There’s a lot of chatter in our city about “new Austin” + “old Austin” — where to find them, how they mingle, and when they clash.
In an era of new development and growth, we’re here to present two options for activities in Austin: one that’s been around for decades and another that’s newer on the scene.
Take a swim
- Old — Did you know Austin is home to the oldest swimming pool in Texas? Deep Eddy Pool has a designated section to swim laps, a walk-in area, grass for sunbathing, trees for shade, and snacks + snow cones for purchase. Locals love heading to Pool Burger post-dip for dinner and a Mai Tai.
- New — ResortPass offers day passes to several rooftop pools in Downtown Austin. City Editor Morgan enjoyed lounging at Fairmont Austin’s pool and drinking cocktails from Rules & Regs.
Go mini golfing
- Old — An Austin classic since 1948, Peter Pan Mini Golf boasts two 18-hole mini-golf courses and has a storied history. Pro tip: It’s a BYOB establishment, so feel free to bring a cooler without glass bottles.
- New — Holey Moley Golf Club made its debut in east Austin in 2024 and boasts much more than just indoor mini golf. Expect a robust food + drink menu, karaoke, and an outdoor space with a stage for live music performances.
Sip a beer
- Old — Founded in 1866, German restaurant Scholz Garten claims two titles: the oldest operating business in Texas and the longest running beer garden in the US. The patio is a prime location for tasting German fare + cold beer.
- New — Though it opened in early 2025, you’ll feel instant nostalgia when you walk into Handsome Dan’s. The part brewery, part sandwich shop is housed in a former east Austin food distribution warehouse and modeled after the marinas and bait shops of rural Texas.
Go bowling
- Old — Five decades in business is plenty old, right? When you visit throwback bowling alley Highland Lanes, make a pit stop for the iconic burgers at Lebowski’s Grill inside.
- New — The South Congress Avenue site that was meant to become St. Elmo Public Market is now a bowling alley, arcade, and bar. Pins Mechanical Co. opened in April with 24 duckpin bowling lanes.
Eat a sandwich
- Old — Open since 1909, Avenue B Grocery in Hyde Park is regarded as Austin’s oldest continuously operated grocery store. There are no guaranteed hours of operation for its deli, but you’re clear to go inside when the “V for Victory” light is on.
- New — Knuckle Sandwich’s new concept at The Far Out Lounge serves inventive sandwiches alongside a menu of sides, snacks, and desserts. Its newly renovated interior is reminiscent of a 1970s living room, and a must-order from the revamped beverage program is the horseradish-infused Ketel One Vodka with a bump of caviar.
Visit a museum
- Old — In the heart of Hyde Park, the Elisabet Ney Museum offers a glimpse into the German sculptor’s artistry and life. Ney built the stone villa in 1892, and it’s where she created some of her most famous statues.
- New — The Blanton Museum of Art has been around since 1963, but it unveiled a $35 million renovation to its grounds in 2023. Visitors will find plenty of beauty in Central Texas’ largest public collection of art.
Have a sweet treat
- Old — Lammes Candies was founded in 1885 on Congress Avenue. Over a century later, the confectioner and chocolatier known for its Texas Chewie Pecan Praline operates four shops in Austin.
- New — From a food truck to the opening of its brick-and-mortar in March, you can now find Dulce Frida’s Italian ice with a Mexican twist permanently in south Austin.
Play at the park
- Old — Pease Park was Austin’s first public park, and it’s also considered to be one of the first public parks in Texas. Last year, it received a new inhabitant: an 18-ft-tall troll named Malin.
- New — Skyline Park opened in Easton Park in 2024, providing a new space for young Austinities to gather, explore, and play.
