Things to Do In Austin, Texas, United States

Things to Do In Austin, Texas, United States

Last updated on October 17, 2025 by W R

Austin, the capital of Texas State, is a dynamic city with unique things to do and explore. From dining at high-end restaurants to exploring history at the many museums, Austin is a city that anyone would enjoy visiting. With that in mind, here is a list of things to do in Austin on your next trip to this incredible city.

What Are the Things to Do In Austin

Texas State Capitol

Texas State Capitol: Things To Do In Austin, Texas, United States

Texas State Capitol

Texas State Capitol is a historic building that anyone who goes to Austin, Texas must visit. It was once the tallest capitol building in the United States. Although there may be taller buildings now. Texas State Capitol still remains one of the most beautiful among them. Moreover, this building exhibits many of the natural resources prevalent in Texas, like limestone and the landscapes.

LBJ Presidential Library

LBJ Presidential Library: Things To Do In Austin, Texas, United States

LBJ Presidential Library

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, also called LBJ Presidential Library, is the presidential library and museum of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. He was the 36th President of the United States. Furthermore, this library is one of the fourteen libraries that the National Archives and Record Administration (NARA) administers. It is located on the campus grounds of the University of Texas in Austin.

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool: Things To Do In Austin, Texas, United States

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is a 3-acre swimming pool located in Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, Texas. This limestone pool has an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Therefore, this pool is the best way to cool off from the scorching heat in Austin.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum: Things To Do In Austin, Texas, United States

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum is the official history museum of the state of Texas. It consists of three floors of exhibition galleries, Texas Spirit Theatre, IMAX Theatre, a café, and a museum gift shop. It is a great place to learn about the history of Austin and the state of Texas.

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake: Things To Do In Austin, Texas, United States

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a 416-acre lake located at the northeastern end of Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas. It flows 8 km through the heart of downtown Austin. The surrounding area consists of a picturesque trail that goes through lush green parks and tranquil blue waters. Moreover, it is one of the best places in Austin for walking, running, hiking, biking, bird-watching, fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is a stunning park located approximately 244 m above Austin, Texas. It is a popular tourist destination providing sweeping views of the city, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills. It is listed on the “National Register OF Historic Places”. Also, Mount Bonnell is often referred to as the highest point in Austin. It has an elevation of 236 m above mean sea level.

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a wildlife-rich conservation sanctuary located in Austin, Texas. It is home to a canyon waterfall and several savannah trails. It is one of the most highlighted ecological areas and one of the best places to visit in Austin for adventure-lovers.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a botanical garden that is dedicated towards the conservation of plants. It contains diverse flora, kids-friendly play areas, and a picturesque trail along a local trail. Open year-round the center conducts programs to improve water quality, enhance human health, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching is an experience that you must have when in Austin, Texas. It is all about experiencing the phenomena of 1.5 million bats fly from the water. Moreover, you can watch this while paddling to the Congress Avenue Bridge and learning about the most spectacular attraction and event in the city.

South Congress Avenue

South Congress Avenue

South Congress Avenue

South Congress Avenue (SoCo) is a street lined with hip restaurants, funky cafes, shops, and boutiques south of the Congress Avenue Bridge. It is a vibrant area that begins at the Colorado River and run down south leading directly to Austin. Two historic South Austin neighborhoods, Bouldin Creek and Travis Heights, border this area.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational space in Austin. It is located in South Austin, at the junction of the Colorado River and Barton Creek. This 350-acre park consists of multiple recreational activities around Lady Bird Lake including walking, running, hiking, and biking.

The Domain

The Domain

The Domain

The Domain is a scenic park-like environment that consists of over 100 retail stores and restaurants. Out of these, almost half are exclusive within the market. A few of the high-end boutiques at this location include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Saint Laurent. It is a great place to do some shopping and dine at one of the restaurants at the location.

Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas is a 5.514 km motor racing track located in Austin, Texas. It is home to the Formula One United States Grand Prix, Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas, and the NASCAR EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. It is a must-visit place for all Formula One racing fans.

Blanton Museum of Art

Blanton Museum of Art

Blanton Museum of Art

Blanton Museum of Art is the primary art collection for Austin. Moreover, it has over 21,000 artworks from across the ages. You can expect to find abstract expressionism to ancient Greek pottery here at the Blanton Museum of Art.

Texas Military Forces Museum

Texas Military Forces Museum is a history museum that spans the military history of Texas. It goes back to the Republic of Texas covering different wars and conflicts that it faced as a state. Although it is a history museum it has an extensive collection of modern exhibits.

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is a state park that offers multiple recreational activities for visitors. This 641-acre park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities that include hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo is a non-profit zoo that focuses on providing care for rescued exotic animals. Its mission is to help animals in need through rehabilitation, rescue, and education. The zoo has more than 300 animals from over 100 different species. Animals at this zoo include Bengal tigers, African lions, black bears, monkeys, porcupines, and cougars.

Austin Nature & Science Center

Austin Nature & Science Center focuses on providing hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase appreciation and awareness of the natural environment. It is located on Zilker Park’s western edge and provides a range of indoor and outdoor activities for visitors.

Conclusion

Austin is a city with a unique vibe that you must visit in Texas. The city has multiple activities that both adults and kids can enjoy. It’s a city with a serene environment and lots of fun activities to do.