Austin, Texas is one of the most vibrant, exciting cities in the entire country. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a bachelorette party, a bachelor party, or just looking to explore the Live Music Capital of the World — there is truly no shortage of incredible things to do in Austin TX.
As local tour guides who’ve been showing people the best of Austin for years, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the top things to do in Austin. From river tubing to world-class BBQ, craft breweries to live music — this is your insider’s guide to Austin, Texas.
1. Go River Tubing in Austin TX
If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do in Austin, it’s go river tubing. There’s nothing quite like floating down a cool, spring-fed river on a hot Texas summer day. River tubing near Austin is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the area, and for good reason — it’s relaxing, refreshing, and an absolute blast whether you’re with friends, family, or a group event like a bachelorette party or corporate outing.
At Roamer Tours, our river tubing tour is consistently rated 4.99 stars with over 1,000 reviews. Our professional guides take stunning photos and videos throughout the experience and share them with your group — so you can focus on having fun while we capture the memories.
2. Experience Austin’s World-Famous BBQ
Austin is the BBQ capital of the world, and no trip to Austin is complete without diving deep into the local BBQ scene. From legendary spots that have been smoking brisket for decades to innovative new pitmasters pushing the boundaries of Texas BBQ — Austin’s food scene is truly world-class.
Our BBQ Tours in Austin take you behind the scenes of the city’s most beloved BBQ joints, with a local guide who knows exactly where to find the most perfectly smoked brisket, the best ribs, and the most authentic Austin BBQ experience. It’s not just eating — it’s a full cultural immersion into Austin food culture.
3. Explore Austin’s Craft Brewery Scene
Austin has exploded as a craft beer destination over the past decade. The city is now home to dozens of exceptional craft breweries, each with its own unique character, story, and lineup of beers. Whether you love hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or adventurous sour ales, Austin’s brewery scene has something for every palate.
Our Brewery Tours in Austin take the guesswork out of exploring Austin’s craft beer scene. We’ll take you to four of the best breweries in Austin, navigating you through the city while you relax, sip great beer, and soak in the Austin vibe.
4. Catch Live Music on 6th Street
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World — and it earns that title every single night. 6th Street is the epicenter of Austin’s legendary live music scene, with dozens of bars and venues hosting live acts every night of the week. From blues to country, rock to jazz, indie to electronic — the diversity and quality of live music in Austin is unmatched anywhere in the country.
5. Visit Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s most beloved outdoor treasures. This natural swimming hole is fed by underground springs that keep the water at a refreshing 68 degrees year-round — making it a perfect escape from the intense Texas summer heat. Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs is a quintessential Austin experience that locals and visitors alike adore.
6. Explore South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
South Congress Avenue, affectionately known as SoCo, is one of Austin’s most iconic streets. Lined with eclectic boutiques, vintage shops, trendy restaurants, food trucks, and one-of-a-kind Austin businesses, SoCo perfectly captures the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit. It’s a great spot for shopping, people-watching, and discovering why Austin has such a uniquely vibrant culture.
7. Take a Bat Watching Tour
Did you know Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony? Every evening from March through October, over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in a spectacular flight that draws crowds of onlookers. This free natural phenomenon is one of Austin’s most unique and memorable experiences.
8. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is Austin’s crown jewel of outdoor recreation — a 7.9-mile trail system winding through the Texas Hill Country with swimming holes, rock climbing spots, and stunning limestone canyon scenery. It’s free, easily accessible, and offers a genuine taste of the natural beauty that makes the Austin area so special.
9. Visit the Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol building in downtown Austin is one of the most impressive capitol buildings in the entire United States — it’s actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Free guided tours are available, and the surrounding grounds feature beautiful monuments, gardens, and stunning architecture. It’s a must-see for any first-time Austin visitor.
10. Discover Rainey Street
Rainey Street is Austin’s most charming bar district — a collection of historic bungalow homes converted into trendy bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The vibe is more relaxed and neighborhood-y than 6th Street, making it perfect for an evening out with a smaller group. There’s outdoor seating, food trucks, and a lively but approachable atmosphere that embodies the best of Austin’s social scene.
11. Try Austin’s Famous Food Trucks
Austin has one of the most vibrant food truck cultures in the United States. Food truck parks are scattered throughout the city, serving everything from Korean fusion tacos to gourmet grilled cheese, fresh-caught seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. Some of Austin’s most acclaimed chefs operate out of food trucks, making the mobile dining scene just as exciting as its brick-and-mortar restaurants.
12. Explore the Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art at UT Austin is one of the largest university art museums in the country, featuring an impressive collection of over 18,000 works spanning European, American, and Latin American art. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and special events throughout the year, making it one of Austin’s top cultural destinations.
13. Walk Around Zilker Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s most beloved green space — a 358-acre park right in the heart of the city. Home to Barton Springs Pool, the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailhead, the Austin City Limits Music Festival grounds, and dozens of recreational facilities, Zilker Park is where Austin comes to play, relax, and celebrate.
14. Plan a Bachelorette or Bachelor Party in Austin
Austin has become one of the top bachelorette party and bachelor party destinations in the entire country — and it’s easy to see why. The city offers the perfect combination of incredible nightlife, outdoor adventure, world-class dining, and unique experiences that create unforgettable group memories.
Our river tubing tours in Austin are especially popular for bachelorette and bachelor parties. Our guides are experienced at hosting group events, keeping the energy high, and making sure every member of the group has an amazing time. We also capture professional photos and videos throughout the experience to commemorate the celebration.
15. Book an Austin Tour with Roamer Tours
The best way to experience Austin — especially for first-time visitors — is with a local guide who knows the city inside and out. At Roamer Tours, we offer river tubing, BBQ, and brewery tours that give you an authentic, insider Austin experience with none of the hassle of planning it yourself.
We’re rated 4.99 stars with over 1,000 reviews, and our tours are available for groups of all sizes — from couples to large parties. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, a birthday celebration, a corporate outing, or just want to explore Austin with knowledgeable local guides, we’d love to show you what makes Austin so special.
Book your Austin tour today and discover why thousands of visitors choose Roamer Tours as their go-to Austin experience every year.
Final Thoughts: Austin TX is One of a Kind
From spring-fed rivers to legendary BBQ pits, from world-class live music venues to stunning natural parks — Austin, Texas offers an extraordinary range of experiences that make it one of the most exciting cities in America. No matter what brings you to Austin, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this incredible city.
And if you’re looking for the perfect Austin experience that combines outdoor adventure, local expertise, and memories that last a lifetime — Roamer Tours is here to help. See you on the water!
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