Austin, Texas is currently one of the trendiest spots in the entire nation. Both it’s official slogan, “The Live Music Capital of the World” and it’s unofficial slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” are intriguing enough to draw in visitors curious to know what this city is all about! Whether you want to experience the music scene, sample signature Texan cuisine, or soak up history, there are endless things to do in the Texas capital. Here is just a small selection of diverse activities that are bound to appeal to tourists and locals alike.
Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas
Ride the Brunch Bus
According to Twisted Texas Tours, brunch is the “best thing about the weekend.” It’s pretty hard to argue with that statement! After all, who doesn’t love brunch?! The Brunch Bus tour takes you to a selection of Austin’s tastiest restaurants where you sample signature Texan cuisine while sipping mimosas! If that doesn’t sound like enough fun, the tour bus includes a live band so you can experience a taste of Austin’s local music scene. To ensure that your brunch experience is truly bottomless, pack a few of your favorite breakfast beverages; the tour bus is BYOB.
Drink Craft Beer on The Brew Bus
What better way to experience Austin’s craft beer scene than with a designated driver?! The Brew Bus tour shuttles you to three different breweries where you will get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process before heading to the tasting room to sample the wares. This tour includes a live band on board, to ensure the party rolls on just as the bus does. And of course, you’re welcome to BYOB.
Sample Brisket Along the Texas BBQ Trail
If you went to Texas and didn’t eat barbecue did you really go to Texas? Experience barbecue as you’ve never tasted it before a tour of four of the best BBQ joints in the region. The tour starts in the “BBQ Capital of the World,” Lockhart, Texas, and ends back in Austin with a behind-the-scenes tour of a thriving BBQ spot led by the pitmaster! You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide the entire time, ensuring this tour is as educational as it is delicious. If you’ve already checked out the Lockhart BBQ scene, there’s also an option to discover BBQ-fusion foods all over Austin!
Learn About Austin’s Weird & Wild History
If you can’t decide what to do in Austin, why not do it all? This public or private city tour ensures that you leave no stone unturned in this vibrant city. You’ll ride in style in a luxury vehicle, which will pick you up right from your door. From there, you’ll explore Austin with a knowledgeable local guide who will show you all of the can’t-miss destinations, including historical sites, street art venues, and local restaurants. Along the way, you’ll learn about Austin’s history, explore eclectic neighborhoods, have a snack at a famous food truck, & more!
Day Trip to San Antonio and The Alamo
Visit San Antonio and The Alamo (the most popular tourist destination in Texas) for a killer day trip. You’ll soak up Texas history while exploring the landmark and visiting the Riverwalk. Then, enjoy the scenery in the Japanese Tea Gardens, explore the historic King William District, and close the day with a riverboat cruise along the Riverwalk.
Catch A Flick At The Alamo Drafthouse
Not just your average movie theatre, the Alamo Drafthouse touts their taste, not just in film, but in food and drink as well. They pride themselves on their beer selection, which includes many local craft brews, and their food menu includes everything from french toast to chilaquiles. You can count on The Alamo Drafthouse to feature a selection of current films as well as classics and indie pictures that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else. Their interactive presentations are by far the most fun; check their listings for the next screening!
Visit The Austin State Capitol
History buffs will enjoy visiting one of nation’s tallest Capitol buildings. Built in Italian Renaissance Revival-style, the building was constructed with locally-sourced limestone and red granite. Take a few hours to tour the building, appreciate the architecture, and immerse yourself in history. Afterward, explore the grounds, which are arguably just as impressive. To make the most of your visit, take a guided tour to learn about the history in detail!
Swim in Barton Springs Pool
This spring-fed, 3-acre pool remains a consistent 70 degrees (more or less) year-round, which makes it the perfect swimming hole all year long. Plan to spend a few hours swimming in the clear water or sunbathing on the surrounding grassy lawn. This beautiful park is the ideal place to have a lazy day. Note, the pool is closed on Thursdays for cleaning.
Break Out Your Dancing Shoes At The Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke is a homey, family-run bar, just outside of downtown Austin. This spot is renowned for its history as a platform for noteworthy performers (think, Willie Nelson), and is a great spot to catch live music. The owner’s daughter offers two-step lessons on Wednesday nights, and the laid-back atmosphere invites even those who are rhythmically-challenged to give it a shot. When in Texas, do as the Texans do!
Enjoy Austin’s Music Scene
It wouldn’t be right to visit the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” without catching a set or two. Austin is host to two major music festivals, the ACL (Austin City Limits) Festival, and SXSW, and features more music venues per capita than any other city in the United States. All this to say, live music should never be tough to come by in this city! Sixth Street (or Dirty Sixth as the locals call it) is a sure bet for finding a concentration of lively clubs and music venues, but there are many, scattered throughout the city.
References
https://www.twistedtexastour.com/tours/the-brunch-bus/
https://www.twistedtexastour.com/tours/the-brew-bus/
https://www.timeout.com/austin/bars/broken-spoke