10 Fun Things To Do Near Austin, Texas (Travis County)
If you’re planning a trip to
Austin, Texas, you’re in for a treat. This laid‑back city in
Travis County is full of live music, great food, outdoor adventures, and a little weirdness—in the best way possible.
Below are
10 of the best things to do in and around Austin that give you a real taste of Central Texas. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, you can mix and match these ideas to build your perfect Austin itinerary.
1. Stroll South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
If you only have time for one neighborhood in Austin, make it
South Congress Avenue, just south of downtown.
Walk up and down SoCo and you’ll find:
- Quirky local shops and vintage stores
- Cafes and food trucks with tacos, coffee, and ice cream
- Street art and famous murals (like the “I love you so much” wall)
- Live music bars and lounges
Give yourself at least a couple of hours here. Grab a coffee, pop into a boot store, and just people‑watch. On weekends the sidewalks get busy, and you really feel that classic
Austin vibe—creative, casual, and a little funky.
2. Catch Live Music on Sixth Street (And Beyond)
Austin is known as the
“Live Music Capital of the World”, and you feel it the moment you walk down East Sixth Street at night.
You’ll see:
- Bars with live bands playing everything from country to rock
- Smaller venues with local singer‑songwriters
- Busy sidewalks full of music fans
If you want something a bit more low‑key than the main stretch of Sixth Street, check out:
- Rainey Street – old houses turned into relaxed bars and patios
- Red River Cultural District – great for serious music lovers
You don’t always need a plan here. Just walk, listen, and follow the sounds that draw you in. That’s one of the best ways to experience
live music in Austin.
3. Watch the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
This might sound strange, but one of the most famous things to do in Austin is…
watch bats.
From about March through early fall, over a million Mexican free‑tailed bats fly out from under the
Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. It looks like a long, dark ribbon moving across the sky.
Here’s how to enjoy it:
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset
- Stand along the bridge railings or on the grassy areas by the river
- Or book a bat‑watching boat or kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake
It’s a unique, only‑in‑Austin kind of thing. Just remember: this is a natural event, so the timing and size of the bat flight can change with the weather.
4. Paddle or Walk Around Lady Bird Lake
Right in the middle of Austin, you’ll find
Lady Bird Lake, part of the Colorado River. It feels like a giant outdoor playground in the center of the city.
Popular things to do here:
- Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand‑up paddleboard
- Walk, jog, or bike the Ann and Roy Butler Hike‑and‑Bike Trail (about 10 miles total)
- Enjoy skyline views from one of the many bridges
If you like being on the water, this is one of the best spots in Travis County. Sunrise and sunset are especially peaceful, and you’ll often see locals walking dogs, jogging, and just unwinding after work.
5. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
On a hot Texas day—and yes, Austin gets
very hot—head to
Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. This natural spring‑fed pool stays around
68–70°F year‑round, so it’s chilly but refreshing.
What to know:
- It’s about 3 acres in size, plenty of space to spread out
- There’s a grassy hill for sunbathing and picnics
- There’s an entry fee, but it’s usually worth it if you plan to stay a while
Locals grow up coming here, and many visitors say it’s a highlight of their trip. If you’re visiting Austin in summer, put this near the top of your list.
6. Explore Zilker Park & the Zilker Botanical Garden
Right next to Barton Springs is
Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin’s favorite green space. It’s about 350 acres and has something for just about everyone.
In and around Zilker you can:
- Have a picnic or toss a Frisbee on the big open fields
- Walk by the river and enjoy skyline views
- Take kids to the large playground areas
- Ride the Zilker Zephyr miniature train (when operating)
Don’t miss the nearby
Zilker Botanical Garden, sometimes called the “jewel in the heart of Austin.” You’ll find:
- A peaceful Japanese garden
- Colorful rose gardens and ponds
- Shaded paths that feel a world away from the city
If you like a mix of nature and city scenery, this part of Austin is hard to beat.
7. Visit the Texas State Capitol
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the
Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. The building is taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and made from beautiful pink granite.
Here’s what you can do:
- Walk the Capitol grounds and check out the monuments
- Take a free guided tour (they usually run many times a day)
- Step inside the House and Senate chambers when they’re open
You’ll learn about Texas history, politics, and some quirky stories about the state’s past. Even if you’re not into government, the building itself and its views over downtown Austin are worth the visit.
8. Eat Your Way Through Austin’s Food Trucks & BBQ Joints
You can’t talk about
things to do in Austin without talking about food. The city is famous for:
- Barbecue – brisket, ribs, sausage, you name it
- Breakfast tacos – a true Austin ritual
- Food trucks – serving everything from tacos to vegan bowls
A few ideas:
- Try a classic BBQ spot and go early—lines can get long
- Visit a food truck park, where several trucks share outdoor seating
- Start at least one morning with breakfast tacos and strong coffee
One personal tip: don’t be afraid of the small, no‑frills places. Some of the best tacos and BBQ in Austin come from simple stands and trailers that locals love.
9. Hike Mount Bonnell & Enjoy the Views
If you want a big view for a small effort, head to
Mount Bonnell in Travis County, just northwest of downtown.
Here’s what to expect:
- A short climb up a set of stone steps (less than a quarter mile)
- Lookout points over the Colorado River and the Hill Country
- Pretty homes along the river and wide‑open Texas skies
Sunset is a popular time, so it can be a bit crowded, but the view is worth it. Bring a light jacket if you visit in cooler months; the wind at the top can feel stronger than you’d expect.
10. Take a Day Trip to Lake Travis
Just a short drive from Austin in Travis County,
Lake Travis is a long, winding lake in the Texas Hill Country. It’s a favorite escape for both locals and visitors.
Things to do at Lake Travis:
- Rent a boat or join a party barge
- Go swimming or try stand‑up paddleboarding
- Relax at a lakeside restaurant with sunset views
- Try a zipline adventure for an extra rush
If you want to balance your Austin city trip with some classic Texas lake time, this is the place. Summer weekends are lively, but you can also find quiet coves if you explore a bit.
Tips for Planning Your Austin Trip
To make the most of your time in Austin and Travis County, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are usually the most comfortable, with warm days and cooler nights.
- Getting around: Rideshares are easy to find, and many main attractions are close enough to pair together in one day.
- Pack smart: Bring comfy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, especially in summer.
Try planning your days around areas: for example, combine the Capitol and downtown one day, then Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and SoCo another day.
What Will You Do First in Austin?
From live music and rooftop views to cool spring‑fed pools and Hill Country lakes,
Austin, Texas offers plenty of ways to fill your days (and nights). Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a long vacation, you’ll find your own favorite corners of this creative city in
Travis County.
Have you been to Austin already?
Which of these 10 things to do did you enjoy most—or what would you add to the list?
- Share your Austin tips and stories in the comments.
- Know someone planning a trip to Texas? Send them this guide to help them get started.
The more we share real experiences, the easier it is for others to plan a fun and memorable Austin getaway.
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