11 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in Austin, TX 

Austin‘s location in the middle of Texas makes it a bustling crossroads for commerce. This ideal location, paired with majestic Hill Country and Colorado River views, makes it easy to see why it was chosen as the Texas state capital! Austin is perhaps best known as an eclectic and progressive city that attracts visitors from all around the world. The best times to visit Austin are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city hosts many outdoor events and festivals.  

Music lovers come to see legendary live music performances at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and Austin City Limits. Foodies come to the city for its mouthwatering barbeque and Tex-Mex cuisine. Giants of tech and innovation like Apple, Tesla, and Google have established headquarters in Austin (earning it the moniker “Silicon Hills”). And don’t forget the fantastic students who flock every year to the prestigious University of Texas, Austin! All of these dynamic elements combine to make a fantastic city that captures the hearts of everyone who visits. Austin’s positive, welcoming energy is contagious—it’s no wonder it was the nation’s fastest-growing metro area for a decade before the pandemic swept the country!  

Things have slowed down now, but those who call it home are fiercely loyal to their beautiful city and are more than happy to show it off to visitors. If you’re a newbie headed to Austin, keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of things to see and do straight from the people who know it best: the locals!  

1. Learn about Texas history 

Local broker/owner and longtime resident (and UT Austin alum) Brad Pauly of Pauly Presley Realty suggests we begin the adventure in the heart of the city. “Austin is an electric city known for its “weird” vibe. For a taste of history, head to the State Capitol for a history of Austin and Texas,” he says. Often ranked among the most beautiful in the US, the Texas State Capitol offers free tours for guests to learn about the local history and explore its impressive architecture, dramatic rotunda, and lavishly decorated senate and house chambers. The capitol grounds hosts 22 beautifully manicured acres perfect for strolling and picnicking. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the park’s 17 monuments, including the Civil War, Texas Revolution, and Texas Rangers monuments.  

2. Go outside and play 

“Austin is also known for its outdoor spaces and parks, so check out Zilker Park and Lake Austin,” says Pauly. Zilker Park is home to a myriad of attractions, including the Botanical Garden, Nature and Science Center, and the Zilker Hillside Theater, where visitors can see free plays, concerts, and the annual Shakespeare in the Park series. The Austin City Limits Music Festival is held annually in the park, as is the Trail of Lights, a holiday attraction in which Zilker Park is transformed into a magical display of festive lights. Lake Austin is another hotspot for those seeking to relax in the great outdoors without leaving the city. You can rent a motorboat or pontoon and spend the day on the water or take a hike in Emma Long Metropolitan Park on the lake’s western shores. There are camping and picnicking areas in the park, too. 

3. Hit the town 

“There’s always something fun to do in Austin. Just this last weekend, Austin was flooded with celebrities for the F1 race and the Texas vs Georgia football game,” says Pauly. “If nightlife is your jam, check out world-famous 6th Street, 4th Street, and South Congress. There, you’ll find fantastic restaurants/food trucks, bars, and music venues. During the summer months, check out the bats under the South Congress bridge!” 

4. Don’t miss the barbeque and Tex-Mex 

Jessica Love, principal and interior designer at Urbane Design Studios, clued us in on where to start your culinary adventure in Austin. “Foodies can dive into the city’s renowned barbecue and Tex-Mex at local favorites like Franklin Barbecue and Veracruz,” she says. If Franklin Barbeque sounds familiar, it’s probably because its owner is an internationally celebrated pitmaster with accolades from the likes of Anthony Bourdain, Barack Obama, and Jimmy Kimmel. He’s won the James Beard Award for Best Chef. He’s published multiple cookbooks and is a featured chef on Masterclass. Needless to say, if you want to try his world-famous barbeque, you’d better get there early. People line up as early as 6 am on the weekends to wait for the place to open at 11. By 2:30, they’re typically sold out.  

Veracruz All Natural is also a beloved Austin institution. It has been a “Best of Austin” winner featured in several local and statewide publications for five years in a row, was listed as one of Food Network’s top 5 taco restaurants in the country, and is legendary among the locals. The sisters behind the taco magic began with a tiny truck but are now the proud owners of five locations around the city! 

5. Cool off in nature

It gets hot in Austin in the summertime; an average of 90-100 hot! Luckily, Love has a suggestion for beating the Texas heat. “For outdoor enthusiasts, explore Lady Bird Lake, by paddleboard, kayak, or canoe (motorized boats are prohibited to preserve water quality) or the lakeside trail, which offers a great view of downtown Austin,” she says. There are great spots for fishing and picnicking, and when it cools off in the evening, catch a concert at Auditorium Shores. From spring to fall, thousands of people gather at sunset to watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge! “Don’t miss the view from Mount Bonnell for an iconic Austin experience—especially at sunset,” she adds. It’s a romantic getaway and picnic spot with a local legend claiming that couples who climb the mountain together will fall (or stay) deeply in love forever! 

6. Tour the street art 

“Lastly, take some time to explore local art, from the murals around town to the Blanton Museum, where Austin’s creative energy shines,” says Love. Key neighborhoods to check out would be East Austin, South Congress Avenue (SoCo), and Downtown Austin. In fact, Austin has its own annual mural festival in which artists invite the public to watch some live mural painting as they create new works around the city! You might also enjoy the SXSW Street Art Festival, where temporary installations pop up around the city. Since many of the murals are located in the most walkable areas of the city, exploring on foot or by bike is an excellent option. If you want a more in-depth look at the art scene, there are guided tours and interactive map apps to help guide you.  

7. Take a dip in Barton Springs pool 

“Austin offers countless exciting experiences, but I do have some top recommendations,” says Moni Briones, business development and PR manager for O’Hara Interiors. One of the first is to unwind at Barton Springs Pool. This natural pool is fed primarily by the Main Barton Spring—one of a few underground springs in the Edwards Aquifer. Way before Austin was founded, Native Americans considered the springs a sacred place with healing properties. When you visit, you’ll see why. It stays at a consistent 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit all year, making it perfect for swimming no matter what season you visit. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas, ideal for picnics or working on your tan! 

8. Take advantage of the live music scene 

“The city’s vibrant live music scene, from east Austin’s hillbilly country vibes to downtown’s lively dance floors, is also a must-see,” says Briones. Austin hosts over 250 live music venues, so you’ll always have places to go, particularly on the stretch of bars and clubs on 6th Street (or the “dirty 6th” to locals). If you want a more laid-back vibe, check out the acoustic scene on Rainey Street. Of course, Austin’s musical roots lie in country and Western music, but the city also boasts some amazing blues, Latin, and Indie attractions! 

9. Start the perfect day with a concha to die for  

Lindsay Bare, one of the talented personal chefs at Eat Cook Joy, has an ideal day planned out for Austin visitors, starting with breakfast at Comadre Panadería. “Kick off your day with delicious pastries from this charming bakery known for its Latin-inspired treats,” she says. Founder, owner, and baking wizard Mariela Camacho is a two-time semi-finalist for the James Beard Award’s outstanding pastry chef or baker category. You’ll probably want to sample everything she creates, so be sure to come hungry. 

10. Browse the shops 

“Wander through some of Austin’s best vintage stores, like Feathers Vintage and Keep Looking Shop, where you’ll find unique pieces that capture Austin’s eclectic spirit,” says Bare. Key vintage shopping neighborhoods include South Congress, East Austin, and the North Loop. There are also regular markets and events like Texas Antique Week, Austin Flea, and The Peddler Show. When you go, be sure to take your time; many of the shops are hidden gems where haggling is acceptable and part of the fun!  

11. Finish off with dinner, comedy, and the best nightcap ever 

You’ll probably work up quite an appetite, so Bare suggests dinner at Canje after your day searching for treasure. “Enjoy bold, tropical flavors with a Guyanese twist at Canje,” she says. “The Caribbean-inspired dishes and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a memorable evening meal.” Whether you have the wild boar pepperpot, Haitian griot, jerk chicken, or West Indian curry, you’ll leave happy. They’ve also got some unbelievable deserts and a great cocktail menu!”  

It’s relevant to note that Austin is the “Airbnb capital of Texas” because so many folks come out for multi-day or weeklong festivals and events. Staying in a local home is a great way to get a more authentic Austin experience, and some of these spots are really amazing, with city-wide views and posh amenities! If you’re staying more than a few nights, you might get that more personalized, pampered vibe without venturing to a restaurant every night by hiring a personal chef to come to your place from a local business like Eat Cook Joy!  

“After dinner, spend your evening laughing at Comedy Mothership, where you never know who will show up to perform in an intimate setting,” says Bare. “It’s a must-visit for comedy lovers.” Whether you book tickets to see an upcoming artist or just show up to an open mic, a good time is guaranteed to be had by all. “End your night with a craft cocktail at Whisler’s,” Bare says. “It’s a cozy spot with a historic vibe, perfect for winding down after a full day!”  

Enjoy your visit to Austin! 

Unbelievable food, world-class entertainment, a stunning natural backdrop, and warm, welcoming people make Austin a fantastic place to visit. If you’ve never been, get ready to be charmed and fall in love with everything this quirky city has to offer!  

We hope this list of locals-supplied things to do has inspired you to get out and explore everything Austin has to offer. Whether you choose to spend a day outside in nature, meander the vintage shops, check out the historical attractions, or eat, drink, and be merry, we guarantee you won’t be bored!