Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
Top 10 Things to do in Austin, Texas (TX)
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,071 reviews
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Located a quick but quiet ten miles from downtown, we are a botanical garden open to the public year-round and have become a favored venue for everything from conservation-focused conventions to beautiful weddings. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation and application of native plants through our gardens, campus, research, education and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance human health and happiness. Visit, learn and make a better world with us. The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 and became a part of The University of Texas at Austin in 2006.
Reviewed By Susan05821 - Barnet, United States
As with most places in TX the signage for finding this place was abominable. Not all of us have GPS. We happened upon the visitor's entrance and parking quite by chance after following a veritable rabbit warren of roads. Would have been lost had we not found a volunteer just arriving for her shift who showed us the way in around construction debris. Once inside, however, we found a lovely courtyard, beautiful buildings, and an expanse of trails that enabled us to wander through meadows, woods, and somewhat formal gardens filled with native plants and trees that were relatively well-marked and curated with signs for those who like to know what they are looking at. The volunteers were very friendly and graciously answered all of our questions. The gift shop and cafe were surprising gems. We also enjoyed meeting the resident owl. Well worth the trip!
2. Texas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,840 reviews
If it's in Texas, it must be bigger and better. That is the motto that architects followed with the Capitol Building in Austin. At one time, it was the tallest capitol building in the nation. Others might be taller now, but this is still a beautiful building that shows off many of the natural resources which are so prevalent in Texas, such as limestone and the landscapes.
Reviewed By Wanderer776418 - Dublin, United States
A must even if you have little time. Lots of history, recommend you take a tour it’s free if you stop in or with tour company ( shortened version) just to learn some of facts that make it special!
3. Barton Springs Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,720 reviews
Over the years, people have come to this 1,000 foot long natural limestone pool, fed by several underground springs, for everything from fishing and swimming to baptisms and beauty pageants.
Reviewed By susanmF9763WG - Gaithersburg, United States
This is the perfect place to be on a hot day! We rode bikes around the lake to get to the springs so we were good and hot, perfect for enjoying the cold water! Wear water shoes if possible because it's very slippery. There are plenty of places to leave your things on the ground while you venture in. There's a diving board and life guards. Many families enjoying the cooling waters. Quite a view of downtown too! We thoroughly enjoyed this unique and cooling experience in Austin.
4. Mount Bonnell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,604 reviews
Beautiful park looming almost 800 feet over Austin.
Reviewed By richmn1 - Naples, United States
We visited this viewpoint on a sunny Sunday recently and were very impressed with the view that you have on the top. One way you are looking at the city of Austin in the distance and immediately below you there is a wide lake in the Colorado River with some spectacular houses dotting the shoreline. It is rocky on top so you need to watch your footing. There are guard rails also which you should go around. Little children need to be watched also. Highly recommended on a sunny day.
5. LBJ Presidential Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,411 reviews
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, also known as the LBJ Presidential Library, is the presidential library and museum of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. It is one of fourteen presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. We are open daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with last admission at 4:40 p.m. Admission is $3-$10 per person, with free admission given to children 12 and under, active military, student groups, and UT Austin students, faculty, and staff with valid ID. Free parking is available in visitor lot #38. Learn more at lbjlibrary.org.
Reviewed By DeniseCohenGershon - Beverly Hills, United States
Second visit since April 2018 yesterday It seriously is such a wonderful tribute to President Johnson and President Kennedy Great gift store and wonderful informative staff working there and The perfect ending to a spectacular visit to Austin
6. South Congress Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,482 reviews
Street lined with lots of great restaurants.
Reviewed By Laur6767
I experienced south congress during both the day and night, and thoroughly enjoyed both times. During the day, we walked the streets and had fun shopping, eating, and soaking in the sights. The street has a pretty view of downtown Austin, lots of fun street performers and musicians, and stores, but feels very safe and clean. The restaurants and shops nearby ranged from very cheap to very high-end, so there's something for everyone. At night, we went back to check out the Continental Club. It was such a fun, unique experience and we even met some very friendly locals inside. One told us that South Congress is the moreso "weird" Austin (aka - in her purview - the one worth seeing!) and we had loads of fun getting her two-cents on the city. Both day and night felt safe and fun, and I would highly recommend to get a sense of the atmosphere of Austin.
7. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,700 reviews
Scenic trail through lush green parks and peaceful lakes: a great place to bike, hike and run.
Reviewed By DebbieMG130 - Rochester, United States
Coming to Austin from the frozen tundra of Western New York, I absolutely loved how much outdoor activity is going on there. Bikers, hikers, dog walkers, kayaks, canoes, and everything in between. Lady Bird Lake is centrally located near the downtown area, and it has a wonderful 10-mile bike trail encircling it. I rented a bike from Barton Springs Bike Rental (really nice folks), and I spent a wonderful 72 degree afternoon riding on the bike path, and taking it all in. It's a great way to see a different view of Austin, and to work off some calories from all the incredible restaurants.
8. Bullock Texas State History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,719 reviews
Museum that chronicles the history of Texas with three themed exhibits: Land, Identity and Opportunity.
Reviewed By kpremont - Springfield, United States
My husband and I ended up spending almost 4 hours here visiting all the exhibits! Three floors of stuff to see, organized to take you through Texas’ history from very early to modern times. The museum seems new and updated, with clean restrooms and helpful staff. We came back a few days later to see a movie at the IMAX theater as well. Theater is clean and comfortable.
9. The Driskill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,813 reviews
Austin's original and iconic hotel features beautiful Romanesque architecture from the late 1800's. With a grand entrance into the opulent lobby, you will be transported to an historic era, with its marble floors, stained-glass dome, and corridors filled with museum-quality artwork. Head up the grand staircase to the most authentic Texas bar in downtown Austin, with daily live music and happy hour.
Reviewed By Traveler62_12 - Austin, United States
My friend had her wedding there and it was the most fabulous evening in this wonderful historic hotel on Sixth Street, Austin, Texas
10. Congress Avenue Bridge / Austin Bats
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,102 reviews
The Austin bridge is where nearly 1.5 million bats live.
Reviewed By Butrflykng
A sure to please experience!at that correct time at dusk every evening you will see bats flutter out from underneath the bridge which is designed as an aqueduct type of bridge which facilitates the nesting of bats. many boats kayaks and people I'm sure watching this every evening. They sure to please experience.
