Austin
USA (TX)
Keep Austin Weird
The live music capital of the world pairs a thriving tech scene with legendary BBQ, natural swimming holes, a buzzing bar scene, and fiercely independent culture.
Things to do
- 6th Street Live Music Stripmust-see
The world's most dense live music district — 90+ venues in 6 blocks, most with free entry before 10pm.
Evening · Free–$20 · activity - Texas State Capitolmust-see
Free self-guided tours of the Renaissance Revival capitol — taller than the US Capitol in DC.
1.5 hrs · Free · culture - Barton Springs Poolmust-see
Natural spring-fed swimming pool at 68°F year-round in the heart of Zilker Park.
Half day · $5–9 · nature - Franklin Barbecuemust-see
James Beard Award–winning BBQ — arrive at 9am for an 11am opening and expect a 2-hour wait for the world's best brisket.
2–3 hrs · $20–30/person · food - South Congress Avenue (SoCo)recommended
Austin's most eclectic street — vintage boutiques, food trucks, murals, and the famous "I Love You So Much" wall.
2 hrs · Free to browse · shopping - Lady Bird Lake Kayakingrecommended
Paddle through downtown Austin on a beautiful urban lake — Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony at sunset.
2 hrs · $20–30/hr · activity - Blanton Museum of Art (UT Austin)recommended
Texas's premier university art museum with 21,000 works — free on Tuesdays.
2 hrs · $12 (free Tues) · culture - Enchanted Rock State Natural Areaoptional
A massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet — stunning hiking 90 min from Austin.
Full day · $8/person · nature