Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
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Top 10 Things to do in Austin, United States
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. Zach Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Diane D - Spicewood, Texas, United States
Wonderful production. I was skeptical because I had seen Audra McDonald in the Broadway Circle In The Square production. This one holds its own. Beautiful set, opulent compared to Broadway. The set design pulled you back to the 1950's, glamorous yet functional. Chanel captured Lady Day, exceptional talent. Only two disappointments--piano man was a good musician but not strong dramatically and Pepi was not a chihuahua. If you have a chance, see it!
2. The Moody Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By robertwD7057IG - Toronto
We visited the Moody Theater on New Year’s Eve to attend the Willie Nelson and Family concert. The concert was terrific but we were also very impressed with the venue. We were in the balcony but felt close to the stage. The place allows beverages at your seat (and has active bars throughout). The acoustics were very good. The only knock is that the seats could be a bit wider (there was a 250 pound guy spilling out from the seat next to me).
3. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Scenic trail through lush green parks and peaceful lakes: a great place to bike, hike and run.
Reviewed By Gershwin12 - Forest Hills, New York
This park is great for strolling, jogging, dog walking, people watching and much more, however on our recent visit I was saddened by the litter in the river. We were planning on renting a boat but was turned off by the visible pollutants floating next to ducks in the water. I think parks namesake would also be dismayed.
Bathrooms and cafes were available, parking was difficult so we walked to the park.
4. LBJ Presidential Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Located on a 30-acre site on The University of Texas at Austin campus, the LBJ Presidential Library is one of 14 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the life and times of Lyndon B. Johnson, one of our nation's most fascinating presidents, and the era of his administration—the turbulent 1960s. HOURS & ADMISSION The library is open daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for former military, $3 for youth 13-17, and $3 for non-UT Austin college/university students with valid ID. Free admission is given to children 12 and under, active military, student groups, and UT Austin students, faculty, and staff with valid ID. Free parking is available in visitor lot #38. FEATURES & EXHIBITIONS Exhibitions incorporate interactive elements with historical and cultural artifacts. - Listen to dozens of LBJ's historic White House telephone conversations - Step into a replica of the Oval Office - Experience the president's decision-making process in interactive displays about the Six-Day War and Vietnam War - Discover how legislation signed by LBJ affects you today - Peek into Lady Bird Johnson's office and learn about her environmental efforts and White House Years ARCHIVES & MUSEUM COLLECTION The library houses more than 45 million pages, an extensive audiovisual collection, including more than 650,000 photos and 5,000 hours of recordings, and approximately 55,000 artifacts donated by the President and Mrs. Johnson, their family, friends, and the American people. THE STORE AT LBJ The LBJ museum store offers a selection of books, DVDs, and custom designed souvenirs that reflect the content of the library's permanent exhibition space and the life and career of LBJ.
Reviewed By lwew - United States
GREAT FOR HISTORY BUFFS!
If you've not visited a Presidential Library before, it's more than just about the President, it's a look into U.S. history and what was going on during the period of time during the Presidents' term in office.
THREE FLOORS PACKED WITH HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND ARTIFACTS.
The LBJ library has a check-in desk where you pay ($10 for full adult price in April 2018) and can get your Presidential Library Passport stamped if you have one. A few steps away at another desk, a person gives you a map and explains the layout of the building. This one is unusual in that it has two lower floors and then skips to floor 10. (Archives and offices are in between). You will then see a short film in a small theater off to the side before viewing the displays on the first/ground floor which feature a timeline of the history of LBJ and U.S. history. You can also listen in on numerous fascinating recorded phone calls between LBJ and others political figures and influencers. Also on this floor is LBJ's limousine.
Ascend the huge staircase to the next floor where you can see portraits of all the past presidents and their wives. You can also take a break on the balcony which offers views of the University of Texas. (We went out there to warm up as the air-conditioning was unpleasantly cold inside). This level also offers displays about the Vietnam war, the Kennedy Assassination, the 1960s, civil rights and important social programs that LBJ brought in amongst other things. We also enjoyed the interactive 'voting' you could do on a giant tablet screen.
The top floor touches more on personal items, family, Lady Bird Johnson's outfits, White House dishes, a mock-up of the Oval Office and gifts given to the Johnsons by dignitaries.
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP
The gift shop on the ground floor sells everything from Christmas ornaments, books, bobble-head dolls, jigsaws and other collectibles.
ALLOW HALF A DAY TO DO IT RIGHT
There is a LOT to read and take in. Allow about half a day. There is no cafe on site.
THEY FORGOT TO RENO THE RESTROOMS
Restrooms/toilets are located on the 10th floor and one floor below the lobby. They could do with a renovation.
THE TAKE-AWAY...
We came away from the LBJ library with a real sense of what this President was all about and how we can't imagine what life would be like now if it wasn't for all the social programs he pushed regarding National Parks, Head Start for education, clean water, clean air, Medicaid, Medicare, civil rights, etc. etc.
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5. Austin City Limits Live
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
We are one of the best live music venues here in Austin, TX, providing the Austin community with a plethora of eclectic musicians from all over the world.
Reviewed By kilo58 - Perth, Australia
Have previously done SxSW music fest on 3 occasions in past 7 years. Last time got a bit sick of long queues to get in to see the better acts despite having wristband. Also the music acts had become less rock/pop. Also quite a few of the venues have become rundown with poor facilities so decided to give ACL a whirl. Great event but obviously your enthusiasm will be dictated by the line up on any year. With around 100,000 people on peak days/times it is incredibly busy but runs like well oiled machine.Easy to get a drink plenty of clean toilets spread throughout Zilker Park and with multiple stages playing simultaneously lots of bands to fill out the day. Personally avoid the pedicabs here (& elsewhere) in Austin as I think bit of a rip off
6. Texas State Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Some of Texas' most prominent historical figures are buried in this cemetery.
Reviewed By lindas286 - marysville ohio
Really beautiful cemetery with a lot of history. The confederate field was very moving. Also Chris kyles grave and the 9 11 memorial. Take some time and visit.
7. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 778 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 lcgovols - Cleveland, Tennessee
Zilker Park is very large, with lots of various activities to do. We were only in Austin for an afternoon and decided to walk around the park. Even though it was VERY crowded the park is so large that it didn't matter that it was crowded. We walked along the river and wanted to ride the train but it was sold out for the hour we were there.
8. Texas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 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 Tonya C - Houston, Texas
We went to visit the Texas State Capitol and it was beautiful! So much detail and interesting architecture. We did a self tour and walked around inside for free. It was refreshing to see that it is a functioning building that is actually being used by legislators. It didn't take long to do and it was worth the time. Parking sucks though. Just an FYI.
9. The Driskill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret B - Dublin, Ohio
We did a short self-tour of The Driskill Hotel. The entry way is beautiful. The bar is pure Texas complete with the head of a longhorn steer mounted to the wall and cow hide barstools! Worth your time to check it out!
10. Bullock Texas State History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Museum that chronicles the history of Texas with three themed exhibits: Land, Identity and Opportunity.
Reviewed By SuperDave2014 - Sherwood Park, Canada
We visited the museum on March 28 and found it very thorough in recounting Texas history. The most interesting part for us was the remains of the recovered ship La Belle from the La Salle expedition and the artifacts. Don from the museum thoroughly explained the recovery operation and the history of the expedition. Definitely take the time to chat with him to learn the details.
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