Visiting Austin USA: Top Attractions to See
The city of Austin is hands down the most eclectic community in the state of Texas. Located in the center of the state, it straddles the American Southwest as well as the Old South.
Arts and culture are both well-represented here, and visitors will find no lack of things to do in Austin – particularly if they love the live music scene.
The official slogan of the city of Austin is the Live Music Capitol of the World, and the city boasts more live music venues than any other city in the United States.
Recorded live at the Moody Theater, the television show “Austin City Limits” is the oldest-running musical oriented television program in the country. If you’re seeking unforgettable Austin activities, attending this program will remain a fond memory for the rest of your life.
Austin has so many music festivals and special celebrations that it’s tough to keep track of them.
Austin is a great place to be a tourist because no matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’ll be able to find top quality entertainment options and visit the local spots that have made the city famous.
Even if you do not care much for music, you’ll find attractions in Austin. For instance, if you are a computer buff, you can include Silicon Hills among your Austin tours.
In order to easily navigate through Austin’s city streets, you should contact us here at Expedia to procure a map of the area so that you can plan the route to the places on your must see list of attractions in Austin.
We can help you to find the best Austin excursions that will make your time in the city as memorable as possible.
The main challenge to visiting Austin, TX, is deciding which attractions to take in and which ones to leave for a later visit.
Most people who visit Austin end up returning at some future point because they simply left so much undone on their prior stay. Here are Expedia, we can help you figure out which Austin activities are the best for you and your traveling companions.
The Ultimate Guide to Austin USA Attractions
The city of Austin is the home of South by Southwest (SXSW), a huge festival of music, film and other performances by new and established talents. Come for the weeklong festival in March or explore the city’s attractions at any time of year.
Zilker Park is a large public space just west of Downtown Austin. During Austin’s warm spring to fall seasons, swim here in Barton Springs.
The stream travels through the city, with a 900-foot (270-meter) long pool created between limestone sides before Barton Creek empties into the Colorado River.
The pool itself is a massive 3-acre (1.2-hectare) expanse of water, surrounded by grassy areas for sunbathing and picnicking. Watch closely along the shoreline for several species of endangered salamander.
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CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELVisit Austin’s varied museums. The French Legation Museum, an 1841 wooden structure, was once a diplomatic residence.
Show your kids your favorite childhood playthings at the Austin Toy Museum, with more than 20,000 pieces from the 1900s onward.
Let them have hands-on fun at the Texas Museum of Science and Technology, which features a planetarium and a T. rex skull, among other attractions. Learn about Texas history at the Texas Memorial Museum and the free Brush Square Museums.
Tour the beautiful red-granite, domed Texas State Capitol building. The LBJ Presidential Library reveals the life and times of the 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson.
A portion of the Colorado River is named Lady Bird Lake, honoring LBJ’s wife. Follow the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trailfor 10 miles (16 kilometers) along the lake.
While SXSW is one of the city’s biggest musical events, Austin earns its title of Live Music Capital of the World with more than 250 live music venues and 1,900 music acts. Enjoy everything from ballet to blues, rock, Latino, jazz, country,handbell, Gilbert & Sullivan and Indian classical music.
Austin USA Attractions Off the Beaten Path
1.University of Texas at Austin
Explore the campus of University of Texas at Austin, a top university in Austin. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
2.Sixth Street
Austin’s answer to Bourbon Street really comes alive when the sun goes down. Enjoy live music, delicious food and refreshing drinks here any time of day.
3.Austin Convention Center
During your trip, find out what’s happening at Austin Convention Center, a top convention center in Austin. Discover the entertainment choices in this vibrant area, or seek out the biking trails.
4.South Congress Avenue
Nicknamed SoCo, this trendy Austin neighborhood has attracted the attention of famous musicians and presidents, and is home to a huge urban bat colony.
5.Lake Austin
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Austin during your travels in Austin. Stroll along the lakeside in this vibrant area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
6.Zilker Park
Perched on the banks of a beautiful lake, this centrally located park is an idyllic spot to relax in thermal springs or hike along extensive trails.
7.Lady Bird Lake
Try a water sport or relax by the shoreline at this major feature in the Austin landscape.
8.Texas State Capitol
An architectural marvel that rivals anything you might see in the great cities of Europe.
9.Barton Springs Pool
One of the “crown jewels” of Austin’s bustling downtown, this natural limestone pool is a refreshing place to spend a steamy Texan afternoon.
Explore the games and activities at Austins Park.
If you’re staying a while in Three Points, Austin’s Park is a great place to start your exploring. This family-friendly entertainment center is one of many attractions that’ll keep you on the hop here.
Round Rock Sports Center, Q2 Stadium, and Round Rock Multipurpose Complex are also waiting to be discovered nearby.
Austin Nature and Science Center
This collection of natural objects is situated in Austin, a place that has plenty of things going for it! University of Texas at Austin, Texas State Capitol, and Zilker Park are other interesting attractions close by when you’ve had your fill of Austin Nature and Science Center.
Plan a trip to see Lake Austin
When it’s time to take a rest from checking things off your to-do list, head for at Lake Austin. Bring a few snacks or a good book … Whatever helps you relax!
Austin is where you’ll find Lake Austin. It’s free, which means you’ll have more cash in your wallet to explore! Other notable attractions around the body of water include Zilker Park, Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool.
The Latest Austin Vacation Packages
There’s plenty to like about Austin, from its lively atmosphere to its cosmopolitan vibe. When you’re ready to say hi to this wonderful city, our Austin vacation packages will be right up your alley.
Hoping to do a little sightseeing? Spend your days exploring top attractions like Stokes Castle during your trip to Austin. A couple of clicks is all it takes to build your dream Austin vacation .
What to do in Austin
Free Things to Do in Austin
Touring on a budget in Austin? Spend time instead of money on fantastic experiences.
- Austin Fire Museum – Packed with exhibits and artifacts, this place is a wonderland for curious minds.
- Off Center – This is a non-negotiable stop for culture vultures eager to add an artistic flourish to their break.
- Zilker Park – If you’d love to ramp up the fun factor during your vacation, head straight here.
- Barton Springs Pool – Get set to get wet and have a blast with the whole family.
- Austin City Hall – Architecture enthusiast or not, prepare to be impressed by this landmark’s modernistic design.
- O. Henry House Museum – If you want to explore the region’s history through its landmarks, stick this one on your itinerary.
- South Towne Square – Get to know some of the local residents and discover the real character and spirit of this wonderful place.
- Lady Bird Lake – Find a place to sit and savor the peacefulness that comes with being close to the water.
- Austin Public Library – If you’re eager to check out a few of the more important or unique places in the community, it’s worth visiting this place.
- St. Mary’s Cathedral – Get an insight into local religious beliefs at this sacred place.
- Shoal Beach – Skip rocks along the water, watch the sun come up or simply revel in the views from the shore.
- Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End – You’re sure to feel connected with Mother Earth at this awe-inspiring spot.
- Wooldridge Square – No matter if you can tell your daffodils from daisies, you’re sure to find beauty in this gorgeous display.
Things to Do in Austin with Kids
There’s fun for the whole family wherever you roam in Austin. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can try together that will make your escape a blast:
- Virtual Home Scavenger Hunt
- Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour with a Local Guide
- Austin Street Art Walking Tour
- Small-Group Bike Tour in Austin