17 Cool Tourist Attractions to Check Out in Austin On Your Texas Vacation

Whenever we set our sights on visiting the Lone Star State, we try to carve out time to comb through all the fun things to do in Austin. After all, Austin is the heart & soul of Texas. And with luscious parks, historical museums, and live music around every corner, it’s hardly surprising that Texas’s state capital is one of our favorite cities in the region.

Whether visiting on a cross-country U.S. road trip or as a standalone weekend getaway, we always tell our friends that Austin is a world-class destination and deserves a spot on every American travel bucket list.

And the city’s historic attractions are only the half of it. Whenever we find ourselves in Austin, we can’t get enough of its vibrant arts scene, from buzzing blues clubs to upscale contemporary galleries to eccentric art installations like the Cathedral of Junk. (Oh, and the food. The oh-so-glorious food.)

Trying to figure out what to do on your trip to the Texan capital? Follow along with our guide to our favorite places to visit in Austin, TX, chock-full of top attractions, hidden gems, and endless inspiration to help build a wanderlust-inducing itinerary!

Our tips for what to see & do in Austin for first-timers

Zilker Botanical Garden

Amongst our favorite tourist attractions in Austin is the Zilker Botanical Garden—and for good reason! We always love wandering around this 28-acre park, located along the banks of the Colorado River within Zilker Park.

Stroll around Zilker Botanical Garden to take a journey through a series of themed gardens. On our visits, we discovered highlights like a Japanese garden, a rose garden, a cactus garden, and specially curated fields with plants meant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

(We especially loved the Japanese garden; it’s so peaceful!)

Need a little pick-me-up while you’re walking the rows of beautiful blooms? We’d recommend making a pit stop for a drink at the “Pretty Cute Coffee” truck. The coffee truck serves up an array of dairy-free lattes, cold brews, teas, and lemonades inspired by the flora surrounding them.

We thought the “blue matcha,” derived from the blue butterfly pea flower, was surprisingly refreshing. We also saw lots of local ingredients featured on the menu, such as acai, agave, prickly pear, and hibiscus. Yum!

Texas Capitol

No matter how we dice it, the most prominent Austin point of interest is the Texas Capitol. Even if you’re stuck to just one day in Austin, we don’t think any trip to Texas’s capital city would be complete without checking out this magnificent government building!

The Texas Capitol building serves as an office for the Governor and Legislature of Texas. Centrally located downtown at 1100 Congress Ave, it’s one of the most exquisite landmarks in Austin. (And, in our opinion, it’s even more impressive in person!)

On our self-guided tour, we learned that the Texas Capitol is the largest capitol building in the United States. We also found the property breathtakingly ornate, featuring a stunning Italian Renaissance Revival architecture style with marble walls, brass detailing, and 17 surrounding monuments.

If you’d like to explore the interior of the capitol building and learn about the state’s history and government, we’d suggest hopping onto one of the guided walking tours or self-guided tours seven days a week. Find more information on the official website.

Think it’s all just about architecture? Not a chance. The Texas Capitol grounds have plenty more to offer!

Be sure to spend time exploring the fun rotating exhibits lining the halls of the visitors center and tackling your food cravings at the Capitol Grill, an infamous flapjack joint onsite.

(We’ve heard great things about the Capitol Grill from locals, but haven’t had a chance to try it yet!)

Austin Aquarium

Let’s transport ourselves under the sea with a fun-filled trip to the Austin Aquarium. At this local highlight, we’ll get the chance to bring the whole family along to interact with some of our favorite aquatic animals—and even a few land-dwellers in their rainforest enclosure.

The Austin Aquarium is actually one of only two places in the United States where you’re able to pet and play with ring-tailed lemurs. (We were amazed by how gentle they were!)

If you’re traveling with little ones, we’ve found a ton of thrilling experiences to add to your Austin Aquarium visit, such as feeding a resident octopus. The kids will go absolutely wild for the live underwater mermaid performances. We discovered that they can even snap a selfie with them after the show for bragging rights back at school!

That said, we don’t think the Austin Aquarium is just fun for the kiddos. The endless exhibits—featuring mighty sharks and jays, majestic jellies, and colorful reefs—is sure to enchant you and your comrades of any age. (Trust us, even adults will have a blast!)

Lady Bird Lake

Previously known as Town Lake, Lady Bird Lake is an Austin hotspot that’s one of our favorite spots for outdoor recreation in the city. The original purpose of the lake—technically a reservoir on the Colorado River—was to help with water flow and protect against flooding.

Thanks to the beautification efforts of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson (earning her a spot as the lake’s namesake), Lady Bird Lake is now a favorite hangout of Austin locals and tourists alike. Whenever we visit Austin, we love coming here for a relaxing afternoon on the water.

If sitting along the shoreline and taking in the views is a little too low-key for your tastes, not to worry: We’ve found plenty of activities around Lady Bird Lake to keep you on the go.

One of the most popular is a trek or a bike tour along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and go for a paddle or board a river cruise for a romantic sunset dinner and optimal Austin sightseeing. We think the sunset cruise is a fantastic way to see the city!

Mount Bonnell

Though the official name of this Austin landmark is Covert Park, the locals affectionately renamed it Mount Bonnell after a local soldier and Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Republic of Texas. And it’s seldom been referred to as anything else since. (Many locals we spoke with couldn’t even recall the original name.)

On the summit of Mount Bonnell, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Austin city skyline and an unparalleled glimpse of the turquoise waters of Lake Austin. To reach the summit, we’ll need to power our way up its 100-step historic staircase.

It’s no small feat, but the consensus of everyone who visits is that it is beyond worth the strain. (And we would agree that the view is absolutely worth the climb.)

Not only does the lookout offer a unique vantage point for taking in the skyline, but we think the park itself is quite impressive. We spotted several local tree species on the hike. (We’ve been told by locals that you may even encounter an armadillo or two!)

Looking to avoid the crowds? Sunrise tends to be the quietest time of day to visit—and the journey is equally as rewarding as it is at sunset. Many locals we spoke to also recommend doing the hike at dusk for some stellar stargazing at the summit.

Zilker Park

If you’ve already thrown Zilker Botanical Gardens in the mix, a visit to Zilker Park is an obvious addition to any Austin itinerary. In fact, we think it would be worth making the trip more than once if you have the time. With over 350 acres to explore, we’re guaranteed a unique experience every time!

(Truthfully, we could spend days exploring Zilker Park.)

Year-round, the lawns of Zilker Park are home to several popular events, including frequent evening concerts and festivals like the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Trail of Lights, and Blues on the Green.

If you’re visiting at the beginning of March, which we think are among the best times of the year to visit Austin, we’d suggest trying to attend the kite festival for a fun outing for kids and adults alike.

Even if there are no major activities happening during your holiday, we still always find people picnicking on the grass and playing sports like disc golf or volleyball, enjoying the scenery.

Since Zilker Metropolitan Park is centrally located, just across the river from Downtown Austin, we find it quite easy to access via public transit.

To experience even more of Austin’s natural beauty firsthand, we’d also recommend carving out time for a hiking or cycling adventure along the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail. With its more central location, the Zilker Park trailhead is naturally one of the busiest we’ve seen along the path. Nonetheless, it’ll give you access to the over 12 miles of hiking and biking trails along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Barton Springs Pool

Another Zilker Park gem is the Barton Springs Pool, which earns a spot on nearly every list of the coolest places to see in Austin. This multi-acre natural pool is fed by underground springs and is the cherished swimming hole of many city locals. (And we can see why; it’s so refreshing!)

It’s nearly always sunny in Austin—well, at least when we’ve visited—and the springs maintain a temperature of approximately 70 degrees year-round.

Need to cool off? Dive in and splash around: It’s the perfect place to take a refreshing dip, no matter the season. We think it’s a must-do, even if you just dip your toes in.

Barton Springs has made headlines several times throughout history. Most famously, a band of topless sunbathers who frequented the park gained the attention of the media in the 1970s. We also learned that actor Robert Redford learned to swim here!

During your visit, keep your eyes peeled for the Barton Springs Salamander. This resident endangered species has allowed the park to be dubbed a protected habitat.

Blanton Museum of Art

If you consider yourself a creative soul, then we’d say a trip to the Blanton Museum of Art is an absolute must. We found the museum on the University of Texas at Austin campus, just north of downtown. (Which, in our opinion, is also worth a stroll.)

One of the biggest attractions at the museum is a striking stone building with stained glass windows gifted to the art museum in 2015 by Ellsworth Kelly titled Austin. The building is a somewhat minimalist spectacle and is considered the artist’s greatest legacy. We were truly moved by the beauty of this space.

The permanent collection at the Blanton Museum of Art comprises works of famous European contemporary period artists and numerous modern artists from America and Latin America. The art museum also hosts a selection of rotating galleries. We always make sure to check out what’s new before visiting.

After checking out the collections at the gallery, we’d suggest saving time to explore the rest of the University of Texas campus. Around the property, we found a handful of superb Austin museums that are among the city’s most popular destinations for art lovers and natural history buffs.

Admire rare art at the Harry Ransom Center, reaffirm your love for paleontology at the Texas Natural Science Center, or filter through fossils at the Texas Memorial Museum.

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is undeniably one of the most popular places to go in Austin for a little dose of outdoor adventure. The biggest attraction at this park is the cascading waterfalls, which are a postcard-perfect backdrop for a picnic. We think it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day.

One of the most popular state parks in Texas, McKinney Falls State Park is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, and swimming.

We discovered over nine miles of trails here, including the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail. We think this easy 2.8-mile paved trail is the perfect introduction to the park, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.

McKinney Falls State Park is well known among locals as a prominent geocaching location. If this is a favorite pastime of yours back home, or you’re interested in giving a new outdoors hobby a go, be sure to bring a trinket or two to leave behind.

We’ve yet to leave something behind, but will next time we’re in the area. (If you see a guitar pick with a sugar skull, you’ll know where it came from 😉)

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Named after a previous Lieutenant Governor, the Bullock Texas State History Museum opened its doors to the public in 2001—and now it’s waiting to open its doors to you on your Austin adventure! We highly recommend a visit to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Texas history.

In the museum’s permanent collection, spanning three floors, we were able to get an inside look at the history of the local area and how Texas has become the state it is today. Our favorite was the Becoming Texas exhibit, where we learned about the state’s earliest days all the way to Mexican Independence in 1821.

We also spotted several interesting rotating exhibitions on our visit. (You can check the current exhibitions here.) 

Complete your Bullock Texas State History Museum experience with a trip to the onsite IMAX. It screens Texan-themed documentaries, of course, in the Texas Spirit Theatre. Or indulge in a little mainstream cinema: The museum also has a few IMAX screens offering a unique viewing of all the latest blockbuster releases.

(We love catching a movie here after exploring the museum—especially if we need to escape the Texas heat for a little longer.)

Congress Avenue Bridge

Crossing over Lady Bird Lake, the Congress Avenue Bridge is a beautiful scenic landmark in Downtown Austin. But it’s good looks and views aren’t the most interesting thing about this iconic bridge.

After a 1980 renovation, the Congress Avenue Bridge became home to a massive urban bat colony, Mexican Free-tailed Bats, to be exact. The population increases over the summer each year. It’s estimated that by the end of the season, you can observe up to 1.5 million bats who fly out from their “Cave” around nightfall each day. (On our visit, we were blown away by the sheer number of bats!)

So, what’s the best way to observe this incredible phenomenon? Well, many folks will line up directly on the Congress Bridge to feel as though they are a part of their ascent. If you can, try to fit it in: We think it’s an unforgettable experience!

Want a different vantage point? Watch them take flight from the Statesman Bat Observation Center, directly across from their home. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can sign up for a sunset boat bat tour or sunset bat-watching kayak tour and watch from below on Lady Bird Lake for a different perspective. 

The urban bat colony has become such a beloved part of Austin city culture, we learned from locals that there’s even an annual “bat fest”—complete with a costume contest, crafty vendors, live music, and libations.

Cathedral of Junk

For its quirkiness, we think the Cathedral of Junk is an absolute must-see and is one of the most unique points of interest in Austin. Built originally as the personal backyard clubhouse of the owner, this multi-story cathedral is constructed entirely out of junkyard finds, hence the masterpiece’s name. We were amazed by the creativity and detail here.

Imagine climbing a spiral staircase through rooms of jingling wind chimes, dusty bicycle tires, peeling street signs, old CDs, and even a few toilets.

This impressive mixed-medium sculpture is not just a cool place to visit but also a constant work in progress. The owner, Vince, is known to tinker with its construction day to day, swapping items in and out. Occasionally, he’ll even accept items from tourists to add to the collection.

We’d recommend bringing a token from home in case you want to leave your mark on the Cathedral of Junk.

Mexic-Arte Museum

Texas shares the longest stretch of the U.S. border with Mexico out of any state. So, it’s unsurprising that Austin has a vibrant and flourishing Latinx community. (And it’s one of the things we love most about Austin—and Texas in general!)

The Mexic-Arte Museum presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and expertise of Latinx artists. It’s home to rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, and pottery.

The Mexic-Arte Museum frequently hosts exciting live performances, holiday celebrations (including their Annual Day of the Dead event, Muertos Mercado), and even culinary tastings. Check out their upcoming events calendar prior to your arrival to see what’s on.

South Congress Avenue

Also known as SoCo District, South Congress Avenue is the hippest place to be in Austin. We could spend all day just wandering around SoCo, stumbling upon the city’s coolest blues clubs, eclectic vintage shops, clothing boutiques, and many of its tastiest restaurants.

Whenever we stroll around the South Congress (SoCo) neighborhood, we love hunting for Austin’s most incredible street art. Be sure to keep an eye out for interesting murals or hire a graffiti walking tour guide. (We definitely felt the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ vibe here!)

In our experience, the only way to experience South Congress Avenue at its fullest is just to show up and spend the day exploring. Our advice? Come prepared to shop until you drop and eat your heart out!

After exploring South Congress, grab your friends and venture northward into downtown to dive further into Austin’s famed entertainment and music scene.

We recommend seeking out the city’s tastiest street tacos at the food trucks on Rainey Street before digging into the nightlife scene by crawling the craft breweries, live music venues, and bars along Sixth Street, in the 2nd Street District, or to the east in the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood.

Museum of the Weird

The Museum of the Weird is exactly what it sounds like. This popular Austin attraction is a wondrous collection of curiosities and oddball artifacts that left us scratching our heads in bewilderment. 

Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, the Museum of the Weird is the perfect addition to your itinerary on a rare rainy day or as a chance to slip inside and beat the afternoon heat. (We think it’s a perfect way to spend a quirky afternoon in the city center.)

Carrying on the legacy of P.T. Barnum, the Museum of the Weird is filled to the brim with creepy exhibits. Sort through an assortment of shrunken heads and the Fiji mermaids, as well as a plethora of paranormal paraphernalia. (Yes, indeed, we’re talkin’ real weird here!)

If you’re a firm believer in the likes of bigfoot, UFOs, and other mysterious beings, we’d say a visit to the Museum of the Weird is an absolute must. Have you heard of the famous “creature in ice”? Well, it calls this strange attraction home these days. Keep an eye out while wandering the halls!

Mayfield Park and Preserve

Calling all nature lovers! According to local naturalists, Mayfield Park and Preserve is the place to go in Austin. This tried-and-true outdoor destination is made up of historic cottages and gardens flanked by a 21-acre nature reserve.

Mayfield Park and Preserve is free to explore and provides ample sights to see that’ll keep you captivated all day long. In fact, we’d put it up as one of our favorite day trips from Austin.

Mayfield Park and Preserve is home to a large family of peacocks. They wander freely throughout the grounds, presenting a fabulous opportunity to see these beauties up close. (We were quite mesmerized by them!) 

To see more local fauna, roam around the park’s series of ponds. We’ve seen all kinds of local species here, including water snakes, turtles, and great blue herons. We’d also recommend taking an easy hike through the forest with a pair of binoculars.

The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria

Just barely outside of Austin’s downtown core lies The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria. Whenever we’ve got extra time in Austin, we love visiting this gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden to help us slow down, get back to nature, and do some laid-back sightseeing.

One of two sites that make up The Contemporary Austin museum, Laguna Gloria showcases global 3D artwork intricately woven through wooded trails and peacefully perched around the lake.

Our advice for exploring this unique attraction? Turn your Laguna Gloria visit into a full-day affair by ordering a grazing board full of delicious cheese and charcuterie from onsite deli Spread & Co. Post up on the lawn for a leisurely picnic.

No blanket? No problem. Gorgeous Turkish cotton picnic blankets are available for purchase on-site, along with other outdoor goodies, to make your experience more enjoyable. You can even create your own happy hour by adding draught beer or a bottle of wine to your order!

Recommended places to stay for sightseeing

For first-time visitors, most of our favorite places to stay in Austin fall within its bustling city center. Many of the city’s top-rated hotels lie within the downtown core. If you’re okay with staying a little further from the action, we think South Congress, East Austin, and Central Austin are great choices, too.

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