Support Us Button Widget

Austin, TX ranked top fun city in US

paddleboarding

One fun activity in Austin is paddleboarding down Lady Bird Lake. | Photo by @rowingdock

Table of Contents

Austin and fun just go together like the Congress Avenue Bridge and bats.

It’s no surprise that our beloved weird city has made the top 10 list of WalletHub’s 2021 Most Fun Cities in America.

Coming in at No. 7, Austin is the only city in Texas to make the top 10. Ranking factors considered included entertainment and recreation, costs, and nightlife + parties.

In the spirit of all things entertaining, we’ve rounded up some ways to have fun in Austin.

Get lost at Wonderspaces

This place is home to 28,000 sqft of extraordinary art installations. Prepare to immerse yourself in artwork that uses light, mirrors, and technology. While you’re there, check out the new short film “ELI” by Nate Milton, a true story based on the filmmaker’s experiences within the realms of magical thinking.

🌊 Explore Austin from the water

How can you have a “fun list” in Austin without including water activities? Grab your favorite people and visit the Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake. Rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and you can even try the pedal kayaks.

🍻 Spend a night out on the town

Visit the Rainey Street District to enjoy a drink with friends and try some delicious food. Take a bite of the jalapeño cheddar brat at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden + sip on a Hill Country Lemonade from Javelina.

This list could go on forever. Don’t forget you can do other fun things like hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt, tour breweries, and see a live show at ACL Live at The Moody Theater or at the Historic Scoot Inn.

What do you think makes Austin fun? Send us an email. Let’s chat about it.

More from ATXtoday
Over 160 local musicians will show up to represent the Live Music Capital of the World, and we’ve rounded them up in one easy-to-use guide for you.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Amplify Austin Day gives Central Texas residents a seamless way to support the community and nonprofits of their choice during this 24-hour event.
Austinites patronizing participating businesses can get free or discounted parking in two Downtown garages now through the end of April.
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
Sip your way through these salty, tangy, and refreshing local specials for National Margarita Day.
Keep local love growing this spring with local plants.
Get the ultimate Austin FC playbook, including the schedule, where + how to watch, game day eats, and how to make the best of your trip to Q2 Stadium.