10 Free Things to Do in Austin That Are Actually Worth It

Ready to discover the hidden treasures found within Austin that are free?

Austin, also known as “Live Music Capital Of The World,” is recognized for its outdoor adventures, cultural enrichment, and sightseeing. You can enjoy peaceful walks around the lakes or at the top of hills, or explore funky neighborhoods filled with local culture, art, and history. These free attractions in Austin contain an abundance of beautiful views, exciting wildlife, and many other fun adventures. Bring along some good walking shoes, your camera, and prepare to explore all that Austin has to offer, with the help of this guide to the 10 best free things to do in Austin

The Texas State Capitol is a storybook of pride for Texans, carved out of Sunset Red granite. This Renaissance Revival building, created by Elijah E. Myers and finished in 1888, stands at a tall 302 feet. When you wander the hallways, you’ll find the Rotunda with its whispering gallery and portraits of all the former governors of Texas hanging on the walls. The property has over 20 monuments that honor Texas history and heroes, covering over 22 acres.

The Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile urban oasis that runs along the sparkling shores of Lady Bird Lake, where joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, and photographers are found. The trail connects the many parks, bridges, and hidden spots of the area, allowing you to see many of the iconic symbols, such as the statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan. The 1.3-mile boardwalk, designed to fill the gap in the trail on the south side, provides uninterrupted views of the water within steps of downtown. With numerous benches, fountains, and resting areas located all along the trail, this trail serves as one of the best Austin free activities.

Mount Bonnell is set on a limestone ridge high above the ground. Once you hike the 100-step stairs to reach the top, you will be rewarded with views from Lake Austin and the Colorado River all the way to the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country and the city skyline. Early morning tranquility can be experienced here, with birds outnumbering people, but as the sun begins to set, Mount Bonnell is transformed into a golden photography backdrop for picnickers and sunset seekers.

Every spring through fall, approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats come together to roost in narrow spaces around the Congress Avenue Bridge and emerge at sunset in a spectacular display. Bats are well-loved and celebrated through conservation efforts and annual events such as Bat Fest.

Head to Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 350-acre green space made from generous donations of land from Andrew Jackson Zilker beginning in 1917 and developed through New Deal funding in the 1930s. Stroll through vibrant picnic areas, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, observe exotic plants at the Zilker Botanical Garden, watch a theater production at the Hillside Theatre, or experience interactive exhibits at the Nature and Science Center, all in one visit. From the legendary Kite Festival in March to the massive Austin City Limits music festival in the fall, Zilker Park is alive with activity year-round, making this one of the best free things to do in Austin.

Say goodbye to boring, cookie-cutter streets because every inch of this bustling half-mile stretch of pavement is full of quirky shops, vintage cowboy boots at Allen’s Boots, and art galleries. Food lovers can choose from enormous pieces of authentic New York-style pizza at Home Slice Pizza, classic Tex-Mex food, or classic cold coffee drinks served in the comfort of oak trees, or be mesmerized by the candy wonderland at Big Top Candy Shop. Every corner of the street is decorated with street art, including the iconic "I Love You So Much" wall. When evening rolls around, the sound of live music escaping the Continental Club and the sounds of street performers and busy restaurant patios light this place up.

The University of Texas at Austin features a total of over 55,000 students, 4,900 faculty, and 18 academic units. While walking the Forty Acres, the main campus, one can see the famous 307-foot-high University of Texas Tower visually emanating burnt orange in celebration of the university’s significant accomplishments. Whether you are rooting for your team with “Hook ‘em Horns!”, attending a museum, or having a cup of coffee near the west side of the campus, you will find rich history and great ambition here.

Constructed in 2007 and occupying more than one million square feet of land, The Domain is primarily an open-air retail center containing over one hundred retailers from internationally recognized brands like Apple, Neiman Marcus, Zara, and Tiffany & Co. to numerous small boutiques. The Domain features a collection of over 100 restaurants and bars that range from brunch-style establishments to fine-dining establishments. Meander through wooded and landscaped plazas, spend time at an upscale movie theater, enjoy sipping on some wine, or shop at stores and establishments.

Austin’s Lady Bird Lake runs about 5 miles along the Colorado River and is surrounded by the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. There are paddlers on paddleboards, kayaks, dragon boats, and shells gliding through the calm waters of the lake against the stunning downtown skyline. Stroll the boardwalk with its wood pathway above the water and small islands.

The Texas Military Forces Museum has tanks, jeeps, helicopters, and even fighter jets standing guard. The museum covers an area of about 45,000 square feet and takes a deep dive into Texas’ military history, from Stephen F. Austin’s first muster of militia in 1823, to the formation of the National Guard, to present-day wars against terrorism through powerful dioramas, uniforms, artifacts, and full-size military equipment.

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