Start with the Texas State Capitol (free tours), Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park, the 10-mile Lady Bird Lake trail loop and, from late spring to early fall, the Congress Avenue Bridge bats. Austin also brands itself the Live Music Capital of the World®, so build one evening around a venue calendar. The table below lists verified facts and conditions for each.
Things to do in Austin
What to do in Austin, with verified facts, conditions and limits.
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Top things to do — verified facts
| Attraction | Key facts | Conditions and limits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State Capitol | Free guided tours (Mon–Sat 9:00–4:15, Sun 12:00–4:15); self-guided Mon–Fri 7:00–8:00, Sat–Sun 9:00–8:00 | Hours and tour availability can change; check the State Preservation Board | Texas State Preservation Board |
| Barton Springs Pool (Zilker Park) | Three acres; spring-fed; averages 68–70°F | Fees, hours and cleaning closures change; entry arrangements have changed during construction | City of Austin Parks and Recreation |
| Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail | 10-mile loop; the Boardwalk section is 1.3 miles | Shared by walkers, runners and cyclists; summer heat | City of Austin; The Trail Conservancy |
| Congress Avenue Bridge bats | About 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats; emerge after sunset | Late spring to early fall only | Visit Austin; Bat Conservation International |
| Barton Creek Greenbelt | 12-plus miles of trail; multiple trailheads | Swimming holes depend on recent rainfall; rocky terrain | City of Austin; Visit Austin |
| Zilker Botanical Garden | Inside Zilker Metropolitan Park (350-plus acres) | Check hours and admission with the City of Austin | City of Austin Parks and Recreation |
| Live music | Austin is branded the Live Music Capital of the World® | Check each venue's calendar and ticket rules; shows change nightly | Visit Austin |
How to plan it
- One day: pick downtown (Capitol, Boardwalk, bats in season) or outdoors (Barton Springs, Zilker).
- Two days: follow the weekend itinerary.
- Heat: June–September normal highs are 91.4–97.8°F; go early and drink water (see the climate table).
- Tours and tickets: the Booking.com link below is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
Explore by interest
Something for every kind of day.
Go further
Beyond the center.
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Search tours and attractions in Austin. The Booking.com link is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Austin?
The Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, the Lady Bird Lake trail, South Congress, live music and — in season — the Congress Avenue Bridge bats.
Is the Capitol free to visit?
The Texas State Preservation Board lists free guided tours and self-guided touring; hours are on its site.
When can I see the bats in Austin?
From late spring to early fall, after sunset, according to Visit Austin.
Are tours worth booking in advance?
For popular dates (event weekends), booking ahead reduces the risk of sell-outs. We have not tested particular tours.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 11, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Capitol tours — Texas State Preservation Board
- Capitol hours and contact — Texas State Preservation Board
- About Barton Springs Pool — City of Austin Parks and Recreation
- Zilker Metropolitan Park — City of Austin Parks and Recreation
- Zilker Botanical Garden — City of Austin Parks and Recreation
- Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake — City of Austin Parks and Recreation
- Trail Conservancy: Maps and Parking — The Trail Conservancy
- Bat watching in Austin — Visit Austin
- 7 tips for a night at Congress Avenue Bridge — Bat Conservation International
- Barton Creek Greenbelt — City of Austin Parks and Recreation
- Guide to Austin's Barton Creek Greenbelt — Visit Austin
- Visit Austin — Visit Austin (Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau)
- Things to do in Austin — Visit Austin
- U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, Austin Camp Mabry (USW00013958) — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
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