Austin is one of the hotspots in Texas. Many people come to visit it every year. It's a place where there's good food, beer, and entertainment. There are always some music festivals and live shows happening. There are many tourist spots. Go snorkeling in Texas We often get overwhelmed with too many things to go and do but with less time. If you are an art and culture lover, then the city has many historical sites, museums, and libraries for you to explore. If you are a party animal, then you are all set to have a blast in the city. The place has many karaoke bars, live music concerts, and vibrant nightlife. So here we bring three best things to do if you are in Austin: travel between Austin and San Antonio
1. Mexic - Arte Museum
If you already don't know, Texas was once a part of Mexico. So Texas does have an influence of strong Latino culture. The Mexic - Arte Museum is an exciting place. Here you can explore our culture and its origin. The place has pictures from the Mexican Revolution and many artworks by local artists. If you decide to visit this place, then don't forget to buy souvenirs from the gift shop.
2. Sixth Street
One of the tops recommended things to do in Austin is to explore Sixth Street. The place is quite vibrant and has something for everyone. If you are looking for a fun outing, then this is the place for you. They have live music venues, restaurants, and bars. This place is definitely going to switch on your party mode. The best time is to go on weekends on Fridays and Saturdays. If you plan your trip in May, then you can also attend the Pecan Street Festival. best times to travel to Texas
3. Texas State Capitol
One of the more popular things you can do is visit the Texas State Capitol. It was built in the 19th century, and much of the historic building has remained unchanged since its opening. Here you can go on a self-guided tour and explore the place. You can also join a free guided tour to gain all the information about the place. Unlike other places, photography is permitted here. So you can get your cameras and click on as many pictures as you want here.
Texas Shuttle will help you plan your ride to all these fun places in Austin. You can book our Dallas to Austin shuttle service. We will pick you up and drop you off at your exact locations. Almost all rides are non-stop in nice cars, SUVs, or shuttles. We are available 24/7. You can also change the time or date with us without being charged. There's less hassle, and you save more money with us. The Texas Shuttle is safer, affordable, flexible, and more convenient than any other ride. Book a ride with us this season to experience that warm and stress-free holiday vibe. It even reduces the unwanted cost incurred on the fare of taxis and buses to reach home. We provide professional chauffeurs with uniform and clean vehicles. Our mission is to create lifetime customer loyalty by exceeding our customer's expectations in terms of service.
Top 3 Things to Do in Austin at a Glance
Short on time? Here's the quick answer: explore Mexican and Latino art at the Mexic-Arte Museum on Congress Avenue, experience Austin's famous nightlife on Sixth Street, and tour the Texas State Capitol just a few blocks north. All three sit within easy walking distance of each other in downtown Austin, which makes them perfect for a single-day itinerary — or spread them across a weekend if you want to add the bat-watching, swimming holes, and barbecue spots we cover below.
Quick Comparison of Austin's Top 3 Attractions
| Attraction | Best For | Location | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexic-Arte Museum | Art lovers, culture buffs, families | Congress Avenue, downtown | 1–2 hours |
| Sixth Street | Live music fans, nightlife, foodies | Downtown, between Congress Avenue and I-35 | 2–4 hours (evening best) |
| Texas State Capitol | History enthusiasts, photographers | Congress Avenue, north of downtown | 1–2 hours |
Mexic-Arte Museum: Insider Tips for Your Visit
The Mexic-Arte Museum sits right on Congress Avenue in the heart of downtown, which means you can easily pair it with a stroll down Austin's main thoroughfare before or after your visit. The museum focuses on Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture, rotating its exhibitions regularly, so it's worth checking what's on display before you go. Its Día de los Muertos celebrations are a beloved Austin tradition each fall.
What to Pair It With Nearby
Because the museum is downtown, you're within walking distance of other cultural stops. The Blanton Museum of Art on the University of Texas campus is just up Congress Avenue, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum is a short drive or rideshare away a few blocks east. If you're building a full culture day, the LBJ Presidential Library on the UT campus is another worthwhile stop in the same direction.
Sixth Street: How to Do It Right
Sixth Street is often called Austin's entertainment district for good reason. The stretch between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 is closed to cars on weekends, turning the street into a pedestrian playground of live music venues, bars, and late-night food spots. As we mentioned above, weekends are the liveliest time to visit, and the Pecan Street Festival in May fills the street with arts and crafts vendors, musicians, and food stalls.
Alternatives If Sixth Street Is Too Rowdy
Not everyone wants a packed party street, and Austin has options. West Sixth Street, just a few blocks west toward Lamar Boulevard, offers a slightly more laid-back mix of bars and restaurants. Rainey Street, a few blocks southeast downtown, is famous for historic bungalows converted into bars and beer gardens. And South Congress Avenue (SoCo), across the Congress Avenue Bridge, is the go-to for boutique shopping, iconic food trucks, and people-watching during the day.
Texas State Capitol: Make the Most of Your Tour
The Texas State Capitol isn't just a government building — it's one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. The grounds themselves are worth exploring, with monuments and mature oak trees spread across the park-like hilltop at the north end of Congress Avenue. As noted earlier, self-guided exploration and free guided tours are both available, and photography is welcome.
Tips Before You Go
- Visit on a weekday if you want to see the legislative chambers when the Legislature is in session (odd-numbered years) — though expect security lines to move slower.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the building is enormous, and the underground extension adds even more ground to cover.
- Check in at the Capitol Visitors Center, housed in the historic former General Land Office building just southeast of the Capitol, for maps and orientation.
- Visit near sunset for beautiful light on the distinctive pink granite facade, which was quarried in Texas.
Bonus Stops Within 15 Minutes of Downtown
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
From roughly spring through fall, huge numbers of Mexican free-tailed bats roost under the Congress Avenue Bridge and emerge at dusk — an experience the Austin community treats as a signature city event. According to Bat Conservation International, it ranks among the largest urban bat colonies in North America. Arrive before sunset, grab a spot on the bridge, the Statesman Bat Observation Center area, or a kayak on Lady Bird Lake below.
Lady Bird Lake and the Hike-and-Bike Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops around Lady Bird Lake just south of downtown. You can walk, jog, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply relax on the shoreline. The trail connects easily to Zilker Park, home of the Austin City Limits Music Festival each October.
Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park
A short drive west of downtown via Barton Springs Road, Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed swimming hole inside Zilker Park that stays refreshingly cool even in the peak of a Texas summer. Pair it with a picnic in the park or a stop at nearby food spots along Barton Springs Road.
How to Get to Austin and Around Downtown
Austin is served by two major corridors for road travelers: Interstate 35 runs north–south through the city connecting Dallas and San Antonio, while State Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 290 bring you in from Houston to the east. Downtown's grid is easy to navigate on foot once you park, and Congress Avenue effectively ties together all three of our top attractions. If you'd rather not deal with downtown parking and I-35 traffic, a door-to-door shuttle from Houston or Dallas drops you right at your hotel or destination, leaving you free to explore on foot and by rideshare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Austin
What is the number one thing to do in Austin?
For most first-time visitors, it's a tie between experiencing live music on Sixth Street and touring the Texas State Capitol. Music is central to Austin's identity — it's known as the Live Music Capital of the World — so catching a show downtown is about as "Austin" as it gets.
Can you walk between the top 3 attractions in Austin?
Yes. All three — the Mexic-Arte Museum, Sixth Street, and the Texas State Capitol — are located along or near Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, and each is within a short walk of the others. Comfortable shoes are all you need.
Is the Texas State Capitol tour really free?
Yes, guided tours of the Capitol offered by the state are free to the public, and self-guided visits are also permitted. Tour availability and schedules can change, so confirm details on the official Texas State Preservation Board website before your visit.
What's the best time of year to visit Austin?
Spring (March through May) and fall (October and November) generally offer the most comfortable weather for walking downtown and exploring outdoor spots like Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. Summers are hot, and winters are mild by national standards.
When can I see the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge?
Bat-viewing season typically runs from spring through early fall, with the bats emerging at dusk. Emergence times and colony size vary through the season, so local sources like Bat Conservation International or the Austin Batworks bat hotline can help you time your visit.
How far is Austin from Houston and Dallas?
Both cities are roughly a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive from Austin under normal traffic conditions — Houston via SH-71 or US-290, and Dallas via I-35. A pre-booked shuttle lets you skip the driving and parking entirely and arrive rested.
Is downtown Austin safe for tourists at night?
The main entertainment districts — Sixth Street, Rainey Street, and South Congress — are busy and well-patrolled on weekend nights. As in any big city, stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and use a rideshare or shuttle rather than walking long distances alone late at night.
Plan your Austin trip the easy way. Texas Shuttle offers door-to-door shuttle service between Austin, Houston, and Dallas, with professional chauffeurs, clean vehicles, and 24/7 availability — so you can focus on the museums, the music, and the bats instead of the road. Book your ride today.
