Things to Do in
Austin, Texas
Coffee Shops:
Radio Coffee & Beer: Cool coffee shop with laid-back patio, live music, coffee and beer.
Houndstooth Coffee: Specialty coffee with locations around Austin.
Merit Coffee: A good stop for espresso, pour-over coffee, or a quick meeting.
Jo’s Coffee: A longtime Austin favorite on South Congress.
Civil Goat Coffee: A neighborhood coffee shop known for its specialty drinks.
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors: A standout East Austin roastery known for exceptional espresso and carefully sourced single-origin coffee.
Fleet Coffee: A small but influential specialty coffee spot with creative seasonal drinks and a distinctly Austin feel.
Desnudo Coffee: A modern coffee trailer serving standout Colombian coffee and inventive signature lattes.
Flat Track Coffee: An industrial-style café with house-roasted coffee, a relaxed patio, and a strong local following.
Terrible Love Coffee: A neighborhood favorite for well-crafted espresso and unique seasonal lattes.
Praxis Coffee Roasters: An independent roaster with a cozy atmosphere and consistently excellent espresso drinks.
Proud Mary Coffee: A destination café known for premium pour-overs, adventurous coffee offerings, and a great breakfast menu.
Restaurants:
Loro: A lively, modern spot combining Texas barbecue with Southeast Asian flavors in a spacious, casual setting.
LeRoy & Lewis Barbecue: An acclaimed new-school barbecue joint known for smoked meats, creative sides, and a fresh take on Texas tradition.
Terry Black’s Barbecue: A classic Austin barbecue stop serving slow-smoked brisket, beef ribs, and traditional Texas sides.
Franklin Barbecue: An iconic Austin destination known for exceptional brisket and some of the best barbecue in Texas; arrive early and expect a line.
Odd Duck: A creative, ingredient-driven restaurant serving seasonal small plates in a relaxed space with an open kitchen.
Suerte: A standout East Austin restaurant known for inventive Mexican cooking, handmade masa, and bold, locally inspired flavors.
Nixta Taqueria: A distinctive neighborhood taqueria serving inventive tacos and tostadas that put a creative spin on traditional Mexican flavors.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya: A unique blend of Texas barbecue and Japanese izakaya, with smoked meats, creative small plates, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
InterStellar BBQ: An award-winning barbecue destination known for expertly smoked meats, inventive sides, and a more modern approach to Texas barbecue.
Uchi: A renowned Austin sushi destination offering inventive Japanese dishes, exceptional seafood, and a polished but approachable atmosphere.
Breweries:
Meanwhile Beer: A spacious brewery with outdoor seating and food options.
Austin Beerworks: A local brewery with a taproom and a range of Texas-made beers.
Jester King Brewery: A Hill Country brewery known for farmhouse ales and its rural setting.
Lazarus Brewing Co.: A local brewery with coffee, beer, and casual food.
Pinthouse Brewing: A brewery and brewpub known for its beer and pizza.
Parks & Hikes:
Zilker Metropolitan Park: A large city park with open green space, walking paths, and views of downtown.
Lady Bird Lake Trail: A popular trail for walking, running, and taking in views of the Austin skyline.
Mount Bonnell: A short climb to panoramic views of Lake Austin and the surrounding hills.
Barton Springs Pool: A natural spring-fed swimming pool and one of Austin’s best-known outdoor spots.
McKinney Falls State Park: Hiking trails, limestone waterfalls, and scenic areas just outside the city.
Rowing Dock: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out on Lady Bird Lake.
Barton Creek Greenbelt: A network of trails for hiking and biking, known for its limestone cliffs.
Sports & Activities:
Topgolf Austin: A driving-range experience with games, food, and drinks.
Peter Pan Mini Golf: An outdoor mini golf course that has been an Austin fixture for decades.
Austin Bouldering Project: Indoor climbing with bouldering areas for different experience levels.
Lions Municipal Golf Course: A historic public golf course near downtown.
Austin Tennis and Pickleball Center: Large public tennis and pickleball center with 10 tournament lighted tennis courts and 8 lighted pickleball courts.
History, Museums & Culture:
Texas State Capitol: Tour the Capitol building and grounds and learn about Texas history.
LBJ Presidential Library: Exhibits on the presidency, American history, and the life of Lyndon B. Johnson.
Bullock Texas State History Museum: Explore the history of Texas through exhibits and artifacts.
Blanton Museum of Art: A major art museum on the University of Texas campus.
Congress Avenue Bridge: Walk across one of Austin’s most recognizable landmarks and take in views of Lady Bird Lake.
Areas to Explore:
South Congress Avenue: Walkable streets lined with local shops, restaurants, and Austin landmarks.
South First Street: A stretch of independent businesses, restaurants, and neighborhood spots.
East Austin: Explore local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and creative businesses.
The Domain: An outdoor shopping and dining district in north Austin.
Austin Central Library: A striking downtown building with public reading spaces, rooftop gardens, and city views.
Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller: Every Sunday year-round from 10am-2pm, browse local food vendors and regional products.
Day Trips & Hill Country Towns:
Dripping Springs: Explore the Hill Country just 25 minutes west of Austin, with scenic drives and local restaurants.
Pedernales Falls State Park: Hiking, river views, and outdoor recreation about an hour from Austin.
Fredericksburg: A historic Hill Country town with local shops, restaurants, and German-Texan history.
Lockhart: A worthwhile drive for anyone interested in Texas barbecue.
Wimberley: A small Hill Country town with local shops, galleries, and nearby outdoor areas.