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Austin, Texas has a little bit of something to offer everybody. With its iconic BBQ, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex, it’s a foodie’s paradise. It also offers plenty of entertainment, with comedy clubs, theaters, bars and dance nightclubs, and copious venues for live music, earning it the nickname “The Music Capital of the World.” Beyond the basics of good food, entertainment, and shopping you’ll also find the spirit of Austin to be Southern hospitality mixed with just the right amount of weird.
And if you’re looking to visit Austin with a group, you’re in luck! We at Longhorn Charter Bus have put together some of the best activities to do with a group in Austin, whether you’re a traveler stopping by or a seasoned Austinite. We also know where you can find great group transportation! Consider renting an Austin charter bus to make your group transportation easy and efficient.
Stroll Through the SoCo District
Located on South Congress Avenue, the one-of-a-kind SoCo District in Austin embodies its eclectic and diverse population, making it an essential stop for your group. The area features some of Austin’s best food and outdoor dining, arts and culture, nightlife, shopping, live music venues, iconic murals (including the “I love you so much” mural), and other activities. Check out some of the places in the SoCo District that we recommend below.
Allens Boots | 1522 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The Continental Club | 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
SoCo Modern Art Gallery | 2900 S Congress Ave Suite #100, Austin, TX 78704
Tour the Texas State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion
If you’re looking to see the more historical side of Austin, especially if you are looking for budget-friendly activities, consider stopping by the Texas State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion. If you are an educator, it’s also an excellent place to plan a field trip in Austin. Both are group-friendly outings accustomed to giving tours to larger groups of people. It’s also free to tour both places. Keep in mind, tours of both places are short so it helps to have other kid-friendly activities planned.
Texas State Capitol | 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Texas Governor’s Mansion | 1010 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701
Explore Sixth Street
Another area of Austin perfect for groups, those looking to spend a weekend in Austin, is Sixth Street. The historic street and entertainment district is located within the heart of the city’s urban core, and is nicknamed “The Live Music Capital of the World,” Sixth Street has some of the best breweries and bars, restaurants and food trucks, nightlife and entertainment, and shopping in Texas. Before you party it up, be sure to bring reliable group transportation and stay safe. Check out some of our Sixth Street highlights below.
Pecan Street Festival | 501 Old Pecan St, Austin, TX 78701
The Hideout Theatre | 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Museum of the Weird | 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Chow Down on Austin BBQ
Foodies will love exploring the Austin BBQ scene. Of the four different styles of Texas BBQ—Central, East, South, and West—Austin BBQ is considered Central Texas style, which is where Texas-style BBQ originated. Central Texas BBQ is sauceless and known for simple dry rubs, with meat smoked at a low temperature over mesquite, pecan, or oak wood for hours. We have a list of our favorite Austin BBQ restaurants below.
Terry Black’s BBQ | 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Brown’s Bar-B-Que | 1901 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Distant Relatives | 3508 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Visit Austin’s Urban Parks
Austin is home to many different urban parks that are perfect for enjoying on a sunny day. These parks offer swimming, tennis, fishing, picnic areas, beautiful fountains and sculptures, trails with wildlife, and hidden Austin Oddities like an annual Eeyore Party (courtesy of Pease District Park). If you are looking for an even more outdoorsy experience, your group can rent kayaks from one of the kayak rental companies in Austin and take a kayak tour. Below are a few of the urban parks we recommend you visit with your group.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park | 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Pease District Park | 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703
Bull Creek District Park | 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731