This list brings together the spots that make Austin easy to love; good food, great coffee, laid-back parks, interesting museums, family-friendly fun, and low-key grown-up hangs. It’s made for slow mornings, sunny afternoons, and nights that don’t ne...
Map
Sections
3
Outdoor Activities
Arts & Entertainment
Restaurants, Cafés, & Bars
Outdoor Activities
This section is just about being outside. Easy trails, green spaces, places to walk, sit, explore, or let the day unfold a little. Some spots are great for kids, some are better for quiet moments, and some are simply nice places to be. These are the ...
The most beautiful local plants and flowers
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Absolutely beautiful, great for photoshoots
Zilker Botanical Garden
Love walking through and seeing all the art
Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
Beautiful and scenic trails
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Popular swim spot
Barton Springs Pool
The most scenic hike and views of the Colorado River
Hiking Mount Bonnell
Kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat rentals are great ways to enjoy town lake
Lady Bird Lake
Located in Zilker Park, Kids and adults both love riding the train around the park.
Zilker Eagle
Since 1960, ANSC has provided nature exhibits, education programs and recreation resources for countless visitors, teachers and children of all ages.
Austin Nature & Science Center
The oldest pool in the state! They show poolside movies in the summer!
Deep Eddy Municipal Pool
If you’re feeling adventurous, they have FIVE zip lines! Including one that’s the largest in Texas!
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Fun splash pad with multiple playscapes!
Skyline Park
Beautiful park with playscape, splash pad, bike trails, and sports courts.
Dick Nichols District Park
Arts & Entertainment
Austin’s creativity shows up in all sorts of fun spots — from the quirky animals at the zoo, to the bats under the bridge, to the energy of Sixth Street. Some places are great for families, some are better for grown-ups, but all of them capture the c...
This zoo is filled with rescue animals, which makes it so special.
Austin Zoo
Austin’s largest music festival, taking place in October each year
Austin City Limits Music Festival
A night out on “dirty sixth” is always memorable
6th Street Austin, Texas
Everyone has to see the bats if your in Austin, there’s millions!
Bats in Austin, TX | Bat Watching Tours & Information
Tourist hotspot for local attractions, shopping, and dining
SoCo Shopping District
Fun for both kids and adults!
Museum of Illusions Austin
Take some aesthetic instagram worthy pics here!
Museum of Ice Cream
Explore the 6-floor library with modern architecture & high-tech amenities, plus a roof garden, a cafe & a shop.
Austin Central Library
Annual film, music, and media festival every March
SXSW
Come see the Texas Longhorns!! Hook em’!!
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium
Cozy local bookstore
Reverie Books
This children’s museum offers hours of play! And there’s a cute little playground across the street.
Thinkery
Free play arcade, great for families!
Cidersade Austin
Two 18-hole courses to play so you’ll enjoy hours of family fun
Peter Pan Mini Golf
You’re kids will be so excited to be set loose in this iconic candy store.
Big Top Candy Shop
Learn about Texas' native wildlife and more!
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
The world’s largest bouldering gym!
Austin Climbing, Yoga, and Fitness
The largest selection of arcade games in Texas!
Pinballz
Restaurants, Cafés, & Bars
From tacos that make you stop mid-bite to cozy cafés, barbecue spots, and colorful hidden gems, these are the places I keep going back to. Some are great for families, some are better for grown-ups, but all of them have that unmistakable Austin flavo...
