Austin is hip and trendy, yet it is vintage. It's high-tech and yet laid-back. It's politically charged and still culturally rich. Most of all, it's a place where one can have a great time without going broke.
Here are top 10 things to do in Austin. This is great itinerary for visiting Austin in 2-3 days. Most of the activities mentioned below are either free or can be done at very low cost. Sand Castle Days : South Padre Island
Read More: Nature Resort in Texas Hill Country: Canyon of the Eagles
1. Texas State Capitol:
They say everything is bigger in Texas. Texas State Capitol is one of the most distinguished State Capitol in US. It based on Renaissance Revival style and designed from 15Th Century architectures of Italy. It is largest of all capitols by gross square footage area and 15 feet taller than US Capitol in Washington D.C. Free guided tours are available during the day.
2. Zilker Park and Barton Springs:
Zilker Park is Austin's most loved park and really very cool place to visit. It is a large park covered with large shaded trees, located next to Town Lake (Now Lady Bird Lake). It has many fun activities for families including a miniature train, the Barton Springs Pool, kayak rentals, picnic areas, hike and bike trails etc.
During Christmas Trail Of Lights Festival at Zilker Park is very famous event. During 4Th of July fireworks show with music concert is fun to watch.
3. Bats Under Congress Avenue Bridge:
The Congress Avenue Bridge on Town Lake in downtown Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. There are about 1.5 million bats in this colony! Every night from mid-March to November, the bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset and cover the whole sky over the bridge as they head out in search for food. This event has become one of the most spectacular and unusual tourist attractions in Texas. From under the bridge by Austin American Statement office parking lot you can see the best views of these bats.
4. 6th Street Music Clubs and Bars:
You cannot miss 6th Street Music Clubs and Bars. This is the place where Austin night life lives. Struggling musicians and stand-up comics makes this place lively. At any given day you can find many live music venues on 6th Street.
5. Bob Bullock Texas History Museum
History buffs and people not so much interested in history will equally love Texas History Museum. This 3 Story building with many exhibits, IMAX theatre and a 4D theater tells you history of Texas in a very fun way.
6. Mount Bonnell
For best views of Austin downtown and river Colorado visit Mount Bonnell. But you do have to climb about 100 steps before you can reach the peak and get to see these outstanding views.
Location: 3800 Mt. Bonnell Dr. , 78731
There is small trail at the top from where you get to see some of most beautiful multimillion dollar river front lake houses. Route to Mount Bonnell is curvy but offers beautiful views of Texas Hill Country.
One the way to Mount Bonnell one Hwy 2222 just before Hwy 360 is a very famous barbecue place County Line Barbecue. It is located on the Lake.
Another very famous Barbecue in Austin is SaltLick Barbecue.
7. Windy Point Park And Oasis
Windy Point Park is located on beautiful Lake Travis. It is open year round and has picnic tables, grills , camping areas, rentals for Jet Ski and Scuba diving available.
On the way to Windy Point, you will see the best restaurant in town to see Sun Set, Oasis. It is called Sunset Capital of Texas.
Austin being Live Music Capital of the world, here at Oasis (like so many other restaurants in town) live band is playing from Friday-Sunday.
