Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Austin, Texas (TX)
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. 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.
2. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,071 reviews
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Located a quick but quiet ten miles from downtown, we are a botanical garden open to the public year-round and have become a favored venue for everything from conservation-focused conventions to beautiful weddings. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation and application of native plants through our gardens, campus, research, education and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance human health and happiness. Visit, learn and make a better world with us. The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 and became a part of The University of Texas at Austin in 2006.
Reviewed By Susan05821 - Barnet, United States
As with most places in TX the signage for finding this place was abominable. Not all of us have GPS. We happened upon the visitor's entrance and parking quite by chance after following a veritable rabbit warren of roads. Would have been lost had we not found a volunteer just arriving for her shift who showed us the way in around construction debris. Once inside, however, we found a lovely courtyard, beautiful buildings, and an expanse of trails that enabled us to wander through meadows, woods, and somewhat formal gardens filled with native plants and trees that were relatively well-marked and curated with signs for those who like to know what they are looking at. The volunteers were very friendly and graciously answered all of our questions. The gift shop and cafe were surprising gems. We also enjoyed meeting the resident owl. Well worth the trip!
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. Barton Springs Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,720 reviews
Over the years, people have come to this 1,000 foot long natural limestone pool, fed by several underground springs, for everything from fishing and swimming to baptisms and beauty pageants.
Reviewed By susanmF9763WG - Gaithersburg, United States
This is the perfect place to be on a hot day! We rode bikes around the lake to get to the springs so we were good and hot, perfect for enjoying the cold water! Wear water shoes if possible because it's very slippery. There are plenty of places to leave your things on the ground while you venture in. There's a diving board and life guards. Many families enjoying the cooling waters. Quite a view of downtown too! We thoroughly enjoyed this unique and cooling experience in Austin.
7. The Blanton Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
This university art museum has a spectacular collection of 20th century American masters and the United State's largest collection of Latin American art. Reserve tickets and read our updates and rules at bit.ly/blantonmuseum
Reviewed By CJTravelerTexas - Texas, United States
Even though we are members, it had been several years since my wife and I visited the Blanton Museum of Art. Looking for a weekend getaway to Austin, one of the activities we had on our list was a visit to the Blanton. We wanted to see the special exhibit - The Avant-Garde Networks of Amauta: Argentina, Mexico, and Peru in the 1920s - as well as become reacquainted with the rest of the museum. We also visited the Ellsworth Kelly building, completed in 2018. This was a thoroughly enjoyable visit. The Blanton is an excellent art museum.
8. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Prepare yourself - the majestic beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve will leave you breathless! Our expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below. (Canyon Tours offered every Saturday & Sunday - weather permitting). Self Guided Hikes Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 1:30pm (no Canyon Access weekdays without prior reservation)
Reviewed By karenq692
You won't believe you are in Texas, the cave, trees, waterfall, are fantastic. Beautiful place, excellent for a day trip. Our tour guide did an amazing job, they take people's safety very seriously and their COVID plan works very well. We had a great time, my daughter loved it.
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. Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Museum and garden dedicated to the works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. The garden holds over 40 sculptures, framed by nature. Inside the gallery, rotating exhibits of Umlauf's more obscure pieces and other similar artists are on display. There are everyday activities for children and regular workshops/lectures for art-lovers of all ages.
Reviewed By karag448 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you like gardens, this will be your favorite Austin spot... not for the flowers, but the light canopy of trees protecting the statues resting on the grounds. It is best appreciated with a friend who is willing to stroll leisurely, and pause frequently. Students bring your ID for a discount, and bring your mom when she visits the area.
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