15 Things to Do to “Keep it Weird” in Austin
Become a Austin local in 36 hours with this guide of our top 15 to-do’s. Have fun, and remember to Keep Austin Weird!
- Tour the Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is the oldest surviving state office structure and a great place to learn about Texas history and the Texas Legislature. Tours are available daily. - Ride in a Pedicab
For an affordable look at all that Austin has to offer, hop in a pedicab and let a local pedal you to your next destination. - Stroll around South Congress
This is one of our favorite areas in central Austin because it is eclectic, hip, fashionable, and funky all combined. Not to mention the shopping and food are fantastic! Make sure to shop at Kendra Scott and eat the truffle fries at Hopdoddy. - Stand up Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
Assuming the weather in Austin is beautiful, you must head over to the lake, right in the middle of downtown Austin. We recommend trying any type of water sport fun: stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Only non-motorized water sports are permitted, so it is family- and kid-friendly. There is also a great running/walking trail that surrounds the lake! - Farmers’ Market
The Sustainable Food Center is a local non-profit organization that encourages individuals to make healthy food choices and to support local farmers. Healthy, organic, and fresh! The downtown farmers’ market is located at Republic Square Park 9am-1pm. - Rent Bicycles
All over Downtown Austin there are Bcycle Rental Stations. For $8 you can rent and ride any of their bicycles. It is a fun and affordable way to get around downtown! - See the Sights at Mt. Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is considered the highest point in Austin at 775 feet. It is a popular tourist destination to view the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and surrounding hills. Take a picnic and enjoy beautiful views of downtown and Lake Austin. - Nom on the Best of Austin’s Food Trailers
Food trailers were commonplace in Austin before they became all the rage, and we have some of the most critically acclaimed. Tacos, doughnuts, pad thai, barbeque … there is one to satisfy all of your cravings. Here is a great guide to the food trailers in town! - Listen to Live Music!
Austin has an eclectic and vibrant live music scene. We recommend checking out the lineups at one of our many live music hot spots, such as the Continental Club, Stubb’s, Emo’s, the Elephant Room, and Rattle Inn. - Visit the Whole Foods Mothership
We all love Whole Foods, and there is none more grand than its headquarters located at 6th and Lamar. It is also a hot spot for celebrity sightings! We recommend coffee and a breakfast taco in the mornings. - Shop the 2nd Street District
In addition to hanging out at the trendy W Hotel, you can shop, eat, and see a movie in the 2nd Street District. Some of our favorites include: queso at La Condesa, coffee at Jo’s, Eliza Page jewelry store, movie at the Violet Crown Theater, appetizers at Second Bar+Kitchen, and yogurt from Berry Austin. - Explore Zilker Park
Zilker Park is the large green-space in the heart of downtown Austin. Besides being the iconic spot for photographing downtown Austin, Zilker boasts of a botanical garden, fresh springs, walking trails, dog parks and more! It is the best place to be on a beautiful day. - Tex-Mex Your Heart Out
If you are traveling from around the country to Austin, Texas, the odds are you haven’t tasted Tex-Mex or Mexican food like what Austin has to offer. Some of our favorites include: Guero’s, La Condesa, Matt’s El Rancho, Fonda San Miguel, Maudie’s, Chuy’s, Polvos, Torchy’s and Veracruz All Natural. Wherever you go, you can’t really go wrong! - Indulge in Amy’s Ice Cream
This Austin institute will satisfy any sweet tooth’s craving. They boast of funky, fun, and traditional ice creams with all of the fixings. We recommend trying the Mexican Vanilla. - Treat Yourself
On a ladies’ trip, there is nothing more enjoyable than treating yourself with a spa treatment! In downtown Austin, we recommend milk + honey day spa or the W Hotel. If you have time to escape to the Hill Country just outside of town, there is none more acclaimed than Lake Austin Spa & Resort. Indulge away!