggering 271 miles of shoreline, it’s truly a sight to behold. To really grasp the scale, just swing by …
When you hear about visiting a presidential library, it may not sound very exciting. However, the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library is definitely an exception to that. This library is dedicated to the 36th president of the United States and it …
Mayfield Park and Preserve is a place of historical significance, listed on the National Registry. However, what really draws visitors to this park are its magnificent peacocks. With approximately two dozen of these beautiful birds, they can be …
Looking for a nature getaway in Austin? McKinney Falls is the perfect spot! Beat the heat by taking a dip in Onion Creek, which offers swimming spots to cool off during those scorching summer days. Plus, here’s some great news: you can go fishing …
The Mexic-Arte Museum focuses on preserving Mexican, Latinx, and Latin American art and culture, with a special emphasis on artists from Texas. They have an extensive permanent collection of over 5,000 contemporary artworks, ranging from photographs …
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, make your way to Mount Bonnell at Covert Park. This beautiful park spans 5.1 acres and offers panoramic scenes of the city, Lake Austin, and the nearby hills. One of the standout features of this park is its …
Austin, also known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” offers a vibrant and exciting experience for music enthusiasts. One must not miss exploring the talent of up-and-coming artists along Sixth Street. Back in the 1960s, a significant …
South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, is a significant part of Austin’s culture. It offers breathtaking views of the Texas State Capitol and is filled with vibrant murals that make great photo opportunities. SoCo is a popular shopping …
Texas’s legislative center, the State Capitol, proudly stands in central Austin. This iconic building, constructed in 1888, is made of exquisite Texas sunset red granite. Surpassing the height of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., by 14 feet, it …
When you’re thinking about visiting The Contemporary Austin, keep in mind that it consists of two different places: Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. At the Laguna Gloria site, which spans 14 acres, you’ll find the Art School at The Contemporary. …
Introducing Thinkery Austin’s children’s museum—an exciting place that provides a wide range of activities for children up to 11 years old. This museum combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to create a fun and educational …
On the former property of Charles Umlauf, a beloved art professor at the University of Texas for four decades, you’ll find a beautiful fusion of his works with the natural landscape of native Texas. Umlauf and his wife, Angeline, generously donated …
Situated alongside the Colorado River, Zilker Metropolitan Park is a beloved park that covers over 350 acres. It enhances Austin’s reputation as one of the Best Places to Live. The park offers various attractions and activities for everyone to …