15 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas
First time in Texas and ready to go full tourist? ðŸ¤
If you’re visiting Austin for the first time, you’re in for a fun mix of live music, incredible food, Texas culture, outdoor adventures and plenty of places that are worth the hype.
From iconic Austin restaurants and famous swimming holes to museums, historic landmarks and the city’s legendary nightlife, there are a lot of ways to experience the city.
But if you want to do more than just check tourist attractions off a list, there’s one experience you should absolutely add to your Austin bucket list.
The Ultimate Austin Outdoor Adventure: The Longest and Fastest Zipline in Texas
Yes, Austin has tacos.
Yes, Austin has BBQ.
Yes, you should visit the Capitol and walk around downtown.
But if you’re looking for something you’ll actually remember long after your trip, get outside and go ziplining over Lake Travis.
Just outside Austin, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers an incredible Texas Hill Country experience featuring the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.
The Double Barrel Shotgun zipline stretches approximately 2,800 feet and reaches speeds of up to 65 mph, giving you an entirely different view of the Texas Hill Country.
And this isn’t just a five-minute zipline ride.
The full adventure includes five ziplines, a guided Hill Country hike and a boat ride across Lake Travis. The entire experience takes approximately three hours, making it easy to turn your zipline trip into a half-day adventure.
Why it’s worth adding to your first Austin trip
- Experience a different side of Texas beyond downtown Austin.
- Ride the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.
- Fly over Lake Travis with Hill Country views below.
- Get outside with hiking and a boat ride included.
- Get some seriously memorable vacation photos.
- Enjoy a fun experience for families, couples and groups.
- Experience the outdoorsy side of Austin that locals love.
If you’re putting together your Austin bucket list, this is one tourist attraction that’s actually an adventure.
Plan your Lake Travis zipline adventure
15 Best Things to Do in Austin for First-Time Visitors
Once you’ve got your outdoor adventure planned, here are 15 other Austin experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Shop for Cowboy Boots at Allens Boots
You can’t come to Texas for the first time and not at least consider buying a pair of cowboy boots.
Allens Boots on South Congress is an Austin icon and one of the most fun places to embrace your inner Texan.
Even if you’re not shopping for boots, walking through the massive selection of colorful, classic and completely over-the-top styles is part of the experience.
Pro tip: Give yourself time to browse. There are a LOT of boots.
2. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
Art lovers should make time for the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin.
It’s one of the largest university art museums in the country and has an impressive collection spanning centuries and cultures.
It’s also a great option when you need a break from the Texas heat.
Best for: Art lovers, culture seekers and hot afternoons.
3. Eat Tacos at Veracruz All Natural
One of the easiest ways to understand Austin is through its tacos.
Veracruz All Natural has become an Austin favorite, known for its fresh Mexican food and especially its breakfast tacos.
Pro tip: Come hungry and order more than one.
Actually, this should probably be your rule for the entire Austin trip: eat all the tacos.
4. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
When it’s hot in Austin, locals know exactly where to go.
Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed swimming pool located inside Zilker Metropolitan Park.
The water stays around 68 degrees year-round, making it a refreshing escape from the Texas heat.
Best for: Families, swimmers and anyone trying to cool off.
5. Grab Coffee at Jo’s Coffee
You’ve probably seen the famous “I Love You So Much” mural on South Congress.
It’s located next to Jo’s Coffee, making this an easy stop while exploring one of Austin’s most popular neighborhoods.
Grab a coffee, snap the obligatory photo and continue exploring South Congress.
Yes, it’s touristy.
Yes, you should still do it.
6. Hike to Mount Bonnell
Want one of the best views of Austin?
Head to Mount Bonnell, one of the city’s most popular scenic overlooks.
There are stairs involved, but the climb is relatively short and the views at the top make it worthwhile.
Pro tip: Go around sunset for beautiful Hill Country and Colorado River views.
7. Eat Franklin Barbecue
If you’re coming to Texas, you need BBQ.
And if you’re coming to Austin, Franklin Barbecue is one of the names you’re going to hear again and again.
It’s famous for its brisket, but the experience is almost as legendary as the food.
Pro tip: Plan ahead. Franklin is known for long lines and often sells out.
8. Explore Laguna Gloria
Escape the city for a little while at Laguna Gloria, a beautiful historic site surrounded by gardens and art.
The grounds provide a completely different Austin experience and are perfect for anyone who wants to combine art, architecture and the outdoors.
Best for: Art lovers, photographers and anyone who wants a slower afternoon.
9. Try a P. Terry’s Burger
Sometimes you don’t need a fancy restaurant.
You need a burger.
P. Terry’s is an Austin fast-food favorite serving burgers, fries and shakes at a casual price.
It’s an easy stop when you’re exploring the city and want a quick, classic Austin bite.
10. Walk the Ann & Roy Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake
One of the best ways to experience Austin is simply to walk outside.
The Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops around Lady Bird Lake and offers great skyline views, water views and plenty of opportunities to watch locals enjoying the outdoors.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning or around sunset, especially during the hotter months.
11. Eat Pizza at Home Slice
Austin isn’t only about tacos and BBQ.
Home Slice Pizza is a South Congress institution serving New York-style pizza.
Grab a slice, walk around South Congress and make an afternoon of it.
12. Tour the Texas Capitol
You can’t visit Austin without seeing the Texas State Capitol.
The massive pink-granite building sits right in downtown Austin and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
It’s also a great place to learn more about Texas history and government.
13. Have Breakfast at Paperboy South
Start your day with breakfast at Paperboy South, one of Austin’s popular brunch destinations.
It’s a great option for fueling up before a full day of exploring.
Pro tip: Add this to your itinerary before an outdoor activity so you don’t spend the afternoon running on coffee and tacos alone.
14. Go Bat-Watching by Kayak
Austin’s famous bats aren’t just something to watch from the bridge.
You can get out on the water and see them from a completely different perspective with a sunset bat-watching kayak tour.
Paddling Lady Bird Lake as thousands of bats emerge beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge is one of those uniquely Austin experiences.
Best for: Couples, families, photographers and anyone looking for a memorable Austin activity.
And if you’re already planning to spend time on the water, consider pairing this with a Lake Travis adventure for a full weekend of outdoor activities near Austin.
15. Spend a Night on Rainey Street & 6th Street
When the sun goes down, Austin comes alive.
For your first Austin trip, experience the city’s famous nightlife and live-music scene around Rainey Street and 6th Street.
You’ll find bars, restaurants, live music and plenty of people out enjoying the night.
Pro tip: Don’t over-plan your evening. Wander around, listen for music you like and see where the night takes you.
The Best Austin Itinerary Mixes Tourist Stops With Adventure
There’s nothing wrong with going full tourist in Austin.
In fact, you should.
Eat the tacos. Eat the BBQ. Take the picture at the “I Love You So Much” mural. Tour the Capitol. Swim at Barton Springs. Watch the bats.
But don’t forget that some of the best things to do in Austin are outside the city.
That’s what makes the Lake Travis zipline such a great addition to a first-time Austin itinerary.
You get the food and culture Austin is famous for — and you get to experience the Texas Hill Country from above.
Imagine spending the morning exploring South Congress, grabbing tacos for lunch and then heading toward Lake Travis for an afternoon of hiking, boating and flying down the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.
That’s a Texas vacation.
Austin Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
Prepare for the Texas heat. Austin can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and dress appropriately for the weather. For outdoor activities, mornings and evenings are often more comfortable.
Eat all the tacos. Seriously. Austin has an incredible taco scene, so don’t limit yourself to one taco stop. Try breakfast tacos, traditional Mexican food, food trucks and whatever local spot catches your eye.
Eat all the BBQ. Brisket should be on your Austin itinerary. If you’re visiting legendary BBQ spots, plan ahead because popular restaurants can have long lines or sell out.
Follow the live music. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, so don’t make the mistake of planning every minute of your trip. Leave some room to wander into a bar, venue or outdoor stage and discover something unexpected.
Embrace the outdoors. Austin has a laid-back, outdoorsy personality. Swim. Hike. Kayak. Walk the lake trail. Watch the bats. Explore the Hill Country. And, of course, go ziplining over Lake Travis.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Visit Austin — Experience It
Your first trip to Austin should have a little bit of everything.
Eat. Explore. Listen to music. Get outside.
Check the iconic attractions off your list, but save time for something unexpected.
Because years from now, you might remember the tacos and the BBQ.
But you’ll probably remember the moment you flew over Lake Travis at 65 mph on the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.
That’s the kind of experience that makes a first trip to Austin unforgettable.
Save this Austin bucket list and send it to the person you’re planning your Texas trip with.
External Links & Resources
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — Experience the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.
Blanton Museum of Art — Austin’s major art museum.
Barton Springs Pool — Plan your visit to the famous spring-fed pool.
Texas Capitol — Visitor information for the Texas State Capitol.
Austin Parks & Recreation — Parks, trails and outdoor activities around Austin.
Contemporary Austin — Information about Laguna Gloria and Austin’s contemporary art scene.
Hours, admission requirements, restaurant availability and attraction details can change. Check official websites before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in Austin for my first visit?
For a first trip to Austin, consider visiting the Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, South Congress, Mount Bonnell, Lady Bird Lake, the Blanton Museum and Austin’s famous restaurants. For an outdoor adventure, add Lake Travis Zipline Adventures to your itinerary.
What are the best tourist attractions in Austin?
Popular Austin attractions include the Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Mount Bonnell, Lady Bird Lake, South Congress, the Blanton Museum of Art and the Congress Avenue Bridge bats.
What is the best outdoor activity in Austin?
Austin offers hiking, swimming, kayaking, biking and boating, but if you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled experience, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is one of the top outdoor adventures near Austin.
Where is the longest and fastest zipline in Texas?
The longest and fastest zipline in Texas is at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures near Austin. The Double Barrel Shotgun is approximately 2,800 feet long and can reach speeds of up to 65 mph.
How long does the Lake Travis zipline experience take?
The complete five-zipline experience takes approximately three hours and includes hiking and a boat ride across Lake Travis.
Is the Lake Travis zipline family friendly?
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is designed for families and groups looking for an active outdoor experience. Participants should review the current age, weight and physical requirements before booking.
What food is Austin famous for?
Austin is particularly famous for tacos, breakfast tacos, Texas BBQ, brisket and queso. Popular local stops include Veracruz All Natural, Franklin Barbecue, P. Terry’s and Home Slice.
What should first-time visitors know about Austin?
Come prepared for the weather, give yourself plenty of time to eat, explore the city’s live music scene and leave room in your itinerary for outdoor adventures.