The Top 10 Free Things to Do in Austin

Our Local Expert Says:

Though any time at the capitol is awe-inspiring, seeing the Texas State Capitol during the holiday season is magical. Be sure to traipse through the vibrant green grounds—this is a perfect spot for a super cheap but utterly romantic date.

Description:

The Texas State Legislature meets only once every two years, so if the cavernous building seems oddly deserted, the legislature is probably not in session. Considered one of the nation's most distinguished state buildings, the Texas State Capitol, with its strong red granite facade and Renaissance Revival architectural style, sits regally on a hill overlooking Congress Avenue. Largest of all state capitols and only second in size to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Texas State Capitol anchors the north end of downtown, just four blocks south of the University of Texas at Austin campus. Free tours of the capitol building cover Texas history, fun facts about the 17 monuments on the 22-acre, park-like grounds, and information about the Texas legislature, or take the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace. You'll need to go through a quick security check at the entrance, including having your bags scanned by a metal detector.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mount Bonnell is one of Austin's most obviously romantic spots, so if you're planning something super special, aim for less popular hours, which tend to be late afternoon and, of course, sunset.

Description:

Known for its beautiful, unobstructed view of the Austin area since the mid-1800s, Mount Bonnell hosts family photos, sunset picnics and romantic marriage proposals on a regular basis. Visitors park at the base of the hill and work their way up nearly 100 stone steps -- a 190-foot elevation gain -- to the wide open outcropping overlooking the southern side of the city and Lake Austin below. It's a fairly easy climb, but elderly relatives might find it challenging. A short gravel trail leads slowly downhill and to the left, offering up quiet spots for personal reflection with a clear view of the massive Pennybacker Bridge. Look left from Mount Bonnell to find the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas Tower on the University of Texas campus. A number of nearby radio towers detract from the beauty of some of the views. At night, the towers' red lights give the spot an otherworldly feel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Catching the bats emerging from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is an exhilarating experience. For the best view, get there at least 30 minutes before dusk and wait on the southeastern side of the bridge, just over the water.

Description:

Though it may look like your average overpass, Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge houses one of Austin's natural wonders -- the world's largest urban bat colony. Small spaces in the expansion joints on the underside of the bridge are just the right size for little bat condos -- very crowded bat condos. From March through September, approximately 1.5 million bats make this simple structure their summer home. The Mexican free-tailed bats take flight nightly at dusk, consuming nearly 20,000 pounds of insects with each evening meal. As they emerge and head eastward, it looks like a ghostly dark river in the sky. Just 10 blocks south of the Texas State Capitol and a mile north of the popular South Congress Avenue shopping district, this fascinating sight draws thousands of onlookers to both sides of the bridge, as well as just below on the southeast bank of Lady Bird Lake (previously known as Town Lake.) There's a free parking lot near the bridge, but it fills up fast, so get there before sundown.

Our Local Expert Says:

The LBJ Library and Museum feels like a step back in time with both audio and video highlights from the 1960s, as well as a life-size replica of Johnson's Oval Office. Give yourself plenty of time to peruse this impressive Presidential museum.

Description:

In 1971, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum opened its doors on the University of Texas at Austin campus, housing millions of historical documents and other memorabilia of the 36th President of the United States of America. The 14-acre memorial, located adjacent to UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs, is one of the only Presidential libraries that's free to the public. Visitors browse items from the museum's permanent collection as well as touring exhibits, all fun and surprisingly educational.

Description:

The City of Austin has developed one of the finest trail systems in the nation. Currently, over 50 miles of well-surfaced scenic paths follow natural greenbelts into all areas of the city, making an excellent trail accesible to all.

Our Local Expert Says:

Shopping along South Congress Avenue is a must-do. The restaurants along SoCo are among the best and there's no better place to find locally made merchandise.

Description:

Known for its funky style, South Congress Avenue, located about a mile south of the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and with a clear and brilliant view of the Texas State Capitol, draws Austinites and area visitors for its shopping, eating, and live music opportunities. Stylish boutiques filled with eccentric and often locally made clothing and accessories share South Congress Avenue with fun local eateries and antique stores brimming with undiscovered treasures. Food trailers offering everything from cupcakes to Vietnamese sandwiches congregate near Monroe Street. There's often a band playing on Guero's outdoor patio, and the Continental Club is rocking seven nights a week. The first Thursday of each month brings the aptly titled First Thursday event, where SoCo storefronts remain open later, often serving margaritas or cold beer to a slew of people meandering the street in this open-to-the-public street festival. People watching is at its prime on South Congress Avenue during weekend afternoons when many emerge for a lazy day of window shopping. read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The Gutenberg Bible on display in the lobby of the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center is well worth a visit on its own accord. Speak to the docents for insight into the other rare items housed throughout the building.

Description:

The Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center on the University of Texas campus is a cultural hub for U.S., British and French literature. Though its development began in 1897 with the gift of a 10,000-volume library from Swedish book collector Swante Palm, the center got its official start in 1958. The free museum/research center holds 36 million pages of manuscripts, 1 million rare books, 5 million photographs, and 100,000 works of art. Step into the lobby for a look at the Gutenberg Bible, as well as the first successful permanent photograph. These permanent displays share space in the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center with an array of touring exhibitions. Also a part of the archive: Edgar Allan Poe's writing desk, Jack Kerouac's journal written in preparation for On the Road and the personal library of Ezra Pound. Other nearby museums include the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Our Local Expert Says:

With so much space in Zilker Park, it's easy for hundreds of people to enjoy the park at the same time. The concrete picnic tables make for a great (and free) party place with loads of room for roaming children and pets.

Description:

Zilker Park, Austin's largest urban green space, occupies 351 acres along the southern shore of Lady Bird Lake with Barton Springs Road cutting through the middle of the park. Grassy fields play host to soccer matches, volleyball games and picnics. Sand volleyball courts are normally first-come, first-serve, but they can also be reserved for large groups for a fee. The Zilker Playground on the park's southern end, complete with the pint-sized Zilker Zephyr train, entertains the little ones. Within the Zilker Park grounds, visitors will find Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Botanical Garden, as well as seasonal events including the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the annual Kite Festival and the summer music series, Blues on the Green. Kayaks and canoes can be rented by the hour at two sites, one near Barton Springs pool and the other on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum lies along the park's eastern border.

Description:

Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is the state's largest educational institution. The original campus was laid out as only 40 acres, but today the 50,000-student university encompasses well over 350 acres. This public university has earned numerous honors for both academics and athletics and offers a wide range of area to study.

Our Local Expert Says:

The variety of flowers and plants at the Zilker Botanical Garden is astounding. This beautiful location makes for a gorgeous photographic backdrop.

Description:

Located in the heart of Austin, the Zilker Botanical Garden provides a beautiful urban retreat amid 30 acres in Zilker Park. This free and year-round attraction encompasses seven different garden types -- everything ranging from wildflowers, native plants, roses and herbs to butterfly-attracting plants and succulents. Springtime brings an explosion of color; don't miss the tulip garden. The butterfly trail is also a can't-miss area in spring. The City of Austin's Green Garden gives visitors tips about utilizing native plants, selecting drought-tolerant trees, composting and conserving water. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden recreates the environment that once existed on this land, including casts of dinosaur tracks found in 1992. An authentic Japanese garden and teahouse add to the serenity of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Massive koi fish swim through a series of ponds connected by stepping stones. A gift shop offers souvenirs, seeds and educational information. The spring plant sale is an annual tradition for many longtime Austinites.