Here’s the deal, we could have titled this post “Two Hundred And Forty-Three Things to Do in Austin” because this is the greatest city on earth, you can’t convince us it isn’t, and you will have a great time here no matter what you decide to do.
However, we know your time is limited and valuable, so we decided to pull together 8 awesome things that are totally free. You’re welcome and enjoy…
Barton Springs Pool
Any lists of Austin attractions on a budget will inevitably include this beauty. Barton Springs Pool is a man-made recreational swimming hole located in Zilker Park. Check out the website above because there are times when a nominal fee is charged, but we promise you, it’s worth it!
Location:
2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Mount Bonnell
Take the quick hike up the stairs to the top of Mount Bonnell and enjoy the panoramic views of downtown. Add in a picnic lunch or a sunset snack and you have the ingredients for a perfect afternoon.
Location:
3800 Mt. Bonnell Road, Austin, TX 78731
Texas State Capital
Probably the most impressive state capital you will ever experience, no trip to Austin is complete without a visit. Adding to the allure of this activity, beyond the impressive structure, is the fact that guided tours are FREE!
Location:
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701
Congress Avenue Bats
The Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin is the spring and summer home of the largest urban bat colony in North America! Each evening around sunset the bats emerge from their home under the bridge in a spectacular site that brings thousands of spectators. The bats normally leave their residence under the bridge between 8:00 to 8:30 PM. There are plenty of locations along Lady Bird Lake where people will sit and take in the experience. You can also buy a cheap ticket on one of the riverboat cruise boats to get a more up-close experience.
Location:
Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Blanton Museum of Art
Free admission to the Blanton Museum of Art on Thursdays to the art museum on the campus of the University of Texas.
Location:
200 East MLK Blvd, Austin, Texas 78701
Bullock State History Museum
Free admission from 12-5PM on the first Sunday of every month at this great history museum. After a day spent at the Bullock Museum you will truly feel that you have gotten immersed in The Story of Texas.
Location:
1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Zilker Park
Yes, we already touched on Zilker Park in our Barton Springs write-up but, honestly, Zilker Park deserves its own mention. On any weekend you are almost guaranteed that some festival or event will be taking advantage of this incredible park.
Over 350 acres of beautiful space includes:
- Hike/Bike Trails & Picnic Areas
- Sand Volleyball Courts, Soccer Fields, and a Nine-hole Disc Golf Course
- Zilker Botanical Gardens
- Austin Nature & Science Center
- Zilker Hillside Theatre
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Location:
2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Tipster Tours
Whether you live in Austin or are simply visiting for the weekend, you can’t go wrong with a tour of this great city paired with a side of exercise. Tipster Tours embrace the world-wide movement of pay-what-you-like walking tours for everyone from backpackers to business people.
Location:
2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
