the lake and trees at mckinney falls park

Exploring Austin

Austin is situated on the banks of the Colorado River and is known for its variety of artistic venues, which feature live music and artistic exhibitions. Here are some fun things to do while you are in the city.

Check out Do512.com, AustinTexas.org, or Meetup to discover what’s happening around town and make the most of your time in the Live Music Capital!

Mt. Bonnell & Mayfield Park

Mount Bonnell view of houses and river

Climb all 106 steps of Mt. Bonnell to enjoy the view and go see the peacocks at Mayfield Park.

Mt. Bonnell

Mayfield Park


Hamilton Pool

Hamilton pool and waterfall

Take a friend to Hamilton Pool and experience the miracle of nature.


Congress Avenue Bridge

People standing on bridge at dusk watching bats in the sky

In the summer, watch millions of bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.


The Contemporary Austin (Jones Center + Laguna Gloria)

The Contempory Museum

The Jones Center has two dedicated exhibition spaces, and the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria has temporary, long-term, and permanent contemporary sculpture and art installations. 

Jones Center 

Laguna Gloria 


Mexic-Arte Museum 

mexic-arte-museum

The Mexic‐Arte Museum is dedicated to enriching the community through education programs, exhibitions, and the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture for visitors of all ages.


Memorial Stadium

Orange sea of longhorn fans at busy football game in memorial stadium

Watch the UT Longhorns play at the Darrel K Royal (DKR) Texas Memorial Stadium.


Barton Springs

Barton springs river and hiking trails going through nature

Swim in the constant 68 degrees, spring-fed Barton Springs in Zilker Park.


State Capitol Building

Texas Capitol Building night lights

Tour our historic State Capitol Building.


Lake Austin

Highway bridge over Lake Austin.

Visit Pennybacker Bridge or go boating on Lake Austin.

Pennybacker Bridge (shown above)

Address: N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730


LBJ Library & Museum

Fountain next to road leading to LBJ Library and Museum.

Learn about the life and legacy of the 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, at the LBJ Library & Museum.

Address: 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705

Phone: (512) 721-0200


Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Walking trail alongside blue bonnets.

Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens of the national Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.


The Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theater lit up at night with red and yellow lights

Take in a movie, show, or festival at one of Texas's oldest theaters, The Paramount.


Broken Spoke

Legs of man and woman on dancefloor dancing two step

Learn to dance the traditional Texas two-step and enjoy southern food classics at the Broken Spoke.


Bullock Texas State History Museum

Texas state museum

The Bullock is dedicated to interpreting the continually unfolding "Story of Texas" to the broadest possible audience through meaningful educational experiences. 


Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Museum and outdoor sculpture garden centered on the artistic works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. 

  • Phone: (512) 445-5582 

Longhorn Caverns

Inside of cave showing impressive rock formations.

Explore the beauty of the Longhorn Caverns.


Cathedral of Junk

Sculpture made of junk in artist's backyard.

Tour the weird and whimsical Cathedral of Junk, a multilevel shelter made with 60+ tons of used furniture, home goods & other junk.


Eeyore's Birthday Party

Donkey wearing floral necklace and big social gathering

Celebrate at Eeyores Birthday Party, a uniquely Austin event.

  • When: April
  • Address: 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703