Austin is the state capital of Texas, sits where the Colorado River leaves the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas. It’s the second-largest state capital in the United States by population and was founded in 1839.
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant and eclectic city with a rich cultural scene, live music, delicious food, and plenty of outdoor activities. No matter your reason for visiting Austin, we want you to experience the very best the city has to offer. We cover all the bases – art, music, hiking, and festivals. Here are ten of the best places to visit in Austin….Here we inform you about 10 best places to visit in Austin, 2023.
Ready to start planning to Best Attraction of Austin? Keep reading !…
1. Lady Bird Lake Austin
Lady Bird Lake, located in Austin, Texas, is a picturesque reservoir on the Colorado River that offers a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty. The lake, which has a surface area of 416 acres, is now used primarily for recreation and flood control.
Location: Lady Bird Lake is situated in downtown Austin and runs through the heart of the city. It’s a central and easily accessible location for both locals and visitors.
Lady Bird Lake Outdoor Activities: Lady Bird Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, jogging, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. There are numerous trails and access points along the lake’s shoreline.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: This 10-mile trail encircles Lady Bird Lake and is one of the most beloved spots in Austin for exercise and relaxation. The trail is suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists, and it offers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline.
Boat Rentals: Visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats from rental shops along the lake.
- Fishing: Fishing is allowed in Lady Bird Lake, and it’s a popular spot for anglers. Common fish species include bass, catfish, and sunfish. A valid Texas fishing license may be required.
- Wildlife: The lake and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, birds, and fish. Birdwatchers can spot numerous species along the shores.
Lady Bird Lake Events and Festivals: Lady Bird Lake often hosts events, races, and festivals throughout the year, including dragon boat races, triathlons, and cultural celebrations.
Lady Bird Lake Austin page: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/lady-bird-lake
2. South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue, often referred to as SoCo, is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood and shopping district in Austin, Texas. It’s known for its eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants, live music venues, and a unique Austin vibe.
Location: South Congress Avenue is located just south of Lady Bird Lake, extending from the Congress Avenue Bridge to about 2 miles south.
South Congress Avenue Shopping: SoCo is famous for its quirky and independent shops. You’ll find a wide range of boutiques offering vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, art, and handmade crafts. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or fashionable items, SoCo has plenty to offer.
Events and Festivals: SoCo hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including First Thursdays, which feature live music, food, and late-night shopping.
SoCo is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique culture and spirit of Austin. It’s a place where you can shop for local treasures, enjoy great food, soak in live music, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
3. Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a beloved natural swimming pool located in Zilker Park, Austin, Texas. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to cool off and relax in a beautiful natural setting. The pool exists within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas.
Location: Barton Springs Pool is situated within Zilker Park, which is just south of downtown Austin. The pool is easily accessible and well-signposted within the park.
Natural Spring-Fed Pool: Barton Springs Pool is unique because it is fed by natural underground springs with an average temperature of around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 degrees Celsius) year-round. This makes it a refreshing destination, especially on hot Texas days.
Barton Springs Pool Hours: Click Here
Pool Size: The pool is approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) long and 3 feet (0.9 meters) deep at its shallow end and up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) deep at its deepest point.
Barton Springs Pool: map
Barton Springs Pool Upcoming Events
Swimming: The pool is open for swimming and is a great place to do laps or simply cool off. The water is clear and clean, and lifeguards are on duty during designated hours.
4. LBJ Presidential Library
LBJ Library, is a prominent historical and educational institution located in Austin, Texas. It is dedicated to the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States.
Situated on a 30-acre site on The University of Texas campus in Austin, the Library houses 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos and 5,000 hours of recordings from President Johnson’s political career, including about 643 hours of his recorded telephone conversations.
Location: The LBJ Library is situated on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, at 2313 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78705. It is conveniently located near the city’s downtown area.
Purpose: The primary purpose of the LBJ Library and Museum is to preserve and provide access to the historical records and documents related to Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency and to educate the public about his life, accomplishments, and the history of his era.
Hours: Open Daily9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Last visitor admitted at 4:00 P.M. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
LBJ Presidential Library: PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS
Parking: Free parking in Lot #38
LBJ Presidential Library: Website
5. Bullock Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum, commonly known as the Bullock Museum, is a prominent cultural and educational institution located in Austin, Texas. It focuses on the history, culture, and heritage of the state of Texas.
Location: The Bullock Museum is situated at 1800 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, just north of the Texas State Capitol.
Named After Bob Bullock: The museum is named after Bob Bullock, a former Lieutenant Governor and Comptroller of Texas who played a significant role in the state’s politics and history.
Bullock Museum Purpose: The Bullock Museum’s mission is to tell the story of Texas and inspire visitors to connect with the state’s history and culture.
Bullock Museum Texas Spirit Theater: The museum includes the Texas Spirit Theater, which offers immersive multimedia experiences that transport visitors back in time to key moments in Texas history.
Bullock Museum: Museum Hours & Ticket Prices:
Bullock Museum Website: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
Can I purchase online Ticket Online ?
Yes. To purchase online, please visit Admission and Tickets. Tickets can be purchased via a desktop computer or mobile phone.
Can I get a Refund of my purchases ticket ?
The Bullock Museum has a “no refunds” policy for exhibitions admission and theater tickets. This policy also applies to any purchase made for event/program participation. If you are unable to visit, your purchase is considered a donation to the institution.
6. UT Austin (The University of Texas at Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a prestigious academic institution with a beautiful campus that offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art has a permanent collection of 17,000 pieces of European, American, and Latin American art. The museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibits.
The Tower: The UT Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks on campus. It’s a 307-foot tall structure with an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the campus and the city. The tower also features a carillon that chimes regularly.
Harry Ransom Center: The Harry Ransom Center is a world-renowned research library and museum that houses a vast collection of manuscripts, rare books, art, and literary archives. It includes items like the Gutenberg Bible, original manuscripts by famous authors, and art collections.
Blanton Museum of Art: The Blanton Museum is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. It houses a diverse collection of over 18,000 artworks, including European paintings, modern and contemporary art, and Latin American art.
Food and Dining: UT Austin’s campus has numerous dining options, including cafes, food courts, and restaurants, where you can grab a meal or a snack during your visit.
UT Austin: Map
UT Austin Website: https://www.utexas.edu/
7. Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is a prominent natural landmark and popular tourist destination in Austin, Texas. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River, downtown Austin, and the Texas Hill Country.
Location: Mount Bonnell is located in the western part of Austin, in the Mount Bonnell Shores neighborhood. Its address is 3800 Mount Bonnell Road, Austin, Texas 78731.
Elevation: The summit of Mount Bonnell stands at an elevation of approximately 775 feet (236 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest points in Austin.
Mount Bonnell Hours: The park is officially open every day from 05:00am to 10pm.
Mount Bonnell Parking: Free car parking is available at the base of Mount Bonnell. Right at the access to Mount Bonnell trail. The parking area is usually unattended.
Sunset Viewing: Mount Bonnell is a popular spot for watching sunsets, as the elevated position offers unobstructed views of the horizon. It’s a serene and romantic setting for couples and photographers alike.
Mount Bonnell Website: https://www.mountbonnell.com/
Mount Bonnell Photos: Click Here
8. 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.
Location: The Mexic-Arte Museum is located in the heart of downtown Austin, at 419 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701. It’s conveniently situated near other cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Exhibits: The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring artworks in various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and more. These exhibitions often explore themes related to Mexican and Latino culture, history, and contemporary issues.
Permanent Collection: The Mexic-Arte Museum has a permanent collection that includes a diverse range of art, including traditional folk art, contemporary works, and pieces from various regions of Mexico and Latin America.
Museum Hours:
- Mon – Thur: 10am – 6pm
- Fri & Sat: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
UPCOMING Events: https://mexic-artemuseum.org/events/
Mexic-Arte Museum Website: https://mexic-artemuseum.org/
9. Texas Capitol Visitors Center
The Texas Capitol Visitors Center serves as an informative and welcoming hub for visitors to the Texas State Capitol in Austin. It provides essential information, resources, and educational materials to enhance the visitor experience.
Location: The Texas Capitol Visitors Center is located within the Texas State Capitol complex, specifically in the Capitol Extension, which is on the northeast side of the Capitol building. Its address is 112 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
nformation and Assistance: The Visitors Center is staffed with knowledgeable personnel who are ready to assist visitors. They can provide information about the Capitol, guided tours, special events, and general visitor guidelines.
Security: Visitors to the Texas Capitol should be prepared to pass through a security checkpoint upon entry, similar to many government buildings.
Texas Capitol Visitors Center: Hours
Parking: Capitol Visitors Parking Garage
Texas Capitol Visitors Center: Website
10. McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a beautiful natural park located in Austin, Texas. McKinney Falls State Park covers an area of 641 acres. The park is a picturesque escape from the bustling city and offers numerous outdoor recreation activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming.
Location: McKinney Falls State Park is situated in southeast Austin, approximately 13 miles from downtown. Its address is 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744.
McKinney Falls State Park Outdoor Activities:
- Hiking: The park offers several miles of hiking trails, including the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, which is suitable for both hiking and mountain biking.
- Swimming: Swimming is allowed in the designated swimming areas, which include the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. These areas are refreshing spots to cool off during hot Texas summers.
- Fishing: Fishing is permitted in Onion Creek, and you may catch various species of fish, including bass and catfish. Make sure to have a valid Texas fishing license.
- Picnicking: There are picnic areas throughout the park, complete with tables and grills, making it an ideal place for a picnic with friends or family.
- Camping: McKinney Falls State Park offers campsites for both tent camping and RV camping. Facilities include restrooms with showers and a dump station for RVs.
- Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of creatures in their natural habitat.
- Geocaching: Geocachers can explore the park in search of hidden treasures using GPS coordinates.
McKinney Falls State Park: Hours
McKinney Falls State Park: Map
McKinney Falls State Park : Fee and Facility
McKinney Falls State Park Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
These are just a few of the many attractions that Austin has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, music, outdoor activities, or food, you’ll find something to enjoy in this dynamic and vibrant city.
This list of 10 best places to visit in Austin, I like Mount Bonnell very much….
These are just the tip’s of 10 best places to visit in Austin, 2023. What other places would you add to the list, and which have you been to? Tell us about your experiences in the comments….
