Austin, Texas is known for its vibrant culture, rich music scene, and delicious food. But there’s so much more to the great city of Austin than its famous staples. From beautiful parks to unique museums, there are countless attractions to explore in the city. Here are the top 10 must-see attractions in Austin, TX.
- Barton Springs Pool
- Mount Bonnell
- Zilker Park
- The State Capitol
- The Austin Zoo
- The Congress Avenue Bridge
- The Bullock Texas State History Museum
- The Blanton Museum of Art
1. Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a top must-see attraction in Austin, TX. Located in Zilker Park and fed by underground springs, the pool is an oasis in the heart of the city. It’s open to the public 365 days a year, and admission is just $3 for adults and free for kids. With its cool, clean waters, it’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
It’s also a great place to observe wildlife. Ducks and turtles can often be spotted around the pool, and it’s a great spot for bird-watching. There’s also plenty of wildlife in Zilker Park, including rabbits, armadillos, and even deer.
The pool is also home to an array of special events, such as movie nights and live music performances. Every summer, the pool hosts its “Splash Bash” event, which features games, food, and fun for the whole family.
Barton Springs Pool is a top must-see attraction in Austin. Whether you’re looking to cool off in its clean, cool waters or observe some of the city’s amazing wildlife, it’s a great spot to explore.
2. Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a must-see attraction in Austin and the highest point in the city. Located in the Colorado River Valley, its peak offers breathtaking views of the city and its Hill Country surroundings. Mount Bonnell is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk, and visitors can also take a guided tour of the area to learn more about its history.
The trail to the summit is a moderate climb of about 75 steps, but it’s definitely worth the effort. As you ascend the stairs, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush foliage and the sounds of nature. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views of the city and the area’s rolling hills.
Mount Bonnell is a great destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s a great place to take in the beauty of the city and get some fresh air and exercise. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an interesting exploration of Austin’s history, Mount Bonnell is a must-see attraction.
3. Zilker Park
Zilker Park is one of the most beloved attractions in Austin, TX. Located in the heart of the city, this 350-acre park offers a variety of recreational activities and is the perfect spot to spend an enjoyable day outdoors. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for some relaxation, Zilker Park has something to offer.
The park is home to lush gardens, running trails, and even a disc golf course. Take a stroll through the Zilker Botanical Garden, where you can find a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a peaceful koi pond. Or, bring your running shoes and explore the trails that wind through the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at disc golf.
No matter how you decide to spend your time at Zilker Park, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty and charm of Austin. With its lush greenery, vibrant scenery, and relaxing atmosphere, the park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation in the great city of Austin.
4. The State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is an iconic Austin landmark and one of the top must-see attractions in the city. As the home of the Texas legislature and steeped in the state’s history, it’s a must-visit destination. The building itself is an impressive display of Victorian architecture and stands out against the skyline.
If you’re looking to get a closer look at the Capitol, there are guided tours available that provide a more in-depth understanding of the building’s history and design. Visitors can explore the chambers, galleries, and halls, and learn about the pivotal events that have taken place within its walls.
The Capitol also features a museum that showcases the history of Texas, from its time as a republic to its rise as a state. The museum houses artifacts, artwork, and documents from the various eras of Texas’ past and present. You can learn about the state’s culture, economy, and politics, as well as the contributions the state has made to the nation.
The Texas State Capitol is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Austin. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the city. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just want to admire the building, the Capitol is sure to be an unforgettable visit.
5. The Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is a great spot for animal lovers who seek to learn more about the animal kingdom. With over 300 animals, the Austin Zoo offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with tigers, monkeys, birds, and more. Visitors can take part in the zoo’s educational programs, such as the “Behind the Scenes” tour which gives an inside look at the zoo’s animal care and welfare facility. There’s also the “Barnyard Buddies” program, which allows guests to interact with the zoo’s farm animals and get a chance to feed them. The Austin Zoo also offers various activities such as animal presentations, encounters, and shows. This is a great way to learn more about the animals and their behaviors. For a truly memorable experience, visitors can even book a private tour and take part in animal feedings and training. The Austin Zoo is a great spot to explore and learn something new about the animal kingdom.
6. The Congress Avenue Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bridge is a must-see destination in Austin. This iconic bridge spans the Colorado River and offers a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the city. It’s home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, with over a million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging at sunset each night during the summer months. It’s a sight to behold and provides a unique experience for visitors.
In addition to the incredible bat viewing experience, the Congress Avenue Bridge also offers spectacular views of the city skyline. From here, you can see the entire downtown area, including the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and the city’s beautiful hills and lakes. The bridge is also home to some great restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.
The Congress Avenue Bridge is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Austin. Whether you’re looking for a unique experience or just want to take in the city skyline, you can find it here. So don’t miss out on this incredible attraction when you’re in town!
7. The Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Austin, TX. This museum is the perfect place to explore the history of Texas from its Native American roots to the present day. With interactive exhibits and a theater, the museum offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages.
The museum is home to a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits, including one of the most extensive collections of Texas artifacts in the country. Not to be missed is the Texas Spirit Theater, which features a 4D movie experience that takes visitors on a journey through the history of the Lone Star State. For visitors interested in astronomy, the museum features a planetarium, where they can explore the night sky.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a great way to get an in-depth look at the culture and history of the great state of Texas. Whether you’re a long-time Texan or just visiting, this museum is a must-see attraction in Austin. With its interactive exhibits, theater, and planetarium, it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
8. The Blanton Museum of Art
- Explore the largest university art museum! The Blanton Museum of Art is the largest university art museum in the country, offering a range of permanent and rotating exhibitions that feature everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. Plus, the museum has an on-site café and gift shop, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring the art Austin has to offer.
- Visit a hidden oasis in the heart of Austin! Mayfield Park and Preserve is a hidden oasis in the heart of Austin. The preserve is home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other animals, as well as a tranquil lake and colorful gardens. It’s the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Enjoy a variety of activities at Zilker Park! Zilker Park is a 350-acre urban park in the heart of Austin. It has something for everyone, from swimming and fishing in Barton Springs to playing sports or picnicking in the grassy fields. There’s also a variety of special events, such as the annual Zilker Park Kite Festival, that occur throughout the year.
- Explore the iconic State Capitol Building! The Texas State Capitol building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Austin. The building is open to the public, offering guided tours and the chance to learn more about the state’s history and politics. Plus, the building’s grounds are often used for special events and festivals, making it a great place to visit year-round.
- See the famous bridge and its famous inhabitants! The Congress Avenue Bridge is one of the most famous attractions in Austin. The bridge is home to a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats, and every evening at sunset, the bats take flight in an impressive show of nature’s wonders. The bridge also offers stunning views of the city skyline, making it a must-see for any visitor.
