Enjoy the vibrant city of Austin without breaking the bank. Dive in to discover the best free activities that this Texan gem has to offer.
Here’s What’s Covered in This Article
- 20 Free Things to Do in Austin
- Weather and Events in Austin
- Simple Solutions for Booking Hotels and Renting Cars in Austin
20 Free Things to Do in Austin
Here are the free activities you should try in Austin:
- Visit Barton Springs Pool
- Explore Zilker Park
- Walk Around Lady Bird Lake
- Check Out the Graffiti Park
- Enjoy the View at Mount Bonnell
- Visit the Texas State Capitol
- Wander Through the University of Texas Campus
- Explore the South Congress Avenue Shops
- Discover the Cathedral of Junk
- Walk Along the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
- Stroll Through the Mueller Farmers’ Market
- Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
- Explore the Umlauf Sculpture Garden
- Visit the Hope Outdoor Gallery
- Enjoy Live Music on 6th Street
- Explore the West Sixth Street District
- Visit the Mexic-Arte Museum
- Walk Around the Domain Shopping Area
- Experience the Soco District
- Discover the Wildflower Center
1. Visit Barton Springs Pool
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Barton Springs Pool in Austin by
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Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Austin by taking a dip in Barton Springs Pool. This three-acre swimming pool, fed by underground springs, is a delightfully refreshing oasis in the heart of the city. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely swim or a picnic with the family.
- Location/Address: Zilker Park, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: Barton Springs Pool is open from 5 AM to 10 PM, except for Thursdays when it’s closed for cleaning. The best time to visit is early mornings or late afternoons when it’s less crowded.
- Nearby Landmarks: Zilker Botanical Garden, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.
- Tips: While the springs are free to visit in the off-season (mid-November to mid-March), there is a small entrance fee during the peak season. Also, it’s recommended to bring a towel and some sunscreen.
- Location/Address: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: Zilker Park is open from 5 AM to 10 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler.
- Nearby Landmarks: Barton Springs Pool, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.
- Tips: Consider bringing a picnic, as there are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy a meal outdoors. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Location/Address: Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The trail around Lady Bird Lake is open from 5 AM to 10 PM. Early morning or late evening visits offer cooler temperatures and less crowd.
- Nearby Landmarks: Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and Austin Nature & Science Center.
- Tips: The trail can get busy, especially on weekends. Try to visit during off-peak hours for a more peaceful experience.
- Location/Address: HOPE Outdoor Gallery, 1012 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Early mornings or evenings are usually less crowded.
- Nearby Landmarks: Baylor Street Art Wall, Castle Hill.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and bring your own paint if you want to leave your mark.
- Location/Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731, United States.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: Mount Bonnell is open from 5 AM to 10 PM. However, the best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views.
- Nearby Landmarks: Covert Park, Mayfield Park, Laguna Gloria Art Museum.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for a light hike, and bring some water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Location/Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The Capitol is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, and from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
- Nearby Landmarks: Bullock Texas State History Museum, Congress Avenue Historic District.
- Tips: Be sure to take advantage of the free guided tours to get a deeper understanding of Texas history.
- Location/Address: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The campus is open all day, but a stroll in the morning or late afternoon offers a pleasant temperature and fewer crowds.
- Nearby Landmarks: Texas Memorial Museum, Harry Ransom Center.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy your campus walk and check the university’s calendar for any public events or exhibits that might be occurring during your visit.
- Location/Address: South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: Most shops typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM, but the avenue is most lively on weekends and evenings.
- Nearby Landmarks: Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and consider checking out the local food trucks for a taste of Austin’s vibrant food scene.
- Location/Address: 4422 Lareina Drive, South Austin, TX 78745.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The Cathedral of Junk is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, but appointments are necessary. It’s less crowded on weekday mornings.
- Nearby Landmarks: South Austin Popular Culture Center, South Austin Park.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing and exploring. Also, consider bringing a small donation as the Cathedral runs on goodwill offerings.
- Location/Address: Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The Boardwalk is open from 5 AM to midnight. Early morning or late afternoon provides the most pleasant weather and less crowd.
- Nearby Landmarks: Auditorium Shores, Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool.
- Tips: The Boardwalk is a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, so be mindful of each other. During summer, wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the Texas sun.
- Location/Address: 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The market is open every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Aim to arrive early for the best selection of fresh produce.
- Nearby Landmarks: Mueller Lake Park, Thinkery Children’s Museum.
- Tips: Bring your own reusable bags to carry your finds and support the market’s commitment to sustainability.
- Location/Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Tuesdays to Fridays, and 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. It’s busiest during the weekends, so a weekday visit is recommended for a quieter experience.
- Nearby Landmarks: Texas State Capitol, Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Tips: While admission is free for everyone on Thursdays, the museum also offers free admission to teachers, active military, and UT students, faculty, and staff every day.
- Location/Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The garden is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit in early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
- Nearby Landmarks: Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the garden has gravel paths.
- Location/Address: 1101 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The gallery is open from sunrise to sunset, with the art changing often, so every visit offers a new experience.
- Nearby Landmarks: Pease Park, The University of Texas at Austin.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be rugged. Also, respect the art and refrain from defacing the works.
- Location/Address: 6th Street, Austin, Texas.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: Live music can typically be enjoyed from the early evening into the wee hours of the morning, but the best times are usually from 8 PM to 2 AM.
- Nearby Landmarks: Driskill Hotel, Museum of the Weird, Esther’s Follies.
- Tips: Considering the variety of music genres, it’s a good idea to research the bands playing on the night of your visit to pick your preference.
- Location/Address: West Sixth Street District, Austin, TX.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: While the district is always open for a stroll, the live music and nightlife scenes are most vibrant from 6 PM to 2 AM.
- Nearby Landmarks: Texas State Capitol, Austin Public Library.
- Tips: Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes as the district is best explored on foot.
- Location/Address: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and 12 PM to 5 PM on weekends. The best time to visit is on Sundays when admission is free.
- Nearby Landmarks: The Texas State Capitol, Paramount Theatre.
- Tips: Check the museum’s calendar for special exhibitions and free events.
- Location/Address: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The Domain Shopping Area is open from 10 AM to 9 PM, but the best time to stroll and enjoy the ambiance is in the late afternoon and early evening.
- Nearby Landmarks: IBM, The Arboretum.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and check out the area’s schedule for free live events.
- Location/Address: South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The Soco District is always open, but the best time to visit is during the evening when the area comes alive with music and street performances.
- Nearby Landmarks: The Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the area typically involves a lot of walking. Also, many shops and food trucks only accept cash, so be prepared.
- Location/Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739.
- Opening Hours/Best Times to Visit: The center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Springtime is particularly beautiful when the flowers are in full bloom.
- Nearby Landmarks: Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park, Lady Bird Johnson Park.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings.
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2. Explore Zilker Park
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Zilker Park in Austin, Texas by
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Experience the natural beauty of Austin at Zilker Park. This 350-acre park offers a multitude of recreational opportunities and outdoor activities. You can hike on scenic trails, picnic in lush green spaces, or just relax by the riverside.
3. Walk Around Lady Bird Lake
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Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk, Austin TX by
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Strolling around Lady Bird Lake is a fantastic way to soak in the natural beauty of Austin. With its serene waters and picturesque cityscape views, you can enjoy a tranquil escape right in the heart of the city. The trail is perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride.
4. Check Out the Graffiti Park
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The Class of 2017 had a blast visiting the George Washington Carver Museum, Texas State Capitol building, and graffiti park in Austin, TX! #Somerset2017 by
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Immerse yourself in Austin’s vibrant street art scene at the Graffiti Park. Known for its ever-changing canvas of colorful graffiti, this open-air gallery offers a unique visual experience. Here, you can appreciate the creativity of local artists or even contribute your own piece to the dynamic mix.
5. Enjoy the View at Mount Bonnell
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The path to the top of Mount Bonnell by
Lars Plougmann is licensed under
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Mount Bonnell offers a breathtaking panorama of Austin’s skyline and the Colorado River. This nature-filled escape is perfect for a leisurely hike, a picnic, or simply for taking in the stunning view. It’s one of the highest points in the city, so you can enjoy a spectacular sunset or an early morning sunrise.
6. Visit the Texas State Capitol
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Texas State Capitol 2, Austin, Texas by
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Experience a slice of Texas history by visiting the magnificent Texas State Capitol in Austin. You can explore the stunning architecture, rich history, and expansive grounds of this iconic landmark, all for free.
7. Wander Through the University of Texas Campus
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University of Texas by
Phil Roeder is licensed under
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere by wandering through the University of Texas campus in Austin. With its historic buildings, beautiful landscaping, and dynamic energy, you can tap into the intellectual spirit and explore a variety of architectural styles.
8. Explore the South Congress Avenue Shops
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Browsing Shops on South Congress by
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South Congress Avenue Shops in Austin offer a unique, vibrant experience. This bustling area is a treasure trove of quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and local art galleries. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, you can immerse yourself in Austin’s eclectic character without spending a dime.
9. Discover the Cathedral of Junk
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Cathedral of Junk by
Andreanna Moya Photography is licensed under
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Unleash your inner explorer at Austin’s one-of-a-kind Cathedral of Junk. This multi-story structure, assembled entirely from discarded items, offers a unique adventure that stimulates your sense of creativity and wonder. Amidst the vast assortment of knick-knacks, you can uncover countless hidden treasures and intriguing pieces of art.
10. Walk Along the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
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Austin Skyline by
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Experience the serenity of Austin’s natural beauty by taking a leisurely stroll along the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake. This scenic pathway offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, lush trees, and the tranquil waters of the lake. It’s a perfect place for a gentle walk, a brisk jog, or a peaceful picnic.
11. Stroll Through the Mueller Farmers’ Market
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Texas Farmers Market at Mueller Austin 2016 by
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The Mueller Farmers’ Market is a vibrant hub of Austin, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. This open-air market offers an array of fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music, making it an enjoyable and cost-free way to spend your day.
12. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
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Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and culture at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin. With a vast collection of over 18,000 works, you can explore art from across the centuries and around the globe, all without spending a dime.
13. Explore the Umlauf Sculpture Garden
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Umlauf Sculpture Garden by
Phil Roeder is licensed under
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Immerse yourself in Austin’s artistic side by exploring the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. This tranquil garden, full of Charles Umlauf’s enchanting bronze and stone sculptures, offers an unforgettable experience. You can wander around, admire the unique works, and even participate in free yoga sessions.
14. Visit the Hope Outdoor Gallery
The Hope Outdoor Gallery is a unique community paint park located in Austin. This colorful, multi-level street art extravaganza provides a platform for creative expression where you can explore and appreciate a diverse array of graffiti art.
15. Enjoy Live Music on 6th Street
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downtown austin by
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Experience the heartbeat of Austin’s music scene on the lively 6th Street. Known as the city’s entertainment epicenter, you can immerse yourself in an array of live music performances, ranging from country and blues to rock and jazz, all for free.
16. Explore the West Sixth Street District
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North Side 600 Block East 6th Street Austin Texas 2022 by
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The West Sixth Street District in Austin is a bustling hub of vibrant culture and lively nightlife. Here, you can soak up the bohemian vibe, enjoy live music, and explore an array of unique shops and restaurants, all without spending a dime.
17. Visit the Mexic-Arte Museum
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File:Mexic arte storefront 2012.jpg by
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For art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike, the Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin is a must-visit destination. Here, you can immerse yourself in traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. The museum offers a variety of free admission days, making it a perfect addition to your budget-friendly Austin itinerary.
18. Walk Around the Domain Shopping Area
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Domain Shopping Area in Austin without spending a dime. You can soak up the energy of the city, window-shop at high-end boutiques, and enjoy the beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces.
19. Experience the Soco District
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Flowers at Garden District Cafe by
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The Soco District in Austin offers an eclectic mix of cultural experiences, all completely free. This vibrant neighborhood is brimming with unique boutiques, art galleries, food trucks, and live music venues. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the street performances, and savor the taste of Austin’s iconic food scene.
20. Discover the Wildflower Center
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Entrance to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas by
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Discover the Wildflower Center in Austin, a vibrant sanctuary teeming with native Texan plants. This tranquil spot is perfect for leisurely walks, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy an array of beautiful wildflowers.
Weather and Events in Austin
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