Austin is one of the World’s best cities to visit, and more than 30 million people visit each year. Its location in central Texas gives it a mild climate with nearly year-round sunshine. The city is a cultural hub, and you will find many things to do in Downtown Austin. As you plan your trip, check out these activities.
1. Check Out Austin’s Music Scene
Did you know that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World? You will find concert halls, clubs, festivals and coffeehouses with live music. For example, you can hear live jazz at the Parker Jazz Club or the Elephant Room, dance at the Coconut Club or hear blues at Antone’s. Venues like the Empire Control Room have multiple stages with a wide variety of music, while the Moody Theater offers a variety of entertainment, including live music and other performances.
If you want to spend the evening outdoors and still hear great music, visit The Courtyard. You can even visit a prohibition throwback venue at the Speakeasy. Austin’s music scene isn’t limited to formal theaters. You can find entertaining live music every night of the week in Downtown Austin at restaurants to pubs as well.
2. Take a Hike or a Bike
It may surprise you to find that Downtown Austin is full of outdoor activities. As you ask what to do in Downtown Austin, consider taking a hike. You can skirt Lady Bird Lake on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This 10-mile hike gives you unique views of the Austin skyline. You can also find trails just outside Austin, such as those through McKinney Falls State Park and along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
When you visit the Austin Visitor Center, you can also participate in several downtown walking tours. You can get to know the city and hear about its history, culture and activities on a guided tour. You can also walk along the Boardwalk.
If you are a cycler, you can check out the three-mile Veloway course in addition to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. You can also follow the Onion Creek Trail. If you are an advanced rider, you can check out Emma Long Metropolitan Park and its biking trail, whereas beginners can follow Walnut Creek Trail. You can even find bike rentals throughout the city.
3. Check Out Haunted Downtown
Do you believe in ghosts? On your list of what to see in Downtown Austin, you may want to add spooky haunted downtown. All year, you can find haunted tours that go through some of the most intriguing haunted buildings downtown as the tour guides tell spooky mysteries and ghost stories.
You will see the Driskill Hotel and learn about its poltergeist that you may find next to a fifth-floor painting that features a girl. The Texas Governor’s Mansion also has its mysteries and secrets, including ghosts obsessed with true love. The ghosts in the Texas State Capital, Clay Pit/Betram Building, Omni Hotel and Littlefield House all have their stories and their ghouls.
4. Visit an Escape Room
Fourth on the list of things to do in Downtown Austin is visiting The Escape Game. If you’ve never played an escape game, you can expect drama and fun as you race against a clock to save yourself. You need to find a way out of several locked rooms, hunt for treasure, find an art thief, solve riddles or prevent global catastrophes. Escape rooms are great for nights out with friends or teambuilding activities with your coworkers.
5. Explore Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake was a reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin. Not only can you relax and wander the park along the lake or enjoy a picnic in the area, but you can also find activities on the lake. For example, you can cruise in donut, pedal or retro boats. You can also kayak, paddle board, canoe or learn to row. Some companies also offer boat tours or cruises.
6. Attend a Race
When you asked yourself what is there to do in Downtown Austin, did you consider attending a race? Austin has several annual racing events. You can check out Formula 1 racing, including the U.S. Grand Prix, as well as NASCAR and MotoGP contests. If it is racing season, consider taking in a day at the races.
7. Visit the 2ND Street District
Austin’s 2ND Street District is a shopper’s paradise. You will find franchises like the Sunglass Hut and shops with clothing made right in Texas, such as Luxe Apothetique. If you need to purchase gifts or souvenirs for those you love back home, this is the perfect location. You can even find a toy store.
The district is also full of restaurants with Mediterranean, BBQ, Mexican, Italian and other foods. You can also visit one of the farmer’s markets in the area or Whole Foods to pick up some necessities. The area is walkable with clean, tree-lined streets.
8. Explore the Nightlife
Another item on the list of what to do in Downtown Austin includes exploring the nightlife. You can visit 6th Street with its busy bars and entertainment venues. Check out a speakeasy, attend a comedy show or just eat a great dinner at a local restaurant. Austin even has a live music crawl, where you can move from club to club and experience different bands and types of music.
At Esther’s Follies, you can attend a comedy show or political satire or enjoy a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre.
9. Enjoy the Art
Downtown Austin is full of intriguing street art. You can walk around the city and view large-scale murals. Take your camera and find the best murals Austin has to offer. If you want an indoor experience, check out the world-class museums. The Blanton has the largest collection owned by a university and features the Gutenberg Bible. The Jones Center has a collection of contemporary art, and the Carver Museum offers cultural exhibits.
Where To Stay in Austin
What would you add to your what to do in Downtown Austin list? Have you considered where you will stay on your visit? Contact us to learn about what else you should see in Downtown Austin.