10 of the Coolest Things to do in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is a lively city known for its music scene, outdoor activities, and amazing food. With its eclectic mix of art, tech innovation, and academic institutions like the University of Texas, the city attracts visitors and residents alike. Throughout the year, Austin hosts numerous festivals and events, including the famous South by Southwest (SXSW), which draws tens of thousands of people from all over the world every year. Read about the 10 Coolest Things to do in Austin, Texas to inspire you for your trip!
1. Take a Dip in Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a natural swimming hole located in Zilker Park, in the heart of Austin, Texas. It’s fed by underground springs, which keep the water at a refreshing average temperature of around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 degrees Celsius) year-round, making it an ideal spot for swimming, especially during the hot Texas summers.
The pool itself covers about three acres and ranges in depth from shallow areas suitable for children to deeper sections for more experienced swimmers. Surrounding the pool, you can find grassy areas for picnicking and relaxing, as well as shaded spots provided by large oak trees.
2. Walk Along The Ann and Roy Butler Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, commonly known as the “Butler Trail,” is a scenic pathway that loops around Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Named after former Austin Mayor Roy Butler and his wife Ann, the trail spans approximately 10 miles and offers a picturesque route for walking, running, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
The trail has stunning views of the Austin skyline and the natural beauty of Lady Bird Lake, with several points along the way for picnicking, and taking in the sights. The Butler Trail also connects to various parks and attractions including Zilker Park, Auditorium Shores, and the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
3. Shop on South Congress Boulevard
South Congress Avenue, or SoCo, is a lively street located in the heart of Austin. Known for its unique blend of trendy boutiques, delicious eateries, and live music venues, South Congress offers visitors a quintessential Austin experience.
You can browse through a wide range of shops selling everything from vintage clothing to local artwork and cowboy boots. While here you have to check out Allens Boots and try on some western wear and cowboy boots. Some other great spots to check out are Cove, Sunroom, Noah Marion, Society, and ByGeorge.
SoCo is also a food lover’s paradise, with wide range of restaurants, food trucks, and cafes serving up everything from classic Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine to gourmet burgers. Take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat at Home Slice Pizza, Guero’s Taco Bar, or the famous food truck park, The Picnic.
Later on, check out The Continental Club, one of Austin’s oldest and most iconic music venues, which has hosted legendary acts since the 1950s and continues to be a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.
4. Visit the Texas Capitol
The Texas Capitol, located in downtown Austin, is the seat of government for the state of Texas and houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. It’s also the largest capitol building in the US. The exterior of the Texas Capitol is made primarily of Sunset Red Texas Granite, which was quarried from the nearby Marble Falls area. This pink granite gives the building its distinctive color and appearance.
Visitors to the Capitol can take guided tours or walk around themselves to explore the building’s history and architectural significance. Highlights include the historic House and Senate chambers and the Governor’s Reception Room.
Surrounding the Capitol are expansive grounds with landscaped gardens, statues, and monuments dedicated to Texas veterans, leaders, and historical events.
5. Explore 6th Street
6th Street, often referred to as “Dirty Sixth” by locals, is famous for its nightlife, live music venues, bars, and restaurants. During the day, it’s a great place for shopping, dining, and exploring local shops and art galleries. But as night falls, the street comes alive with music pouring out of various venues, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over.
The street is divided into three main sections: West 6th Street, which caters to a more upscale crowd with trendy bars and restaurants; East 6th Street, known for its dive bars, food trucks, and eclectic vibe; and the “Warehouse District,” which offers a mix of entertainment options, including live music venues, theaters, and art galleries.
6th Street is also famous for hosting various events and festivals throughout the year, including South by Southwest (SXSW), which transforms the entire downtown area into a massive celebration of music, film, and interactive media.
6. Enjoy a Coffee at Mozart’s
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is a beautiful cafĂ© located on the shores of Lake Austin. It has a spacious outdoor patio overlooking the lake with string lights which makes it the perfect setting day or night to enjoy the views and surrounding nature. It’s a popular spot for catching up with friends, studying or working remotely, or simply unwinding by the water with a cup of coffee.
In addition to its coffee made with freshly roasted beans, Mozart’s serves a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and empanadas, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
It’s also a community gathering place, hosting live music performances, open mic nights, and other events throughout the year in it’s private room.
7. Relax at Pease Park
Pease Park is a beautiful urban green space near the University of Texas campus. It spans approximately 84 acres along Shoal Creek and provides a serene escape from the bustling city life.
The park offers a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities to enjoy, including walking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging, dog walking, and ultimate frisbee.
The Treehouse is an iconic symbol of the park. It’s a circular wooden structure nestled among the trees, providing a play space for children and a peaceful spot to enjoy nature. It’s designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, featuring wooden platforms, bridges, and ladders that wind their way through the branches of the trees.
8. Grab a Drink at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden is an awesome spot located on Pickle Rd in South Austin. It has relaxed vibes, a wide selection of beer and cocktails, and food trucks. There’s lots of outdoor seating with fire pits for the winter and cooler evenings.
They also host live music performances, and other events throughout the year. From open mic nights to trivia competitions to yoga classes, there’s always something happening at Cosmic Coffee and it’s a unique Austin experience.
9. Indulge in Texas BBQ
No visit to Austin is complete without some delicious Texas BBQ and La Barbecue is the spot to go. It originally started as a food truck by pitmaster John Lewis, and has garnered a loyal following and become one of the most famous BBQ joints in Austin.
The menu features a variety of traditional barbecue staples, including brisket, ribs, sausage, and pulled pork, all smoked to perfection using a combination of oak and pecan wood. One of the standout items at La Barbecue is the brisket, which is often considered some of the best in Texas. It’s cooked low and slow until it develops a rich, smoky flavor and a perfectly caramelized bark on the outside. It’s then sliced to order and served with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and pickles. Don’t miss out on the Shells + Cheese, it’s incredible!
10. Go Bar Hopping on Rainey Street
Rainey Street is a historic entertainment district located in downtown Austin. What sets Rainey Street apart is its blend of old-fashioned charm and modern vibrancy. Once a residential neighborhood consisting mainly of bungalow-style homes, Rainey Street has been transformed into a hub for bars, restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues, while still retaining a lot of its original character.
The neighborhood’s quaint houses have been converted into bars, ranging from cozy cocktail lounges to lively night clubs. Cantina 512 is one of the best options for a lively club atmosphere, with good vibes and music. Unbarlievable is a circus-themed bar with a slide, hula hoops and live music. For a more relaxed option, Half-Step offers craft cocktails, firepits and a fried chicken food truck.
