Staying closer to home has been the name of the game for travel in 2020. As folks avoid airplanes, and Americans are banned from countless destinations, everyone is looking for things to do around their hometown. Lucky for us, Austin is jam packed with things to do that locals will love!
Best Things to Do in Austin for Locals:
1. Take a food tour
We all get into a food rut. We have our favorite handful of places, and occasionally check out a new restaurant raved about on Eater. Now is the perfect time to break out of your routine, support local restaurants, and find your new favorite meal in Austin! The easiest way to discover new restaurants and try dishes you wouldn’t normally order is on a food tour. Let someone else do all the trial and error, while you get all the deliciousness! Check out this private food tour option or if walking is more your thing, you will love our Austin Brunch Walk!
2. See live music
Yes, live music is still a thing! And it’s shocking how little locals actually see of it each year. But our musicians need us now more than ever, so let’s stand by them and get out there and see some shows! I recently discovered Sagebrush, a great South Austin live music venue with lots of outdoor space. You’ll also find lots of “drive-in” concerts around Austin this year and beyond. A few other venues still hosting live music include: Nutty Brown Cafe, Victory Grill, The Far Out Lounge & Stage, Empire Control Room, ACL Live, Hole in the Wall, and many more!
3. Discover Texas history
Take the time to learn about Texas. There are so many historic Texas icons hiding in plain sight! For example, Treaty Oak, the alleged signing location of a peace treaty between Texas settlers and Native Americans, is tucked away right off of 5th & Lamar. Angelina Eberly, the woman who saved Austin as the capital of Texas, has a very large commemorative statue on Congress. The Texas State Cemetery is definitely worth a wander as it memorializes Texas legends like Stephen F. Austin, Darrell K. Royal, Chris Kyle, and Civil War veterans. Or the next time you’re on Sixth Street, stroll over to the Susanna Dickinson House and the O. Henry Museum.
4. Wander South Congress
Not just for tourists! South Congress has changed a lot over the years, but what hasn’t changed is that it is still a great spot to support local artists, listen to live music, and have some excellent eats and drinks. In the spring and summer, time your visit to see the bats take flight from the Congress Bridge, just to complete your tourist for a day itinerary.
5. Find new breweries
There are over 58 breweries in Austin and Central Texas. How many have you tried? Many breweries have used 2020 as the year to do their own version of pivoting, brewing unique special release beers and experimenting with new types of beer. Find your new favorite brewery with sober ride and zero hassle of organizing on an Austin brewery tour. For a great day trip, take the party out of town with a Dripping Springs brewery tour.
6. Hike
There are countless articles raving about the many state parks and natural areas in and around Austin. But we just wanted to put in a reminder that our city is filled with hidden natural gems such as RiverPlace Trail, waterfalls off the Greenbelt, Barton Springs, and many more!
7. See a movie
See a movie in style! This year has seen a boom in two new movie watching trends. One, the drive-in theater. While it’s always been a thing here in Austin, we’ve seen multiple pop-up drive-ins, as well as expansions of old favorites like the Blue Starlite. Two, you can now rent your own Alamo Drafthouse movie theater for as little as $150.
8. BBQ taste testing
In a state known for its BBQ, it’s almost a crime not to eat all of it all the time. Pitmasters all over Austin are experimenting with different meats, fusion dishes, and cooking styles. All to give you a crazy range of good BBQ to tickle your taste buds with. We love the rotating menu items at Leroy & Lewis and Mickelthwait BBQ. But the best way to try all sorts of different styles of BBQ is on the Wild About Texas BBQ tour.
9. Museums
Perfect for lazy days, rainy days, and those few winter days we get here in Austin. Most museums are open and ready to be explored. Whether it’s the Contemporary Austin, Blanton Museum of Art, or the Museum of the Weird, there is something for everyone!
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Austin for locals. Feel free to share your own! And if you are ready to organize an amazing exploration of your city, check out our local-focused tour options HERE.