If you’re about to enjoy a vacation in the capital of America’s biggest state, then you’ll want to learn all of the best things to do in downtown Austin, Texas. This bustling city is known for some of the best live music in the entire world, and it’s got a great variety of outdoor adventure mixed with endlessly entertaining nightlife.
Whether you’re more of an outdoorsman or prefer a more urban setting for vacation, there’s something for everyone in Austin, Texas. This huge city can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re getting into, though. That’s why we’ve compiled the best things you can do in downtown Austin, Texas, so you don’t have to! Make sure you stick around, because we’re also going to reveal one exciting outdoor adventure waiting just outside city limits!
Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is a great place for the entire family to learn about conservation and wildlife. This zoo is dedicated to studying and conserving endangered species, as well as providing a space for people to learn about how they can make a difference in the environment. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They also specialize in native Texas wildlife, so you can learn all about the local birds, butterflies, snakes, and more.
The Austin Zoo also offers two amazing wildlife encounters; the capybara and the Galapagos tortoise! You and the entire family can get up close and personal with these gentle creatures, and even feed them! The zoo also offers train rides so you can see the wide variety of exhibits. On certain dates and times, you can also watch zookeepers give a talk on some of their favorite animals! A trip to the Austin Zoo is perfect, especially in the morning, when the animals are most active. Overall, you can expect any trip to the Austin Zoo to be a fun and educational experience for the entire family!
Pedernales Falls State Park
For the more outdoorsy and adventurous types, a quick journey outside of downtown Austin will take you to Pedernales Falls State Park. This state park is the perfect way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Texas wilderness. The Pedernales River is a historic river that winds through great slabs of limestone. While the river can be peaceful and idyllic sometimes, it can be turbulent and even dangerous at others. If you go on a calm day, however, you can relax for a warm swim in the beautiful, clear river.
Pedernales Falls State Park isn’t just for swimming, though! There are countless trails for biking and hiking. The trails range from leisurely, scenic strolls for families to more challenging climbs for the adventurous sort. The brand new Juniper Ridge Trail was just created for mountain bikers, as well! And if that doesn’t sound like enough adventure for you, they also offer kayak and canoe tours, as well as horseback riding for an authentic Texas experience!
Dine-In at Suerte!
Texas has a rich history that goes back centuries. In fact, Texas used to be a part of Spain before Mexico won its independence, and Texas became part of Mexico! Despite being colonized by the United States in 1836, the state has still retained its rich Mexican culture. Part of this culture is evident in the state’s amazing cuisine. There are two different types of Mexican food in Texas; authentic Mexican food and a newer style of cuisine called Tex-Mex.
Suerte is the perfect fusion of traditional Mexican food and Tex-Mex. Run by Head Chef Fermín Nuñez, Suerte has won national acclaim for its rich, diverse menu. Suerte is also known for its amazing bar, which has a variety of traditional Mexican spirits made from agave and succulents. This restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, so it’s best if you make a reservation early on, so you can guarantee seating for everyone.
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream originated in New York, where it was described as a “Willy Wonka factory come to life.” The museum is a multi-sensory experience that allows guests to explore a dreamlike, candy-filled wonderland. Not only is the beautiful architecture and interior design the perfect place for a quirky photoshoot, but it’s also a funhouse that allows you and any friends and family to explore a bright pink fantasy land!
Of course, the Museum of Ice Cream located in New York was such a hit that they decided to open up a second location, this time right in Austin, Texas! This bold museum is filled with 12 different rooms where you can dance, swim, play, and of course, eat all the ice cream and sweet treats you could possibly want! The museum also offers admission during the daytime, which is more family friendly, as well as a nighttime admission for a more intense experience (which is recommended to people who are 16 years or older).
Barton Springs Pool
If you enjoy the great outdoors, but are looking for something more relaxing than an adventurous hike, then Barton Springs Pool is the perfect way to wind down while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Texas wilderness. Barton Springs Pool is an enormous three acres in size, and it’s filled with clear, blue water that comes from historic underground springs. The water remains at a natural temperature between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, because it’s naturally heated within the underground springs.
While Barton Springs Pool allows you to experience the true wilderness of Texas, there’s an even more amazing outdoor adventure waiting for you if you want to experience an authentic Texas trip! Make sure you stick around until the very end, because we’re going to reveal how you can feel like a cowboy the next time you visit Austin, Texas. And if you’re enjoying this video so far, please take a moment to like this video, and don’t forget to subscribe to Viewcation for more!
Visit the Texas Music Museum
Austin, Texas is famously known as the Live Music Capital of the World, which means you’re obligated to watch at least one concert while you visit! If history is more of your thing, though, you can learn all about Austin’s rich musical background at the Texas Music Museum. The museum has been operating for 37 years, and it’s dedicated to showcasing just how diverse Austin’s music history truly is. Voices from all ethnicities and backgrounds have come together in Texas to share music, creating a cultural blend of music for decades.
The Texas Music Museum celebrates this diversity, and is also dedicated to letting visitors learn all about the musical stars that originated in this historic state. They’ve also begun hosting an annual music festival to keep the tradition of music alive and well. If you want to learn all about Blues, Gospel, and other amazing forms of music, then make sure to visit the Texas Music Museum while you’re in Austin!
Dine-In at Comedor!
There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from in Austin that it’ll make your head spin! While you’re guaranteed to find good food at almost every corner of this historic capital, it’s always best to do some research beforehand, so you’re sure to dine in at the best restaurants Austin has to offer. One of the crowning jewels of this city of Comedor, a classic Tex-Mex restaurant with a modern feel. This restaurant offers a family-friendly environment to every visitor, and has an extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menu, as well as a variety of cocktails and all kinds of delicious drinks for you to try.
The food is just one of the amazing features of Comedor, however; the building itself was designed by renowned architect Tom Kundig, which adds to the modern ambience. Make a reservation ahead of time so you can enjoy the delicious food served by Executive Chef Philip Speer, and his team of amazing cooks!
Catch Some Music at the Roosevelt Room
Austin earned its name as the Live Music Capital of the World for a reason, so if you’re planning on visiting Austin, you’ll have to take some time to experience some live music for yourself! There are a wide variety of venues, from more intimate outdoor spaces to large, indoor venues. One place where you’re always guaranteed to find good music is the Roosevelt Room. This cocktail bar is inspired by the roaring 20s, and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of activities in Austin. The stage and dance floor also host live music, so it’s a wonderful venue for a date night!
The Roosevelt Room is a great option if you’re looking for quality live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, if you’re looking for a music venue that’s full of energy and entertainment, then don’t worry! Austin, Texas has countless other venues all over the place, so you’re sure to find a place with just the kind of music you’re looking for.
Dive into the Austin Aquarium
The Austin Aquarium is another wonderful family location, especially if you’re looking for a more interactive place than the Austin Zoo. Don’t let the name “aquarium” fool you; the Austin Aquarium has a wide variety of animals, including lemurs, sloths, and lots of reptiles and amphibians! At the Austin Aquarium, you can feed the octopi, pet a kinkajou, and even cuddle a sloth!
The Austin Aquarium also has a wide variety of activities for younger children, including princess makeovers and an unforgettable mermaid experience in one of the aquariums! If you’re more interested in what goes on behind the scenes, the aquarium also offers a morning tour that allows you to see the staff perform their morning routine as they feed and care for all of the animals. The Austin Aquarium is beautiful and relaxing for adults, and allows children to explore their favorite wildlife and get a hands-on experience that they’ll remember for years to come!
Take a Texas Trail Ride!
Are you looking for a Wild West experience during your visit to Austin? Then look no further than Lone Star Ranch! Located in South Austin, this ranch offers Texas trail rides seven days a week, so you can ride on horseback through the Texas trails! While the horse riding adventure is the most famous activity that Lone Star Ranch has to offer, they also have a wide variety of other adventurous activities for you and the family!
At Lone Star Ranch, you can participate in skeet shooting, archery, fishing, ax throwing, ATV guided tours, and many more! The ranch also hosts rodeos from time to time. Overall, Lone Star Ranch is your one-stop shop for classic Texas adventure!
Austin, Texas offers a wide variety of adventures for any kind of vacation. Are you more interested in Austin’s exciting nightlife, or outdoor adventures? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Viewcation for more!