Things to Do in Austin
Austin, or ATX as the locals call it, is a vibrant Texas city bursting with culture. It’s a great place to get outdoors with Austin’s many parks and swimming holes. BBQ and the Tex Mex are the quintessential Central Texas dining experience, and there are many great dining options often with a Texas twist. As the Live Music Capital of the World, there’s always a place to catch some live music. Here’s our curated list of Things to Do in Austin for our visiting tango friends:
Where to Enjoy the Outdoors
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
With more than 2.6 million visits a year, the 10-mile trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. Named for a former Austin mayor and his wife, the trail is a natural gem in the heart of the Texas capital.
Zilker Park
In the middle of downtown, Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area at the juncture of Barton Creek and the Colorado River that comprises over 350 acres of publicly owned land. It is named after its benefactor, Andrew Jackson Zilker, who donated the land to the city in 1917.
Barton Springs Pool
The crown jewel of Austin and my home away from home! Barton Springs Pool is a man-made recreational swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
Mount Bonnell
This prominent overlook with a beautiful view of Lake Austin is one of the most visited sites in Austin. Mount Bonnell is a 775-foot-high outcrop along the eastern shore of Lake Austin.
The Green Belt
Beautiful hiking trails for running, biking & rock climbing.
Hippy Hollow
The famous Clothing Optional beach on Lake Travis.
Hamilton Pool
A gorgeous swimming hole that is a 30-minute drive outside of Austin. Reservations Required.
Where to Eat
Restaurants within walking distance from The Mansion
- Halal Bros – Middle Eastern
- Espadas de Brazil – Brazilian
- Foodie’s Kitchen – Mexican
- Zombie Tacos – Tacos
- Cava, ATX Gyro – Mediterranean
- Thai Kitchen – Thai
- Dirty Martin’s Place – Hamburgers
- Moody’s Kitchen & Bar – American
Restaurants/ Coffee Shops Central East (East of I-35)
- Nixta Taqueria
- Salty Sow
- Patrizi’s
- Bennu Coffee
- Dear Diary Coffee
- Este
Smaller Markets within walking distance
- Orange Market 2
- Friendly Rio Market
Grocery Stores
- Wheatsville Food Co-op
- Central Market, North Lamar
- Wholefoods Market – Flagship Store
Other Austin Restaurants
Tex Mex and Mexican
- Gueros
- Suerte
- Matt’s El Rancho
- El Alma
- Polvo’s
- ATX Cocina
- El Arroyo ( famous Instagram sign)
- Maudies
- El Naranjo
Texas BBQ
- Franklin BBQ (if you want to wait in line early in the am)
- Terry Black’s Barbecue
- Lamberts
- Loro (Asian Fusion)
Healthy Eats
- True Food Kitchen, Picnik (Paleo)
- Vegan: Casa de Luz, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Counter Culture
Asian
- Chinese: Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum
- Korean: Oseyo, Korea House
- Sushi: Musashino, Uchi or Uchiko
- Thai: Thai Fresh
- Vietnamese: Elizabeth Street Cafe
Italian & Pizza
- Italian: Intero, Juliet, Vespaio, Sammie’s
- Pizza: The Backspace, Home Slice, Bufalina
Other
- Brunch: Magnolia Cafe, Bouldin Creek Cafe, 24 Diner, Snooze
- Classic Austin: Launderette, Mattie’s
- Seafood: Clark’s Oyster Bar, Perla’s, Mongers
Where to Experience Austin Culture
Austin’s Iconic Music Venues
- Continental Club
- Antone’s Nightclub
- The Broken Spoke (don’t forget your boots!)
- Elephant Room(Jazz)
- Hole in the Wall
Other Venues for Music and Dancing
ACL Moody Theater, Parish, Historic Scoot Inn, The White Horse, ABGB, Mohawk, Cactus Cafe
Museums
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
- The Blanton Museum of Art
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Curated By
This list is curated by Amy Segal, native Austinite, who feels so lucky to live in such a dynamic city. She searches out the hot new restaurants in town just as much as enjoying her favorite casual spots. She’s an avid runner and swimmer so Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool are her two homes away from home. This list, which barely scratches the surface, should provide at least an introduction to help you enjoy your stay in ATX.