Explore Why Austin Should Be Your Next Texas Travel Destination
- wholelottatxshow
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
We've Found The Best Things To Do in Austin for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning your very first trip to Austin, Texas, welcome to one of the most spirited, creative, and culture-rich cities in the entire United States. This lively city is home to incredible live music, green outdoor spaces, world-class food, artsy pop-up shops, historic architecture, and more local charm than you can imagine. Whether your goal is to eat your way through town, soak in the iconic Texas energy, or discover the trendy neighborhoods and scenic views, this guide highlights the "Best Things to Do in Austin for First-Time Visitors."
Why Austin Is One of the Best Cities to Visit in Texas
Austin consistently ranks as one of the top places to visit in the United States because of its unique blend of live music, outdoor activities, food trucks, Texas history, and thriving young professional community. For first-time visitors, every corner of the city is full of surprises: vintage murals that brighten major streets, taco trucks with lines wrapped around the block, and peaceful lakeside trails just minutes from the lively downtown district. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin, Texas and want to make your first visit unforgettable, keep reading for a complete list of can't-miss experiences.
Explore Downtown Austin Attractions
Wander Around South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
One of the top things to do in Austin for first-time visitors is exploring South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo. This energetic street offers an instantly recognizable view of the Texas State Capitol and is lined with:
Fun, locally owned boutiques
Vintage clothing shops
Handmade jewelry stalls
Coffee bars and craft cocktail spots
The famous “I Love You So Much” mural at Jo's Coffee
The walkability of SoCo makes it a perfect place to kick off your Austin experience with a personal selfie and fresh cup of cold brew coffee in hand.
No first-time visit to Austin is complete without a tour of the Texas State Capitol, one of the most important historical sites in the city. Located in the heart of downtown, the Capitol building is fully open to the public and offers free guided tours. You’ll learn more about Texas history, see incredible architecture, and capture plenty of Instagram-worthy photos.
🎵 Experience the Live Music Scene
Visit Live Music Venues on 6th Street
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, so naturally, one of the best things to do in Austin for a first-time visitor is to explore the 6th Street entertainment district. This area is packed with music venues, bars, nightclubs, and local spots blasting everything from blues and country to rock and indie.
Check Out Local Music at The Continental Club
Located on South Congress Avenue, The Continental Club is legendary. Since the 1950s, it has played host to countless Texas music icons. Even if you’re just getting into the Austin vibe, visiting this venue gives you a true taste of the city’s musical roots.
🌮 Discover Austin’s Famous Food
Try Breakfast Tacos (Yes, This Is a Must!)
Ask any Austin local about the best food in the city and you’ll probably hear “breakfast tacos” within the first five seconds. These delicious tacos are made with fresh tortillas, eggs, bacon, brisket, avocado, and homemade salsa. Top spots include:
Torchy’s Tacos (the original Austin location!)
Veracruz All Natural (killer avocado salsa)
Juan in a Million
Dive into Austin’s BBQ Scene
Texas is known for barbecue, and Austin is no exception. The long lines at the city’s top BBQ joints are a true rite of passage for first-time visitors. Here are some top-rated locations to help you plan:
BBQ Restaurant | Specialty Dish | Location |
Franklin Barbecue | Brisket | East Austin |
Terry Black’s Barbecue | Beef Rib | Barton Springs Rd. |
La Barbecue | Sausage & Sides | East Cesar Chavez |
Stiles Switch | Pork Ribs | North Lamar Blvd. |
Pro tip: Go early! Franklin Barbecue often sells out by early afternoon.
🌿 Get Outdoors: Nature in Austin
Walk or Bike Along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
This scenic trail stretches around Lady Bird Lake, offering gorgeous views of downtown Austin. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Austin and a great way to balance out all the tacos and live music with a little fresh air.
Enjoy Barton Springs Pool
Located inside Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed swimming pool that stays refreshingly cool all year long. If you’re visiting Austin during the warmer months (which is most of the year), make sure you carve out at least a few hours to relax in this natural oasis.
😎 Visit Iconic Neighborhoods in Austin
Explore East Austin (Trendy and Artsy)
East Austin has quickly become one of the most popular areas in the city. It’s an urban mix of street art, locally roasted coffee, craft beer, food truck parks, and small art galleries. You’ll see colorful murals on almost every corner, making it perfect for first-time visitors who love creative visuals and independent shops.
Take a Walk Through The Domain (North Austin)
If you want to mix shopping, dining, and entertainment in one spot, The Domain is a high-end outdoor district that feels like its own mini city. Whether you’re looking for global brands, modern restaurants, or casual places to hang out, this is one of the best things to do in Austin for adults and teens alike.
📸 Can’t-Miss Photo Spots in Austin
Austin is full of memorable photo‐opportunities that will make your social feed pop. Here are a few favorites:
“Greetings from Austin” mural (on South 1st Street)
360 Bridge Overlook (officially Pennybacker Bridge)
The Paramount Theatre marquee at night
Rainey Street’s bungalow-style bars with string lights
Austin Public Library rooftop garden
For the most high-SEO keyword density: capture "Best Austin photo spots for first-time visitors", “Instagram-worthy places in Austin, Texas”, and “Where to take pictures in Austin”.
🎟️ Fun Seasonal Things To Do in Austin
Attend Austin City Limits Festival
If your first visit happens in the fall, check out the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park. It’s one of the top events in the United States and features major artists across multiple genres.
See the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats (Spring–Fall)
From March to October, nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. Watching the bats fly into the sunset is one of the most unique and surprisingly beautiful things to do in Austin at night.
🔥 Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Rent a bike or scooter to get around quickly and easily
Avoid peak hours on South Congress if you want quieter shopping
Always bring sunscreen, even in winter — Austin sun doesn’t play
Stay hydrated (especially if you’re enjoying the nightlife or BBQ heat)
Ask locals for recommendations, especially for live music and hidden food spots — Austin people love to share
🎯 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Austin Checklist for First-Time Visitors
Here’s a quick summary of the best things to do in Austin for first-time visitors:
✅ Walk South Congress Avenue
✅ Visit the Texas State Capitol
✅ Experience live music on 6th Street
✅ Eat breakfast tacos and Texas BBQ
✅ Enjoy Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake
✅ Check out East Austin street art
✅ Make time for photo spots and murals
✅ Watch the Congress Avenue bats at sunset
✅ Plan for at least one live concert or local event
Whether you’re spending a weekend in Austin or planning a full-blown Texas vacation, this city offers the perfect balance of laid-back vibes and big-energy attractions. As someone who loves travel, food, and discovering new experiences, I can personally say Austin always delivers — even when you think you’ve seen everything, it surprises you with something new.
Check out more stories Exploring the Best of Texas: Top Destinations Revealed
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