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Austin Travel Guide

USA

#1 in Best Places to Visit in Texas

1-Day Itinerary in Austin

Explore the best things to do in Austin in 1 day based on recommendations from local experts.

  1. All Things To Do
  2. Free
  3. 1-Day Itinerary
  4. 2-Day Itinerary
  5. 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

#1

#1 in Austin

Local Pick: Must-see ?
Nestled in Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a favorite locale among visitors and residents alike. Native American settlers once believed the springs possessed spiritual healing powers, and professional travel writers still refer to Barton Springs as the soul of Austin.
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Swimming/Pools Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Barton Springs Pool
Nestled in Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a favorite locale among visitors and residents alike. Native American settlers once believed the springs possessed spiritual healing powers, and professional travel writers still refer to Barton Springs as the soul of Austin.
... more

5 minute walk

#2

#2 in Austin

Local Pick: Must-see ? Free
Sitting across the river from downtown Austin, this beloved 351-acre park buoys Austin's reputation as one of the Best Places to Live. Zilker Metropolitan Park shelters some of the city's most popular attractions – from art museums to swimming holes – as well as several athletic fields and plenty of open space for strolling. Whether you choose to swim, canoe or dig for fossils at the Austin Nature and Science Center's Dino Pit, you'll find a range of options – a particular point of praise for recent visitors. 
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Parks and Gardens Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Sitting across the river from downtown Austin, this beloved 351-acre park buoys Austin's reputation as one of the Best Places to Live. Zilker Metropolitan Park shelters some of the city's most popular attractions – from art museums to swimming holes – as well as several athletic fields and plenty of open space for strolling. Whether you choose to swim, canoe or dig for fossils at the Austin Nature and Science Center's Dino Pit, you'll find a range of options – a particular point of praise for recent visitors. 
... more

10 minutes by car

#4

#4 in Austin

Local Pick: Must-see ? Free
Standing stoically in the heart of central Austin is Texas's legislative center, the State Capitol. Opened in 1888, this pink-granite landmark stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Much of the capitol, including the 218-foot rotunda, the chamber of the Hall of Representatives and the governor's receiving room, still look the same as they did when the capitol opened.
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Sightseeing Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
State Capitol
Standing stoically in the heart of central Austin is Texas's legislative center, the State Capitol. Opened in 1888, this pink-granite landmark stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Much of the capitol, including the 218-foot rotunda, the chamber of the Hall of Representatives and the governor's receiving room, still look the same as they did when the capitol opened.
... more

5 minutes by car or 15-20 minute walk

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#5

#5 in Austin

Local Pick: Must-see ? Free
According to experts, Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Approximately 1.5 million bats have made the Congress Avenue Bridge their home. The bats settled here after a renovation of the bridge in 1980 created crevices that were perfect for bats to take refuge in against predators. Every spring the Mexican free tailed bats migrate north to the bridge to give birth and raise their offspring. Come summer time, the bats can be seen each evening at dusk as they emerge for their nightly excursions to rid the city of pesky insects before heading back to central Mexico in the fall. 
... more
Natural Wonders Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Austin Bats
According to experts, Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Approximately 1.5 million bats have made the Congress Avenue Bridge their home. The bats settled here after a renovation of the bridge in 1980 created crevices that were perfect for bats to take refuge in against predators. Every spring the Mexican free tailed bats migrate north to the bridge to give birth and raise their offspring. Come summer time, the bats can be seen each evening at dusk as they emerge for their nightly excursions to rid the city of pesky insects before heading back to central Mexico in the fall. 
... more

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Locals' Picks for Austin

Whisler's is

Locals’ 9 Favorite Austin Bars

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is hailed for serving some of the best breakfast tacos in Austin.

8 Delicious Austin Barbecue Joints – Locals' Picks

Rainey Street is a hip area with whiskey bars, beer gardens, live music and ethnic restaurants.

Austin’s 5 Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife – Locals' Picks

At the Lake Austin Spa Resort, visitors can select from more than 100 treatments, including aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and salon services.

6 Relaxing Spas in Austin – Locals' Picks

Grab brunch at Perla's on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The 10 Best Austin Brunch Spots – Locals' Picks

Visitors will find 55,000 artifacts at the LBJ Presidential Library.

6 Must-See Austin Museums – Locals' Picks

Right on Lady Bird Lake in downtown, III Forks Prime Steakhouse serves rib-eye steaks, filet mignon and more than 500 varieties of wine.

9 Must-Try Austin Steakhouses – Locals' Picks

Enjoy an ice-cold ale or IPA at one of these spots.

5 Austin Breweries to Visit – Locals' Picks

The Domain offers shoppers 100 high-end chain stores, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

5 Great Austin Shopping Spots – Locals' Picks

Explore the beauty of Texas' capital at these parks.

7 Austin Parks to See on Vacation – Locals' Picks

Explore More of Austin

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Best Hotels

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World Map

Map

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Zilker Metropolitan Park

When to Visit

See When to Visit »
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