The Ultimate Bucket List for Austin Newbies🤠

Observe bats under the Congress Bridge

Find out why Austin is known as “Bat City” when you go on a little tour beneath the Congress bridge. Bats are known to congregate and fly out into the sky in a spooky frenzy! Book a boat tour for this must-see Austin bucket list item.

Walk and shop around South Congress Avenue

South Congress Ave. stretches for miles and is known for a variety of local shops that make Austin famous for its quirkiness. Check out local boutique Aviator Nation street wear, the original Joe’s coffee, and Allen’s Boots to name a few!

Try Home Slice Pizza 🍕

If you’re ever craving NY-style pizza in Austin, you have to visit Home Slice Pizza. Check this bucket list item off by visiting the original location right in the heart of South Congress.

Visit the Tau Ceti mural

Austin’s newest mural is already attracting photographers and ‘grammers alike. The colorful Tau Ceti mural stands tall on the corner of Brazos and 2^nd Street and is Austin’s tallest public artwork.

Visit the “I Love You So Much” mural at the original Jo’s Co

While strolling along South Congress Ave. you have to visit the original Jo’s Coffee for some coffee or their famous frosé. On your way out, a true christening of Austin lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without a picture in front of the “I Love You So Much” mural!

For more Instagram-worthy Austin murals, check out our guide to the Top 20 Most Insta-Worthy Murals in Austin.

Rent scooters or bikes in downtown 🚴‍♀️

Scoot around downtown Austin with a little speed when you rent any one of the many bikes or scooters parked around the metro area. Whether you use Bird app, Lime, or Uber, you can find tons of transportation options!

Eat at Kerbey Lane Café

If you haven’t dined at Kerbey Lane Café have you really been to Austin? Satisfy this bucket list mealtime at Kerbey Lane’s famous breakfast joint known for their famous queso and tons of comfort food classics. Try any one of their locations for a solid meal!

Güero's Taco Bar

As one of the oldest operating businesses in the heart of South Congress, Güero’s Taco Bar is a must for your Austin bucket list. It has one of the best patios to enjoy dining outdoors. Plus, Güero’s offers delicious taco combo meals and lots of other yummy dishes!

Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake (Rowing Dock ATX for rentals)

Enjoy a true Texan summer when you paddleboard along Lady Bird Lake. If you should need a paddleboard, the rowing dock on the waterfront offers reasonable paddleboard rentals for hourly/daily use!

Swim at Barton Springs Pool

For your summertime bucket list, check out Barton Springs natural pool right off of Zilker Park for an enjoyable afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. You can purchase a daily pass or a season pass. Check the website for more information!

Go to Zilker Park

Probably the best and most well-known park in Austin, Zilker Park is centrally located and expansive. Zilker Park offers wide-open spaces for Frisbee, dog-friendly play, and outdoor sports. It’s also the location for the annual Austin City Limits Festival!

Go to the original Chuy’s location on Barton Springs Road

For some giant burritos and classic margaritas, you’ll want to check out Chuy’s! This Austin staple has multiple locations, but the original is situated right along Barton Springs Road in the heart of downtown Austin.

Visit the Texas Capitol

A MUST to check off your Bucket List for Austin Newbies. Take in the sight of the majestic state capitol when you visit the green grounds of the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. You can also see beautiful views of the capitol building along South Congress.

Try out La Barbecue or Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ 🤤

Austin is known for its barbecue and there are tons of options. Though the best barbecue for your bucket list has to be La Barbecue or Micklethwait Craft Meats. Fresh, juicy, and hot daily barbecue options await you!

Ride a bike along Lady Bird Lake Trail

Take in the waterfront of Lady Bird Lake when you take a stroll or bike the Lady Bird Lake Trail. The flat trails make this bike ride an easy breezy afternoon out.

Hike Barton Creek Greenbelt

Take in the natural wonder of Austin by hiking the greenbelt. The most expansive and well-known hiking trail is the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which is accessible through many points near downtown Austin. Barton Creek Greenbelt is a must for your nature bucket list!

Go to Pease Park Treehouse

Check out this new man made piece of natural artwork when you visit Austin. Pease Park Treehouse artistically mimics a seed pod you might see on the forest floor. Feel like you’re part of nature when you bounce around in the 575 square foot space.

Go to the 360 Bridge Lookout

Observe the history of Austin infrastructure when you visit the Pennybacker Bridge. This steel arch bridge offers scenic views for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

Go to Mount Bonnell

Take in the views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake from one of the highest points in Austin when you visit Mount Bonnell. This is a very short hike, but the views are gorgeous. The hike is free, and you can find plenty of parking nearby!

Try Bob Armstrong Dip Matt’s El Rancho 🧀🧀🧀

Matt’s El Rancho is an Austin staple. It seats 500 people and it’s always packed for dinner because it’s a must-visit in Austin. The strong margaritas are incredible, but you cannot leave Austin without trying the Bob Armstrong Dip. Many restaurants have tried to copy the recipe, but Matt’s is the original. No other dip compares!

Go to Austin Motel’s Pool

Austin, TX is hot in the summer so cool down at the Austin Motel Pool and lounge with a fruity cocktail in hand. . If you aren’t staying at the motel, you can reserve a Daily Pool Pass. Check their website for more information on themed pool parties in Austin!

Go to Austin Central Library

The Austin Public library should be on your bucket list because it has one of the best rooftops in Austin. On the top floor, there’s an amazing rooftop garden where you can bring a coffee and chat with your friends or read a book. The architecture is also really cool. You’ll be amazed by this free spot in Austin. 

Two-Step at Broken Spoke

To get a true taste of Austin, head to Broken Spoke for some two-steppin’! The Broken Spoke is legendary. Almost all of the celebrities you know have been to this amazing honky tonk bar, including the beloved Dolly Parton. They offer Two-Step lessons Wednesday to Saturday from 8:00 pm – 9:00pm.

Go to an FC game ⚽️

Going to an Austin FC game should be on your Austin bucket list even if you’re not a soccer fan. Being in the stadium cheering on the team is one of the best Austin experiences. Check their website for information on the game schedule and more!

Photo by @thenuevalatina