Austin

Tourist Attractions in Austin

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Austin. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

26 Attractions

★4.5 Average rating

10 Categories

About Austin

Austin, Texas, is a dynamic blend of live music energy, outdoor spaces, and culinary innovation set along the Colorado River. Visitors flock to iconic venues on Sixth Street and the buzzing cultural scene in East Austin, while Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and Lady Bird Lake offer refreshing urban retreats. The city’s renowned barbecue joints, Tex-Ma r fusions, and trendy food trucks showcase inventive flavors alongside classic southern hospitality. Museums, art galleries, and the University of Texas add intellectual charm, and annual events like SXSW and Austin City Limits attract global audiences. With a strollable downtown, scenic hills, and kept-goa l of keeping it weird, Austin is endlessly inviting.

Zilker Metropolitan Park — Park, rated 4.8/5

1

Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 6,160 reviews

Zilker Metropolitan Park is a sprawling urban oasis in the heart of Austin, surrounding the scenic Barton Springs Pool and the Texas State Capitol skyline in view. Spanning 351 acres, it offers lush trails, botanical gardens, a weekly farmers market, and the iconic Zilker Rock Garden, along with the popular Austin Nature and Science Center. Visitors can paddle on Lady Bird Lake, attend cultural events at the Zilker Hillside Theater, and enjoy family-friendly playgrounds, picnic spots, and seasonal celebrations like the Austin Kite Festival and Austin City Limits setup nearby. It’s a versatile, year-round outdoor playground.

Austin, TX 78746, USA

Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Circuit of The Americas — Sports Complex, rated 4.6/5

2

Sports Complex Race CourseLive Music VenueEvent VenueSports Activity Location

Circuit of The Americas

4.6 ★★★★★ 17,653 reviews

The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin is a premier multi-use sports and entertainment complex built around a 3.4-mile FIA-certified racetrack that hosts Formula 1 Grands Prix, MotoGP, and NASCAR events. Beyond the exhilarating racing, visitors can enjoy concert-grade concerts, world-class dining, and accessible grandstands with panoramic hill country views, modern paddocks, and interactive experiences like karting and driving experiences. Expect high-speed thrills, impressive engineering, and a vibrant spectator atmosphere, plus on-site amenities, hotel options nearby, and a year-round calendar of events that keep the campus buzzing well beyond race weekends.

9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA

Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

Open on map Website ↗

Bullock Texas State History Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5

3

Museum History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 7,327 reviews

The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin offers an immersive journey through Texas history, from ancient indigenous cultures to modern statehood. Housed in a striking glass-and-stone building, the museum features three levels of interactive exhibits, including immersive film experiences and hands-on artifacts that bring pivotal moments to life. Visitors can explore the “Scope” galleries for broad overviews, the “Texas: The Big Story” multimedia presentation, and rotating special exhibits. Families, students, and history enthusiasts will appreciate accessible storytelling, striking architecture, and a sense of Texas identity and resilience.

1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

Open on map Website ↗

McKinney Falls State Park — Park, rated 4.6/5

4

Park State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 8,078 reviews

McKinney Falls State Park, just south of downtown Austin, protects a scenic playground where sparkling Onion Creek cascades over limestone ledges and deepens into limestone pools framed by mossy bluffs. The park offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and safe swimming in designated spots, plus the intriguing Twin Falls and picturesque falls near the Buttermilk Trail. Visitors can explore historic oil-pumper relics, abundant wildlife, and seasonal wildlife viewing. It’s ideal for a relaxed day trip or family outing, delivering easy outdoor immersion, photo-worthy scenery, and a peaceful respite from city life.

5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Seating

Open on map Website ↗

Texas Capitol — Historic site, rated 4.7/5

5

Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceLocal Government OfficeGovernment Office

Texas Capitol

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,883 reviews

The Texas Capitol in Austin, a striking pink granite dome crowned by a white limestone pediment, stands as a storied beacon of Texan history and state government. Completed in 1888, its imposing chamberes and carved murals reflect a blend of neoclassical design and local craftsmanship, inviting visitors to tour the Senate and House of Representatives galleries. Beyond politics, the capitol grounds host monuments, centuries-old live oaks, and sweeping city views. Expect informative guided or self-guided tours, historic exhibits, and a chance to glimpse Texas’ legislative process in action.

1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Monday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park — Park, rated 4.7/5

6

Park

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,805 reviews

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park is a scenic overlook along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, offering grassy promontories, panoramic skyline views, and easy access for picnics, jogging, and sunset strolls. This urban green space combines open lawns with rugged hilltop paths, making it ideal for families, joggers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful break from city lights. Visitors can expect waterfront breezes, occasional live music or events at the adjacent auditorium venue, and convenient proximity to cafes, trails, and downtown attractions within a short stroll or bike ride.

900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Barton Creek Greenbelt — Park, rated 4.7/5

7

Park Hiking AreaSports Activity Location

Barton Creek Greenbelt

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,504 reviews

Tucked along a winding canyon rim just west of downtown Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a lush urban sanctuary offering forested hikes, shady limestone cliffs, and hidden swim holes like the popular Twin Falls. Visitors can expect a varied trail network ranging from easy riverside strolls to steep, scenic climbs that reward with sweeping skyline views. The spring-fed creek sparkles after rains, while limestone grottoes and cascading pools invite cliff jumping and refreshing swims. With abundant wildlife, picnic spots, and easy access from central neighborhoods, it’s a quintessential Austin outdoor escape.

3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Zilker Botanical Garden — Garden, rated 4.6/5

8

Garden Botanical GardenHistorical LandmarkHistorical PlaceNon Profit Organization

Zilker Botanical Garden

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,954 reviews

Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin is a lush, tranquil oasis set beside Lady Bird Lake, echoing the city’s creative spirit with meticulously themed gardens and winding paths. Here, visitors wander through the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and the Brazilian, Australian, and Central Texas displays, each offering vibrant blooms, serene water features, and shaded benches for restful moments. Families and solo travelers alike will enjoy seasonal blooms, birdlife, and photo-worthy overlooks, plus rotating exhibits and events. It’s an affordable, family-friendly escape that showcases Texas ecology with global garden influences.

2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Thinkery — Nonprofit, rated 4.6/5

9

Nonprofit MuseumNon Profit OrganizationAssociation Or Organization

Thinkery

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,589 reviews

Thinkery, Austin’s renowned nonprofit children’s museum, blends science, technology, engineering and math with hands-on play in a bright, welcoming setting. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits that spark curiosity—from tactile STEM activities to lively maker spaces and rotating installations—designed to inspire learning through experimentation. Families will appreciate the intuitive layout, the dynamic programming calendar, and inclusive design that invites curiosity at every age. Expect interactive demonstrations, drop-in workshops, and opportunities to engage with local educators and volunteers, making Thinkery a stimulating, accessible hub for playful discovery in Austin.

1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve — Park, rated 4.7/5

10

Park Nature Preserve

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,911 reviews

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve in central Austin is a serene 31-acre sanctuary famed for its colorful peacocks roaming the grounds, a serene Japanese-style garden, and gracefully landscaped trails that wind around a sparkling lake. Visitors can expect peaceful shaded paths, vibrant wildflowers, and koi ponds beside mosaic benches, with opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and quiet reflection. The park blends cultural charm with natural beauty, offering a gentle escape from city bustle, ideal for strolls, family outings, or a restorative afternoon amid lush gardens and tranquil waterways.

3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, USA

Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking

Open on map Website ↗

SeaWorld San Antonio — Theme park, rated 4.3/5

11

Theme park Amusement ParkZooAquariumAmusement Center

SeaWorld San Antonio

4.3 ★★★★★ 38,430 reviews

SeaWorld San Antonio is a leading marine-life theme park blending exhilarating rides with engaging animal encounters in a sprawling, family‑friendly setting about a two‑hour drive from Austin. Visitors can stroll through immersive marine habitats, watch dynamic orca, dolphin, and sea lion shows, and get hands-on with interactive exhibits. Thrilling roller coasters, a coaster-based adrenaline fix, and captivating 3D adventures complement the educational storytelling about conservation. Expect varied dining options, seasonal events, and opportunities to learn about wildlife rescue efforts, making it a full day of coastal-inspired wonder without leaving Texas.

10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

Open on map Website ↗

Blanton Museum of Art — Museum, rated 4.6/5

12

Museum Art Museum

Blanton Museum of Art

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,642 reviews

The Blanton Museum of Art, perched on the University of Texas campus in Austin, houses an impressive sweep of European, American, and Latin American art, with a standout collection of old masters and modern works. Visitors can stroll through expansive galleries, admire iconic paintings, and explore contemporary installations in a building that blends elegant architecture with natural light. Highlights include the Blanton’s Renowned Forrest with a vast, rotating exhibitions program, and engaging educational offerings, family-oriented activities, and a charming sculpture garden. It’s a must for art lovers seeking a contemplative, richly curated cultural experience in Texas.

200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Mount Bonnell, rated 4.8/5

13

Tourist attraction

Mount Bonnell

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,569 reviews

Perched on a limestone outcrop above the Colorado River, Mount Bonnell offers one of Austin’s most iconic viewpoints. A short, well-trodden climb rewards visitors with sweeping views of the river, dramatic cliffs, and the city skyline beyond. It’s an easy, family-friendly excursion that blends natural beauty with a dash of history—the site has long been a beloved sunset spot and picnic area. Expect shaded trails, picnic benches, and a steady breeze on windy days, making Mount Bonnell a timeless, accessible escape for photographers and sunset chasers alike.

3800 Bonnell Dr, Austin, TX 78731, USA

Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Texas Toy Museum and Arcade — Arcade, rated 4.7/5

14

Arcade Toy StoreMuseumBarVideo Arcade

Texas Toy Museum and Arcade

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,636 reviews

The Texas Toy Museum and Arcade in Austin is a nostalgic haven where decades of toy history collide with classic arcade fun. Expect hundreds of vintage items, from model cars and action figures to retro lunchboxes, displayed beside working arcade cabinets that span the 1980s and earlier. It’s a place for collectors and casual visitors to reminisce, snap retro selfies, and try their hand at timeless games for a few coins. Visitors should budget time to explore the layered displays, enjoy the tactile charm, and soak up Austin’s quirky, retro-tinged culture.

312 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Monday10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday12:00 – 9:30 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

Open on map Website ↗

Museum of Illusions Austin — Museum, rated 4.5/5

15

Museum Art MuseumAmusement Center

Museum of Illusions Austin

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,379 reviews

The Museum of Illusions Austin is a hands-on, immersive gallery where curiosity meets psychology, featuring a playful collection of optical, counterintuitive, and interactive exhibits that challenge how you see the world. Set in the heart of downtown Austin, this compact experience is ideal for visitors of all ages, offering photo-ready rooms, mind-bending installations, and curious demonstrations that spark wonder and laughter. Beyond entertainment, it invites shoppers and families to explore perception science, making it a memorable stop for a quick, immersive break between food, live music, and city sights.

11010 Domain Dr #100, Austin, TX 78758, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

Open on map Website ↗

Austin Duck Adventures — Tour Agency, rated 4.7/5

16

Tour Agency Travel AgencyService

Austin Duck Adventures

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,354 reviews

Austin Duck Adventures is a river and land tour operator in downtown Austin that takes visitors on amphibious vehicle excursions aboard the vintage World War II-era DUKW boats. Departing from the Congress Avenue area, the tours blend city sights with a splash into Lady Bird Lake, offering a playful, family-friendly way to see iconic landmarks like the Texas State Capitol, Long Center, and the skyline. Expect entertaining narration, photo-worthy moments, and a lighthearted ride suitable for all ages, with safety briefings and bilingual guides available.

103 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Monday11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Austin’s — Theme park, rated 4.1/5

17

Theme park Amusement ParkBowling AlleyBuffet RestaurantGo Karting Venue

Austin’s

4.1 ★★★★★ 6,036 reviews

Austin’s theme park in Austin blends heart-pounding rides with kid-friendly attractions, set amid a lively Texas backdrop. Expect a mix of adrenaline-filled coasters, immersive dark rides, and live entertainment that captures the city’s eclectic spirit. Beyond the thrill, there are themed zones, delicious Texas barbecue snacks, and interactive simulators that invite you to play as much as you scream. Families will appreciate stroller-friendly pathways and convenient amenities, while teens and thrill-seekers can chase record-breaking drops and dramatic drops. It’s a full-day adventure that showcases Austin’s hospitality and hometown flair.

16231 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Museum of the Weird — Museum, rated 4.2/5

18

Museum

Museum of the Weird

4.2 ★★★★★ 3,816 reviews

The Museum of the Weird in Austin is a quirky, eclectic tribute to curiosities, oddities, and the mythic legends of pop culture. Housed in a vintage building near the Congress Avenue bridges, it blends bizarre artifacts, taxidermy, and theatrical displays that feel like stepping into a retro sideshow. Visitors can expect interactive oddities, eerie diorama vignettes, and photo-worthy surreal objects, all curated with humor and reverence for the strange. It’s a playful, offbeat stop for travelers seeking a dash of oddball whimsy amid Austin’s live music and culinary scene.

412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Good for kids Parking

Entrance

Open on map Website ↗

Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5

19

Museum Art Museum

Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,347 reviews

Nestled on a tranquil hillside in Austin, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum showcases a premier collection of American sculpture from the 19th to 21st centuries, centered around the works of Charles Umlauf. Visitors wander among grassy paths dotted with bronze and stone pieces, complemented by intimate indoor galleries and rotating exhibitions. The park-like setting invites relaxing strolls, artist talks, and hands-on programs, making it ideal for families, art lovers, and photo enthusiasts. Expect a serene, educational experience that highlights craftsmanship, creative dialogue, and a charming glimpse into Austin’s cultural landscape.

605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

Open on map Website ↗

Cathedral of Junk — Museum, rated 4.5/5

20

Museum Art Gallery

Cathedral of Junk

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,214 reviews

The Cathedral of Junk in Austin is a whimsical, scavenger-built museum fashioned from thousands of salvaged items stacked into spiraling towers, stairways, and surreal rooms. Created by artist Vince Hannemann, this ever-evolving maze invites visitors to explore found-object sculptures, glittering deconstructions, and unexpected curiosities perched in a former warehouse lot. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience that sparks imagination and photo-worthy moments, while offering insight into reuse and creativity. Expect quirky humor, a childlike sense of wonder, and a colorful snapshot of Austin’s quirky, collaborative arts scene.

4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745, USA

Good for kids Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Austin Visitor Center — Landmark, rated 4.6/5

21

Landmark Visitor CenterCoffee ShopGift ShopTourist Information Center

Austin Visitor Center

4.6 ★★★★★ 991 reviews

The Austin Visitor Center is a welcoming gateway to Texas Hill Country culture, located in the heart of downtown near the Texas State Capitol. Inside, visitors can grab a free, informative overview of top sights, with multilingual staff and interactive exhibits that showcase live music, food trucks, and outdoor adventures. Expect practical tips, maps, and current event calendars, plus easy access to guided tours and nearby trails. It’s a convenient first stop for orientation, a chance to connect with local experts, and a warm introduction to Austin’s distinctive blend of tech, music, and outdoors.

103 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Texas Science & Natural History Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5

22

Museum

Texas Science & Natural History Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 957 reviews

The Texas Science & Natural History Museum in Austin brings science to life through immersive exhibits that explore Texas geology, paleontology, wildlife, and space. Visitors can marvel at fossil displays, interactive minerals, and authentic artifacts that trace the state’s natural history from prehistoric seas to modern ecosystems. The museum blends education with hands-on discovery, making complex scientific concepts approachable for families and curious travelers alike. Expect engaging demonstrations, rotating temporary exhibits, and a welcoming center that situates Texas stories within a broader natural world, all just steps from downtown Austin.

2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday1:00 – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Mexic-Arte Museum — Museum, rated 4.4/5

23

Museum Art MuseumArt GalleryAssociation Or Organization

Mexic-Arte Museum

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,114 reviews

The Mexic-Arte Museum in downtown Austin is a vibrant hub of Mexican and Latinx culture, art, and history housed in a bright, historic building. It showcases contemporary and traditional works—from bold painters and printmakers to Día de los Muertos installations—as well as rotating exhibitions and immersive multimedia projects. Visitors can expect thoughtfully curated galleries, family-friendly workshops, live performances, and a well-stocked shop of Mexican and Latin American folk art. A visit offers cultural context, creative inspiration, and a lively sense of Austin’s diverse artistic community.

419 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday12:00 – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗

Sculpture Falls, rated 4.6/5

24

Tourist attraction

Sculpture Falls

4.6 ★★★★★ 734 reviews

Sculpture Falls, tucked along Barton Creek in Austin, is a popular natural swimming spot framed by limestone cliffs and shaded banks. Visitors can expect cool, clear pool water fed by a small waterfall, with rocky ledges perfect for sunbathing and jumps for the adventurous (along with safer wading areas). The area combines outdoor recreation with scenic views of limestone formations and the city’s surrounding Hill Country vibe. Accessible via the Barton Creek Greenbelt trails, it’s best enjoyed on weekdays or early mornings when crowds are lighter.

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA

Good for kids Parking

Open on map Website ↗

Statesman Bat Observation Center — Landmark, rated 4.3/5

25

Landmark Scenic Spot

Statesman Bat Observation Center

4.3 ★★★★★ 1,059 reviews

The Statesman Bat Observation Center in Austin is a modern riverside landmark built to celebrate the city’s famous bat emergence under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Visitors flock to the terrace at sunset to witness millions of Mexican free-tailed bats sweep into the dusk sky, a spectacular natural spectacle unlike any other in North America. The center offers informative exhibits on the colony’s ecology, architecture, and urban wildlife, while nearby trails and eateries provide a pleasant backdrop for a family-friendly, cityscape evening activity. Expect crowds, photography opportunities, and an unforgettable bat-filled finale.

305 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

Entrance Parking

The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center — Museum, rated 4.1/5

26

Museum Art Museum

The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center

4.1 ★★★★★ 594 reviews

The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center is a vibrant, modern-art museum housed in a striking, glass-fronted building in downtown Austin. Inside, visitors encounter rotating exhibitions by leading contemporary artists, bold installations, and thought-provoking works that capture the region’s creative pulse. The center also hosts live performances, talks, and educational programs, making it a dynamic cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. Expect thoughtfully curated displays, accessible curatorial perspectives, and a relaxed, gallery-paced experience with ample opportunities to linger, reflect, and take in sweeping views of the city from nearby streets and spaces.

700 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday12:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday12:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday12:00 – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗