Here’s where to go, what to see and how to do Austin right.
Everyone wants to come away from their trip feeling like they saw it all and hope they never stumble across a TikTok post-trip highlighting a destination and making them ask, “Did I even go to [blank]?”
Austin’s bejeweled with treasured locals and hidden gems that can spur a first-timer to consider moving here to save on having to make frequent trips back. Natural wonders adjective to our lively downtown, Texan landmarks that’ll make any wannabe cowboy hoot n' holler and lively experiences like The Morning Spin's daytime jam sessions at local coffee shops are listed below so your trip to Austin gets it right the first time.
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This guide was updated by Austin-based writer Deven Wilson. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? A monthly daytime club experience hosted at local coffee shops.
Why go? There's no better way to wake up than a fresh cup of Joe and smooth house beats from local DJs. Hosted by The Mushroom Cowboy, The Morning Spin is your excuse to roll out of bed and start your day on the dance floor. Join the next one at Cosmic Saltillo on March 22.
What is it? The nightly flight of 1.5 million bats that live under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Why go? It’s an Austin ritual to gather each evening—from late March through early fall after checking the "bat emergency hotline" for times—and watch the creatures come out to feed. Hop in a kayak and paddle under the bridge for a closer look. Each August, Bat Fest celebrates the little vampires with food, drink, bands and other entertainment spanning the length of the bridge.
What is it? Zilker Park’s crown jewel, this legendary natural pool is filled with fresh water from nearby springs.
Why go? Whenever Austin gets too hot and you need to cool off, head to Barton Springs. Lounge on the grassy areas before diving into the cool spring water (the pool reaches depths of 18 feet in some spots). Barton Springs has played host to generations of Austinites looking to cool off from scorching temps, so arrive early, especially on the weekends.
What is it? On the north side of the UT Tower, there’s a collection of ponds home to the campus's unofficial mascot.
Why go? A free and sporadic reason to explore the historic center of UT’s campus, these turtles are the perfect touch of Austin's “weird.” Relax and watch the collection of a few dozen different species of turtles as they swim and run around their lush grounds with the old greenhouse in the background and the looming tower above.
What is it? The city’s largest and most prominently located music store is well-stocked with new releases from indie and major-label artists.
Why go? Discover a local band or pick up some weird vinyl from the bargain bin to impress your friends. Waterloo is a great place to spend an hour or two indoors, browsing the unbeatable selection of music. There are frequent in-store performances as well, so be sure to check the event calendar. You can catch Jason Boland and David Ramirez perform at the end of this month.
What is it? Since 1955, it has been one of Austin's most famed live music venues.
Why go? Whatever you're looking for, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds at the Continental Club. This iconic spot has been home to performances from the likes of Double Trouble, Paul Ray and the Cobras, Robert Plant, Wanda Jackson and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Always packed, the 200-capacity space is the spot for intimate, electric evenings. A diverse range of artists come through, so be sure to check the event calendar for more info.
What is it? Proud home to the Eyore's Birthday Party, this historic park offers year-round reasons to explore its limestone cliff-lined grounds.
Why go? The celebrated Danish artist Thomas Dambo has added to the growing collection of interactive sculptural elements like the all-ages Treehouse with his troll sculpture, Malin. Offering a calming presence to an already peaceful park, the reclaimed sculpture is the newest addition to the park's history of blending conservation with culture. Beyond the troll, explore the trials, meander around Shoal Creek's banks and walk downtown without ever seeing a car.
What is it? An ATX institution. The massive park is a playground for outdoor activities and is home to annual events like the ACL Festival and Blues on the Green.
Why go? Stroll the stunning Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Zilker Botanical Gardens, rent a canoe or kayak the tranquil waterways of Lady Bird Lake and cool off in the Barton Springs Pool. Or bring a cooler stuffed with all your faves for a leisurely picnic in the park.
What is it? An Austin institution since 1977, Allen's Boots has been selling premium leather footwear to tourists and locals alike for decades.
Why go? Head to the original location on South Congress to find what you need. Turquoise women's boots? Got 'em. Black studded men's boots? Allen’s has those, too. Spend an afternoon trying them all before landing on the perfect pair, then hit up the rest of South Congress' popular shopping district.
What is it? As the storefront suggests, The Little Gay Shop sells art, apparel, books, magazines and more exclusively from LGBTQIA artists.
Why go? Austin has famously been a safe space for the queer community in Texas, where y’all truly means y’all. If you’re going to get a quirky souvenir or cheeky gift, this is where you can get it. The owners believe in making art accessible to all, and you’ll also find both original and limited prints at exceptional prices.
What is it? Broadcasting long before Austin was trendy, PBS showcases a variety of artists on national TV with a year-round calendar of performances.
Why go? Now, with two stages, one at the Moody Theater downtown and the other a bit more intimate at 3TEN, there’s double the chance of catching a taping of the iconic show. Moody mainly shows off current stars, but get ahead of the music curve and see rising and/or local bands at 3TEN before they get big.
What is it? Standing 14 feet taller than the U.S. capitol building in Washington, D.C., this Renaissance revival landmark is impossible to miss.
Why go? You’ll confirm that everything is bigger in Texas. Wander around on the immaculate terrazzo floors and gaze at the star-crested rotunda. Or, if you're after a deeper understanding of the place, join one of the many official tours of the building, from a basic half-hour introduction to themed tours about heroes of the Texas Revolution and women in Texas history.
What is it? Encircling Lady Bird Lake at the center of Austin, the trail offers one of best hikes in Austin.
Why go? The 10-mile trail is a hub for bikers, runners and hikers. Every day, thousands ride, jog and amble over the landscaped bridges and under the iconic statue of legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan as they make their way around the circuit. The route offers outstanding views of the Austin city skyline, as well as the neighboring Zilker Park. Rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to cool down afterward.
What is it? Franklin Barbecue produces some of the best brisket in Texas, and the line forms early at this lunch-only spot.
Why go? James Beard award-winner Aaron Franklin seasons and smokes his brisket to juicy perfection. It’s so good that people queue up and wait over four hours for a taste. The line has become an experience in itself, as hungry patrons arrive early in the morning with chairs, drinks and a willingness to chat with strangers.
What is it? Austin’s oldest theatre, Paramount Theatre is a legendary stage that has welcomed the likes of Miles Davis and Dr. Maya Angelou.
Why go? The Paramount Theatre relives the glamour days when seeing a show was a dress-up occasion. Their annual Anniversary Gala is the hottest ticket in town (Congress Avenue is lined with red carpet leading up to its doors), and they also host a variety of shows throughout the year worthy of a date night.
What is it? The definitive Texan dance hall is all about letting your hair down.
Why go? It doesn’t get much more Texan than two-stepping to country music. There are dance lessons on some nights, so hesitant toe-tappers can fit right in with boot-scootin bosses. After all that dancing, grab an ice-cold Lone Star and one of the Spoke’s famous (and famously enormous) chicken-fried steaks.
What is it? Born out of a push to save the natural landscapes around the city, this collection of wild trails encircle Austin and offers direct access to creeks, hikes and rock walls within city limits.
Why go? While other cities can only offer urban garden-like parks or hour-plus drives out into nature, Austin keeps the connection within walking distance of its urban center. The Greenbelt comes alive when the water table surges to provide miles of swimmable and clear waters, but during the drier months, it is a network of creek beds in valleys that feel worlds away while only being a minute's drive from anywhere in town. Bonus: the Spyglass entrance to the Barton Creek Greenbelt comes with a Tacodeli, providing a savory solution to post-hike hunger.
What is it? Located in Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is one of the top hikes in Austin, offering spectacular views of the city and Lake Austin from the summit.
Why go? The ascent to the 775-foot peak (believed to be along an old Native American trail) consists of 102 concrete steps and will usually take between 15 and 20 minutes. Most evenings, you’ll find groups of chatty locals toasting the sunset up here, but don’t forget your bug spray—the mosquitoes enjoy the show just as much as you will.
What is it? Discover four centuries of Texas history through abundant artifacts, including an impressively renovated shipwreck.
Why go? Whether you’re a local or a tourist, learning about the fascinating history of Texas is a must. From the Alamo to the Kennedy assassination, Texas has a rich and influential past—at one point it was even its own country. From tales of the Bush family and space exploration to awesome IMAX movies and public programming, The Bullock has it all.
What is it? Desert Door Distillery is the U.S.’s first and only distillery producing sotol.
Why go? Made from the desert spoon plant native to West Texas, sotol is herbaceous and slightly floral. It’s a unique spirit deeply rooted in Native American history and culture. Visit the distillery for tours and tastes, then stick around for cocktails in the stylish tasting room with comfy couches, a fireplace and regional art.
What is it? The Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library and Museum is one of the most spectacular of the country’s presidential libraries.
Why go? Located on a 30-acre site within the UT campus, the stately building contains a mind-boggling collection of historical artifacts from the 1960s and '70s, including 45 million pages of documents and 643 hours of the former president’s recorded telephone conversations. The permanent exhibits range from an in-depth study of the Vietnam conflict to "Humor and the Presidency—"a celebration of LBJ’s lighter side featuring a life-size animatronic model of the notorious joke teller himself.
What is it? This stunning natural pool is located in Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and is easily accessible from downtown.
Why go? Nature lovers will adore the Preserve, one of Austin's best parks and a protected area for rare birds and wildlife. There are hiking trails and picnic tables, but the most popular attraction is Hamilton Pool. It’s a natural pool created thousands of years ago when the ceiling of an underground river collapsed. Take note: There is an entrance fee, reservations are required and occasionally, bacteria levels make swimming impossible.
What is it? The 14-acre park features woodlands, meadows, gardens, views of the Lake Austin waterfront and an extraordinary collection of permanent outdoor art.
Why go? Part of The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria is a 1916 villa built by Clara Driscoll, known as the "savior of the Alamo." The Sculpture Park and grounds offer stunning natural beauty and some seriously Instagrammable sculptures. Tom Friedman’s towering steel statue, Looking Up, 2015, is something of a social media celebrity. Seek out Tom Sachs’s mischievous Miffy Fountain, too, as well as his more recent Tower of Power.
What is it? This historic cottage, garden and nature preserve is perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Austin.
Why go? A picnic in this West Austin park is as peaceful as it is inspirational. The landscaped gardens surrounding the historic cottage feature lush green trees, palms, water lilies and plenty of spots to stretch out and relax. Best of all, the beautiful peacocks—introduced to the park in 1935—roam freely. The vibrant males strut their stuff most prominently in late winter and early spring.
What is it? This classic, colorful spot for mini-golf has been a family fun staple since 1948.
Why go? The course, located south of the river near Zilker Park, features handcrafted sculptures of various animals, a giant T-Rex, a Chuck Taylor-inspired shoe and, of course, Peter himself. The kids will love it, and it’s a grand time for adults, too, especially considering there’s a BYOB policy. Coolers are allowed—just no glass.
What is it? The iconic tower stands as the centerpiece of the University of Texas.
Why go? Students and employees use it for the library and administrative offices inside, but it's also an Austin landmark. Fun fact: The tower lights up orange to celebrate big UT victories.
What is it? Located in Southeast Austin, an oasis of two waterfall-filled natural pools offers refuge from the nearly year-round heat.
Why go? The serenity of swimming to the waterfalls in the Cypress tree-lined pools alone is worth the $6 admission. But time your trip to the park right, and the various fields become works of art as wildflowers like bluebonnets and firewheels bloom. As an added bonus, the campsites provide an affordable escape while only being twenty minutes from downtown.
What is it? This is exactly what it sounds like. A bingo-lined chicken coop and some feed to get things moving. Wherever the chicken does its business, that number wins.
Why go? The Little Longhorn Saloon claims to have cracked the concept over 40 years ago and continues to host what has long been seen as a prime example of Austin’s iconic “weirdness.” Only on Sunday nights (fitting as the bar is a former church, complete with a steeple) is this quintessential for anyone looking to truly experience Austin at its weirdest.
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