Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
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10 Free Things to do in Austin That You Shouldn't Miss
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By CharlieinTexas - Austin, United States
Easy to park behind the newspaper in a parking lot that’s open to the public. Can stroll in either direction, I prefer to head towards I 35 then cross over the highway and come back to one of several bridges downtown and criss over again. Fairly easy walk on the boardwalk or smooth paths, mostly large enough for runners and bicyclist to pass by. But, do you need to watch for bicyclists they don’t know how to shout out on your right or on your left.
2. Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Itinerant_Foodies - Greensboro, United States
We walked through the library with some locals and were really impressed. The interior has unique architecture, the outside areas offer very nice views of the downtown area and even the inside areas offer nice views as well. We’d suggest walking all of the way up and down and outside to explore all floors. It’s a very inviting space that would be hard to leave with a good book or if we were staying to study. The meeting rooms are a nice bonus and the technology petting zoo is interesting for all visitors. There seem to be quite a few events going on. Kudos to the person who thought to advertise a CD from a local group and also point out where they can be seen/heard live in town.
3. Town Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
Visitors can rent canoes or rowboats along this part of Lake Austin that flows five miles through the heart of downtown Austin.
Reviewed By rtnw - Austin, United States
When in Austin Town Lake is a beautiful place to spend some time. Whether you are boating, walking, paddle boarding, eating lakeside, walking, or just enjoying the beauty; this is a great place.
4. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 927 reviews
Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination.
Reviewed By U909KEchrist - Northampton, United Kingdom
We had a very relaxing walk alongside the river, watching the people on their paddle boards and the turtles sunbathing.
5. Texas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,840 reviews
If it's in Texas, it must be bigger and better. That is the motto that architects followed with the Capitol Building in Austin. At one time, it was the tallest capitol building in the nation. Others might be taller now, but this is still a beautiful building that shows off many of the natural resources which are so prevalent in Texas, such as limestone and the landscapes.
Reviewed By Wanderer776418 - Dublin, United States
A must even if you have little time. Lots of history, recommend you take a tour it’s free if you stop in or with tour company ( shortened version) just to learn some of facts that make it special!
6. Austin Nature & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Free admission and family friendly. Established in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center's (ANSC) mission is to provide hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Centrally located on the western edge of Zilker Park in the Zilker Nature Preserve, the ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the Naturalists Workshop's Trade Counter, and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin. The site hosts homeschool groups, school programs, family events, environmentally focused camps, and adventure programs.
Reviewed By lauraduggan2015 - Austin, United States
We visited this beautifully designed nature campus today as the laughter of children drew us in. Kids of all ages, some camp counselors and some visiting parents with children were exploring the grounds, the trails, the native birds and animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated over the years, the creek, a large pond filled with fish and a paleontology dig site where kids could try their hand at unearthing large “bones”. It was really fantastic. W can’t wait to bring our grandson back to play and explore. It’s open Mon-Sat. 9-5 and Sunday Noon-5:00. Admission is free.
7. Texas State Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Some of Texas' most prominent historical figures are buried in this cemetery.
Reviewed By RMc179 - Fort Worth, United States
I cannot believe I've been a Texan all my life and haven't been there until now. This place is amazing. It's a wonderful and peaceful cemetery which is a resting place for notable Texans from the 1800s right up to present day. You will be shocked and humbled to see the graves of governors, pioneers, soldiers, artists and athletes. So many famous names, so little time. Make the time to visit this place! I left feeling inspired to dig deeper into Texas history.
8. Capitol Complex Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
The state's oldest office building now houses a tourist center, full of brochures to help you get the most out of your trip.
Reviewed By jqg97 - St. Augustine, United States
I really do love visiting the capitol when I visit Austin. The have the most elegant tree at Christmas time and the Tuba concert there was glorious!!
9. University of Texas at Austin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 937 reviews
Founded in 1883, this university is steeped in history.
Reviewed By 858curtisb
I remember the news and the horrible 1966 massacre. I wanted to see the clock tower myself. It is a beautiful monument on campus, but it brings chills. This is only one aspect of campus. It is a beautiful place. We ate in a cafeteria and the food was pretty good and the A/C was delightful!
10. Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
This bronze statue commemorates the life and music of singer/songwriter Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Reviewed By Taser912 - New Lenox, United States
Great statue by the river in a great park. This is a Great monument to a Blues legend and a must see if you are in Austin
