Austintexas.org offers an excellent guide to help you make the most of your visit! Whether you're into live music, outdoor adventures, or trying some famous Texas BBQ, Austin has something for everyone.

https://www.austintexas.org/things-to-do/

Historic & Cultural Experiences:

Texas State Capitol: Tour the historic building and learn about Texas history.

Blanton Museum of Art: A diverse collection of modern and contemporary art.

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria: A serene lakeside sculpture park and museum.

The Driskill Hotel: Step into this grand historic hotel downtown for a drink or a tour.

French Legation State Historic Site: A glimpse into Austin’s French diplomatic history.

O. Henry Museum: Visit the former home of famed writer O. Henry.

LBJ Presidential Library: Dive into American history, focusing on civil rights and the Vietnam War.

Bullock Texas State History Museum: Explore Texas history through interactive exhibits.

Austin Central Library: A stunning architectural gem with city views and rooftop gardens.

Texas State Cemetery: The resting place of Texas notables.

Paramount Theatre: A century-old performance venue and movie theater.

Neill-Cochran House Museum: Experience life in 1850s Austin at this historic home.

Texas Governor’s Mansion: Take a guided tour of this 1856-built residence.

Austin’s Moontowers: Keep an eye out for these historic 165-foot lamp towers that have been lighting the city since 1894 - showing many people electric light for the first time. The towers have made several appearances in pop culture, including the 1993 cult classic Dazed and Confused. Alright, alright, alright.

Austin’s Green Spaces:

The Greenbelt (Barton Creek): Explore the scenic hiking trails along Barton Creek, a local favorite for swimming and hiking.

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail: Enjoy a scenic 10-mile trail with stunning views of downtown Austin.

Zilker Park & Barton Springs Pool: Relax in Zilker Park or take a dip in Barton Springs' 68°F waters.

Waterloo Park: A vibrant urban green space featuring lush gardens, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake.

Mueller Lake Park: A scenic park with trails, a lake, and nearby attractions like the Thinkery.

Shoal Creek Greenbelt: A peaceful trail running along Shoal Creek in the heart of downtown.

Hiking & Scenic Vistas:

Mount Bonnell: One of Austin’s highest points with breathtaking views of Lake Austin and the hill country.

Pennybacker Bridge Overlook: Short hike with stunning views of Lake Austin and the iconic bridge.

Lake Travis: Head out for water activities or catch a sunset over the Texas Hill Country.

McKinney Falls State Park: Beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve: A hidden gem with tranquil gardens, peacocks, and scenic trails.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve: Scenic hikes through natural terrain and stunning hill country views.

Keeping Austin Weird:

Cathedral of Junk: A quirky Austin landmark made of found objects and junk.

Museum of the Weird: Explore oddities, live sideshow performances, and unique curiosities.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar: Discover handcrafted items and local art by Austin creatives.

Sign Bar Austin: Showcases a collection of vintage, historic neon signs creating a retro vibe and offering creative cocktails that preserve the history of a forgotten Austin.

Austin Food Trailer Parks:

Arbor Food Park: A collection of some of Austin’s tastiest food trucks under shady trees and string lights.

The Picnic Food Trailer Park: A quirky trailer park near Zilker Park with a rotating selection of food trucks.

Ira & Bevs Food Court: A hub for popular food trucks in South Austin with plenty of seating.

South First Food Court: Iconic South Austin food court featuring TX Shawarma and Manolis Ice Cream.

Thicket Food Truck Park: Family-friendly with live entertainment and a jungle gym for kids.

Boot Scootin' & Nightlife:

Historic Scoot Inn: Central Texas' oldest bar with live music of all genres.

C-Boy’s Heart & Soul: A classic dive bar with live music and a vintage vibe.

The Broken Spoke: Enjoy live country music and two-stepping at this classic dance hall.

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.: Live music, award-winning beer, and a pup-friendly patio.

Donn’s Depot: Enjoy live country and swing music in a converted train depot.

Giddy Ups: A small live music venue with a saloon vibe.

Little Longhorn Saloon: Famous for Chicken Sh*t Bingo on Sundays.

Sagebrush: Nightly live shows and classic country two-step lessons.

Shiner’s Saloon: Free live country music seven days a week.

The White Horse: East Austin’s honky tonk with live music and dance lessons.

Barbarella: A packed dance club with '80s, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Sahara Lounge: A multicultural music venue featuring African, Brazilian, and Middle Eastern sounds.

Flamingo Cantina: A favorite for reggae, ska, and Latin music.

Cielo Nightclub: A reggaeton and bachata dance spot with international vibes.

Entertainment & Shows:

Continental Club: A legendary live music venue known for rockabilly, country, and swing music.

Esther’s Follies: A long-running comedy, magic, and satire show.

ACL Live at The Moody Theater: Catch a concert at this famous venue, home to the Austin City Limits TV show.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Watch a movie while enjoying food and drinks right at your seat.

Paramount Theatre: Check out live performances, films, or concerts at this historic venue.

Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In & Doc’s Drive-In Theatre: Watch movies under the stars at these iconic Austin drive-ins.

Live Comedy Shows: Catch improvisation and comedy at venues like Fallout Theater and ColdTowne Theater.

Shopping & Exploration:

South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Wander this eclectic street filled with boutique shops, cafes, and famous

2nd Street District: Stroll through boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in this downtown shopping area.

East Austin Murals: Take a street art tour to discover vibrant murals and graffiti.

Feb 19-22, Festivals & Local Events:

OUTsider Festival (Feb 19-23, 2025): A multidisciplinary showcasing LGBTQ film, performance art, music, visual art and more at The Vortex Butterfly Lounge.

San Antonio Spurs I-35 Series (Feb 20-21, 2025): Watch the Spurs take on the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons at Moody Center.

Austin Oyster Festival (Feb 22, 2025): Enjoy oysters and live Cajun music at Republic Square.

Carnaval Brasileiro (Feb 22, 2025): Brazilian-style samba and costumes at Speakeasy.

Day Trips from Austin:

Fredericksburg: A charming German town known for wineries and local shopping.

Hamilton Pool Preserve: A natural pool with a waterfall, perfect for hiking and nature.

Wimberley: Explore galleries, shops, and swimming holes like Blue Hole Regional Park.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Hike to the top of a massive pink granite dome for stunning hill country views.