Feel like a walk, jog, or ride around Lady Bird Lake in central Austin? Each year, 1.5 million people hit this trail, both locals and visitors alike.
Founded in the 1930s, Zilker Park is one of the recreational hubs of Austin. At 350 acres, it consists of sports fields, general purpose lawns, trails, concession stands, and picnic areas. While at the park, be sure to check out Zilker Botanical Garden, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and Barton Springs Pool!
Mount Bonnell is considered the highest point in Austin at 775 feet. It is a popular tourist destination to view the city of Austin, Lake Austin and surrounding hills. Good to know before you go: visitors must climb approximately 100 stone steps to get to the top. This site is not handicap-accessible.
For food, drink people-watching, shopping, and music, check out Austin’s South Congress Ave. Spanning a few blocks south of Lady Bird Lake, SoCo (as it’s called by locals) is a landmark leading right into the heart of the city. If you’re looking for something to do the evening of Thursday, May 7th, you can check out First Thursday, where lots of local vendors, musicians, and restaurateurs will be out promoting their goods until 10pm.
Austin wouldn’t be Austin without food trucks. It’s estimated that there are currently (at least) 1,000 scattered throughout the city. That means there are some great food options out there! The food trucks listed in the link are just a few suggestions.
Built in 1888, the state’s Capitol building is open to visitors every day of the week. Tours are free and are offered approximately every half hour.
Learn all about Texas history, or check out a movie on the largest IMAX screen in the state, at this interactive museum open every day of the week.
This museum is located on the University of Texas Campus and is open every day except Mondays. Admission is free on Thursday.
Austin’s nearly 200 venues offer rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk or Latino shows nightly. The Broken Spoke, known as "the last true Texas dance hall," features great country acts - and guests can also take a Texas Two-Step lesson. The Continental Club has showcased blues, rock and folk music since 1957, earning it the title, "Granddaddy of Austin music venues." Antone's, Austin's "home of the blues," is where Stevie Ray Vaughan cut his proverbial teeth. Whether you walk down South Congress Ave, Barton Springs Rd., or Sixth Street, you’ll have a chance to experience Austin’s live music scene.
FOOD Austin’s food scene is constantly growing, so it’s easy to find variety and lots of new places to try. From nationally-recognized BBQ, to creative tacos (in Austin, we put everything on tacos!), to a restaurant that serves every dish on a donut, you can find it here. Some of our favorites include: Black's BBQ Uchi (and its sister restaurant Uchiko) Dai Due Cenote Polvos Lichas Cantina Clark’s Oyster Bar Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Ramen Tatsu-ya Hopdoddy Odd Duck La Barbecue Thai Fresh Bouldin Creek Cafe