THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Austin - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Austin

Things to Do in Austin, TX - Austin Attractions

Things to Do in Austin

There's lots to explore in Austin. Paddleboard in Lady Bird Lake, visit Texas' State Capitol, and bar hop through Rainey Street. Bat watching is on from May till September.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Austin.


Top Attractions in Austin

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Historic state capitol with free guided tours, showcasing impressive architecture, original artworks, and rich history. Multiple gift shops provide quality souvenirs.
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Historical library with immersive exhibits on LBJ's presidency and '60s America, including a detailed Oval Office replica and displays on civil rights.
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Natural spring water pool set in a lush green landscape, ideal for swimming with a constant cool temperature. Enjoy the diving board, view the local salamanders, and soak in the serenity.
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Urban trail winding through downtown's natural landscape, ideal for walking, jogging, and biking. Enjoy riverfront paths, skyline views, and a cultural statue tribute.
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Historic hotel featuring Western decor, live music in the bar, and a charming 1886 cafe. Ideal for exploring local architecture and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.
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Immerse in the beauty of native Texas flora at this botanical garden, featuring informative displays, picturesque trails, and a children's area. Enjoy the serene walks and seasonal blooms.
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Scenic trail featuring city and lake panoramas, accessible via stairs or gentle incline. Ideal for brief escapes into nature, with caution advised on side paths.
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Twilight bat viewing beneath the downtown bridge, with sunset panoramas and wildlife. Early arrival suggested for a serene, natural spectacle amidst the urban setting.
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Urban park along the Colorado River with scenic trails, kayaking, and a natural pool. Features abundant wildlife, picnic spots, and a botanical garden.
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Lively neighborhood featuring eclectic shopping from local boutiques to famous brands, diverse dining, and vibrant street art, with a Texas ambiance and live music venues.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • California_momofsix
    Fairfield1,111 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit for both locals and tourists. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the state capitol. The building is huge, there are four floors and a modern basement addition. I would recommend taking a tour. The tours are free and not too long, they give a nice overview of the history and use of the building. Tours meet every half hour in the entrance hall, in front of the former state auditor's office. No sign ups are necessary, just show up. I would further recommend standing as close to the tour guide as you can because there is a good amount of echo. We visited right after the eclipse and tour groups were quite large and the guides could have used a microphone. Beautiful building with lots of special details, like the decorative door handles and hinges. The visitor gallery is open for the house and sometimes the senate. Everyone was very nice, and didn't make us feel like we were bothering them. When we were standing outside the governor's reception room, staff inviting us inside and answered our questions, even though they were working. The grounds are also beautiful and shady and visitors can park in a garage across the street for a small fee. If you want to learn more about the capitol and Texas history, you can go to a visitor center on the grounds to see a movie about the building of the capitol narrated by Matthew McConaughey and the capitol built in legos.
    Written May 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • likeparty
    Orlando, FL294 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice surprise, not boring. Certainly a period piece for those of us who have attained a certain age. Worth the time, even if it wasn't a rainy day...which is was.
    Written May 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • karen
    Silver Spring, MD3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a really gray and rainy day, but my friends and I really wanted to see the springs. No one was there and we swam. The water is really lovely and very clear. So glad that we went even though the weather wasn't great.
    Written May 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ZenDark30
    Portland, OR4,186 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This amazing 10 mile trail is filled with runners, walkers, dogs, and families enjoying the riverfront from downtown. I felt safe to run alone.
    Written May 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sherry823
    Alvarado12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing museum for family and school groups. No tour guide, but Reagan gave our school group instructions prior to letting us loose.
    There were many decades of history. A plane that excited the kids to no end. There were even hands on things that the kids could touch and a few short movies to watch.
    Written April 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • likeparty
    Orlando, FL294 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chimay still on tap after 20 years. Sure the drinks are not cheap but experiencing The Driskill is just part of your Austin visit.
    Written May 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shelby C
    Fenton, MI174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was surprised at how much there was to see here. There was a good variety to keep my kids interested and the plant loving adults with us happy too! My kids got to do a scavenger hunt and pick out a prize in the gift shop as well.
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sam P
    Little Rock, AR160 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The drive there was pretty - lots of nice houses. Once there and parked you walk up a long set of stairs. The view was pretty - especially overlooking the water. There was hiking trails and tables to sit down at. Nice, short stop.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • California_momofsix
    Fairfield1,111 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited in April and crowds waiting for the bats to emerge were huge (post eclipse crowds). I thought it felt too cold to me for bats, but seeing how many people crowded the bridge, and both shores on either side of the bridge, I figured they must know something I don't. Nope, many more people than bats emerged that night. We did see a few bats, especially when looking into the lights of the hotels and you can hear their squeaks. I would recommend checking the Bat Refuge website, they do a nightly prediction of what you might see. Would love to come back in summer and try again. We found some cheap street parking along the side streets on the North side.
    Written May 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shelby C
    Fenton, MI174 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice, big park, but very busy on the weekends! It was very difficult to find somewhere to park and then had to walk long distances to get to the different attractions. It is a great place to come and see the skyline of Austin though. We enjoyed the nature and science center and the park. It's too bad the little train ride wasn't working, my kids would've loved it.
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dreamspeaker
    Middleton, WI484 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is definitely worth a visit, especially the two blocks or so near Allen's Boots. Allen's boots is pretty amazing. There are some art shops nearby, and a bakery around the corner from the Welcome to Austin Mural that has the best macaron I've ever tasted.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sammie-Jo69
    North West England, UK524 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bit of a walk from Downtown Austin but well worth it for the smart, upmarket area which has loads of independent bars and restaurants plus some shops too.
    Written April 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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