Find the Best Things to Do in Austin, TX

As the capital of Texas and known as Music City, Austin is a vibrant, growing community. Ethnic and cultural diversity help bring this city to life while art, history, and nature enhance the area. Look no further if you're searching for some of the best things to do in Austin.

Texas State Capitol

No visit to the city is complete without taking in the state capitol. Just viewing the exterior is enough to mesmerize you with the Italian Renaissance Revival dome and red granite structure which includes local material from Granite Mountain. The slogan, "Everything's bigger in Texas" is never more evident than at the largest state capitol in the US. Learn more about the building and its history with free 30-minute tours.

Blanton Museum or Art

With 18,000 works of art, this museum from the University of Texas offers an education in European, Latin American and contemporary American art. Even the structure of the building is a piece of art with a unique story. For instance, the door to the museum is made from a live oak tree that came from the Dell Medical School of the university. The marble from the black panels originated from Carrara and Belgium with Italy providing the white panels.

South Congress

This avenue is the main area for shopping and entertainment with plenty of choices for restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. One of the best aspects of this area is that most of the places are locally owned. Enjoy live music while you shop, eat or browse while the walls and storefronts provide artistic flair with murals. Recently, it has also become the place to go to find the top food trucks with something different every month.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Right in the midst of busy downtown Austin is the perfect getaway to nature. It's the home of Barton Creek where it flows into the Colorado River with 350 acres of fun. Originally a cattle ranch, today it hosts special events and provides a location for spots like the Zilker Botanical Garden. Go hiking or biking on the Lady Bird Lake Trail or rent a kayak or canoe for Barton Creek. You can even see wildlife at the Austin Science and Nature Center. Kids will enjoy a ride on the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train. During the summer, you can relax at Hillside Theater, an outdoor venue which hosts Shakespeare productions.

McKinney Falls State Park

For an even more remote place to get out in nature, this sate park is just 15 minutes from downtown. With 750 acres, the park has plenty of trails and water to keep you entertained all day. Onion Creek is home to local turtles and drops over ledges to fill pools for a hot day. Swim in the falls or relax on one of the beaches. Get your exercise on the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, which takes you through oak trees and mesquite as well as pecan and sycamore trees. You can even see a 500-year-old bald cypress affectionately known as Old Baldy.

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Whether you long to spend more time outdoors or prefer your entertainment inside, Austin has plenty of activities and attractions to keep you occupied for hours. Plan a day or two to visit one of these places with friends or family.