Austin, Texas, a city celebrated for its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty, offers an eclectic mix of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a visitor eager to explore, Austin has something to captivate you. From mind-bending art installations to thrilling outdoor escapades and spooky historical tours, get ready to discover the best things to do in Austin and make unforgettable memories.
Dive into Austin’s Unique Attractions and Activities
1. Wonderspaces Austin: An Immersive Art Experience
Step into Wonderspaces Austin and prepare to have your perceptions challenged. This indoor art space presents a collection of interactive installations that blend light, mirrors, and technology into a sensory playground. It’s an ideal spot for solo explorers or groups seeking a unique and engaging experience, offering plenty of room to wander and wonder. Be sure to book your tickets online as this popular attraction often sells out.
2. Lady Bird Lake Cruises: Sightseeing and Sunset Views
Lady Bird Lake is the heart of Austin, and what better way to experience it than from the water? While famous for bat watching tours in warmer months, the lake offers year-round appeal with sunset, sightseeing, and moonlight cruises. Several companies provide boat tours, allowing you to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding nature. For a more active experience, consider a kayaking tour, especially delightful on a sunny Austin afternoon.
View Sightseeing Tours on Lady Bird Lake
3. Austin Duck Adventures: Land and Lake Tour
For a comprehensive tour of Austin, hop aboard Austin Duck Adventures. This unique land and water tour is a city favorite, starting downtown and cruising through iconic streets like 6th Street and Congress Avenue, offering views of the Texas Capitol. The real thrill begins when the amphibious vehicle plunges into Lake Austin for a relaxing float before returning to land. Tours operate daily, providing a fun and informative way to see Austin from multiple perspectives.
4. Haunted ATX Hearse Tours: Spooky and Unique City Exploration
Embrace Austin’s weird side with Haunted ATX Hearse Tours. These spooky tours utilize converted hearses and vans adorned with eerie artwork to transport you to historic locations with ghostly tales. Perfect for those seeking a blend of history and horror, the three-hour tour delves into the chilling stories behind Austin’s landmarks. It’s a memorable and unconventional way to experience the city’s darker side, appealing to both locals and visitors.
5. Slick Dick’s Wild Ride: An Adult Arcade Adventure
Looking for a risqué and riotous time? Slick Dick’s Wild Ride offers an adult-themed arcade experience unlike any other. Gather your friends for Texas-sized laughs with games like the mischievous mechanical bull, “Marvin,” and the “Whack-A-D*ck” machine. This playful and provocative venue is ideal for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or any celebration where laughter and adult humor are on the menu.
6. Purrfecto Cat Lounge: Cuddles and Coffee with Cats
Cat lovers, rejoice! Purrfecto Cat Lounge is Austin’s only cat lounge, offering a serene space to relax with feline friends. Whether you need a kitty fix or are looking to adopt a new family member, this chic lounge provides a heartwarming experience. Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries while surrounded by adorable, adoptable cats in a comfortable and stylish environment.
7. Unchartered Adventures: Unleash Your Inner Thrill-Seeker
For those with pent-up energy or a need for adrenaline, Unchartered Adventures is the place to be. Originally known for its Rage Room, where you could smash breakables in protective gear, they’ve expanded to offer Smash Cars, Escape Rooms, Splatter Paint, and Zombie Airsoft. This venue is packed with high-octane activities perfect for creating unforgettable memories and letting loose.
8. Zero Latency VR: Step into Another Reality
Ever dreamt of being inside a video game? Zero Latency VR makes it possible. This virtual reality experience fully immerses you in different worlds where you can fight zombies, explore sci-fi landscapes, and embark on thrilling adventures with friends. Free-roam VR technology allows for a truly interactive and adrenaline-pumping experience, making you the hero of your own virtual story.
9. Paniq Room Escape Rooms: Test Your Wits
Challenge your problem-solving skills at Paniq Room, offering a variety of immersive escape room experiences. Choose from themes like Cartel Crackdown, Insane Asylum, Wizard Trials, and Pirates of Tortuga. Whether you’re defusing a drug cartel or navigating a pirate ship, these escape rooms provide engaging and challenging fun for groups of friends, families, or coworkers.
10. Lake Travis Zip Lines: Adventure Above the Trees
Elevate your Austin experience with Lake Travis Zip Lines. Soar through the air, zipping across forests and water for an exhilarating and scenic adventure. This is not just a zip line; it’s a chance to fly above the beautiful landscapes of Lake Travis, offering incredible photo opportunities and bragging rights. Perfect for thrill-seekers looking to add a unique outdoor activity to their Austin visit.
11. Austin Heli Tours: Breathtaking City Views from Above
See Austin like never before with Austin Heli Tours. Helicopter tours provide unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, landmarks, and the surrounding Hill Country. Choose from sunset tours, evening flights, or customized routes to see UT stadium, Circuit of the Americas (COTA), or downtown Austin from a spectacular vantage point. It’s a luxurious and unforgettable way to appreciate the beauty of Austin.
12. Museum of the Weird: Embrace Austin’s Eccentricity
Dive into the heart of Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit at the Museum of the Weird. Located on historic 6th Street, this museum is a treasure trove of oddities and curiosities. From shrunken heads to怪兽 and bizarre artifacts, it’s an authentically Austin experience that’s both accessible and utterly eccentric. Prepare to be amazed and bewildered by the unique sights within.
View Museum of the Weird
13. Boozy Scoop Ice Cream Bar: Adult Treats with a Kick
Indulge in a grown-up treat at Boozy Scoop Ice Cream Bar. This unique ice cream shop infuses every flavor with your favorite liquors, creating delicious and spirited scoops. Enjoy flavors like S’mores Whiskey, Banana Pudding Whiskey, and Peanut Butter Whiskey, or opt for non-alcoholic options. It’s the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth with an adult twist.
View Boozy Scoop Ice Cream Bar
14. The Escape Game Austin: Top-Rated Escape Room Adventures
Ranked as the #1 escape room in Austin, The Escape Game offers thrilling and immersive experiences in the heart of downtown. Choose from six different adventures, including Prison Break, The Heist, and Gold Rush, and work collaboratively with your team to solve puzzles and escape within the time limit. It’s a fantastic activity for team building, family fun, or a night out with friends.
15. Explore Austin’s Culinary Scene: Dine at the Best Restaurants
Austin’s restaurant scene is booming, attracting culinary talent and offering diverse dining experiences. From Tex-Mex to BBQ, fine dining to food trucks, Austin caters to every palate. Explore the city’s gastronomic delights and discover why Austin is becoming a foodie destination. Check out local guides to find the best spots for your culinary adventure.
View Best Restaurants in Austin
16. The Range at Austin: Firearm Fun and Skill Showcase
For a unique and exhilarating activity, visit The Range at Austin. This state-of-the-art facility offers an immersive shooting experience with a variety of firearms packages. Try pistols, shotguns, rifles, or even automatic weapons like an Uzi. Safety officers provide guidance, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for both beginners and experienced shooters.
17. Esther’s Follies: Austin’s Iconic Comedy Show
Experience Austin’s legendary comedy scene at Esther’s Follies on 6th Street. This long-running show blends political satire, magic, and musical performances into a Broadway-caliber production. Known for its sharp wit and evolving content, Esther’s Follies provides a hilarious and insightful look at current events and Austin culture. It’s a must-see for visitors seeking a taste of Austin’s unique entertainment.
18. Texas Hill Country Distillery Tours: Taste Local Spirits
Escape the city and explore the scenic Texas Hill Country with a distillery tour. Austin Tour Company offers private tours to celebrated distilleries in Dripping Springs, including Dripping Springs Distilling, Treaty Oaks Distillery, and Desert Door Distillery. Enjoy tastings, learn about the distillation process, and soak in the beautiful Hill Country views. It’s a perfect outing for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or a relaxed group getaway.
19. Texas State Capitol Tours: History and Politics in Austin
Delve into Texas history and politics with a tour of the Texas State Capitol. Explore the impressive architecture and learn about the state’s legislative processes. While you can stroll the grounds and take photos, a guided tour with Texas Capitol City Tours provides deeper insights and historical context. It’s an educational and engaging experience for anyone interested in Texas’s unique identity.
View Texas State Capitol Tours
20. Axe Escape: Axe Throwing and Sharp Fun
Unleash your inner warrior at Axe Escape, where you can try your hand at axe throwing and other sharp object games. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, Axe Escape provides a fun and safe environment to learn and compete. With a full bar and spacious venue, it’s an excellent spot for parties and group outings.
21. YourBikerGang.com: Explore Austin on Two Wheels
Discover Austin in a fun and active way with YourBikerGang.com. Awarded TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice for seven years, their e-bike tours offer a fantastic way to see the city. Choose from themed tours or explore Austin’s music history on a walking tour. E-bike rentals are also available for independent exploration. It’s a highly-rated and memorable Austin experience.
22. Paranormal Investigations with Haunted ATX: Communicate with Spirits
For a truly unique and spooky experience, join Haunted ATX for a Paranormal Investigation at The Clay Pit at The Bertram Building. Held on Saturday nights, this tour offers an intimate opportunity to use spirit boxes, EMF detectors, and thermal cameras to communicate with the other side. It’s a thrilling adventure for anyone fascinated by ghosts and paranormal phenomena.
View Paranormal Investigations
23. Live Love Paddle: Kayak and Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
Get on the water with Live Love Paddle and enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing on Lady Bird Lake. Known for their bat watching kayak tours during bat season, they also offer rentals year-round for sightseeing and exercise. The views of downtown Austin from the lake are stunning, especially at sunset. It’s a relaxing and picturesque way to experience Austin’s natural beauty.
24. Lone Star Party Boats: Party on Lake Travis at Devil’s Cove
Experience Austin’s legendary party scene at Devil’s Cove on Lake Travis with Lone Star Party Boats. Rent single or double-decker boats equipped with captains, floating pads, and coolers for a day of fun on the water. Devil’s Cove is known for its lively atmosphere, where boats tie up together, creating a floating party and dance floor. It’s the ultimate Austin lake experience.
25. Novel Escape: Literary-Themed Escape Rooms
For escape room enthusiasts seeking a literary twist, Novel Escape is a must-visit. Their escape rooms are based on classic novels, with their main game themed around “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Escape a submarine before time runs out in this immersive and challenging experience. Novel Escape offers private games, ensuring a personalized adventure for your group.
26. soFly Social: Aerial Dance and Fitness Classes
Try something unique and exhilarating with an aerial dance class at soFly Social. Express your creativity and fitness through aerial silks, hoops, and dance. Book a class for yourself or a group of friends and experience the joy of aerial movement in a supportive and fun environment.
27. Austin Nightlife: Explore the Best Bars and Entertainment
Austin’s nightlife is legendary, extending beyond the famous 6th Street to diverse districts throughout the city. Whether you prefer breweries with outdoor seating, lively dance clubs, or chill lounges, Austin has a bar scene to match your style. Explore local guides to discover the hottest spots for your night out, from live music venues to craft cocktail bars.
View the Best Bars in Austin
28. South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Keep Austin Weird Shopping and Culture
Immerse yourself in the “Keep Austin Weird” movement on South Congress Avenue. This iconic street is packed with unique boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, restaurants, and live music venues. While becoming more upscale, SoCo still retains its quirky charm and remains a top destination for visitors seeking an authentic Austin experience.
29. Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk: Scenic Walks and Bike Rides
Enjoy the outdoors in downtown Austin with a walk, jog, or bike ride on the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk. This scenic path completes a 10.2-mile loop around the lake, offering stunning views and easy access for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a perfect way to exercise, enjoy nature, and soak in the city atmosphere.
30. The Domain: Upscale Shopping and Entertainment in North Austin
For a different Austin experience, visit The Domain in North Austin. This upscale shopping and entertainment district features high-end brands, restaurants, nightlife, and boutiques. In contrast to the quirky vibe of SoCo, The Domain offers a modern, sophisticated urban environment, perfect for shopping, dining, and socializing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Activities
What are some top indoor attractions in Austin?
- Wonderspaces Austin
- Museum of the Weird
- The Escape Game Austin
- The Range at Austin
- Zero Latency VR
- Purrfecto Cat Lounge
- Slick Dick’s Wild Ride
- Boozy Scoop Ice Cream Bar
- Esther’s Follies
- Paniq Room Escape Rooms
- soFly Social
- Axe Escape
What are some free things to do in Austin?
- Walk or bike the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk
- Explore Zilker Park (entry is free, some activities within may cost)
- Visit the Texas State Capitol grounds (tours are free but timed)
- Stroll South Congress Avenue (window shopping and people-watching are free)
- Hike trails in the Greenbelt
Where can I find natural swimming holes in Austin?
- Barton Springs Pool
- Deep Eddy Pool
- Hamilton Pool Preserve (reservations often required, small fee)
- Sculpture Falls
- Twin Falls
Explore More of Austin
This guide offers just a glimpse into the diverse range of activities Austin has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, relaxation, or something uniquely weird, Austin is ready to welcome you. Dive in and discover your perfect Austin experience!
