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38 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓
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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Pink granite capitol taller than the US Capitol.

    3 tips
    • Free guided tours daily
    • Go inside the rotunda
    • Security screening at entry
    📷 Photos
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  2. 2

    Largest urban bat colony in North America emerges at dusk.

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Sunset
    2 tips
    • Best March to October at sunset
    • Watch from the bridge or the water
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  3. 3

    Large green space with trails, festivals and lawns.

    3 tips
    • Rent a kayak on Lady Bird Lake nearby
    • Check event closures
    • Parking is limited on weekends
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  4. 4

    Spring-fed natural swimming pool at about 68 degrees.

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Weekdays
    1 tip
    • Bring a towel
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  5. 5

    Quirky shopping and dining strip with views of the Capitol.

    3 tips
    • First Thursday has late hours
    • Pose by the Austin sign murals
    • Try food trucks on the side streets
    📷 Photos
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  6. 6

    Hilltop lookout over Lake Austin and the skyline.

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Climb about 100 steps
    • Great at sunset
    • Free to visit
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  7. 7

    Museum telling the story of Texas.

    • Tip: Allow a few hours
    2 tips
    • IMAX theater on site
    • Pair with the Blanton
    📷 Photos
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  8. 8

    Presidential library on the UT campus.

    3 tips
    • Free on select days
    • Allow 2 hours
    • Replica Oval Office is a highlight
    📷 Photos
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  9. 9

    Austin's famous live music and nightlife strip.

    3 tips
    • Quieter by day
    • Live music nightly
    • Dirty Sixth is the rowdier section
    📷 Photos
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  10. 10

    Native plant gardens and trails with Hill Country views.

    3 tips
    • Best in spring wildflower season
    • Allow 2 hours
    • Bring water and hat
    📷 Photos
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Before you go: Austin tips

Transportation

  • Use CapMetro: Buses and the MetroRail serve central Austin; buy tickets with the CapMetro app.
  • Rent a scooter or bike: Dockless scooters and MetroBike stations are handy for short trips downtown.
  • Plan around traffic: I-35 is notoriously congested, so avoid peak hours or use rideshare.

Security

  • Stay aware on Sixth Street: The nightlife district gets rowdy late at night, so keep valuables close and stick with friends.
  • Beware of heat illness: Summer heat can be dangerous; drink plenty of water and avoid midday hikes.
  • Watch for flash floods: Heavy rain can quickly flood low-water crossings; never drive through flooded roads.

Saving

  • Enjoy free live music: Many bars and venues offer free shows, especially on weeknights.
  • Swim at natural spots: Barton Springs Pool and nearby swimming holes are cheap ways to cool off.
  • Eat at food trucks: Austin's food trucks serve great tacos and barbecue for less than restaurants.

Weather/Clothing

  • Prepare for hot summers: Summers are long and very hot, so pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen.
  • Bring layers in winter: Winters are mostly mild, but cold snaps can bring freezing temperatures.
  • Pack for spring storms: Spring brings wildflowers and thunderstorms, so carry a light rain jacket.

Cultural

  • Embrace the music scene: Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World; catch a show on Red River or South Congress.
  • Try Texas barbecue: Brisket is king; expect long lines at famous spots.
  • Enjoy breakfast tacos: A local staple, breakfast tacos are available all morning at cafes and trucks.

Local Hacks

  • Watch the bats: From spring to fall, bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.
  • Paddle Lady Bird Lake: Rent a kayak or paddleboard for city skyline views.
  • Book festivals early: SXSW and ACL Fest push hotel prices up, so reserve well ahead or visit at other times.

1-day itineraries in Austin

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

LBJ Presidential Library and around

🕘 9:30–17:30📍 4 stops

  1. 1LBJ Presidential Library
  2. 2Bullock Texas State History Museum
  3. 3Texas State Capitol
  4. 4Sixth Street
See the day →

Day 2 of 3

South Congress Avenue and around

🕘 9:30–13:15📍 4 stops

  1. 1South Congress Avenue
  2. 2I Love You So Much Mural
  3. 3Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
  4. 4Austin Central Library
See the day →

Day 3 of 3

Zilker Park and around

🕘 9:30–13:15📍 3 stops

  1. 1Zilker Park
  2. 2Barton Springs Pool
  3. 3Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
See the day →

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