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Must do's when visiting Austin, TX!
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items I moved here back in 2021, as a native Texan, I had this perception of Austin (grew up in Dallas) and it was always classified as the “keep Austin weird" city. It has for sure changed a lot over the years, but I do love every ounce and corner of it! ...
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Out of all the big cities in Texas, Austin has the most out door activities! From parks, trails to just many pop-ups, they have so many things happening! We are a very fit city for sure.
I call this the “central park” of Austin. It is the biggest park there is and it is the hosting location for our biggest music festival- Austin City limits. When I used to live 5 minutes from here, I would take our dog off leash here all the time to ...
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Whatever season this is, the water here is COLD! People cold plunge here as a tradition on New Years day and right next to it is Barkin' Springs which is a free area for dogs to splash and ofc humans can join :)
Barton Springs Pool
Lady Bird Lake is an amazing area to take a stroll, kayak or take a boat! It's a fun summer spot and a popular area in the heart of the city.
Lady Bird Lake
This is a quick little hike over looking Austin! You can take a look over all the big mansions on Lake Austin.
Experience Austin's 360 Bridge | Pennybacker Bridge
If you are thinking of a fun summer/spring break spot, I highly recommend this lake! They have lots of boat charters that you can choose from with slides and other great things. Everybody is out there to have a great time.
Lake Travis
I used to live literally down the street from this and I MISS IT. It goes throughout the city and connects to the major park: Zilker. Very scenic and if there's enough water you'll see the creek.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
This is one of my favorite farmers market in Austin. It's in a beautiful neighborhood called Mueller. They have an array of vendors too.
Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller
This is a great pool close to downtown! I recommend it as its nearby restaurants like pool burger and tumble 22 chicken joint.
Deep Eddy Municipal Pool
If you didn't know, Austin is known for their bats that come out under the main bridge, south congress! I know it looks scary but trust me, its so fun!! There's lots of tours but viator is the best to use.
Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Kayak Tour in Austin 2026 - BOOK NOW
Want your steps in? But also a good outfit? The domain is the place! They have food, of course all the great clothing brands and bars !
The Domain
This is a great area for a picnic! I personally love it due to the scenic view of the skyline and lake.
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
Restaurants
This is probably my favorite section of the list, I am so excited when friends come to town because its an excuse to show them my favorites! Here's a mixture of things from tex-mex, bbq, mediterranean, etc.
Mediterranean restaurant on south congress! I recommend making a reservation at least a month In advance! They’re known for their whipped feta and the vines are immaculate ❤️
Aba Austin
This is the best street tacos I’ve had in Austin at the moment ! It’s on a popular street, Cesar Chavez so lots of other restaurants there to explore after for drinks and dessert. 🍨
Las Trancas Taco Stand
Terry Blacks is huge in Texas ! They have several locations but the main one is next to zilker park along side Barton springs road. You gotta have BBQ while visiting TX!
Terry Black's BBQ
This is such an aesthetic greek restaurant! I also love how they celebrate birthdays, engagements, etc. They make it a party!
Yamas Greek Restaurant
This is probably controversial, but I love the sushi here more than Uchi. However, if you try this place AND Uchi, you'll have to let me know. Either way, this place is AMAZING!
Neighborhood Sushi
World-class sushi and Japanese small plates (a sister to Uchi but more elevated).
Uchiko Austin
Rated high on the list for sushi! Sister restaurant to Uchiko.
Uchi Austin
This is fine dining right here! This is your classic steak house restaurant for a special night out.
Jeffrey's | Legendary Austin fine dining since 1975
One of Austin’s most beloved ramen spots. Always hits the spot.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Asian restaurant that has a mix of everything: Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai! A great place for group dinners as it has something for everyone.
1618 Asian Fusion
This place is perfect for happy hour! If I remember correctly, you're only allowed max 2 margaritas because they're that strong.
De Nada Cantina
Great local pizza place in Austin. Very cozy vibes too.
Dovetail Pizza & Bar
Other Food & Drinks
You'll find a lot of coffee recommendations here because I am an addict. However, I do love a good gin and tonic.
A beautiful coffee shop along side Lake Austin. They have live music here every now and then and also events where you can watch movies on the water !
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
This is a local coffee shop of where I used to live. I personally would always get a huge latte drink and devour it.
Trianon Coffee
This is a nice place to have drinks, meet up with a friend or work for a little bit (if you’re not taking meetings)
Cosmic Pickle
They have 2 locations in Austin, this is their smaller one. I personally love their matcha here.
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors Cafe & Roastery
People will argue this is the best coffee in town, I guess you'll have to try and let me know your thoughts! They are good that's for sure!
Desnudo Coffee: East Austin
Another favorite of mine, they have great expresso drinks here! Can't go wrong with a classic ice vanilla latte.
Flat Track Coffee
Classic coffee shop all over Austin, but you have to go to the one on south congress! This one has the “I love you so much” mural sign.
Jo's Coffee
Rooftop bar in the heart of Austin. You'll find yourself at a tikibar and with great views of the city.
Zanzibar
Arts & Entertainment
Austin is known for their murals and live music! The moment you land at the Austin airport you'll hear local artist play!
Fun and beautiful art museum in Austin! I actually have yet to go! But it’s on my list.
Blanton Museum of Art
Jazz bar in Austin, right on south congress! An iconic place to hear good music and be in the state capitol!
Elephant Room
Cidercade in Austin is right next to the lake which is pretty neat! Here you can play lots of arcade games and let your inner child run wild :)
Cidercade Austin
One of Austin’s premier concert venues hosting big acts. You'll find lots of events going on here.
Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)
This is classic Texas right here! Live music & boot-scootin', plus beer & chicken-fried steak since 1964.
Broken Spoke
Local Favorites
These are just my personal things to do in Austin. I am a wellness fanatic!
If you want cryo, a facial, or a massage, this is the BEST place! I love it here so much, they're like a family.
EvolvE
Nice bakery in Austin! Has coffee as well as sandwiches and other things.
Swedish Hill
My husband and I found this place over the summer and it's so beautiful. It's a great place to visit even if you don't plan on buying plants.
Barton Springs Nursery
My favorite nail salon in Austin! They can do any design and are so talented!
Queen Spa at S Lamar
Black Swan is a fav yoga spot of mine. I recommend taking a classic Yin-Yang class but also a candle light one to cool down.
Black Swan Yoga - Anderson
You can go here to do nails of course, but I mainly love it here for the head spa! It feels soooo good.
Dream Spa