Austin: what's actually worth it
Austin’s soul was forged when it traded its capital status to Texas for a modest debt payment, a bargain that kept its quirky independence intact. 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.
Top things to do in Austin
Bullock Texas State History Museum
History Museum · ★ 4.7 (7,394 reviews)
Exhibits, IMAX films & educational experiences aim to tell & interpret the story of Texas.
Check tours & tickets →Inner Space Cavern
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (7,093 reviews)
Guided tours of a vast cave, from a standard tour to an exploration of undeveloped sections.
Check tours & tickets →McKinney Falls State Park
State Park · ★ 4.6 (8,110 reviews)
Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.
Check tours & tickets →Zilker Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.6 (5,997 reviews)
31-acre garden in Zilker Park with plants, ponds & trails, plus educational programs for kids.
Check tours & tickets →Texas Capitol
Local Government Office · ★ 4.7 (4,970 reviews)
The 1888 granite & marble structure has a significant rotunda & dome, plus House & Senate chambers.
Check tours & tickets →Thinkery
Museum · ★ 4.6 (5,625 reviews)
Interactive kids' museum with science exhibits, art, indoor & outdoor play spaces & story time.
Check tours & tickets →Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Park · ★ 4.7 (3,942 reviews)
Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.
Check tours & tickets →Blanton Museum of Art
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (3,697 reviews)
Renaissance to 20th-century American paintings, Latin American art, plus Greek & Roman sculptures.
Check tours & tickets →Austin Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4 (9,204 reviews)
Small, family-friendly aquarium with many varieties of sea life, plus touch tanks & frequent events.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Terry Black's Barbecue
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (26,126 reviews)
Spacious, casual stop for pit-smoked meats & housemade sides from famous 4th-generation pitmasters.
Website →Corner Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (18,189 reviews)
Modern restaurant & bar in the JW Marriott Hotel featuring Texan menus, cocktails & a clubby vibe.
Website →Caroline
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (15,109 reviews)
Breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner in modern surroundings with cocktails, craft beer, and wine.
Website →Zanzibar
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (8,631 reviews)
Crafted cocktails & global bites are served in this fashionable rooftop venue in a lush setting.
Website →Upstairs at Caroline
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,907 reviews)
Open-air space with full bar including draft cocktails, tacos, TVs & bar games.
Website →Aba Austin
Mediterranean Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (8,331 reviews)
Hip spot serving seafood and Mediterranean classics such as kebabs, hummus, and falafel, plus cocktails.
Website →Corinne Austin
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,190 reviews)
Polished eatery with a global menu highlighting brunch, seafood & meat dishes, plus craft cocktails.
Website →Franklin Barbecue
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,241 reviews)
Long lines form early for brisket, pulled pork & other smoked meats at this bustling spot.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Get outside
McKinney Falls State Park
State Park · ★ 4.6 (8,110 reviews)
Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.
Website →Barton Creek Greenbelt
Park · ★ 4.7 (4,511 reviews)
This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.
Website →Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Park · ★ 4.7 (3,942 reviews)
Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.
Website →Hamilton Pool Preserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.6 (2,055 reviews)
A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall, surrounded by a grotto.
Website →Hippie Hollow Park
hiking_area, tourist_attraction · ★ 4.6 (1,709 reviews)
Clothing-optional park on Lake Travis offering swimming & sunbathing for persons 18 & over.
Website →After dark
Zanzibar
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (8,631 reviews)
Crafted cocktails & global bites are served in this fashionable rooftop venue in a lush setting.
Website →Upstairs at Caroline
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,907 reviews)
Open-air space with full bar including draft cocktails, tacos, TVs & bar games.
Website →Edge Rooftop
Bar · ★ 4.9 (5,389 reviews)
Chic rooftop lounge at the JW Marriott Austin pairing bar bites & craft cocktails with city views.
Website →Elephant Room
Bar · ★ 4.6 (2,600 reviews)
Underground jazz bar with nightly live music, plus more than 20 draft beers & wines by the glass.
Website →More guides
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