Whether you’ve just moved to the city, or you’re visiting for fun, you won’t run out of things to do in Austin. With this guide, Roomi introduces you to the exciting activities and some of the best things to do in Austin!
Related: Find Rooms For Rent In Austin, TX
Outdoor activities in Austin
1. Go hiking through a tropical forest
One of the most interesting places to visit in Austin is the Palmetto State Park. Although you’ll be surrounded by overgrown vegetation, the Palmetto plants and the scenic beauty have a Jurassic vibe to it. Take a walk along the flat trails which cut through the algae-covered swamps surrounding the palmettos, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe or kayak across the swamps as well. As the only park in the state with tropical vegetation, The Palmetto State Park should be a mandatory stop on your Austin tour.
Costs: $3 for Adults and Free for children 12 years or under.
Timings: Open daily
2. Go for a camping trip to Pedernales Falls State Park
Want to find cool things to do in Austin? Camping at the Pedernales Falls State Park should be high up on your list! With white sandy beaches, fascinating rock formations, and the scenic beauty of the Pedernales River, stargazing at this state park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Austin.
Costs: Free for children up to 12 years, and $6 years for 13 years and older
Timings: Open daily, 24 hours.
3. Go on a canoeing trip with Cook’s Canoes
Located a 20-minute drive way from Austin, Cook’s Canoes is an old-school canoe rental space where you can rent canoes or kayaks for 7-mile, 11-mile or even overnight trips! What better way to explore the Lower Colorado?
Costs: For tandem boats: $50 per day. For solo boats: $35.00 per day. For overnight trips, rental rates are $75 per tandem, or $45 per solo boat.
Timings: Summer: Open from Wednesday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Winter: Open on weekends: 9 AM to 5 PM; on weekdays open by reservation only.
4. Plan a family outing to the Lady Bird Lake
Austin tourism boasts of numerous outdoor activities, where you get to explore nature to your heart’s content. The Lady Bird Lake is surrounded by miles of hiking and biking trails, with plenty of water activity options as well. It’s one of the best things to do in Austin with your family!
Costs: Entry is free, pay for activities.
Timings: Open every day from 5 AM to midnight.
Sports in Austin
1. The first Rugby Club in Southwestern United States
Founded in 1967, the Austin Blacks Rugby Club has many “firsts” under its belt. From becoming one of the first founding members of Texas Rugby Union, to being the first rugby club in the US to purchase their own grounds.
Costs: Average price to attend a game during rugby season is $62.75
Timings: Season and game timings vary.
2. Valkyries Women’s Rugby Club
Austin takes its rugby seriously, with numerous rugby teams established over the years. The Valkyries Women’s Rugby was established in 1991, and is a premiere women’s rugby club. It a competitive team that also encourages a social environment where players can express themselves through sports.
Costs: Average price to attend a game during rugby season is $62.75
Timings: Seasons and game timings may vary.
Museums in Austin
1. Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum
Learn about the state’s history in a unique way when you visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum. If you’re looking for places to visit in Austin with your kids, look no further! With an IMAX theatre, and live action exhibits with storytelling, this visit will be on your kids’ list of cool things to do in Austin.
Costs: For 4 to 17-year-olds: $9, for College students, Senior citizens and Military personnel: $11, for Adults: $13
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
2. Walk around the Blanton Museum of Art
If you love art, the Blanton Museum of Art should be one of the first places you should visit in Austin. Located on the University of Texas Campus, the exhibits in the museum range from scenic landscapes of the American West to intriguing art from the American Gothic era.
Costs: Free every Thursday with advance online timed tickets.
For Children 12 years or younger, Military personnel, Univerity of Texas ID holder, and Members of the Museum: Free.
Youth and College Students: $5
Senior Citizens: $10
Adults: $12
Timings: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesday-Saturday: 10am to 5pm, Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
Culture in Austin
1. Explore Austin’s Murals on a pedicab
Undoutedbly one of the coolest things about Austin are the murals that you will see scattered across the city. Simply hop on a pedicab and go on a Mural Selfie Tour across Austin, exploring famous murals as well as a few hidden gems. Perfect photo opps.
Costs: Options start from $55 per person
Timings: Every day
2. Join Austin’s Murder Walk
During the course of almost two hours, you will get to explore the historic spots in the city, and learn all about Austin’s first serial killer. The tour has short stops along the way, including a drink stop as the famous Driskill Hotel!
Costs: Starts from $40
Timings: On Fridays and Saturdays, tour starts from 8 PM, and lasts for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Loaded Sandwiches at the JewBoy Sub Shop
The famous JewBoy Burgers decided to venture out and open up a sub shop, with loaded sandwich delicacies including parmesan hoagies, an Italian beef sub and three kinds of cheesesteaks. Order online for takeaway, or dine-in!
Costs: Ranges from $5 to $13
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday : 11 AM to 9 PM, Closed on Mondays
2. Dine-in at Lutie’s Garden
Menu items here feature dishes made with local produce, and desserts to drool over. Currently, Lutie’s Garden only offers dine-in services; reservations are recommended.
Costs: from $9 to $32
Timings: Wednesdays to Sundays : 5 PM to 10 PM
Bars in Austin
1. Visit the Yellow Jackets Social Club with friends
Great drinks and good food, what else could you ask for? The laid-back ambience makes for a perfect evening with friends! Locally sourced ingredients are used to serve not-so-typical snacks – you’ll definitely be ordering more than just one course.
Costs: ranges from $2 to $12
Timings: Every day from 11 AM to 2 AM
2. Travel back in time at The Roosevelt Room
Dark velvet booths, ambient lightings and drinks arranged according to various eras, the Roosevelt Room provides an upscale experience to guests. Sip on delicious craft cocktails with friends, and look forward to finding your new favorite drink!
Costs: approximately $45 for two
Timings: Mondays to Saturdays: 4 PM to 2 AM
Sundays: 3 PM to 12 AM
Shopping centers in Austin
1. Experience outdoor shopping at The Arboretum
Ever gone on a shopping trip where you were surrounded by greenery and a picturesque view? At The Arboretum, you can get your shopping fix and stop by some famous eateries in the city along the way!
Costs: Entry is free
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Sundays: 12 PM to 6 PM
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find things to do in Austin? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match!
