The Absolute Best Things to Do in Austin [Updated 2025]

With a playful and lighthearted tone, I have carefully reviewed eight incredible activities and attractions that will guarantee an unforgettable time in this vibrant Texan city. From exploring the stunning natural beauty of Barton Springs Pool to indulging in the mouthwatering food scene on South Congress Avenue, this article will be your go-to resource for the most exciting adventures Austin has to offer.

So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the must-see sights, thrilling activities, and hidden gems that make Austin an absolute delight for locals and visitors alike!

Mexic-Arte Museum

Highlights
Free Admission
Helpful Staff
Mexican Art
Unique Exhibits
Gift Shop

I must admit, I was initially intrigued by the fact that admission to the Mexic-Arte Museum is completely free. As a budget-conscious traveler, this was a major plus in my book.

Upon entering, I was warmly greeted by the helpful staff, who graciously provided me with a map and some background information about the museum. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for Mexican art were truly commendable.

Speaking of art, Mexic-Arte Museum is a true gem for those who appreciate Mexican art. The museum showcases a diverse range of artwork, from traditional to contemporary pieces, each offering a unique perspective on Mexican culture. It was captivating to see how Mexican artists have interpreted their heritage in such vibrant and thought-provoking ways.

What really stood out to me were the unique exhibits on display. The museum doesn't shy away from exploring various themes and perspectives, making each visit an exciting adventure. From multimedia installations to immersive experiences, I found myself completely absorbed in the art and its narratives.

Before leaving, I couldn't resist exploring the gift shop, which is filled with treasures inspired by Mexican art and culture. From handmade crafts to beautiful prints, there was something for everyone looking to take a piece of Mexic-Arte Museum home.

Overall, my visit to Mexic-Arte Museum was an absolute delight. With free admission, helpful staff, captivating Mexican art, unique exhibits, and a tempting gift shop, it's no wonder that this museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Austin's vibrant art scene.

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Texas Toy Museum

Highlights
Large selection of classic arcade games
Local Austin beers and ciders available
Friendly and accommodating staff
Museum scavenger hunt
Arcade style game room

Let me start by saying that this place is an absolute hidden gem for both kids and the young-at-heart. As soon as I stepped through the doors, I was engulfed in a wave of nostalgia and excitement.

One of the highlights of Texas Toy Museum is the large selection of classic arcade games. From Pac-Man to Street Fighter, they have it all! And guess what? You can play them to your heart's content!

But it doesn't stop there. As I strolled through the museum, I noticed they also had local Austin beers and ciders available. It was the perfect way to relax and sip on a cold one while admiring all the amazing toys from my childhood.

The staff at the museum are absolutely amazing. They were so friendly and accommodating, making sure that everyone had a great time. Their passion for toys and games was infectious, and they were more than happy to answer any questions and share interesting tidbits of information.

What made my visit to Texas Toy Museum even more exciting was the museum scavenger hunt they offer. It added an element of adventure and competition as I searched for hidden treasures throughout the museum.

To top it all off, they even have an arcade-style game room where you can challenge your friends or just embrace your inner child. I spent hours battling it out with classic games, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast.

In conclusion, Texas Toy Museum is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a fun-filled, nostalgic experience in Austin. With its vast collection of classic arcade games, local drinks, friendly staff, museum scavenger hunt, and game room, it offers a little something for everyone. So grab your friends, unleash your inner child, and get ready for a trip down memory lane at Texas Toy Museum.

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Bullock Texas State History Museum

Highlights
Large and beautiful museum
Personable and well versed staff
New exhibit honoring Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett
Touching experience for visitors
Peaceful and very clean environment

First and foremost, let me just say that this place is huge and beautiful! As I stepped inside the museum, I was immediately awestruck by the grandeur of the architecture and the vastness of the exhibits. The attention to detail and the historical artifacts on display were simply captivating.

One of the standout features of the Bullock Texas State History Museum is its personable and well-versed staff. They were not only knowledgeable about the museum's exhibits but also eager to engage visitors in conversation, making the experience more enjoyable and interactive.

I was particularly impressed by the museum's newest exhibit, which honors the remarkable legacy of Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett. This exhibit highlighted Dr. Bennett's profound impact on the civil rights movement and showcased his fascinating life journey. It was both educational and emotionally touching.

Moreover, the museum provides a peaceful and very clean environment. The displays are thoughtfully arranged, allowing visitors to explore the history of Texas at their own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum to anyone looking for an enriching and entertaining experience. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about the vibrant past of Texas, this museum offers an incredible journey through time. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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The Escape Game Austin

Highlights
Well-designed room
Great host
Anniversary card
Helpful and insightful clues

Upon arriving at The Escape Game Austin, I immediately noticed the well-designed room. The attention to detail really helped to create an immersive and exciting atmosphere. The room was beautifully crafted and truly added to the overall experience.

The host was incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made sure that our group felt comfortable and prepared for the challenge ahead. Their enthusiasm was contagious and really set a positive tone for the game.

As a pleasant surprise, because we were celebrating our anniversary, the host had prepared a special anniversary card for us. It was a thoughtful gesture that added a personal touch to our experience.

The Escape Game Austin definitely lived up to its reputation for providing helpful and insightful clues. Whenever we were stuck, the staff were quick to lend a hand, making sure we were moving forward and having a great time. Their guidance ensured that we were able to fully enjoy the game without feeling frustrated.

Overall, The Escape Game Austin is a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. With its well-designed room, great host, personalized touches like the anniversary card, and helpful clues, it's an activity that guarantees entertainment and a memorable experience. So gather your friends, put your problem-solving skills to the test, and prepare for an adventure like no other!

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Things To Do in Austin

Highlights
Love it
Undefined

Let me start by saying, I absolutely love it! Things To Do in Austin is a hidden gem that truly encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the city.

As soon as I walked through the doors, I was immediately greeted with an infectious energy that permeated every corner of the establishment. The place was buzzing with excitement and the walls were adorned with colorful murals depicting famous landmarks of Austin. It was like stepping into a miniaturized version of the city itself.

One of the highlights of my visit was the Undefined exhibit. This unique display showcased the city's ever-evolving culture and creativity. From interactive art installations to thought-provoking sculptures, there was something for everyone to marvel at. I found myself getting lost in the immersive experience, as each piece told a story and ignited my imagination.

But what truly sets Things To Do in Austin apart from other venues is the variety of activities available. Whether you're into music, food, or outdoor adventures, this place has it all. From live performances by local bands to culinary workshops with renowned chefs, there is never a dull moment.

The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations and create unforgettable memories. They truly go above and beyond to ensure everyone's experience is nothing short of exceptional.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Austin, look no further than Things To Do in Austin. It's a playground for the senses, a hub of creativity, and a celebration of everything that makes this city so special. Do yourself a favor and make this a top priority on your list of things to do in Austin. You won't be disappointed.

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Texas Capitol

Highlights
Visitor friendly amenities
Free guided tour
Architectural marvel
Perfect location for weddings
Beautifully well-maintained grounds

When I arrived at the Texas Capitol, I was immediately captivated by its grandeur. The architectural marvel stood tall in the heart of Austin, a magnificent structure that seemed to embody the spirit of the Lone Star State. As I approached, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the building.

Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of visitor friendly amenities. The friendly staff welcomed me with a smile and provided a complimentary map to help navigate the vast halls of the Capitol. The best part? The free guided tour they offered. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provided rich historical insights into the state's history and allowed me to explore areas not accessible to the public. I couldn't help but feel like a true Texan as I walked the same halls that had witnessed the shaping of the state's destiny.

The Texas Capitol is not only a historical treasure but also a popular venue for weddings. Its perfect location in the heart of Austin, coupled with its beautiful grounds, make it an ideal setting for a magical celebration of love. I could easily visualize the happy couple exchanging vows against the backdrop of this stunning architectural masterpiece.

Lastly, I must commend the Capitol's staff on the beautifully well-maintained grounds. From the vibrant flowers to the perfectly trimmed lawns, everything was immaculate, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

In conclusion, my visit to the Texas Capitol was nothing short of spectacular. With its visitor-friendly amenities, free guided tour, architectural marvel, and beautiful grounds, it truly deserves to be listed as one of the best things to do in Austin. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of grand architecture, or planning a special event, the Texas Capitol should definitely be at the top of your must-visit list.

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Museum of the Weird

Highlights
Weird and spooky
Cool stuff to see
Interesting stories
Unique goodies
Friendly staff

Walking into the Museum of the Weird is like stepping into a whole new world. This quirky and spooky attraction definitely lives up to its name. From the moment you enter, you'll be greeted by an assortment of oddities and curiosities that will leave you both fascinated and slightly unnerved.

The museum boasts a collection of cool stuff to see, ranging from shrunken heads to two-headed animals. Each exhibit is carefully curated to pique your curiosity and spark your imagination. The attention to detail is impeccable, and you'll find yourself getting lost in the strange and wondrous artifacts that surround you.

But what truly sets the Museum of the Weird apart are the interesting stories behind each exhibit. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are more than happy to share tales of the supernatural, uncover the mysteries of the paranormal, and provide historical context to the peculiar items on display. It's like being transported into a world of myths, legends, and unexplained phenomena.

And let's not forget the unique goodies you can take home as a reminder of your visit. The gift shop offers a wide selection of bizarre souvenirs, including vintage horror movie posters, alien keychains, and even genuine voodoo dolls. You'll be compelled to bring a piece of the weirdness back with you.

Overall, the Museum of the Weird is a hidden gem in Austin that every adventurous soul should explore. With its blend of the unexpected, friendly staff, and an array of oddities, it's a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you both entertained and pondering the mysteries of the unknown.

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Haunted ATX

Highlights
Amazing experience
Knowledgeable guide
Historic buildings
Haunted basement
Unique hearse ride

Let me just start by saying, WOW, what an amazing experience! Haunted ATX truly knows how to give their guests an unforgettable night of chills, thrills, and spooky fun.

One of the highlights of the tour was our knowledgeable guide. They were not only well-informed about the haunted history of Austin, but also passionate about sharing their knowledge with us. It made the experience even more intriguing and immersive.

The tour itself took us to some historic buildings in Austin, where we learned about the haunted tales that surround them. The stories were captivating and sent shivers down our spines. But that wasn't the end of the adventure!

We were then led to a haunted basement. Now, I won't give too much away, but let's just say that this is not for the faint of heart. It was genuinely spine-chilling and had us gripping onto each other as we explored the eerie depths.

Now, let's talk about the unique hearse ride. Yes, you read that right! We were transported from one location to another in a beautifully restored hearse. It added an extra layer of excitement and gave us a taste of the macabre.

Overall, my experience with Haunted ATX was absolutely phenomenal. The combination of amazing stories, a knowledgeable guide, historic buildings, a haunted basement, and the one-of-a-kind hearse ride made this a standout experience in Austin. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and memorable adventure. Don't miss out on this bone-chilling experience!

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