Austin is a vibrant city unlike any other in Texas, or even the world. Well-known as a cultural hub for the quirky and offbeat, there is always something unique going on for visitors and residents alike.
The state capital is by any standards a big city. However, Austin has kept its small-town heart, earning all the love it gets. Highlights include outdoor adventures with a view of the skyline, a world-class live music scene, culinary prowess, and a creative streak that shows up in the most unexpected places. Here are some of our favorite ways Austin stands apart.
Same bat-time, same bat-place
If you’re visiting from March through October, you can’t miss the free spectacle of more than a million Mexican free-tailed bats taking to the skies from Congress Avenue Bridge. Around sunset each night, join the crowd on the bridge or from a kayak below to wait for America’s largest urban bat colony to take flight.
Austinites have embraced the winged mammals—figuratively speaking, of course—and gather to watch the bats each dusk (Not to worry: they’re looking for insects). There’s lots of standing room; however, if you want a more leisurely bat-watching experience, try tours offered by local companies.
Live Music Capital of the World
After the bats fly away, make your way into downtown to check out one of dozens of live music spots. From dive bars to major music venues, traditional country to experimental rock, there’s something for every ear after the sun goes down. The Red River Cultural District, located on the east end of downtown, is considered the heart and soul of the Live Music Capital of the World, but there are hundreds of bars, dance halls, and venues throughout the city where high-quality performances can be found on any given night.
The Continental Club has been hosting acts since 1955. No passive toe-tapping here; the dance floor is always swinging as multiple bands perform seven nights a week, with many shows offering free admission. If you’re a fan of the long-running ‘Austin City Limits’ television broadcast, you’ll want to check out ACL Live at the Moody Theater—renowned bands grace the stage most nights, and it’s advisable to get tickets in advance.
Culture of creativity and culinary skill
Music isn’t the only cultural experience to find in Austin. Art overflows onto the city’s street corners, where dozens of colorful and often cheeky murals pop up and offer access to unique ideas. Austin’s tallest public artwork is “Tau Ceti,” a 10-story, rainbow-colored corner on 2nd Street that’s even more awe-inspiring up close. Federico Archuleta’s “Let’s Band Together,” located on E. 6th Street at Chicon, is a surrealist take on the city’s musical heart, rife with local meaning. For a more intimate experience, grab some chalk and make your mark on the “Before I Die” mural, which entices you to write down your bucket list dreams.
Furthermore, Austin is well-known for its noteworthy culinary scene. Locals rave about food from local food trucks, particularly the house-made corn tortillas filled with organic and authentic ingredients that create some of Austin’s best tacos. Whether it’s an egg-filled breakfast taco or Mexican-style street tacos, the city offers a plethora of culinary delights.
Outdoor excursions
When you’re ready for a break from the Texas heat, head to Zilker Park. Here, you can dive in for a swim in the natural and refreshingly icy waters of Barton Springs Pool. Alternatively, get active with a walk along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake. You can even grab a paddleboard from a rental shop along the trail and enjoy the beauty of Austin’s skyline towering above the lake.
Just west of Austin is the Texas Hill Country, an expansive and scenic region dotted with small towns and local wineries, breweries, and distilleries perfect for spending a laid-back afternoon. Enjoy a relaxed experience at local breweries and wineries that offer tastings and delightful views.
One last unforgettable stop
Finally, to cap off your uniquely Austin adventure, celebrate the festive spirit at a local bar that’s been ‘ho-ho-ho’-ing since the 1970s. This charming establishment plays host to numerous themed parties throughout the year and features fun events that keep the excitement alive. Order a pizza from a nearby kitchen to complete a delightful evening, reflecting on a trip to a city unlike any other.
