Austin is really one of those cities where you don’t just see, but have to experience it through the activities. If you are visiting for the very first time, figuring out what to do in Austin can be overwhelming as there’s quite a lot of options!
So we’ve narrowed down the best things to do in Austin for you, the classics and special experiences that gives this city its cool, funky reputation. So even if you can’t cover all that the city has to offer (and you certainly can’t on just one trip), you will still get a good overview of Austin.
Highlight Activities In San Diego
Bat-Watching At the Congress Avenue
Yes, you heard that right! Bat watching!
One of the craziest things to see in Austin happens every evening at the Congress Avenue Bridge. Right at sunset, about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take off in giant waves, filling the sky like a dark moving cloud. It’s wild to watch and definitely not something you see every day!
The best time to catch this is between March and October. Get there about 30 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot. You can watch from the bridge, the grassy area by Lady Bird Lake, or even hop on a bat-watching kayak tour if you want a different view.
This is actually the biggest urban bat colony in North America, and these little guys eat tons of bugs every night. So yeah, they’re basically tiny, flying pest control!
Check Out the Live Music Scene on 6th Street
Austin isn’t called the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing—6th Street is where the magic happens. When the sun goes down, this stretch between Congress Avenue and I-35 comes alive with the sounds of blues, rock, and country pouring out of bars and venues like Antone’s and The White Horse.
Each spot has its own vibe, from honky-tonk to indie rock. Just keep an eye on your drinks – this strip gets pretty rowdy after dark, especially on weekends.
If you really want to experience the best of Austin’s music scene, a live music crawl is the way to go. It takes you to some of the city’s top venues in one night, so you don’t have to guess where to go, just follow the music!
Hit the Austin Food Scene
Austin’s food scene is bold and creative, much like the city itself. And food trucks here are quite the deal when it comes to good eats. From fresh tacos to the slow-smoked barbecue, these rolling kitchens serve up some of the best bites in the city.
Most trucks post their locations on social media, so check before heading out. Many of Austin’s best food spots are casual, so don’t be afraid to dig in with your hands. Bring some wet wipes along to keep up with your food adventures.
If you want to dive even deeper into Austin’s food scene, join a food tour to explore some of the best hidden gems while giving you the inside “scoop” on local flavors. Punk intended. But seriously, you’ll get to sample a mix of flavors at one shot which is the main point!
Discover The Spooky Side of Austin
Austin is known for its music and food, but not everyone knows about its haunted side. The city has old buildings with eerie stories, hotels where guests never really check out, and streets where people swear they’ve seen shadowy figures. Some say they’ve heard whispers when no one’s around, or felt a sudden chill for no reason at all.
If you’re curious about Austin’s ghosts, there’s a popular walking tour that takes you to the city’s most haunted spots. You’ll hear real stories of strange happenings and unexplained sightings while exploring downtown at night.
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the mix of history and mystery makes it a cool experience. it’s a fun way to learn about a different side of the city!
Experience Austin’s Brewery Scene
If you enjoy a pint or two (or many :p), Austin’s craft brewery scene is a great exposure to Texas’ beer culture. There’s more than 50 breweries in and around the city so plenty to choose from.
Zilker Brewing on East 6th is a great place to start when you’re downtown. Their Coffee Milk Stout and Marco IPA are local favorites, and you can watch the brewing process from the taproom. Most breweries offer flights so you can sample different styles. Visit on weekday afternoons to dodge the biggest crowds.
Want to hit multiple spots without worrying about driving? A brewery tour is an easy way to explore Austin’s beer scene without having to plan a thing! They will take you to some of the best breweries in town, with plenty of samples along the way.
Key Attractions In San Diego
Texas State Capitol
Right in the middle of downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol stands tall with its huge pink granite dome. Fun fact, it’s actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in D.C.! Built in 1888, this place is full of history and Texas pride.
The best part? You can take a free guided tour and walk through the fancy halls while hearing cool stories about Texas history and how the building was made. Plus, if you’re visiting on a hot day (which is most days in Austin), the air conditioning inside is a nice break from the heat.
You can easily get here from anywhere downtown. Plan for about an hour or two to check it out. Pro tip: swing by early in the day to beat both the crowds and the Texas sun.
South Congress Avenue
The best place to see the fun and creative side of Austin is probably South Congress Avenue! This busy street is full of cool vintage shops, tasty food, and that unique Austin vibe.
There’s also plenty of photo ops here just because of how the area looks. Got to snap a pic at the famous “I Love You So Much” mural painted on the side of Jo’s Coffee, maybe even grab a coffee while you’re at it.
If you’re there on the weekend, there’s often live street performances that add to the vibe. But if you want a bit more a more quiet time, hit SoCo before 11am or after 7pm to dodge the biggest crowds, especially on weekends. But note that most shops open only around 11am.
The street runs from Lady Bird Lake to Oltorf Street. Between shopping and people-watching, you’ll find plenty of food trucks and local eateries when hunger strikes.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Museum is the place to go if you want to get a head start on understanding Texas overall. The three floors of exhibits will take you through Texas history, from the early days to today (You want to start at the top and work your way down).
And it’s not just looking at stuff behind glass—you can actually interact with exhibits, touch real artifacts, and learn through fun touchscreens. This is a great place to visit with kids, they will enjoy the hands-on areas
There’s a huge IMAX theater here. showing everything from Hollywood movies to Texas-themed documentaries on a giant screen. And also a cafe to catch a break or snack in between.
If you want to save some cash, visit on HEB Free First Sundays when admission is completely free. (That’s the first Sunday of every month). Plan for about two hours, but if you’re a history buff or have super interested kids, you might want to spend the whole afternoon!
