12 Things to Do in Austin That Aren't Just Sixth Street
Let's get something out of the way: Sixth Street is fun. The live music is free, the drinks are strong, and the energy on a Saturday night is unmatched. But if you leave Austin thinking it's just a party city with good BBQ, you missed the whole point.
Austin is weird in the best sense — natural swimming pools, 1.5 million bats, world-class food trucks, and a creative energy that seeps into everything. Here's the good stuff.
1. Wait in Line at Franklin Barbecue
I know. A 2-4 hour line sounds insane. It is insane. But Franklin Barbecue is widely considered the best BBQ in America, and the line is part of the experience.
Here's the play: arrive by 8AM (opens at 11AM, Tuesday-Sunday). Bring camping chairs, a cooler with beer, and a card game. You'll meet people. The line has its own social scene. When you finally get that brisket ($32/lb), it's smoky, peppery, and so tender it falls apart when you look at it.
If 3+ hours feels like too much, pre-order online (limited slots) or try la Barbecue ($30/lb, 30-60 minute wait, cash only) or Micklethwait — both excellent alternatives within a few blocks.
2. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
A 3-acre natural spring-fed swimming pool in the middle of Zilker Park. The water stays 68°F year-round — fed by underground springs pumping 27 million gallons daily. Entry is $5.
Locals swim here in January. In August, when Austin hits 38°C, this place saves lives. The grassy banks are perfect for lounging with a book. Arrive by 9AM for morning quiet. Closed Thursdays for cleaning.
This is my single favorite thing in Austin. No hesitation.
3. Watch 1.5 Million Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
From March through October, the world's largest urban bat colony lives under the Congress Avenue Bridge. At sunset, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge in a 20-minute exodus that looks like a living river flowing into the sky.
Free to watch from the bridge, the trail below, or the Statesman Bat Observation Center. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset. Best in August-September when the colony peaks.
I've seen it three times. It gets better every time.
4. Walk South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
Austin's most iconic strip. Vintage boutiques, murals (the famous "I love you so much" wall at Jo's Coffee), food trailers, and live music bars. Allen's Boots has been selling cowboy boots since 1977 — even if you don't buy, the store is worth browsing.
Best on First Thursdays when shops stay open late with street performances. Free to stroll. Budget 3-4 hours.
5. Do the Breakfast Taco Tour
Breakfast tacos aren't just food in Austin. They're identity. And they're everywhere for $3-6 each.
The essential orders:
Veracruz All Natural — Migas taco ($4.50) with crispy tortilla strips, eggs, cheese, and avocado. This is THE Austin breakfast taco.
Tacodeli — The Jess Special with eggs, refried beans, avocado, and their signature Dona salsa.
Juan in a Million — The Don Juan ($8) is a massive plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, beans, cheese, and tortillas. The owner still greets regulars.
Start early. Most spots open at 7AM.
6. Catch Free Live Music on Any Night of the Week
Austin earned the "Live Music Capital of the World" title honestly. On any given night, dozens of bars and clubs have free performances by genuinely talented musicians.
The Continental Club (SoCo, since 1957) — $5-15 cover for established acts. The patio out back has free shows.
Broken Spoke — A legendary honky-tonk that's been here since 1964. Two-stepping, cold beer, no pretension. This is authentic Texas.
Elephant Room — Underground jazz club on Congress Avenue. Small, intimate, world-class musicians. $5-10 cover most nights.
7. Kayak Lady Bird Lake
A 10-mile paved trail loops around this scenic downtown reservoir, but the real experience is on the water. Kayak and paddleboard rentals run $15-20/hour from multiple docks.
The Ann & Roy Butler Trail section has the best skyline views. Early morning is ideal — the water is calm and the light is golden. After your paddle, walk or bike the trail for free.
8. Hit the Food Truck Parks
Austin pioneered the gourmet food truck movement and the parks are still thriving. Unlike your average hot dog cart, these are serious chefs in trailers cooking extraordinary food for $8-15.
The Picnic (South First) — Curated selection of trucks with covered seating.
Meanwhile Brewing — Food trucks plus a huge patio with craft beer. Great for an evening.
Chi'Lantro — Korean-Mexican fusion from a truck. Their kimchi fries are famous for a reason.
Lunch crowds form by 11:30AM at the popular trucks.
9. Explore East Austin's Mural Scene
East Austin is covered in massive, colorful murals. Walk along East 6th, East 7th, and Cesar Chavez streets for free outdoor art. The "Greetings from Austin" postcard mural at 1720 S First Street is the photo everyone takes — and it's genuinely good.
10. Day Trip to Hill Country Wineries
Texas Wine Country is 45 minutes west on Highway 290 and most people don't even know it exists. There are 50+ wineries in the Hill Country.
William Chris Vineyards ($20 tasting) — Beautiful setting, excellent Tempranillo.
Jester King Brewery — Technically a farmhouse brewery on a ranch, but the spontaneously fermented beers ($8-14) and on-site pizza from Stanley's Farmhouse ($14-18) make this worth the drive alone.
Hamilton Pool Preserve — Reservation required ($12/vehicle, book weeks ahead). A natural grotto pool under a 50-foot waterfall with jade-green water. This is the most beautiful swimming spot in Texas.
11. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
$12 (free Thursdays). The Ellsworth Kelly "Austin" chapel — a minimalist masterpiece of colored glass panels — is the highlight. It's a separate building on the UT campus, and walking inside is a genuinely moving experience. The Latin American art collection is also outstanding.
12. Do Rainey Street for Happy Hour
A street of converted bungalow houses turned into bars with massive patios. This is where Austin's happy hour culture peaks.
Bangers Sausage House & Beer Garden — Craft sausages ($10-14), 100+ beers on tap, a huge dog-friendly patio.
Container Bar — Built from actual shipping containers. Industrial-chic.
Lucille Patio Lounge — Laid-back, good cocktails, backyard vibes.
Happy hour runs 3-6PM at most spots. Half-price drinks and appetizers are standard.
Pro Tips
The heat is brutal. June-September regularly exceeds 38°C. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Carry water constantly. Barton Springs is your refuge.
Uber/Lyft is essential. Austin's public transit is limited. Airport to downtown is $20-30 and 15 minutes. Parking downtown runs $10-25/day.
Electric scooters (Lime, Bird) are everywhere and great for short trips. $1 unlock + $0.25/minute.
Tip 18-20%. It's Texas. It's expected.
SXSW (March) transforms the city. Hotels triple in price. But hundreds of free unofficial showcases make it worth the chaos if you can find accommodation.
