Quick Answer — Best Things to Do on Vacation in Austin Texas
The best things to do on vacation in Austin include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, swimming at Barton Springs Pool, watching the bat colony at Congress Avenue Bridge, exploring South Congress Avenue, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, eating at Franklin Barbecue, visiting the Texas State Capitol, hiking Mount Bonnell at sunset, exploring the Barton Creek Greenbelt, two-stepping at The Broken Spoke, visiting the Blanton Museum of Art, taking a vintage boat cruise on Retro Boats ATX, exploring East Sixth Street, visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and taking a Hill Country day trip to Fredericksburg. Austin rewards visitors who get outside, eat well, and let the city surprise them.
Why Austin Is One of the Best Vacation Cities in America
Austin is not a typical American tourist city. There is no single landmark that defines it, no single thing you are supposed to see and then leave. Instead, Austin is a city that reveals itself gradually through swimming holes and taco trucks and unexpected live music and lakefront sunsets that catch you completely off guard. You don’t really sightsee here. You get active. You go out, hang out, and eat out. Travel Texas
Austin in 2026 is navigating genuine tension between rapid growth and Keep Austin Weird, between tech industry prosperity and the working-class neighborhood culture that built the city. But the places that matter most have survived this tension intact. Barton Springs is still public, still 68 degrees, still free before 9 AM. The Continental Club still hosts Western swing Tuesdays. Franklin Barbecue still sells out by 1 PM. The bats still emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge every evening from March through November. These places are Austin. Lost with Lydia
Here is the complete guide to experiencing all of them.
#1 Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — The Best Thing to Do on Vacation in Austin
If you do one thing on your Austin vacation that you will talk about for the rest of your life, make it this. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the most unique outdoor experience in Austin and the single best activity for first-time visitors and repeat visitors alike. Nothing else in the city delivers this combination of adventure, natural beauty, and genuine Texas character.
Your group boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island. This private island is accessible only by water, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Once on the island, your group spends three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country. The Double Barrel Shotgun sends two people side by side down over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above Lake Travis. The views from the top platform — crystal-clear blue water, limestone bluffs, rolling Hill Country stretching in every direction — are genuinely jaw-dropping.
After the ziplines, your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island. Jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis. Relax in hammocks. Sit on the private dock with a cold drink and a view that belongs only to the people who took the tour. It is the kind of experience that makes you understand exactly why Austin is one of the best vacation destinations in the country.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Location: Near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on Lake Travis, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Best For: All experience levels, groups, couples, families, first-time visitors
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: This is the most popular outdoor activity in Austin and slots fill up weeks in advance during peak season. Book early at laketraviszipline.com as soon as you know your travel dates.
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures and make your Austin vacation unforgettable.
#2 Swim at Barton Springs Pool — Austin’s Most Beloved Tradition
Barton Springs is still public, still 68 degrees, still free before 9 AM. Lost with Lydia This naturally spring-fed pool inside Zilker Park is three acres of cold, clear water in the middle of a major American city and it is one of the most purely joyful experiences Austin offers any visitor. On a warm Texas afternoon, swimming here feels like discovering why people love this city so much.
Paddle to Barton Springs Pool, take in views of the skyline, and enjoy a fun and healthy way to see the city. CultureMap Austin The grassy banks surrounding the pool are perfect for picnicking and the whole atmosphere is quintessentially Austin — relaxed, welcoming, and completely free of pretension.
The Details
- Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin TX 78746
- Cost: $9 for non-resident adults, free from 5 to 8 AM
- Best For: Everyone. Hot afternoons, morning swims, families, couples
- Website: austintexas.gov
Pro Tip: Go early on weekdays. Weekend afternoons at Barton Springs fill up fast and the experience is genuinely better with more room to spread out on the grassy banks.
#3 Watch the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony at Sunset — Free
The bats still emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge every evening from March through November. Lost with Lydia Every evening during this season, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the bridge at dusk in the largest urban bat colony in North America. The sight of millions of bats spiraling into the Texas sky above Lady Bird Lake is one of the most spectacular free natural events in the entire country.
Experience Austin in the evening with a guided drive followed by a sunset cruise. From March through October, witness 1.5 million bats take flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge in a breathtaking spectacle. CultureMap Austin Watch from the bridge itself, from the hike and bike trail below, or rent a kayak and watch from the water for the most stunning perspective.
The Details
- Location: Congress Avenue Bridge, downtown Austin
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Sunset, March through October
- Website: batrefuge.org for nightly emergence times
- Best For: All ages, first-time visitors especially
Pro Tip: Check batrefuge.org for predicted emergence times before heading out. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the predicted time to claim a good viewing spot on the bridge.
#4 Explore South Congress Avenue — Austin’s Most Iconic Neighborhood
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like South Congress Avenue with a three-day trip to Austin. ATXtoday South Congress Avenue is Austin’s most beloved and most photographed neighborhood strip. Locally owned boutiques, vintage stores, galleries, food trailers, coffee shops, and some of the best people-watching in Texas line both sides of the street.
Stop at Jo’s Coffee for the famous I Love You So Much mural — the most photographed spot in Austin. Browse Feathers Boutique and Prototype Vintage for fashion. Grab macaroons from La Patisserie or treats from Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop. Have dinner on the outdoor patio at Aba under the massive Heritage oak. South Congress is an afternoon that turns into an evening without you noticing.
The Details
- Location: South Congress Avenue, South Austin
- Cost: Free to walk
- Best For: Shopping, dining, photography, mural hunting, a relaxed Austin afternoon
- Best Time: Late morning through evening on any day of the week
#5 Kayak or Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake — Downtown on the Water
Lady Bird Lake anchors a host of outdoor activities in downtown Austin. Locals and visitors alike come to hike, bike, and walk around the lake, as well as to go bird-watching, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Tripadvisor Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake puts you in the center of the city from a completely different and genuinely beautiful perspective. The Austin skyline viewed from the water at golden hour is one of the most striking images the city offers.
Multiple rental companies operate along the shore and the 10-mile hike and bike trail around the lake is free. It is accessible for all fitness levels and connects directly to Zilker Park and Barton Springs on the west end.
The Details
- Location: Multiple access points along Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin
- Cost: Rentals from $15 to $25 per hour per person, group packages available
- Best For: All fitness levels, couples, families, morning and evening outings
#6 Eat at Franklin Barbecue — A Pilgrimage Worth Making
Franklin Barbecue still sells out by 1 PM. Lost with Lydia Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street is widely considered the best barbecue in Austin and one of the best in the country. The brisket is extraordinary in a way that genuinely surprises people who think they have had great BBQ before. The line forms before the restaurant opens every morning and it sells out every single day without exception.
Arrive by 8 AM with a cooler of drinks for the group. The wait is part of the experience — an hour in line with fellow pilgrims from across the country, all there for the same reason. Barbecue is an integral part of Austin and visitors should not miss this local specialty. Standouts include Franklin Barbecue and Terry Black’s Barbecue. Tripadvisor If the line is not an option, Terry Black’s on Barton Springs Road has no wait, excellent brisket, and a massive outdoor patio.
The Details
- Franklin Barbecue: 900 E 11th St, Austin TX 78702. Open Tuesday through Sunday until sold out. Arrive by 8 AM.
- Terry Black’s BBQ: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78704. Walk-ins welcome.
- Best For: Everyone. This is mandatory on any Austin vacation.
#7 Visit the Texas State Capitol — Free and Genuinely Impressive
Tour the Texas State Capitol before stopping at an Austin favorite for a sweet treat. CultureMap Austin The Texas State Capitol is one of the most impressive public buildings in the country. It stands 14 feet taller than the United States Capitol in Washington DC. The sunset-red granite of the Texas State Capitol is the largest state capitol building in America. Lost with Lydia
Free guided tours run throughout the day covering the star-crested rotunda, the terrazzo floors, and the full history of Texas independence. The building is still actively in use which gives tours a weight that purely historical attractions rarely achieve. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the view down Congress Avenue from the front steps is one of the best urban vistas in Austin.
The Details
- Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: Free. Guided tours available daily
- Website: tspb.texas.gov
- Best For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, first-time Austin visitors
#8 Hike Mount Bonnell at Sunset — Best Free View in Austin
Mount Bonnell is a beautiful park looming almost 800 feet over Austin. Stephaniefriedman It is the highest point inside Austin city limits and the short steep climb up stone steps rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in the city. Lake Austin, the surrounding Hill Country, and the Austin skyline spread out in every direction at the top.
At sunset, the whole scene turns gold and pink and the view from the top becomes one of the most beautiful free experiences Austin offers any visitor.
The Details
- Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin TX 78731
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light
- Best For: Couples, photographers, anyone who wants the best free view in Austin
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine and arrive 30 minutes before sunset. The views from the top at golden hour make for some of the best vacation photos you will take in Austin.
#9 Explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt — Best Urban Hiking in America
The Barton Creek Greenbelt has nearly 13 miles of free trails through limestone canyon walls, swimming holes, and shaded creek beds right inside Austin city limits. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are the most popular swimming spots. Rock climbers work the limestone faces along the trail. The whole trail system feels like a completely different world from the city just above it.
Furthermore, the Greenbelt is one of those places that makes Austin residents genuinely grateful to live here. For visitors, it is one of the most unexpected and most impressive outdoor discoveries the city has to offer.
The Details
- Location: Multiple access points throughout South and West Austin
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Hikers, swimmers, trail runners, anyone who wants a genuine outdoor escape inside the city
#10 Two-Step at The Broken Spoke — Austin’s Most Authentic Honky-Tonk
The Continental Club still hosts Western swing Tuesdays. Lost with Lydia And The Broken Spoke has been Austin’s most authentic honky-tonk since 1964. Uncover Austin’s colorful past — stroll historic streets and step inside iconic venues with an expert guide. CultureMap Austin The Broken Spoke is the real thing — a genuine Texas dance hall where two-step lessons run early in the evening before live country music takes over. Willie Nelson and George Strait have both played here.
The contrast between two-stepping at The Broken Spoke and live music on Sixth Street gives you the full spectrum of Austin’s music culture in a single night out.
The Details
- Address: 3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin TX 78704
- Website: brokenspokeaustintx.net
- Best For: Anyone who wants the most authentic Texas honky-tonk experience in Austin
- Best Time: Thursday through Saturday evenings for the full dance hall experience
#11 Blanton Museum of Art — World-Class Free Art at UT Austin
The Blanton Museum of Art on the UT Austin campus is one of the finest university art museums in the country. The permanent collection spans 18,000 works across American, European, and Latin American art. The must-see is the Ellsworth Kelly Austin building — a freestanding chapel-like structure featuring stained glass, stone panels, and a totem that is one of the most remarkable pieces of public art in Texas. Admission is free every Tuesday.
The Details
- Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin TX 78712
- Cost: $12 for adults, free on Tuesdays
- Website: blantonmuseum.org
- Best For: Art lovers, UT Austin campus visitors, free Tuesday outings
#12 Retro Boats ATX — Vintage Boat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake
Retro Boats ATX rents fully restored 1958 vintage fiberglass boats on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Your group captains the boat yourselves, cruising past the Austin skyline and under the Congress Avenue Bridge. The boats have names like Gidget, Lola, Trixie, and Edith. It is one of the most uniquely Austin and most photogenic vacation experiences in the city. A late afternoon cruise timed to the bat colony emergence at sunset is the perfect Austin vacation evening.
The Details
- Location: Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin
- Website: retroboatsatx.com
- Best For: Couples, small groups, date nights, a uniquely photogenic Austin experience
#13 Explore East Sixth Street — Austin’s Most Local Neighborhood
East Sixth Street is where Austin locals actually go. Unlike the tourist-heavy west end of Sixth Street, East Sixth is a stretch of cocktail bars, music venues, food trucks, and creative spaces that feels genuinely Austin rather than manufactured for visitors. Whisler’s is the mezcal destination with a rooftop speakeasy (Mezcalería Tobala) hidden at the back. White Horse is the honky-tonk with live country music and two-stepping any night of the week. Suerte is the James Beard-recognized Mexican restaurant worth planning a whole evening around.
The Details
- Location: East Sixth Street, East Austin
- Best For: Visitors who want to experience Austin the way locals do
- Best Time: Evening, Thursday through Saturday
#14 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Most Beautiful Garden in Austin
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in southwest Austin is 279 acres of native Texas landscapes dedicated to the former First Lady who helped define the Texas Hill Country aesthetic. The majestic beauty of this unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve will leave you breathless. Expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice. Stephaniefriedman
In spring the wildflower meadows are simply stunning. In any season the stone architecture, native plantings, and sweeping landscape views make it one of the most genuinely beautiful places in Austin. It is the kind of attraction that surprises visitors who were not expecting it to move them as much as it does.
The Details
- Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin TX 78739
- Cost: $12 for adults, $6 for youth ages 5 to 17
- Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily
- Website: wildflower.org
- Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, families, garden enthusiasts
#15 Live Music on Sixth Street — The Live Music Capital of the World
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World and no vacation here is complete without at least one proper live music evening. The Continental Club still hosts Western swing Tuesdays. Lost with Lydia Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on Red River is the outdoor music venue that combines world-class live music with BBQ and cold beer under the open Texas sky. ACL Live at the Moody Theater is the city’s most prestigious indoor venue. And Dirty Sixth on any Friday or Saturday night is pure unfiltered Austin chaos — loud, live, and completely free to walk through.
The Details
- Stubb’s: 801 Red River St, Austin TX 78701. stubbsaustin.com
- The Continental Club: 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin TX 78704. continentalclub.com
- ACL Live: 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin TX 78701. acl-live.com
- Best For: Everyone. This is not optional on an Austin vacation.
#16 Hill Country Day Trip — Fredericksburg and the Wine Trail
Pull up a map of Texas and three completely different landscapes fan out from Austin. Hill Country to the west makes weekend getaways from Austin so hard to beat because a few hours of driving in any direction changes the scenery entirely. Fredericksburg keeps the wine flowing all afternoon. CultureMap Austin
The Texas Hill Country wine region around Fredericksburg has over 100 wineries set against rolling hills and wildflower-covered landscapes about 90 minutes west of Austin. Enchanted Rock, the massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the Hill Country, is 18 miles north of Fredericksburg. The historic Main Street in Fredericksburg is lined with German bakeries, antique shops, and exceptional restaurants that make it one of the most rewarding day trips from any major Texas city.
The Details
- Location: Fredericksburg, TX, about 90 minutes from Austin
- Best For: Couples, wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, families
- Best Season: Spring for wildflowers, fall for harvest season
#17 The Driskill Hotel — Austin’s Most Legendary Historic Landmark
The oldest operating hotel in Austin, the Driskill has been legendary in Texas since it was built in 1886. Celebrities have visited the historic landmark over the years including former president Lyndon B. Johnson, who took Lady Bird there on their first date. Today the Driskill Grill and 1886 Café and Bakery restaurants are here as well. Tripadvisor
Even if you are not staying at the Driskill, walking through the lobby is one of the best free Austin vacation experiences available. The Victorian architecture, the longhorn mosaics, and the weight of 140 years of Texas history in a single building make it one of the most atmospheric places in the city. The Driskill Bar is the best hotel bar in Austin and one of the most beautiful rooms you can walk into for a drink.
The Details
- Address: 604 Brazos St, Austin TX 78701
- Website: driskillhotel.com
- Best For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, anyone who wants the most atmospheric drink in downtown Austin
#18 Hamilton Pool Preserve — Most Beautiful Swimming Hole Near Austin
Hamilton Pool Preserve about 30 miles west of Austin is one of the most visually stunning swimming holes in the entire country. A collapsed underground river created a natural limestone grotto with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool surrounded by dramatic rock walls draped in maidenhair ferns. It looks like a fairy tale and it is only 30 minutes from downtown Austin.
The Details
- Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs TX 78620
- Cost: $12 per vehicle plus $8 per adult swimming fee
- Reservations: Required, book at travis.reserveamerica.com
- Best For: Swimmers, photographers, nature lovers
Pro Tip: Reservations sell out months in advance during spring and summer. Book as early as possible. Occasionally the swimming area closes due to water quality issues so check before visiting.
#19 The Cathedral of Junk — Austin’s Most Gloriously Weird Attraction
The Cathedral of Junk at 4422 Lareina Drive in South Austin is one of the most genuinely unique attractions in the entire country. Artist Vince Hannemann has spent decades building a towering three-story structure entirely from discarded objects. Car bumpers, road signs, guitar necks, shopping carts, thousands of donated items carefully constructed into tunnels, towers, rooms, and sculptures in his backyard. The result is a 60-ton cathedral that looks like nothing else on earth.
The Details
- Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin TX 78745
- Cost: Donation-based
- How to Visit: Call 512-299-7413 to schedule an appointment
- Best For: Art lovers, photographers, curious minds, keeping Austin weird
#20 Esther’s Follies — Austin’s Best Live Show
Esther’s Follies on Sixth Street has been running since 1977 and is one of the most uniquely Austin indoor experiences available. A wildly entertaining cabaret-style show combining stand-up comedy, improv, magic acts, satire, and music. The stage has a glass wall at the back that looks directly onto Sixth Street, which means passersby regularly become unwitting participants in the show. It is the perfect evening entertainment option for visitors who want something completely different from a bar or concert.
The Details
- Address: 525 E 6th St, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: Tickets from $30 to $45 per person
- Shows: Thursday through Saturday evenings
- Website: esthersfollies.com
The Perfect Austin Vacation Itinerary — Three Days
Here is how to build the ultimate three-day Austin vacation.
Day One — Adventure Day
Morning: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. The most important booking of the trip. Reserve at laketraviszipline.com before anything else. Spend the afternoon on the private lakefront property at Zip Island.
Evening: Dinner at Aba Austin on South Congress. Then the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony at sunset — completely free and completely unforgettable.
Day Two — City Day
Morning: Franklin Barbecue line starting at 8 AM. The wait is worth it. Then Barton Springs Pool inside Zilker Park for a cold spring-fed swim.
Afternoon: Walk South Congress Avenue. Browse boutiques, stop for the I Love You So Much mural at Jo’s Coffee, and explore everything Austin’s most iconic neighborhood has to offer.
Evening: Texas State Capitol at golden hour for the best free view on Congress Avenue. Dinner at Comedor. Then live music on East Sixth Street — White Horse for two-stepping or Whisler’s for mezcal and the best cocktail program in Austin.
Day Three — Hill Country and Weird Austin
Morning: Mount Bonnell at sunrise for the best free panoramic view in Austin. Then Retro Boats ATX on Lady Bird Lake.
Afternoon: Barton Creek Greenbelt hike to Twin Falls. Then The Cathedral of Junk by appointment.
Evening: Esther’s Follies at 8 PM. The most uniquely Austin way to close out any vacation.
Where to Stay in Austin for Your Vacation
Downtown Austin near Rainey Street and Sixth Street is the best location for walkability to bars, restaurants, and live music. The W Austin, Hotel Van Zandt, and JW Marriott Austin are the top hotel picks for visitors.
For groups, renting an Airbnb house near South Congress or East Austin gives you private space and is often more affordable. For Lake Travis proximity, staying in Lakeway puts you right on the water near Lake Travis Zipline Adventures.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Austin for a Vacation?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best times to visit Austin. Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities, the Hill Country is at its most beautiful, and events like the ABC Kite Festival, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and countless live music festivals make the city especially vibrant.
Summer works well for lake activities but temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Schedule outdoor activities before noon and after 6 PM during summer months. On average most travelers plan two to three days in Austin ATXtoday, but the city genuinely rewards a full week for visitors who want to explore beyond the obvious highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions — Best Things to Do on Vacation in Austin TX
What is the best thing to do on vacation in Austin Texas?
The best thing to do on vacation in Austin Texas is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Your group boards a boat to a private island on Lake Travis and spends three hours on five world-class ziplines including the Double Barrel Shotgun at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. After the tour your group gets full-day access to the private lakefront property. It is the most unique outdoor experience in Austin and the one activity that first-time visitors consistently say they wish they had booked longer. Tickets start at $88 per person. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
How many days do you need to vacation in Austin Texas?
On average most travelers plan two to three days in Austin. ATXtoday However three to four days is the ideal length for a first-time Austin vacation. One day for Lake Travis and outdoor adventures, one day for the city highlights including Franklin Barbecue, Barton Springs, and South Congress, and one day for Hill Country and the bat colony at sunset. A fourth day lets you explore East Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and the live music scene more thoroughly.
What is Austin Texas known for?
Austin Texas is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, the home of world-class Texas BBQ including Franklin Barbecue, the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, the 1.5 million bat colony at the Congress Avenue Bridge, the Texas State Capitol building, Lake Travis outdoor adventures including Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, South Congress Avenue, the University of Texas, and a culture of creativity and individuality that has produced the motto Keep Austin Weird.
What are the best free things to do on vacation in Austin Texas?
The best free things to do on vacation in Austin include watching the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony at sunset, hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt, walking the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, visiting the Texas State Capitol on a free guided tour, exploring South Congress Avenue and the I Love You So Much mural, hiking Mount Bonnell for the best free panoramic view in Austin, and visiting the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden. Barton Springs Pool is also nearly free at under $10 per person with free entry before 8 AM.
Is Austin Texas worth visiting for a vacation?
Yes. Austin is one of the best vacation cities in the United States. It offers world-class outdoor adventures on Lake Travis at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, legendary Texas BBQ, some of the best live music in the country, spring-fed swimming holes, a vibrant food and cocktail scene, free outdoor attractions, and a city culture that is genuinely welcoming and fun for every type of traveler. It is especially worth visiting in spring and fall when the weather is perfect and the Hill Country is at its most beautiful.
Make Your Austin Vacation Unforgettable
Austin rewards visitors who get outside, eat well, and let the city show them something they did not expect to find. The best vacations here are the ones that balance a morning on Lake Travis with an evening on Sixth Street, a swim at Barton Springs with a Texas BBQ pilgrimage, and a sunset bat colony with a late-night two-step at The Broken Spoke.
Start your Austin vacation the right way. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures at laketraviszipline.com before your travel dates fill up. Then build the rest of your perfect Austin vacation around it.
For more Austin inspiration check out our guides to the Best Things to Do in Austin TX, Best Things to Do on Lake Travis, and Most Unique Things to Do in Austin TX.