Top 7 Things to do in Austin Texas: A Local’s Guide

If you are looking for some awesome activities to do on your Austin vacation, you have come to the right spot! Here are my Top 7 Things to do in Austin Texas; A Local’s Guide!

Moving to Austin was one of the biggest decisions of my life. My family lives in California and has never lived anywhere else. I wanted to do something completely different, even if it was just living out of California for a few months. At 25 years old I called this my “quarter life crisis” .   

I ended up falling in love with Austin immediately after my first visit. Those “few months” turned into a year, then a few more… cut to now and it’s been eight years! I moved to Austin knowing no one, and ended up making a life for myself. This experience has shaped me into the person I am today. It’s been an amazing journey, and I am forever grateful for each step along the way!

I may not have been born here, but I think eight years gives me the right to be called a “local”, don’t you think? Here is a list of my top things to do in Austin Texas: A Local’s Guide. They might not pop-up on every must-do list, but take it from this local, they are awesome! Plus, stick around for a few that are popular attractions for tourists, but are actually pretty cool. =)  

1. Movie Scene/ Movie Theaters –

Movie Scene

Austin is a cinephile’s dream! The Austin Film Society is a great organization that has regular events. Austin also has an active scene for filmmaking (did you know Robert Rodriguez lives here?); plus, SXSW brings in a ton of movie screenings and stars each year!

Movie Theaters

It only makes sense with all this silver screen glitz and glamor, that Austin would have a great movie theater scene as well!

Alamo Drafthouse

The Alamo Drafthouse is an institution in Austin. They started as a small, slightly weird (keep Austin weird y’all), theater with events and special throwback screenings. They have grown A LOT since then! Now they are all over Texas and spreading throughout the US! This is a good thing because they truly care about the movie-going experience, and you can tell by the way they run their theaters. No talking or interruptions during a movie is allowed or YOU WILL get kicked out. I love them for this!

They are also great for say… a Nsync vs Backstreet Boys dance party? Or an afternoon tea while watching your favorite Jane Austen movie? They have the most creative events! This is barely scratching the surface of all the awesomeness that is Alamo Drafthouse! Not to mention you can order food and drink from your seat!  

Violet Crown Cinema

I love the Drafthouse, but I also love the Violet Crown Cinema! Violet Crown is a classy establishment serving food and drink is a quiet lounge area. They do not have food service inside the theater itself, though you can bring in your food from the lounge. Each chair has a pull-out table so you can easily enjoy your treats. Their food is very good (try the Crown fries, delicious!) and the seats are plush.

Here’s a hint, sit in the very front row. There you can enjoy seating that is more like watching a movie in your living room (if your living room had a movie theater set up in it!). The front row has over-sized chairs, a footrest, and a very private feeling that I’ve never experienced anywhere else! That is why it’s my absolute favorite theater!   

2. Swimming Holes

Texas gets HOT. Like CRAZY freaking hot! Luckily Austin has some great swimming holes to cool off in! Barton Springs is fed by an underground aquifer with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees. It is located in Zilker Park, and it can get pretty crowded! Go early to avoid the crowds. 

Barton Springs is very unique, and I recommend checking it out, but I also recommend Deep Eddy Pool. Deep Eddy is slightly less crowded (I think it has a little less tourist appeal), but is equally refreshing on a hot day! It is also fed from the nearby springs, but the water is a few degrees warmer than at Barton. It has a shallow end and a deep end with lanes for swimming laps. The lighter crowds and relaxed vibe makes Deep Eddy my top pick for swimming in Austin! =)   

3. Picnics

Okay, so you can picnic anywhere…. But Austin has the best places to help you pack your picnic basket! Whole Foods Market is headquartered here, so you can imagine how amazing their Austin grocery stores are! I love the Downtown flagship store and the store at the Domain! Both locations are HUGE and offer tons of unique food and beverages to take along for a special afternoon! You can even pre-game with a drink at the bar located inside the stores! 

Another Austin gem is Antonelli’s Cheese Shop. They have cheese tasting events and a lovely shop filled with the perfect picnic accouterments! You can even buy a pre-filled basket curated by the shop, stuffed with amazing treats. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s well worth it! The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you choose something special.  

4. Brewery/Cidery /Winery

There are many options in Austin for an adult beverage and a relaxed patio. Some of the best breweries/cideries and wineries are found outside the city! My favorite places are Jester King Brewery, Texas Keeper Cider, Stone House Vineyard and Spicewood Vineyard.

Brewery

For beer fans, Jester King is well worth the drive of about twenty minutes south of downtown. They are a true farmhouse brewery with free tours on weekends. The beer is some of the best in Austin, and the setting is remote, relaxed, and distinctly Texas. I love it so much, I’ve been there several times to celebrate my Birthday! =)

Cidery

Texas Keeper Cider feels similar to Jester King but is a little bit closer to downtown (about fifteen minutes). Their cider is fresh and fairly dry, just the way I like it! You can sit in the rustic outdoor area, or hang out inside the tap-room. They offer food on-site and have regular events featuring local artists.

Winery

Wine isn’t something that comes to mind when thinking about Texas, but maybe it should be! The Hill Country has plenty of wineries and is about an hour’s drive from Austin. Wine tasting makes a lovely day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city. My two favorite spots provide a wonderful atmosphere for sipping a glass on a sunny Texas day.  

Stone House Vineyard feels classy and has a gorgeous outdoor patio. They also have a stunning newly renovated Wine Club Member area with lakeside views. Stone House grows grapes on property for their award-winning wine, the Claros. Plus, the rest of their wines are very good!

Spicewood Vineyard is a casual winery experience. I love bringing a picnic basket and buying a glass (or a bottle) of wine to enjoy! The wine is good, the patio is comfortable and the staff is friendly! Check them out, it’s worth the trip!      

5. Zilker Hillside Theater

Another distinctly Austin activity is seeing a performance at the Zilker Hillside Theater. Zilker Park is a green (usually… it is Texas after all) area just south of downtown. This is home to the Zilker Hillside Theater and all the productions that take center stage there! It’s a great place to throw down a blanket and watch a show.

My annual tradition since I first moved to Austin has been to see the summer musical at the Hillside! Every summer they pick a new musical and perform free of charge (they ask for donations, that’s how they can keep the show going)! I highly recommend checking it out if you are in town when it’s running, they do an AMAZING job. This year was their 61st year and they put on The Little Mermaid. You know I was all about that! =)

6. South Congress aka SOCO

When I first visited Austin and checked out SOCO I was blown away! The SOCO area is lined with shops, restaurants, food trucks, outdoor venues, and lively people-watching. There is something special about this street that feels just a little “weird”, like how Austin used to be. Nowadays Austin as a whole is a lot less weird, but stepping into Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds gives you a glimpse into the past.

Here’s a fun tip, check out the movie Chef directed by Jon Favreau, it has a scene that’s filmed in Austin’s SOCO district. It’s a great movie, and gives you a feel for the culture and vibe of the area!

7. Running – Lady Bird Lake Trail

You know I couldn’t mention things I love to do in Austin without talking about RUNNING! =) Lady Bird Lake is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike! There is a running path around the lake with some pretty spectacular views of downtown Austin. If you run the whole loop it’s about ten miles. There is also kayaking, boating, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing on the lake. It’s a must-do if you are visiting Austin!  

BONUS: Here are a few more places that are touristy, but still pretty cool 😉

– Texas State Capitol Building

– The Driskill Hotel (Grab a drink in the bar =) )

– LBJ Presidential Library

– Mount Bonnell

– Music Festivals (Austin is the self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World! ACL is my Favorite <3 )

– Austin Bats – Congress Avenue Bridge (I suggest a Bat Boat tour!)

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Don’t forget to check out my Must-Try Food in Austin! Food is another HUGE reason to love Austin, so definitely check that out if you plan on visiting!