12 Favorite Things of Austin, Texas

There are numerous articles about Austin. Articles about Austin being the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ and 6th Street’s abundance of bars.

As a regular family (most of the time), we wanted to share more of what Austin has to offer. After a wander around town with my daughter, we wrote this list together of our 12 Favourite Things of Austin (and it’s surrounding areas).

12. Zilker Park Trail/Lady Bird Lake
Rowing, kayaking, hiking, jogging… the list goes on. If you want to stop and enjoy Austin outdoors, Lady Bird Lake is the place. Since we live north, we come here only a few times a year, but mainly to feel the essence of Austin and reconnect with the city.

fall scents for your home

11. Barton Springs Pool
Where else can you enjoy a natural springs pool in the middle of the city? Austin. With an average temperature of 68 degrees year-round, it is heaven during the hot temperatures of summer or the cool days of winter. This is nature’s offering to Austin.

Amadillo Christmas Bazaar. Photo taken by Natalie Cooke

10 . Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

From the middle of December to Christmas Eve, the Parmer Events Center hosts a unique Austin experience. It is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Here, you can buy or admire arts and crafts, made from local artisans and beyond, while enjoying live music as you wander the aisles with a beer in hand. (My daughter doesn’t do that, she would like to note here). There is never pressure to buy and the offerings range from eclectic to classic. It has a definite Austin vibe and one I cherish every year when my daughter as our own Christmas tradition.

Trails at Brushy Creek Lake Park

9. Brushy Creek Regional Park – Cedar Park

This park stretches from Twin Lakes YMCA on Highway 183 and trails through to Brushy Creek for almost 7 miles. The park offers a plethora of options from trails for hiking or biking, soccer and baseballs fields, skate park, bocce course, volleyball nets, playscapes, waterscapes, fishing…the list is long. The park is huge. And rarely busy. Wildlife includes a variety of water birds and deer who wander at dusk.

8. Hyde Park Bar & Grill – Central Location

At the Fork in the road (literally), there stands a bar and grill. Famous for their fries, this place is a must visit in Austin. There is usually not much of a wait, which is amazing, as the place always seems busy. The vibe is homey, eclectic and the food is fresh, imaginative and delicious. Order the fries, the hibiscus mint tea and Wom Kim’s Peach Pudding for dessert. You won’t be disappointed.

7. Old Pecan Street Festival
Another Austin iconic art and craft festival. The Old Pecan Street Festival website says it best: “The Pecan Street Festival is a free, bi-annual juried arts and crafts festival held on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. The show features artisans from all over the United States who display and sell homemade art and craftwork. Festival goers can find paintings, sculpture, woodwork, candles, jewelry, cowboy hats, home decor, games, and other useful and whimsical household items.”

Moonies Burger House

6. Moonies Burger House
The Austin Chronicle newspaper has awarded Moonies the Best Burgers and Fries for the last 4 years. Their onion rings are also divine. Bring an appetite or a buddy, because their burgers are huge. And for the kids, they get a free snow cone with their order. How cool is that!

5. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
In the spring, this is our all-time favorite, must-go place in Austin. The Wildflower Center is stunning after plenty of rain over the winter. Visit early the spring to avoid the crowds, but be sure to visit to see the best display in Austin has to offer of wildflowers in bloom. This place is Austin for us, and a tradition for my Spring Bluebonnet photos.

LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center

4. Alamo Draft House
How great is it that you can go to a movie and order a beer, a milkshake or potato skins while enjoying the movie? Sure, popcorn is available, if you prefer. This theatre is primarily for adults. As a mother, I love this so when I have date night with my husband I can have a child-free experience. Also at Alamo are sing-a-long nights to those old cheesy movies that we all secretly love.

3. Day Trips a’plenty
From Austin, you can go to the beach, take a drive in the hill country, walk your feet off with a day of shopping, go boating on the lake… No matter what kind of enthusiast you are, there is an option for you.

2. Mexican Food Everywhere 
Yes. Austin is not that far from Mexico and every town in Texas boasts their own ‘Best Mexican”. And, while I’m sure there are some other great Mexican restaurants, Austin and its surrounding cities have plenty to choose from. After doing a lot of personal research, here are our favorites:

– Cedar Park Area: Los Chiliquiles,
- Central Austin: Chuys,
- South Austin – Matt’s El Rancho

1. The People 
Austinites are unlike Texans anywhere else. They are friendly (think ‘hi, how y’all doin’?’ when your waitress meets your table), earthy (organic, eco-friendly), and fun (think quirky). I stumbled to Texas and am still here 20 years later. I’ve visited other places in Texas and while the friendliness is elsewhere, Austin is truly unique. It is a ‘weird’ place, but I think that’s why we like it.

We would love to hear what your favs are of Austin. Leave a comment and we will add to the list. There may be places we haven’t discovered yet!

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12 Favorite Things of Austin, Texas
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