Whether you’ve lived in Austin for 50 years or are just spending a summer here, there are plenty of exciting activities and areas to explore — if you can find them.
Instead of turning to Google this time, let your dedicated ATXtoday City Editors offer up some alternatives to well-known spots.
Barton Springs Pool
We’re missing the historic watering hole while it’s under repairs due to a leak. Plus, its bathhouse will be under construction until summer 2025. Let’s take a look at some spots to cool off in the meantime.
- Deep Eddy Pool is another famous locale, featuring a walk-in area, a dedicated section for swimming laps, grassy areas to sunbathe, and a concession stand. Psst — head to Pool Burger after for the ultimate play day.
- Float in Lake Austin at Emma Long Metropolitan Park, which also boasts a beach, camp sites, and plenty of space for playing sports and gathering with friends.
- Slip down the natural slide at Bull Creek District Park, or sit in its shallow waters and watch for turtles before taking a walk along the greenbelt.
Zilker Park
Don’t get us wrong — we love a day at Zilker — but it’s not the only park worth visiting in Austin. Plus, it will temporarily close soon to prepare for ACL Music Festival. Here’s where we recommend heading for a park hang.
- Pease District Park, which is also centrally located, features a basketball court, ample green space, a treehouse hammock, and a massive troll named Malin.
- Auditorium Shores features a closer look at the ATX skyline, plus a dog park, nearby Lady Bird Lake access, and an outdoor gym.
- Mueller Lake Park is a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It surrounds a 6.5-acre lake and includes a trail, spots to picnic, and a playground.
Old Sixth Street
This iconic strip will always be popular, but there are so many more options for a night on the town in ATX. If you want to avoid the chaos on 6th Street, get your fix on one of these streets.
- West 4th Street is home to some of the best dance floors and drag shows in the city — think Coconut Club, Highland Lounge, Rain on 4th, and Oilcan Harry’s. You can also find swanky cocktail bars in the entertainment district like Péché and DuMont’s Down Low.
- New bars and restaurants are always popping up on East Cesar Chavez Street. Some of our recent favorites are Chalmers, Lovebirds, and The Tiny Minotaur.
- There are plenty of options on South Congress Avenue, if you know where to go. Mosey into The Continental Club or C-Boy’s Heart & Soul for live music, or grab a cocktail at South Congress Hotel Lobby Bar, Watertrade, or Equipment Room. Plus, there’s nothing like ending the night with karaoke at Ego’s.
All kinds of barbecue
If you claim Austinite status, it’s more or less mandatory to espouse the merits of our local barbecue scene every chance you get. That being said, the city is bursting with other culinary delights.
- Buy a pie at one of Austin’s pizza joints — some even say the Capital City has too many spots to choose from.
- In truth, tacos may be even more beloved than barbecue to some Austinites, so here are 29 of them to put on your foodie bucket list.
- Austin’s brunch scene is bustling, so skip the dinner crowd and dig into local favorites for a mid-day pick-me-up.
- Opt for a sushi roll at one of these ATXtoday-approved Japanese restaurants.
Have any other local haunts you think should make the list? Let us know and we’ll add it to the itinerary.
