Update: Check out this post for 20 fun, free things to do in Austin, TX!
Hey ya’ll! I don’t really talk like that, but I’m trying to authenticate this experience for you. I’m Lei, here from My Many Colored Days, to share 10 FABULOUS, mostly FREE things to do in Austin, TX! I love Austin! I think it is the best city to live in Texas. I grew up in Houston and have family in Dallas as well, so I am practically a native Texan. There is such a great combination of culture, beauty and history in this city! Hopefully this list will show you just that!
This is the only thing on my list that isn’t 100% free. But I had to include it because it is so darn fun and summer staple for us. Tickets are just .50 each and there is so much to do! Try out symphony instruments, watch a little performance, visit some fun sponsor booths…
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2. The bats on Congress Avenue
Every evening in July and August you can stand along the bridge on Congress Avenue downtown and watch millions of bats emerge from their cave.
3. South Congress Photo Ops
In fact, S. Congress alone deserves it’s own post! There are some any awesome places along there, including great photo spots that, as a photographer, I love!!! And among many great spots to shop there’s a whole row of wonderful food trailers. I love Hey Cupcake (featured above), but there is also Torchy’s Tacos and Flip Happy Crepes – to name a few.
In fact, S. Congress alone deserves it’s own post! There are some any awesome places along there, including great photo spots that, as a photographer, I love!!! And among many great spots to shop there’s a whole row of wonderful food trailers. I love Hey Cupcake (featured above), but there is also Torchy’s Tacos and Flip Happy Crepes – to name a few.
Austin is host to many kinds of wildlife. The most unique among them being peacocks. There are peacock farms everywhere, but at the Mayfield Park and Preserve you can walk among them up close. Even get your picture taken with them! I’ve done several photo shoots here. Very charming little place!
Austin is full of artists. You may have heard the phrase “Keep Austin Weird”, and this monument is probably the first that comes to mind whenever I hear that! (I always take people here when they visit!)
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6. Hike and bike trails
Austin has tons of cyclists and runners. There are 2 fabulous hike and bike trails here – Town Lake and Brushy Creek. This picture is of Brushy Creek because it is the one you can find me at most often (it’s right down the street from me). It is 6.75 miles of beautiful, lush greenery (the picture above was taken in the wintertime however). There is also a lake for fishing and paddle boating, a few different parks, including a sports park, dinosaur dig area, and free sprinkler park for the kids! (I also LOVE Walnut Creek for Mountain Biking!)
7. Zilker Hillside Theater Productions
ZTP has been providing pay-what-you-can outdoor performances since 1959! From the official web page: We are dedicated to the celebration and preservation of that unique American art form, the Broadway musical, by mounting large-scale musical productions at the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater in Austin’s beautiful Zilker Park. (Summer 2011 is Footloose! I’ve been to the shows the last 2 summers…The Music Man and Annie–both great! Again, another fun picnic venue)
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A popular scenic stop atop Austin from which you can see downtown and Lake Austin. Great places for picnics, includes hiking trails and spectacular views. (I love Mt. Bonnell… check out THIS picture I had made from the top of Mt .Bonnell…great place for a picnic)
Twice a year there is a HUGE, FABULOUS antique/craft/art fair in Round Top (near Austin) that I have yet to attend. (I know – so sad – but Jamie says she hasn’t gone either so maybe we’ll have to hit it together!) Any antiquer in Austin knows this is the place to find the best treasures! Country Living says, “The Marburger Farm Antique Show is one of the top ten antique shows in America!” (Yes, Lei…I would LOVE to go to this with you !!)
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Since 1960, ANSC has provided nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation resources for countless visitors, teachers, and children of all ages. I used to babysit a TON in college, and the dino pit was one of our favorite spots in town.
So, if you ever find yourself in Austin, there’s a start for ya. But promise to give Jamie and I a shout out, because there is much, much more to choose from! Thanks for having me Jamie… my fabulous-fellow-bloggin-Austinite!
Psst… The parenthesis at the end are my commentary. xo Jamie
Perfect timing! We live in S. Texas and we're going on a little weekend getaway to Austin this coming weekend. Having never been there, I had no idea what to do while we were there and this just popped up at just the right time for us. We'll definitely check out a few things on that list! Thanks a million!
YES! ALL of you!!! Lol.
I lived in Austin when I was a little girl. We loved it there! I remember going and seeing the bats emerge from their caves. Thanks for the great post.
Can I hang out with you when I come, Lei?
I am so excited to check these out. We haven't been to over half of them!
Thanks ladies for the great post!!
The bats alone are worth the trip. My kids loved them and so did I! There's also so much history in Austin … it makes a great educational trip.
Such a fun series! Can't wait to see the next one.
I live in San Antonio and haven't done any of those things. I'm planning a trip. THanks for posting.