Austin, Texas, 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 exciting things to do in downtown Austin. As you plan your family vacation to Austin, check out some of these activities.
Fun Things To Do Outdoors in Downtown Austin, TX
When it comes to things to do in Downtown Austin, outdoor adventures are always a top choice. From scenic trails and lake activities to guided walking tours, there’s no shortage of Downtown Austin places to see and explore in the fresh air.
1. 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 is free and gives you unique views of the Austin skyline.
If you are a cycler, you can check out the three-mile Veloway course, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, or the Onion Creek Trail. If you are an advanced rider, consider Emma Long Metropolitan Park and its biking trail. Bike rentals are available throughout the city.
2. Explore Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir along the Colorado River in Austin. You can relax and wander the park along the lake, enjoy a picnic, or try some water sports. For example, you can take a relaxing cruise in donut, pedal, or retro boats. You can also kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or learn to row.
Food and Culture
Downtown Austin is bursting with flavor and creativity. Whether you’re sampling local eats or visiting world-class museums, you’ll find Austin, Texas, attractions downtown that feed both the stomach and the soul.
3. Appreciate the Arts
Downtown Austin is full of intriguing street and formal art. You can walk around the city and view large-scale murals or check out the world-class museums if you want an indoor experience. 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.
4. Enjoy Great Food
One of the best things to do in Downtown Austin is to indulge in its vibrant and diverse food scene. From gourmet dining to iconic food trucks, there’s something for every palate. You can savor smoky Texas barbecue, fresh tacos, farm-to-table dishes, or creative fusion cuisine, all within walking distance.
Looking for classic Austin, Texas, attractions downtown? Try local favorites like Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Banger’s Sausage House, or grab brunch at Irene’s. For something casual and quick, the food trucks along Rainey Street or near 2ND Street District offer everything from Thai to vegan to decadent desserts. Wherever you choose, Downtown Austin delivers a dining experience that’s as bold and memorable as the city itself.
Music and Nightlife
If you’re wondering what to do in Downtown Austin after dark, start with its legendary live music scene. The nightlife here blends iconic venues, dive bars, and lively clubs for a one-of-a-kind experience.
5. Check Out Live Music
Did you know that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World? Concert halls, clubs, festivals, and coffeehouses around the city are filled 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.
Austin’s music scene isn’t limited to formal theaters, though. You can find entertaining live music every night of the week in Downtown Austin at restaurants and pubs as well. If you want to spend the evening outdoors and still hear great music, you can visit The Courtyard.
6. Explore the Nightlife
Another item that should be on your list of what to do in Downtown Austin is exploring the nightlife. You can visit 6th Street with its busy bars and entertainment venues. Check out a prohibition throwback venue at the Speakeasy, attend a comedy show, or eat a great dinner at a local restaurant. Try a live music crawl, where you can move from club to club and experience several different bands and types of music in one night.
City Tours
Want a closer look at the city’s past and present? Add city tours to your list of things to do in Downtown Austin—they’re a fun and informative way to discover hidden history and haunted stories.
7. Explore Haunted Downtown
Do you believe in ghosts? On your list of what to see in Downtown Austin, you may want to add visiting the 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. Don’t miss the ghosts obsessed with true love at the Governor’s Mansion or the poltergeist on the fifth floor of the Driskill Hotel.
8. Walking and Boat Tours
Some of the best ways to explore Downtown Austin are on foot or from the water. Walking tours offer a close-up look at the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and public art, making them perfect for anyone wanting to experience Downtown Austin in detail.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider a boat tour on Lady Bird Lake, where you can enjoy scenic views of the skyline while learning about Austin’s history and natural beauty. These tours provide a unique way to discover Austin, Texas, attractions downtown and see the city from fresh perspectives.
Group Activities and Shopping
Looking for fun with friends or the perfect souvenir? The list of the top Downtown Austin places to see includes plenty of group-friendly spots and attractions worth exploring.
9. Visit an Escape Room
High on the list of things to do in Downtown Austin is visiting The Escape Game. If you’ve never played an escape room, you should know that 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.
10. Attend a Race
When you asked yourself what there is 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.
11. 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 farmers’ markets in the area or Whole Foods to pick up some necessities. The area is walkable with clean, tree-lined streets.
Top Things To Do in Downtown Austin for Your Next Trip
From outdoor adventures to live music, shopping, dining, and unforgettable tours, the list of things to do in Downtown Austin is nearly endless. Make your trip even better by choosing a comfortable, convenient place to stay nearby with all the amenities you could want. Book your spot at Austin RV Park today and relax knowing you’re just minutes away from all the top Downtown Austin attractions.