Today, the city hums with a relaxed, sun-drenched energy where live music spills from open doors and locals prioritize genuine connection over polish. It is less a polished destination and more a sprawling, vibrant neighborhood that invites you to linger over barbecue and watch the sunset paint Lady Bird Lake in shades of gold and purple.
Do Austin the way locals do: start slow at McKinney Falls State Park, eat where the regulars do at Terry Black's Barbecue, let the evening run long at Zanzibar.
Top things to do in Austin
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Exhibits, IMAX films & educational experiences aim to tell & interpret the story of Texas.
Check tours & tickets2
Inner Space Cavern
Guided tours of a vast cave, from a standard tour to an exploration of undeveloped sections.
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McKinney Falls State Park
Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.
Check tours & tickets4
Zilker Botanical Garden
31-acre garden in Zilker Park with plants, ponds & trails, plus educational programs for kids.
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Texas Capitol
The 1888 granite & marble structure has a significant rotunda & dome, plus House & Senate chambers.
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Thinkery
Interactive kids' museum with science exhibits, art, indoor & outdoor play spaces & story time.
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Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.
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Blanton Museum of Art
Renaissance to 20th-century American paintings, Latin American art, plus Greek & Roman sculptures.
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Austin Aquarium
Small, family-friendly aquarium with many varieties of sea life, plus touch tanks & frequent events.
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Texas Toy Museum and Arcade
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Terry Black's Barbecue
Spacious, casual stop for pit-smoked meats & housemade sides from famous 4th-generation pitmasters.
Website12
Corner Restaurant
Modern restaurant & bar in the JW Marriott Hotel featuring Texan menus, cocktails & a clubby vibe.
Website13
Caroline
Breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner in modern surroundings with cocktails, craft beer, and wine.
Website14
Zanzibar
Crafted cocktails & global bites are served in this fashionable rooftop venue in a lush setting.
Website15
Upstairs at Caroline
Open-air space with full bar including draft cocktails, tacos, TVs & bar games.
Website16
Aba Austin
Hip spot serving seafood and Mediterranean classics such as kebabs, hummus, and falafel, plus cocktails.
Website17
Corinne Austin
Polished eatery with a global menu highlighting brunch, seafood & meat dishes, plus craft cocktails.
Website18
Franklin Barbecue
Long lines form early for brisket, pulled pork & other smoked meats at this bustling spot.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Austin
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Tours worth booking ahead
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19
Austin Pedal Party
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ATXcursions
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Pedal Pub Austin
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Austin Detours
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Capital Cruises
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Barton Springs Bike Rental & Tours
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
McKinney Falls State Park
Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.
Website26
Barton Creek Greenbelt
This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.
Website27
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.
Website28
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall, surrounded by a grotto.
Website29
Hippie Hollow Park
Clothing-optional park on Lake Travis offering swimming & sunbathing for persons 18 & over.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Zanzibar
Crafted cocktails & global bites are served in this fashionable rooftop venue in a lush setting.
Website31
Upstairs at Caroline
Open-air space with full bar including draft cocktails, tacos, TVs & bar games.
Website32
Edge Rooftop
Chic rooftop lounge at the JW Marriott Austin pairing bar bites & craft cocktails with city views.
Website33
Elephant Room
Underground jazz bar with nightly live music, plus more than 20 draft beers & wines by the glass.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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