Austin, TX Travel Guide: Fun Things to Do & See On a Trip

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Austin, Texas is known for its live music scene (it’s often called the “Live Music Captial of the World”) and for its unforgettable slogan: “Keep Austin Weird.” Combining awesome cuisine, natural beauty, and a spirited atmosphere, Austin is a great destination for a girls-or-guys trip, family adventure, or couple’s getaway. If you’re looking for fun things to do in the area, we have created a complete travel guide for Austin covering the best restaurants, bars, sights, and can’t-miss activities.

What to Eat

traveler's guide to austin — Photo Credit: Cru Wine Bar

There is plenty of amazing food to be found in Austin, from Tex-Mex to barbeque. For a full day of delicious eats, start with brunch at any of these Austin hotspots. For extra fun, head there on a Sunday afternoon for bottomless drinks!

Eastside Tavern | 1510 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Crú Wine Bar | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace #104, Austin, TX 78758
Freda’s Seafood Grille |10903 Pecan Park Blvd, Austin, TX 78750

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin, TX, try these top taco spots for unique takes on the classic Tex-Mex dish.

Maria’s Taco Xpress | 2529 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Papalote | 3632 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Tacodeli | 301 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Austin is a city rich with history. Get your learning on while you eat at one of the oldest restaurants in town.

The Texas heat is no joke… head over to one of our favorite ice cream shops to get a sweet treat and cool off.

Amy’s Ice Creams | 3500 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Cold Cookie Company | 2512 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
Dolce Bacio Gelato | 2207 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702

What to Drink

Our Austin travel guide also includes a list of popular fancy bars to get delicious cocktails.

Drink.Well. | 207 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya | 1600 E 6th St B, Austin, TX 78702
The Roosevelt Room | 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

For a more laid back or daytime situation, hit up one of Austin’s badass breweries for a beer and some Texas sunshine.

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. | 1305 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
Southern Heights Brewing Co. | 6014 Techni Center Dr, Suite 2-101, Austin, TX 78721
Oddwood Ales | 3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

For those who can’t get enough of the Austin atmosphere, check out the best rooftop bars for delicious drinks with a view!

77 Degrees | 11500 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
The Dogwood | 715 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
El Alma | 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

What to See

Austin has truly gorgeous scenery from lakes to walking trails to public green spaces. The best ways to get outside and take in all the stunning visuals Austin has to offer include lakefront dining, botanical gardens, and hiking trails on the water’s edge.

Shack 512 and Lake Travis |8714 Lime Creek Rd., Volente, TX 78641
Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Trail
Zilker Park | 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Keep the outdoor party going all night and camp at one of these picturesque camping sites in and around Austin.

Bastrop State Park | 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602
Blanco State Park | 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606
Cedar Breaks Park | 2100 Cedar Breaks Rd, Georgetown, TX 78633

What to Do

There are no limits on the fun to be had in Austin. Our travel guide is filled with activities that will appeal to everyone in your family. Live music is obviously a must, but there are also tons of noteworthy attractions for art-lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. The best news? Many must-see activities are free! Make sure you visit the 15 best free things to do around town.

Sixth Street | 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Historic Austin Tours
The People’s Gallery | 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Austin is also home to great shopping. Find eclectic locally-made pieces or simply indulge in some retail therapy at Austin’s best outlet malls.

2nd Street District | 214 Guadalupe Street Austin, TX 78701
Central Park Shopping Center | 4001 N Lamar Blvd Austin, 78756 United States
Mueller Regional Retail Center | I-35 at E 51st St Austin, TX 78723

Get to know Austin’s famous lakes and rivers firsthand by renting a kayak from one of these excellent in-town kayak rental agencies.

Rowing Dock | 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Live Love Paddle | 1610 E Riverside Dr Austin, Texas 78741
Peace Paddling | Steiner Ranch Lake Club 12300 River Bend Austin, TX 78732