Austin
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Austin - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Barton Creek Greenbelt
West Austin/Zilker ParkThis 12-mile series of hike-and-bike trails follows the contour of Barton Creek and the canyon it created west along an 8-mile-long area from Zilker Park to west of Loop 360. The popular Greenbelt features even more sought-after swimming holes when the creek is full (very rain-dependent, it's usually in spring and fall). Several access points will get you on the riverside trails, including at Zilker Park, Loop 360, Twin Falls, Scottish Woods Trail Falls (near the intersection of MoPac and Loop 360), and Scottish Woods Trail (at the trail's northern border, off Loop 360).
3755 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. B, Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-974–6700Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
2. Barton Springs Pool
West Austin/Zilker ParkNo visit to Austin is complete without a ceremonial dip in the sacred waters of Barton Springs. The hallowed crown jewel of the Zilker Park area, this historic spring-fed pool maintains a constant 68° temperature year-round, and the chilly waters attract hordes of people from all walks of life. It's an idyllic paradise for free-spirited people-watching and unique experiences, like the nightly and full-moon (when revelers howl at the moon in unison) free swims and the annual Polar Bear Plunge held on New Year's Day. Weather can affect operating hours throughout the season, so be sure to check their website in advance.
2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas, USA512-974–6300Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $2, Closed Thurs. -
3. Blanton Museum of Art
University of Texas AreaOne of the largest university art museums in the United States, with 200,000 square feet that includes two buildings and the adjacent Ellsworth Kelly Austin installation, the Blanton is the city's de facto art collection. There are more than 19,000 various works on display (from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism) and a year-round schedule of incredible traveling exhibitions. As part of an ongoing "New Grounds" initiative, the Blanton campus (featuring outdoor and indoor event spaces, classrooms, a museum shop, and a café) will soon include additional public art installations, such as a massive mural by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera that will span both sides of the entrance. Admission is free on Thursday.
200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78712, USA512-471–5482Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
4. Bullock Texas State History Museum
DowntownThe 38th lieutenant governor of Texas, Bob Bullock—a potent political force in his day—lobbied hard to establish a museum of state history during his years of public service. Bullock didn't live to see it happen—he died in 1999—but his dream came true in 2001 with the opening of this fascinating museum just a few blocks north of the Capitol. Now, over 9 million visitors from around the world have toured the museum's 34,000 square feet of exhibit space that showcases "The Story of Texas." See exhibitions of archaeological objects, historical documents, and touring shows from regional museums throughout the state. You can also check out educational and family-friendly programs, or get tickets to a show at the 400-seat IMAX theater.
1800 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-936–8746Sight Details
Rate Includes: $13, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
5. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
This stunning architectural site and museum is just off of the Hike and Bike Trail, overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Dedicated to celebrating notable Latino artists and empowering a new generation of Mexican-Americans, the museum has a phenomenal education department and offers popular youth and family programs. While there is no permanent collection on display, you’ll find traveling exhibits. Various live performances and community events, from flamenco recitals to Día de los Muertos celebrations, are also hosted here.
600 River St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-974–3772Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. McKinney Falls State Park
This 744-acre state park is 13 miles southeast of downtown Austin. Per the name, the park has two waterfalls (visitors should exercise extreme caution near the water, as people have drowned here). You can hike or bike nearly 9 miles of trails, including the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail (2.8 miles), with its paved, hard surface that's good for strollers and road bikes. The Rock Shelter Trail (only for hikers) leads to where early visitors camped. Other popular activities in the park are fishing, picnicking, camping, and wildlife-viewing (including bird-watching and sightings of white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and armadillos).
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., Austin, Texas, 78744, USA512-243–1643Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6 -
7. Modern Rocks Gallery
East AustinThis sleek modern-day art gallery celebrates everything that rocks—both in terms of beautiful geologic finds and of some of the world's most iconic rock and roll performers, who are featured in the gallery of fine art photography. The marriage of the two is truly a sight to behold. While walking the whitewashed halls of this contemporary domain, you'll see beautiful displays of geodes, crystals, minerals, and other forms of natural history as well as never-before-seen images of the likes of Miles Davis, David Bowie, Paul Simon, and Austin's own son, Stevie Ray Vaughan.
916 Springdale Rd., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA512-524–1488Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. and Mon. -
8. Mount Bonnell
West AustinRising to a height of 785 feet, Mount Bonnell offers the best views of Austin from its location several miles northwest of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Stop by during the day for a glimpse of the sweeping panorama of rolling hills, the Colorado River and the 360 Bridge, and the downtown skyline in the distance. It's a short but steep climb up from a parking area near the road (more of a diversion than a serious hike); at the top, you'll find first dates, nature photographers, families, picnickers, and just plain old tourists here.
Mount Bonnell Rd., off E. 35th St., Austin, Texas, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
9. Texas State Capitol
DowntownBuilt in 1888 of Texas pink granite, this impressive structure is even taller than the U.S. Capitol (yes, everything is bigger in Texas). The building dominates downtown Austin, and the surrounding grounds are nearly as striking. Stand in the center of the star on the ground floor under the rotunda and look up, up, up into the dome—it's a Texas rite of passage. Catch one of the free historical tours, offered 9:30–4 on weekdays and 12:30–4 on weekends. You can also go on a self-guided tour of the building and its grounds.
View Tours and Activities1100 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-305–8400 -
10. The Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
South Congress DistrictAustin is home to the largest urban bat population in the world, with as many as 1.5 million of them taking up residence in the capital city every year. Every night starting in late March and continuing through fall, locals and visitors congregate all along (and underneath) Congress Avenue to watch the Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from under the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge into the air for their nightly feeding ritual. While you’re waiting for the bats, make sure not to miss the view to the west as the sun drops below the jagged skyline. Paid parking is available on-site at the Austin American-Statesman parking lot.
305 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-474–5171-Austin CVBSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
11. The Contemporary Austin–Jones Center
DowntownOriginally known as the Austin Museum of Art, the Contemporary Austin's Jones Center is a striking downtown presence that features a wide array of contemporary art exhibits and hosts various special events that are open to the public, including "rooftop sessions" featuring outdoor film screenings as well as live musical and artistic performances. Advance reservations are recommended. Their sister site Laguna Gloria, in nearby west Austin, is also worth visiting for the outdoor sculpture gardens and overall ambience.
700 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-453--5312Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon.–Wed. -
12. The Contemporary Austin–Laguna Gloria
West AustinSet on a lush Lake Austin peninsula, this 1915 Mediterranean-style villa was once home to Clara Driscoll, who led the fight to save the Alamo from demolition in the early 20th century. In this lovely environment, the villa is surrounded by impressively kept grounds (which include lakeside walking trails) and a stunning collection of outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibits of world-renowned artists. An art school shares the idyllic setting of this building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and there's now a gift shop and on-site café, Spread & Co., that help elongate an afternoon visit to this scenic spot. Advance ticket reservations are currently required in advance.
3809 W. 35th St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA512-458–8191Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
13. Treaty Oak
DowntownMany local legends attach themselves to Austin's most famous tree. At least 500 years old, the live oak tree on Baylor Street (between 5th and 6th Streets) is the last survivor of a sacred group of trees known as the Council Oaks, used in ceremonies and meetings by Native American tribes. The tree's name derives from a legend that Stephen F. Austin negotiated the first boundary agreement between local tribes and settlers underneath its branches. In 1989, a disturbed individual attempted to poison the tree with a powerful herbicide and was later apprehended. Intensive efforts to save the tree were successful, although nearly two-thirds of the Treaty Oak died and it is now a shadow of its former self. Still, it's well worth a visit to pay your respects to this venerable survivor.
507 Baylor St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-974-6700Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
14. UT Tower
University of TexasThe centerpiece of the University of Texas campus is a living piece of Austin history. Still functioning as a university administration office, the 27-floor tower (which shines with bright-white and burnt-orange lights on special occasions and game days) houses rich regional and national experience from the 1930s on. Self-guided tours (complete with 360-degree views of the campus and city from the observation deck) are available, but advance reservations are required.
110 Inner Campus Dr., Austin, Texas, 78705, USA512-475–6633Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6 -
15. Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker ParkAcross from Zilker Park, this botanical garden has more than 28 acres of horticultural delights, including butterfly trails, bonsai and Japanese gardens, and xeriscape gardens with native plants that thrive in an arid southwestern climate. It's a lovely urban oasis that is best enjoyed outside the peak of Texas summer heat. There are also various family-friendly programs and hands-on learning opportunities here, as well as a lively seasonal calendar of special events and festivals.
2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas, 78746, USA512-477–8672Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8 -
16. Zilker Park
Zilker ParkThe former site of temporary Franciscan missions in the 1700s and a former Native American gathering place is now Austin's everyday backyard park. The enormous 351-acre site that sprawls along the shores of Lady Bird Lake includes Barton Springs Pool, numerous gardens, a meditation trail, and a Swedish log cabin dating from the 1840s. In the spring, the park hosts a kite festival as well as concerts in the park's Zilker Hillside Theater, a natural outdoor amphitheater beneath a grove of century-old pecan trees; in July and August, musicals and plays take over. And, of course, the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival rules here every year in October.
2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-974–6700Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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