Is Austin Worth Visiting?
If you plan to move to Austin, Texas, let us be the first to say—lucky you! With a motto like “keep Austin weird,” you know you’ll experience an eclectic mix of adventure in a city known for its party atmosphere, dog-friendly attitude, and amazing food scene. But, with so much to do and see, where do you even start?
Keep reading for the ten things you need to do on your first trip to Austin, Texas. This list contains a mix of live music, food and entertainment venues, Texas history and culture, outdoor activities, and scenes you can only see in Austin. Hold onto your hats, and head out for some fun in the live music capital of the world.
Related: Dog-Friendly Places in Austin, TX
Things to Do on Your First Trip to Austin, Texas
Continental Club
Known as “the granddaddy of live music venues,“ the Continental Club first made its mark in Austin in 1955. The venue got its start as a private supper club, but over time it became known for its nightly shows of roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock, and blues music. In a city known for its live music, the Continental Club is the crown jewel. Come here to enjoy a drink, do a little dancing, and engage in some spectacular people-watching.
6th Street
A can’t-miss destination on your first trip to Austin, Texas, 6th Street attracts tourists and locals looking for an exciting night out. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, bars, restaurants, and fun activities keep 6th Street buzzing both day and night. This entertainment district is broken into three parts, each with its own distinct vibe. Old 6th Street, also known as Dirty 6th, consists of the original and sometimes rowdy part. Nevertheless, this section of 6th Street contains a variety of upscale restaurants, chill pubs, and family-friendly activities. West 6th feels more eclectic with its variety of dance clubs, outdoor patio ice-house venues, upscale restaurants, and college student hangouts. Finally, East 6th’s hipster vibe lends itself to the outdoor spaces, craft breweries, assorted food trucks, and live music that fill this portion of the street.
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue, often called “SoCo,” is known for some of Austin’s best local boutiques, trendy restaurants, hot bars, electric live music, and iconic street art. The eclectic and historic SoCo shows off Austin’s unique blend of history, culture, and creativity. From food trucks to gourmet dining experiences, the plentiful options here please every palate. As you walk along the streets of SoCo, you’ll come across the famous “Greetings from Austin” mural and stumble across one-of-a-kind treasures in the local shops.
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
Located on the University of Texas campus, the LBJ Presidential Library houses historical documents, photos, and recordings from President Johnson’s long political career. The library displays a number of temporary and permanent exhibits, including the First Lady’s Gallery and the Great Hall. It hosts educational events and brings in speakers throughout the year.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Named in honor of Texas’s 38th Lieutenant Governor, Bob Bullock, the Bullock Texas State History Museum offers “an insider’s look at Texas history.” Visitors of all ages can learn the story of Texas through exhibitions, films, symposiums, community events, and family programs. The museum also supports the Texas Story Project, which collects, preserves, and shares “the memories and experiences of Texas people, places, and objects.”
Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art, located on the University of Texas campus, is one of the top five campus museums in the country, but it also holds the primary art collection of Austin itself. With over 21,000 pieces in its permanent collection, the museum shares art from the ancient Greeks to contemporary pieces. The Blanton also hosts a number of traveling exhibitions throughout the year. Each time you visit, you’ll find a new piece to love.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
Austin’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” and the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching certainly helps the city achieve that mission. This seasonal attraction occurs from about mid-March to mid-October. Each night, crowds gather to watch a colony of about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the underside of the Congress Avenue Bridge. The experience lasts about forty-five minutes and is truly one you can only find in Austin.
Zilker Park
Every trip to Austin, Texas should include a day at Zilker Park. This huge green space in South Austin covers over 350 acres of land and includes a number of attractions, including the famous Barton Spring Municipal Pool, a three-acre pool fed by underground springs, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, Violet Crown Trail, and so much more. The park also serves as the site of October’s annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. With so many beautiful days in Austin, you can find activities to do in Zilker Park year-round.
Uncommon Objects
Described as “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids,” Uncommon Objects is a collective of twenty-four antique sellers on a mission to bring you quirky, one-of-a-kind gifts. Many people walk through this shop and forget that it is not a museum, that everything is for sale. On the last Sunday of every month, Uncommon Objects hosts Uncommon Flea, “a dynamic marketplace for all things vintage, found and made.”
Allens Boots
If you plan to live in Austin, you need to look the part. Allens Boots has been called “the greatest Western store there is” for nearly fifty years. Allen’s sells the widest selection of boots and even offers matching belts, hats, silver buckles, and authentic Western apparel. Patrons can also purchase custom-made boots designed just for them.
Visit Austin First, Stay Forever
Now that you know where to go on your first trip to Austin, Texas, you can start thinking about more practical matters, like utilities and service providers and other things you should do before moving to Austin. When you’re ready to find the perfect place to live, let AptAmigo help! Our apartment finders will scout available rentals in Austin based on your unique criteria. Once you narrow down the list, we’ll even schedule your tours. Moving is stressful enough. Let us make it easier.
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Lori Walker is a freelance writer and content marketer. She writes personal essays, memoir, and poetry in Tulsa, where she lives with her husband and cat, Joan Didion.
