A Local's Guide on Things to Do in Austin

Austin is a vibrant and electric city. The heart of the city pulses through the endless music venues and incredible bars and restaurants. There’s always something happening here in the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Austin is effortlessly hip, and locals here are always down for a good time filled with friends, family, great food, and drinks.

 

This city has the vibe of a small town, where everyone is friendly and ready to make new connections, yet it also has the incredible amenities of a big city. It’s the perfect spot to live in Texas if you love excitement and fun. Austin also has lots of great ways to enjoy the outdoors as well. If you’re new to Austin or considering investing in Austin real estate, you might wonder where to start. Our guide will walk you through the best-kept secrets in Austin from a local's perspective.

Austin is located in the heart of Texas and, as such, experiences sunny, beautifully warm weather year-round. With such ample sunshine, Austin has many options for enjoying the great outdoors. You can enjoy the day on the water at Lady Bird Lake. The lake has a great dock with many rental agencies that offer kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing.

 

Another great spot in Austin is Barton Springs. The Springs are a collection of pools filled with natural spring water. Set in a beautiful, natural preserve, the area has grassy hills to relax on and plenty of shade from towering trees.

 

Austin has great parks, and one of the best places to grab a blanket and picnic is Zilker Park. Located in the same park complex as Barton Springs, this park is the perfect spot to have lunch along the Colorado River.

The city is known for its craft beer and music scene, but there is so much more culture to this amazing locale. Austin has several museums, including the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. This is one of the world's largest university art museums and offers rotating and permanent exhibits. For a taste of history, residents can visit The Bullock Texas State History Museum, which showcases the unique history of Texas and Austin.

When the Texas heat becomes too much, there are ample opportunities to seek out air conditioning, including the beautiful Austin Central Library. The library has been newly renovated, and the interior space is open, breezy, and stylish. You can pick out a unique book or magazine or grab a bite in the cafe.

Austin is known for incredible vintage finds and locally owned shops with perfectly curated styles. There’s no shortage of amazing stores to explore for personal fashion as well as home decor. For example, Charm School Vintage is one of the best vintage shops in Austin. With carefully curated selections, this bright and vibrant store has something for everyone.

The beautiful, dry, sunny weather in Austin is perfect for golf all year round, and there are several courses to choose from. The Barton Creek Country Club offers an 18-hole design and stunning views of the Texas hill country. The award-winning club also offers one of the best tennis clubs in Texas, as well as wellness facilities and high-end dining. The Lost Pines Golf Club is an exquisite course at the Lost Pines Resort and Spa by Hyatt. Featuring an award-winning 18-hole golf course, it’s easy to spend the day on the course and relax in the spa afterward.

Austin is famous for its delicious dining options. Food trucks are popular in Austin, and many feature gourmet cuisine and creative menus from local chefs. Tacos are another great choice, as well as classic Southern barbeque and Southern comfort food. Austin also has a lovely upscale dining scene, with restaurants such as Chef Bryce Gilmore’s Barley Swine featuring a creative and seasonal menu with pre-fixe tasting options. Olamaie by Executive Chef Michael Fojtasek and Chef de Cuisine Amanda Turner elevates traditional Southern cuisine to new heights in their upscale, elegant establishment.

The area is known for its incredible craft beer scene. There are tons of locally-owned breweries creating delicious craft beers and ciders all over the city. For example, Austin Beerworks has a lengthy list of house-brewed craft beers for you to try. They also offer tours, tastings, and an amazing outdoor patio to enjoy the sunshine with your drink. Jester King is a world-renowned brewery known for their sour beers and farmhouse ales. They have a beautiful taproom in the Texas countryside just outside of Austin with a delicious kitchen and incredible event space.

Music is a huge part of the culture in Austin, and there are many places to enjoy live music and dance the night away in this hip city. The Continental Club is one of the oldest live music establishments in the city. Since 1955, this classy venue has served Austin residents as one of the best spots for an intimate music experience with country and rock and roll legends. Antone’s Nightclub is another long-standing establishment, hosting some of the most legendary blues musicians in the world, such as B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, for over 40 years in the Austin area.

 

If you’re excited about all the amazing things to do in Austin, you might be ready to make a move. If you’re ready to buy an Austin property, you will want to work with a great realtor. In Austin, there’s no better real estate agent than Kumara Wilcoxon. Kumara is ready to help you with every step of the process and make buying your dream home a breeze.