Austin TX is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Austin TX experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Austin TX you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Austin TX
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
- Address: 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (8132)
- Phone: +1 512-974-6300
- Opening hours:
Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
5 Replies to The 15 Best Places To Visit in Austin TX (Rating and Reviews)
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Austin TX
Austin Aquarium
- Address: 13530 US-183 Hwy #101, Austin, TX 78750, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (7034)
- Phone: +1 512-222-5586
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Reviews:
The thing I liked the most was that this location was very hands on. You could basically almost touch all of the animals. You should buy tokens before visiting the exhibits to feed the animals ( if you want) otherwise you’ll have to go back out to get them. The location was strange as it was located inside a shopping center. It’s a small aquarium but still enjoyable.By Tara Maceyko (4 weeks ago)We felt like we were in the wrong place because the front looks like part of a strip mall. Once inside, we were pleasantly surprised. It’s a mixture of zoo and aquarium animals. They really push the tokens for feeding the animals to make it more interactive. There was a small concession stand area and play place which the kids loved.By Lisa Cox (7 months ago)It was a very surprising visit to say the least. Pulling into the parking lot I was very skeptical of I would enjoy this experience. Once inside, I was amazed! They pack a LOT of things into the space. Sea life, ringtail lemurs, lizards, turtles, fish and birds! A few highlights were petting the rays which love people and paying to spend 15 minutes or so petting lemurs. Very friendly staff and such a great time! Will definitely be back!By Patrick Frisby (10 months ago)I brought my one year old here with no expectations and I was blown away! It was very interactive! I love the feeding token idea! Coming into the cages where birds were flying and Iguanas were was just great! My one year old loved the different birds. Definitely will be returning hereBy Agata Kucharska (8 months ago)This is a cool little place to go. The animal encounters they have a re so cool. They even have a few animals they will bring out for you to hold or touch.
The snack bar needs a little help. The pizza wasn’t available for over an hour after opening, the nacho cheese was ice cold. But with that, the rest of the options was really good.
By Nick Jaurigue (8 months ago)
McKinney Falls State Park
- Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5668)
- Phone: +1 512-243-1643
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
They offer a lot of hiking options, and one of the falls areas allowed swimming. Super fun place to spend a day, even with kids. They also had staff on site checking the cleanliness of the bathrooms during the day, not just after closing(I watched them doing rounds). That was impressive. My only gripe is that they closed their visitor center early. The sign said they were open until 4pm, and I was walking up at about 3:50 and it was already closed down for the day. That was a bummer. But this was otherwise a solid place to visit.By Jennie Cook (7 months ago)Very cool hiking and outdoor exploration area local to Austin, so isolated that it’s hard to believe it’s this close to the city. Recommend that you make reservations, otherwise good luck. Plenty of wide open hiking trails and the Onion Creek bed to explore with kids. Even on a weekend morning in the Fall, it was not overcrowded or anything. Nice visitor center with clean bathrooms and friendly staff to chat with. We did not visit the campground area, so this review does not factor that part of the park. Otherwise, super fun place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Recommended.By Luke Thompson (a month ago)I love this state park. ? I have been coming to hike and am exploring the trails. ?♀️ Love what I have seen so far. Onion Creek trail is kind of paved so it’s a very easy walk. The Picnic trail is nice and short and it goes to the lower falls if you care to go for a swim. They have lots of picnic tables with water close by and a grill to have a great picnic or cook out. They also have campsites and cabins. It is a must visit if you like parks and camping. ?By Xela9 (5 months ago)Enjoyed an afternoon of hiking with the family at the park. Well maintained trails with good signage. The Upper and Lower Falls are worth a visit as is the 500-year old tree “Old Baldy”. Plenty of accessible, clean restrooms and stations to refill water bottles. Fantastic value for money, especially if you have the annual state parks pass. Highly recommend.By Liz Sweigart (11 months ago)We finally made it to McKinney Falls. We love it here. There are trails everywhere and plenty of shade. Lots of mature oaks surround your camping spot complete with table, tent pad, fire grill/pit, and water and electric. The facilities are adequate and clean. The kids loved swimming and jumping into the upper and lower falls. They also enjoyed line dancing classes. You’re close to all Austin attractions of you feel the need to leave the park or need to run to the store.By Bobby Delgado (4 months ago)
Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Address: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (5229)
- Phone: +1 512-936-8746
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Great place to get out of the heat. Some dated items, it’s it’s museum!
Great gift shop with a very nice staff. The museum itself is laid out very nicely start at the top or start at the bottom. Loads of fun for the kids as well as adults. Parking is available nearby and an easy walk.
The first Sunday of every month the museum is free for all!By George Sidener (4 months ago)Lots of interesting exhibitions, well organized, really inspiring of Texas history and cowboys. I really enjoyed the short films of Texas history, such a beautiful and well made firm, the rattlesnake story was funny and the surprise part got me jump out of the chair! Amazing 3D technique and projector. love the storyline.By Angie Ng (a week ago)I really enjoyed my experience here. I wasn’t expecting the remains of a ship to be housed here. There are plenty of places in the exhibit to sit down which is important when you have a disability. There are also elevators and ramps. I especially enjoyed the exhibits about the indigenous peoples. I only wish there was more about ancient indigenous culture. There’s a section on how Texas became independent, civil rights, and Texas industries.By Tavia Pennington (5 months ago)Texan view for their own history. Much focused on the Republic. Very good introductory and educational exhibition about Texas history. IMAX, just a few commercial films. Prices for movies are reasonable. Souvenir shop is also interesting. Will I come again? Do I recommend for a membership? If you are living here at least for years and need to buy Texas and Austin souvenirs a lot, Membership is a good choice I guess.By FIN K (4 months ago)My best friend was visiting from NY and is a museum fan. She picked here and it was a great experience, definitely be prepared for a good 4+ hours stay if you plan to read in detail or want to really pay attention. There was plenty to do once inside such a movies and a cafe, but the museum alone was worth it.By Valerie (5 months ago)
Zilker Botanical Garden
- Address: 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4289)
- Phone: +1 512-477-8672
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
It was a perfect day to walk around the Garden. I wished more plants were named but I particularly liked the prehistoric section and the Japanese and butterfly areas. The restrooms were small but decent and they had bags to pick up after your dog. They had a great play area for the children to have great adventures and there was even a mad hatter tea party going on that was adorable. There was a food truck that had d delightful menu of refreshing drinks but not much of a sitting area. Parking as good. All in all it was a lovely afternoon.By Laura Crane (a month ago)This place is wonderful. The gardens were beautiful and that is because we are already in fall. I could only imagine just how much more beautiful this place is in the spring when everything is blooming! This is also a place where you can take ONE OF A KIND type photos and as my girlfriend and I were walking around the grounds we noticed quite a few couples taking pictures with what seemed to be professional photographers. We were also able to witness someone proposing to their significant other while there. ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY GREAT PLACE to visit while in Austin.By Michael Garza (2 weeks ago)Absolutely beautiful! With Austin’s gorgeous skyline in the background, this little gem of a botanical garden sits nestled quietly near the city. It’s peaceful and easy to walk in silence and reflect. Perfect with a small group, your loved one or parents…the prehistoric area transports you to another realm. Highly recommend:) WAY worth the price of admissions!By Leela Perez (7 months ago)The Botanical Gardens has beautiful trails and a scenic view of the city. There are historical markers, buildings, ponds, fairy gardens, butterfly garden and a vegetable garden. It’s really lovely to walk through and read up on history while sorrounded by beautiful flowers.
I would definitely love to walk though this trail in the spring or fall. The humidity during the summer made it a little tough to enjoy the moment. Otherwise, it’s a lovely place to visit. Will definitely be visiting again in the future.
By Laly Cholak (4 months ago)Me and my husband had a really fun time walking around here. I was thinking it was going to be extremely hot but was pleasantly surprised with all the shade we had walking around! I especially loved the Japanese area. We saw lots of colorful dragonflies, huge koi fish, turtles, and baby snakes! The guy working the entrance was extremely friendly.By Allyson (6 months ago)
Thinkery
- Address: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4165)
Austin Zoo
- Address: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (4041)
Congress Avenue Bridge
- Address: Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (3292)
Texas Capitol
- Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3215)
Museum of the Weird
- Address: 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (2679)
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
- Address: 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2669)
Zilker Metropolitan Park
- Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2508)
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2171)
Blanton Museum of Art
- Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2165)
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
- Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1029)
Mexic-Arte Museum
- Address: 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (852)
Austin TX is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Austin TX – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
The place was nice and clean and quite spacious when we went! Typically when you first arrive, there are so many people camped out on the grass everywhere and can be difficult to find a spot when with a few friends. However, that was not the case when I went! The water, of course, was nice and cool and the sun made the weather absolutely perfect! When we left, I noticed that I had left my shades at the spot we were at and the woman at the office let me go back in and get them without any cost! Definitely will keep coming back throughout the summer!
Really great place to relax in the hot weather. Parking gets really busy but sometimes you’ll get lucky and find a a spot up close. Entry is $9, card or exact cash. Once inside there is lots of elevated grass area to set up on. Water is just like they say, cold. Took me a minute to warm up to it but eventually did and had a blast. There’s a diving board and shallow and deep ends. Pool floor is very slippery!! They have lifeguards posted all along the pool for safety. There are also restrooms and changing rooms. Really cool place to swim and enjoy. Definitely will visit again when in Austin.
This is our all time favorite place to swim! Austin allows women to go topless so be prepared if you are a Karen to stay at home if you have a problem with that. The water stays cold all year round since it’s a natural spring. I bring flippers and snorkels to really enjoy the crystal clear water. The pool is so large that even when its very crowded once you get inside still plenty of room. You have to pay to get in, non residents pay $9. Residents pay $5 No coolers, and only drinks are ones you can put a top on. No pets allowed but right beside the pool is barking springs which is great for dogs, but too many people are letting them off leash so potential dog fights can happen. Keep you pet in a leash if you bring them. VERY clean great place to spend the day. They are open till 10 pm and there are lights that add to the fun of night swimming.
Great family place. Great for small kids too as the water gets very shallow on one end.
I went topless since many other women were doing so, it’s perfectly legal in Austin, I had a blast no one said anything negative to me, but looking at some of the other reviews some people take serious issues with topless women- those people should stay at home.
If you want to leave and grab lunch there are tables under a shaded area right outside the pool, and then you can get back in make sure to have them stamp your hand or keep your pass- using the app saves a lot of time.
We didn’t get into the pool but we entered where the kayak and canoe rental is. You don’t have to pay just find a spot along the bank and get on in! Some spots are shallow for you get kids and some are deep! We had a blast no filter needed for this water! It looks amazing and freezing but you get used to it after a while.
Very beautiful ! The water is always a chilly 60 degrees since it’s a natural spring! It’s chilly when you get in but very refreshing when it’s 100+ degrees outside!
Parking is a nightmare and is $5 per car but overall once you get parked and head down there- you pay for admission from the pay to enter machines- $5 for Austin Residents, $9 for visitors- and then you get in line to enter- it’s pretty wide open spaces !
Note: Food, coolers and alcohol aren’t allowed in- and I would suggest wearing chacos or other water shoes because the pavement around the spring is hot and the spring itself is nothing but rocks at the bottom so it’s not very comfortable to stand on