Best Things to do in Austin | Must-see attractions 2025

Blanton Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd at Congress Ave University of Texas at Austin

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The Jack S Blanton Museum of Art in Austin houses over 21,000 works, focusing on 20th-century American and Latin American art. It is the largest university art museum in the U.S.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

General Admission: $12, Students & Seniors: $8, Free for UT Students & Children under 12.

Texas Memorial Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

University of Texas at Austin (2400 Trinity Street)

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Texas Memorial Museum in Austin houses exhibits on biological diversity, fossils, and Texas wildlife, offering self-guided tours and audio guides for all ages.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Austin Convention Center

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Business Center

500 E Cesar Chavez St (btwn Trinity & Red River St)

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Austin Convention Center is a multi-purpose venue in Austin, US, serving as a hub for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, with extensive facilities and spaces.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free entry during public events; some special events may require a paid ticket.

Pennybacker Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy

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Pennybacker Bridge, located in Austin, Texas, features a weathered steel arch and offers panoramic views for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free to access. No ticket required.

Pease Park

Open 24 hours

Park

1100 Kingsbury

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Pease Park in Austin, Texas, offers 82 acres of green space, trails, and recreational facilities, making it a popular urban park for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

French Legation Museum

Tu-Su 13:00-17:00

Museum

802 San Marcos Street

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French Legation Museum, Austin's oldest home, served as the diplomatic outpost for France in 1841. It's a historic site operated by the Daughters of The Republic of Texas.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Texas Music Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1009 East 11th Street

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Texas Music Museum in Austin explores the state's rich musical heritage through exhibits, performances, and archives, offering an engaging cultural experience.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require an admission fee.

West Austin Park

Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

1317 W 10th St Clarksville neighborhood

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West Austin Park is a notable park located in Travis County, Texas, offering recreational spaces and scenic views ideal for families and nature lovers.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No fee for park entry; activities may vary.

Duncan Park

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

900 W. 9th Street

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Duncan Park in Austin offers lush greenery, recreational spaces, and a peaceful environment for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fees for entry.

Joslin Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

2106 Cimarron Trail

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Joslin Park in Sunset, Texas offers vast green spaces for recreation, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Garrison Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

6001 Manchaca Rd

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Garrison Park in Sunset, Texas offers extensive green spaces, sports facilities, and playgrounds, providing a recreational oasis for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

LBJ Presidential Library

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2313 Red River St (at E Dean Keeton St.)

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The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin showcases the life and legacy of the 36th President through documents, photographs, and artifacts.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

$3-$10 per person. Free for children 12 and under, active military, student groups, and UT Austin students/staff with ID.

Butler Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

1000 Barton Springs Rd

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Butler Park, located in Austin, Texas, is a spacious park featuring trails, open green areas, and a scenic view of Zilker Park and downtown Austin.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Hemphill Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

201 W 30th St

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Hemphill Park in Austin, Texas offers recreational space in Travis County, featuring walking trails, green spaces, and playgrounds for visitors of all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Daughters of the Republic of Texas Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

510 E Anderson Ln

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The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Museum, located in Austin, showcases Texan heritage with artifacts, historical documents, and exhibits detailing the state's history.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

West Woods Shopping Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

West Lake Hills

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West Woods Shopping Center in Austin, United States, features diverse shopping options, eateries, and entertainment facilities, catering to all age groups.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required to access the shopping center.

Morris Williams Golf Course

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

3851 Manor Rd.

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Morris Williams Golf Course in Austin, Texas offers an engaging experience with its well-maintained 18-hole course and scenic views, appealing to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees vary; typically around $25 for adults.

Brodie Oaks Shopping Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

4021 S Capital of Texas Hwy

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Brodie Oaks Shopping Center in Sunset, United States, features a variety of shopping areas, dining options, and recreational spaces for visitors of all ages.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. Shopping and dining at the center are free, but individual store pricing varies.

West Gate Shopping Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

Austin

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West Gate Shopping Center in Sunset, United States offers a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a local retail hub.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a separate ticket.

Lott Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

Austin

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Lott Park is a recreational park in Travis County, Texas, offering green spaces, playgrounds, and facilities for various outdoor activities.

Duration: Approximately 1–2 hours.

Free. No entry fees are required to access the park.

Southtowne Square Shopping Center

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

Austin

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Southtowne Square Shopping Center in Austin features various shopping areas, making it a notable destination for retail therapy and family outings.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a fee.

Sunset Valley Marketfair Shopping Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

5400 Brodie Ln

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Sunset Valley Marketfair Shopping Center offers a variety of shopping experiences with numerous retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues in Sunset, United States.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. Costs may apply for some events or special activities.

Austin City Hall

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

301 W 2nd St

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Austin City Hall houses the local government offices of Austin, Texas, showcasing modern architecture and public art installations.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

House of Torment

7:00 PM–midnight

Theme Park

2632 Ridgepoint Dr

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House of Torment in Austin features an eerie haunted experience with meticulously designed sets, live actors, and mind-bending scares. A premier haunt attraction for thrill-seekers.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

$30 for adults, $25 for children (under 12) during standard operational hours. Special express passes available for an additional charge.

Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

6506 Bob Wentz Park Road

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Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point offers scenic views, swimming areas, and picnic spots along Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some activities like boat rentals may incur fees.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

5:30 AM–10:00 PM

Park

3505 West 35th Street

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Mayfield Park is a serene 21-acre nature preserve in Austin, Texas, featuring walking trails and free-roaming peacocks in a tranquil wildlife habitat.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

09:00-17:00

Museum

1800 Congress Ave (at Martin Luther King Jr Blvd)

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Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin presents Texas' diverse history through interactive exhibits, IMAX films, and educational programs.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General admission: $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for children (4-17 years). Parking costs $10.

Roy G Guerrero Colorado River Park

Open 24 hours

Park

400 Grove Boulevard

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Roy G Guerrero Colorado River Park in Austin, Texas features play equipment, disc golf, and scenic trails along the Colorado River.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Congress Avenue Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

South Congress Avenue

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The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, is home to around 1.5 million bats, offering a unique wildlife experience right in the city center.

Duration: 1-2 hours for a bat watch.

Free. Donations for local wildlife conservation efforts are appreciated.

Texas Military Forces Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2200 W 35th St Building 6 Camp Mabry

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Texas Military Forces Museum in Austin offers insights into Texas' military history through exhibits and artifacts, emphasizing the state's contributions to national defense.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

University of Texas at Austin

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

College

Guadalupe and I-35 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 26th St.

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The University of Texas at Austin, established in 1883, is a major public research university with over 50,000 students and seven museums on campus.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions at museums may require a paid ticket.

Brentwood Neighborhood Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

6710 Arroyo Seco

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Brentwood Park in Austin offers playgrounds, sports facilities, and natural beauty, making it a prime location for outdoor activities and family outings.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. All activities and facilities are accessible without a fee.

Shipe Playground

7:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

4400 Avenue G

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Shipe Playground in Austin offers an engaging outdoor space with recreational amenities for children and families, including playground equipment, sports fields, and picnic areas.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free access. No charges apply for use of playground facilities and sports areas.

Govalle Playground

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

5200 Bolm Road

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Govalle Playground is a community park in Austin, Texas. It features various recreational facilities and open green spaces, ideal for families and outdoor activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee is required to access the park.

The Domain

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

11410 Century Oaks Terrace (Palm Way)

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The Domain in Austin offers over 100 upscale and mainstream shops, dining, and four hotels, making it a premier shopping destination in Texas.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Shopping and dining do not require an entry fee.

Zilker Botanical Garden

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

2220 Barton Springs Rd

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Zilker Botanical Gardens spans 31 acres in Austin, Texas, featuring native and exotic plants, ponds, trails, historic artifacts, and educational programs for all ages.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Entrance fee: Cash or check only. Children under 12 free; adults $2.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

4801 La Crosse Ave (Sundrop Valley Dr)

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The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin promotes native plant conservation through its gardens, research, and education programs. Open year-round.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $12, Seniors (65+): $10, Students: $8, Children under 12: Free.

Thinkery

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1830 Simond Ave

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Thinkery in Austin offers interactive science and art experiences for families, encouraging exploration and creativity through hands-on activities.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Admission is paid. Discounts for families and groups are available.

Thompson Conference Center

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

2405 E Campus Dr (at University of Texas at Austin)

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Thompson Conference Center in Austin offers versatile meeting spaces, advanced technology, and a scenic setting for conferences, workshops, and events.

Duration: 2-4 hours for events.

Varies. Venue rental may incur costs; inquire for specific events.

Saint Edward's University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

College

3001 S Congress Ave (Woodward St.)

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Saint Edward's University, a private Catholic institution in Austin, Texas, offers diverse programs to approximately 4500 students, emphasizing a global perspective.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free for campus visits. Specific events may have associated costs.

Austin Zoo

09:30-18:00

Zoo

10808 Rawhide Trail

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Austin Zoo, located in Texas, features 350+ rescued animals including big cats, monkeys, bears, and reptiles, alongside a scenic train tour.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Adults: $15, Children (ages 2-12): $10, under 2: Free.

Mexic Arte Museum

Mo-Th 10:00-18:00, Fr,Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00

Museum

419 Congress Ave (at 5th St)

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Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin showcases traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art, featuring rotating exhibitions and a rich permanent collection.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Neill-Cochran House

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2310 San Gabriel St

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Neill-Cochran House Museum, one of Austin's oldest buildings, showcases the city's early history and features original furnishings and rotating exhibits.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Walter E. Long Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

6614 Blue Bluff Rd

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Walter E Long Metro Park is a large, scenic park in Austin, Texas, featuring a lake, trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas, ideal for outdoor activities.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Disch Field

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Park

800 West Riverside Drive

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Disch Field is a baseball venue located in Austin, Texas, home to the Texas Longhorns. It serves as a hub for college baseball in the region.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours during game days.

Ticket prices vary by game; typically around $10 for adults, $5 for children.

One World Theatre

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

7701 FM 2244 Rd (S Weston Ln)

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One World Theatre in Austin emphasizes cultural diversity with events, performances, and a stunning architectural design, set against a natural backdrop.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours based on events.

Varies by event. Check the official website for specific performance details.

River City Bingo

1:00 PM–11:00 PM

Casino

900 E Braker Ln #180 (at Interstate Hwy. 35)

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River City Bingo in Austin offers thrilling bingo games, community events, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for entertainment enthusiasts.

Duration: Around 2-3 hours.

Entry Fee: $10. Special promotions may apply on certain days.

Lakeway Airpark

Open 24 hours

Airport

115 Flying Scot St

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Lakeway Airpark is a public-use airport located in Austin, Texas, offering a unique flying experience with a community-focused atmosphere.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free access to the airport; some community events may have fees.

Concordia University Austin

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

11400 Concordia University Dr (620)

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Concordia University Austin is a private Christian university offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in a vibrant campus setting in Austin, Texas.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some events and workshops may require registration fees.

The Backyard

5:00 PM–1:00 AM

Golf Course

Austin

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Backyard is a lively music venue in Austin, Texas, showcasing local and national talent across various genres, fostering a vibrant community and musical culture.

Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on the lineup.

General admission is free; some special events may charge a nominal fee.