20 BEST Things to do in Austin, Texas [2023 UPDATED]

Austin is known as the fastest-growing city in the United States, which attracts 150 new residents daily.  The city is known as The Live Music Capital of the World since it has more bars, restaurants, clubs and other venues that offer live music every day.  This zany city likes to live up to its motto, “Keep Austin weird.”  This motto is a representation to support unique local artists and businesses with the SXSW festival, which is Austin’s second-largest music festival.

Austin has something that everyone can enjoy, wither you are a resident looking to explore your city or if you have come to Austin looking for some awesome places to explore, you are sure to find something interesting to do with your time.  The Live Music Capital of the World is a great place to visit, it does not matter what time of the year you plan on visiting, you will find that there are many interesting things to do here.  You will see that Austin is an interesting place to visit that also has some remarkable history.  If you are planning a trip to Austin, Texas, this guide will help you find the perfect places to visit during your stay.

Get Outdoors

There are so many exciting ways to spend your time outdoors in Austin.  You will find that there are many honey holes to test your fishing abilities, as well as many remarkable parks to visit while you are in Austin.  Here are a few ways you may want to experience the outdoors.

See Also:

• Hotels Near Austin Bergstrom International Airport
• Best Hotels in Austin, Texas
• Areas to Avoid in Austin

1. Texas Hawgs

If you have come to Austin looking for a great spot to fish, let Texas Hawgs show you the right places to fish.  Fishing is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy.  If you like topwater fishing, Austin has many places to catch some monster bass.  You could throw a spook out over the trees and rocks and enjoy the fight with a possible monster.  However, it is said that the biggest fish are caught on a square bill crankbait.  If you are hoping to catch Texas’ Guadalupe Bass, central Texas is the only place to catch them in the world.  There are many ways to fish for these monsters, and Texas Hawgs can put you on ’em.

2. McKinney Falls State Park

Experience nature up close and personal at McKinney Falls State Park.  This is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family outdoors.  If you enjoy nature, this is the right place to be.  You will enjoy the wonderful sights this place has to offer.  With the remarkable views of Onion and Williamson Creek, the winding trails and the nature within them, you will be glad that you chose to experience the great outdoors at McKinney Falls State Park.  This is a great place to go hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.  This is one of the best outdoor things to do in Austin.

3. Red Bud Isle

Red Bud Isle is located in the Colorado River in Austin.  This is a great park that your fur-baby can tag along for.  At this park, your dog does not have to be on a leash.  Many who visit Red Bud Isle, go for the kayaking, hiking, and canoeing, but it is also the perfect place to cast a line to see what fish are biting.  This is the perfect place to enjoy the day with your dog.

4. Lady Bird Lake

This river-like reservoir is located on the Colorado River.  It was created as a cooling pond for a new city power plant in 1960.  Now, this lake is used for flood control and recreation.  If you need a good trail to walk or jog, there is a beautiful trail located here as well that you may want to use.  Many would say that this lake is one of Austin’s gems.  You will be glad that you stopped by.

5. Bassquatch Fishing

Here is another guide service that can put you on some big bass.  Ander Meine is a professional bass fisherman, and when he is not competing in tournaments, he wants to put other fishing freaks on some of the “biggest and baddest bass in central Texas.”  This is the perfect opportunity to go fishing with the kids.  Bassquatch Fishing is dedicated to showing some tricks and secrets with you to help you catch the big bass.  After you slay all the bass, you will want to come back for more.

6. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Mayfield Park is located in the middle of Austin and is an island of relaxation.  Around the park is the Mayfield Preserve, which is 21 acres of trails and wildlife habitats.  Most people who visit this park look forward to seeing the peacocks and the charming scenery.  Mayfield Park is the perfect place to escape the city while you are in the city.

7. Austin Zoo

If you are looking for something fun for the whole family can enjoy.  The Austin Zoo is the right place for you.  They have a wide variety of animal exhibits to enjoy.  This is the perfect place to let the kids enjoy many things that nature has to offer.  You will also have the opportunity to feed the goats, deer, llamas, alpacas, and sheep.  This is a great place to visit while you are in Austin.

8. Barton Creek Greenbelt

Here is a great opportunity to see some caves and explore nature in Austin.  Barton Creek has many access points, with many interesting things to see along your discovery of the greenbelt.  Violet Crown Trail runs through much of the greenbelt.  If you follow it, you will end up at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  This is a remarkable place to visit while you are in Austin.

9. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Take exploring nature to the next level with this extraordinary 76-acre preserve.  There is always some sort of interesting event happening like nature walks and stargazing.  There is something that everyone in the family would enjoy.  You will be glad you chose to visit Westcave to discover the beautiful outdoors.

10. Palmetto State Park

If you are looking for something unusual to do while you are in Austin, Palmetto State Park is where you should go.  This is an overgrown forest with a variety of tropical vegetation like the Palmetto plant.  This is the only park with tropical vegetation in the state.

Austin’s Exhilarating Attractions

There are so many different attractions to experience when you are in Austin.  You will find that this place is full of diversity, so finding something that you would enjoy doing should not be too hard.  There are places for adults, there are places that are perfect for the kids and there are also places that are just right for the whole family.   Here are a few places that you may not want to miss when you are in Austin.

11. The Escape Game Austin

Do you want to see if you have what it takes to escape?  If you think that you have the tactile skills it requires to escape one of six rooms, then you should try out The Escape Game in Austin.  There are plenty of twists to keep you on the edge.  This will be one epic adventure you will not want to miss.

12. Texas State Capitol

Here is one remarkable historic site you will want to visit while you are in Austin.  This building is widely recognized as one of the nation’s eminent state capitols.  This building shines brightly with its brass dome to the brass door hinges.  There are 17 monuments for you to admire as well as the amazing architecture, this is an interesting place to visit.

13. Bullock Texas State History Museum

This is a great place to visit to learn all about the history of Austin.  Here, you will find that there is plenty happening.  There are many exhibits to see and unique programs to participate in.  You will also find that they have many innovative films to watch as well.  This is a great place to learn about Austin.

14. ACL Live

If you are in the mood for some live music, The Moody Theater always has some sort of live band playing.  Every year, they host around 100 concerts.  There is always a diversity of performers to “keep Austin weird.”  This is an incredible experience you will not want to miss while you are in Austin.

15. LBJ Presidential Library

This library is named after the 36th president of the United States,  Lyndon Baines Johnson.  At this library, you will find many ways to spend your time.  There are many exhibits to choose from there are also some events always taking place.  This is an interesting place to visit that is more than just a library, but also a museum too.

16. Science Mill

Science Mill is an interactive learning environment for all ages.  Your child will appreciate science more with a trip to this innovative museum.  Your child may become inspired to pursue their career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  This is an interesting place to visit with the whole family.

17. Paramount Theater

Paramount Theaters is one of the first and very few remaining examples of theatrical architecture.  This venue was and still is important to the community and the cultural landscape to help “keep Austin weird”.   You will feel as if you have been taken back in time, and it seems to wrap its self around you in a way to make you feel welcome.

18. The Range at Austin

If you come to Austin and don’t go to a shooting range, have got the full experience of Texas?  They offer classes and also have many packages to choose from like the machine gun package.  The Range has many shooting bays for pistols and rifles.  This is a great way to experience Texas.  You will be glad you stopped by.

19. Circuit of America at Austin

If you love racing and live music, you will love being at Circuit of America.  This incredible place is found in The Music Capitol of the World and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment and music.  It is also home to the only Formula 1 and MotoGP races in the country: The United States Grand Prix and Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas.  You will have a wonderful time at Circuit of America.

20. Inner Space Cavern

The Texas Highway Department core drilling team found this cavern in 1963.  It is one of the best-preserved caves in Texas.  Passing water through Edwards limestone carved the cavern.  It is estimated that the cavern is 90-100 million years old.  This could be an epic adventure for anyone.

Conclusion

Austin is a fun and exciting place to visit.  Since the city’s motto is “Keep Austin weird,” you will find that many weird things are happening all over Austin.  There are many awesome ways to spend time with your family.  Austin has many awesome places to go fishing, there are also many interesting museums to visit while you are here.  If you have come to Austin looking for live music, you have come to the right place, you will find live music around almost every corner.   There is so much happening in Austin, and this guide will help you find the perfect places to go.