25 cool, unique things to do in Austin—according to a local

The best things to do in Austin range from driving on the Formula 1 racetrack to toasting Christmas year-round at a quirky, holiday-themed dive bar. The best part? Budget-savvy travelers will find no shortage of free things to do in Austin, from lush hikes and bike trails to a sunset bat emergence along Lady Bird Lake.

If you’re planning a trip to Bat City, we’re shining the spotlight on 25 of our favorite things to do in Austin. On your mark, get set, go!

Standing on the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset watching roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats spiral into the skies is one of the best free things to do in Austin with kids. The colony resides under the bridge from March through late September. Aside from the bridge, the best viewpoint is the Austin American-Statesman’s Bat Observation Area at the base of the bridge.

Opened in 1948, this offbeat landmark features two 18-hole mini-golf courses decorated with a giant Tyrannosaurus rex, mythical creatures (Peter Pan and Tinkerbell) and Austin icons (the 360 Bridge and Statehouse). Aside from the decor, the best part of this family-owned attraction is that it is BYOB. Pack a cooler of drinks (no glass though) and put-put until your heart’s content. 

This 803-acre greenspace is an adventure oasis with a 7.5-mile hike and bike trail along Barton Creek, climbing walls and the city’s best natural swimming holes. With seven official trailheads, it’s easy to hike the trail in sections or park close to your favorite swimming spot.

In 1935, the owners of a summer retreat-turned-city-park were gifted a few peacocks, and roughly a dozen of their descendants still roam the property today. While the peafowl mostly hang around the historic cottage, don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll on the adjacent nature preserve’s trails.

Find it: Mayfield Park, 3505 W 35th St., Austin, TX 78703; 512-974-6700

Every day is Christmas at Lala’s Little Nugget, an iconic Austin dive bar housed in a brick building off Burnet Road with Santa and his reindeer perched on the roof. Opened in 1972, the Christmas-themed bar has a vintage jukebox, pool tables and serves food.

Famous for its witty marquee sign, El Arroyo, a downtown Tex-Mex restaurant, has racked up 662,000 Instagram followers who want to read the daily musings — which have been entertaining Austinites since 1975. Stop by for a photo and a margarita. 

Find it: El Arroyo, 1624 W. 5th St., Austin, TX 78703; 512-474-1222

Spend an afternoon stepping into magical realms at the Museum of Illusions Austin. Optical illusions and beguiling interactive exhibits will have you simultaneously laughing and scratching your head in wonder. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the Vortex Tunnel and the Infinity Room for truly mind-boggling experiences.

While concha, Mexican sweetbread, is the star attraction at Comadre Panaderia, the menu is filled with irresistible treats like pink potato focaccia and blueberry lime pistachio cake. This weekend-only bakery transitioned from a pop-up to a storefront in 2023, while earning a James Beard semifinalist nomination. Place your order online or arrive early for the best selection.

Every Sunday for the past 40 years, crowds gather at The Little Longhorn Saloon for an Austin tradition — Chicken S—t Bingo. Tickets are sold with numbers corresponding to squares on a table covered with a cage. The rules of the game are simple — a chicken is put in the cage, and the person holding the ticket number of the square where the chicken poops wins a cash prize.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Texas State Capitol that stretches 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Built from pink granite in 1888, the towering Renaissance Revival-style building and 22-acre grounds are worth exploring. Stroll through the stunning interior and gaze up at the eight-foot star centered at the top of the dome. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure or join a free daily guided tour.  

The largest collection of art in Central Texas is housed at the Blanton Museum of Art located on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The museum features a permanent collection of 21,000 pieces and a year-round schedule of exhibitions ranging from European paintings to contemporary American art. The lily-like structures outside the entrance offer a picturesque view of the nearby Texas Capitol. Visit on Tuesdays when entry is free.

Austin’s street art scene is one of the most vibrant in the state. While the iconic staples — Jeremiah the frog on the University of Texas at Austin campus or the “I Love You So Much” script on the side of Jo’s Coffee on South Congress — are permanent, there’s always a new wave of ever-changing short-term murals commissioned on the sides of buildings or underpasses. A short drive or stroll around downtown, South Congress or East Austin will present an abundance of photo opportunities.

The best view of the city skyline is from the water on Lady Bird Lake in the heart of downtown Austin. Since swimming and motorized boats aren’t allowed, hit the water on a paddleboard, kayak or canoe. Watercraft rentals are available from six outfitters along the shore.  

This downtown Tex-Mex restaurant and bar is famous for its 100-foot-long neon snake sign that spells out the word “ranch” and for inventing a drink called The Original Ranch Water. The signature drink is credited to former chef Kevin Williamson and consists of Sauza Hornitos reposado tequila, Patrón Citronge and fresh lime juice served over ice with a bottle of Topo Chico on the side.

Find it: Ranch 616, 616 Nueces St., Austin, TX 78701; 512-479-7616

The Circuit of the Americas, a 3.41-mile racetrack built for Formula 1 and used for a variety of motorsports and other entertainment events, is only 15 miles from downtown Austin. Drive your car on the track during its holiday event, Peppermint Parkway, or splurge on an amateur racing experience. There is also a special track for karting.

The Lone Star State has more spring-fed swimming spots than any other state in the country, and several of these are located within a 40-mile radius of Austin. With average year-round water temperatures ranging from 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, these freshwater oases make the perfect place for a refreshing dip. While in Austin, take a refreshing dip in some of our favorite swimming holes. 

Find them: various locations

An unassuming neon sign hangs outside the grounds of the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin. Behind a stone wall and wrought-iron gate is one of the most unique places in the city: a 10,800-square-foot Gatsby-era manor with 10-acres of European-style gardens. The estate was recently restored to its former glory and given a new life as a luxury boutique hotel. Stop by and visit or book a stay at this Austin landmark to learn about its history and see its jaw-dropping renovation.

One of Austin’s premier destinations is tucked into an industrial area north of downtown. Q2 Stadium, a 20,500-seat venue just off of Burnet Road, is home to the Capital City’s major league soccer team, Austin FC. On game days, this section of North Austin is crawling with verde jerseys. While the location of Q2 Stadium might not seem ideal, it’s conveniently located within a mile-and-a-half radius of a heavy concentration of award-winning breweries and other watering holes serving up some tasty Texas grub. (Another perk is that the stadium is easily accessible by train from downtown with Austin’s MetroRail service.)

Find it: Q2 Stadium, 10414 Mc Kalla Place, Austin, TX 78758

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.