It’s no secret that Austin has a lot to offer. Summer provides the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Whether you’re a lifelong Austinite or a newbie, our bucket list includes all the top things to do around town during the summer months.
Top Things To Do This Summer in Austin
Summer fun doesn’t have to be limited to the time you spend poolside. From indoor activities to culinary treats to museums, we’ve got something for everybody here in the Live Music Capital of the World on our 2017 Austin Bucket List for Summer. Think outside the box, get creative and see why so many people consider Austin the best place on Earth!
Fuel Up
When people think of Austin, one of the first things that comes to mind is food, and specifically, tacos. What Austinites know (and love) is that the taco isn’t just for breakfast; this delicious meal-on-the-go can actually be eaten all day long. Get your day started off right with this Austin staple, take a break for a different type of taco for lunch or finish your day off with—you guessed it—tacos for dinner.
Some of the best tacos are made at Joe’s Bakery. Located in the heart of east Austin, Joe’s has been a hometown favorite since 1962. Stop by for barbacoa tacos and save room for something sweet from the bakery on your way out.
If you’re exploring in the central part of town, make sure your first stop is Habanero Mexican Cafe. They have great food, great prices and some of the best service in town! Try the machacado tacos with a Big Red to wash them down.
The most famous breakfast taco in Austin is probably “The Don Juan” from Juan in a Million. This monstrous mound of potato, egg, bacon and cheese is piled on top of a hot flour tortilla. It was even featured on an episode of Man vs. Food. And in case you’re wondering, food won. Don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself.
Hang Out
One of the things that make Austin so great is that there is always some kind of event that brings people together. Thousands of people come to Austin for SXSW in the spring and ACL in the fall, but locals know that some of the best memories are made in the summer.
Check out Blues on The Green, a free summer concert series at Zilker Park that features local artists of all genres. Pack a picnic and head to the park on May 24th, June 14th, July 12th and August 2nd.
Part costume contest, part fun run and all Austin, the Keep Austin Weird Fest is the ultimate tribute to the spirit of our city. In addition to lots of live music, the Slowest 5k on the Planet includes 15 outrageous Fun Stops. This year’s event takes place on June 24th downtown.
Celebrate the 4th with the Fireworks at Auditorium Shores. Each year, HEB sponsors a free fireworks show and live concert on Ladybird Lake with the skyline as a backdrop. The lawn fills up fast, so get there early and enjoy the show.
Soak Up The Sun
Summer wouldn’t be summer if you didn’t spend some time in the sun. Put on your sunscreen, grab your sunglasses and head outside to take in all of the natural beauty Austin has to offer.
Dive into Barton Springs. The pool is fed by underground springs that maintain a temperature of 68-70 degrees all year long. Only $3 to beat the Texas heat.
Hike the Greenbelt. The Loop 360 access point is the easiest way to go for more laidback trails with beautiful views and waterfalls. Wear your swimsuit if you want to take a dip before heading back and head out early in the day to avoid the crowds. Keep in mind that water may disappear later in the summer.
Get on the lake (Lady Bird Lake, that is) in a kayak, canoe or SUP. Rental companies usually charge by the hour, and you can pay once you turn in your equipment, making it easy to get you out on the water.
Reserve a tour at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. See Lake Travis from a totally different perspective as you sail through the air.
Bike, walk or run on the Boardwalk. Park your car and stroll along the city’s newest addition to the Hike & Bike Trail. Sweeping views of the city keep people coming back to this newly-developed part of the trail.
Explore History
Take some time to appreciate the rich culture that resides in some of Austin’s most beautiful museums.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum features some of the most significant state artifacts and houses an IMAX theater with the largest screen in the state—because everything is bigger in Texas.
The Blanton Museum of Art is one of the largest university museums in the U.S. Take a tour and then have some lunch at the Blanton Café.
The Harry Ransom Center is an internationally renowned research library located on the UT Austin campus. The exhibitions frequently change so there’s always something new to see.
The Thinkery is Austin children’s museum, which has exhibits to engage visitors of all ages. Plan a visit for family-friendly fun where everyone learns something new.
Keep Austin Weird
Support local businesses and embrace the “weirdness” that comes naturally here in Austin with stops at some of these favorite local hot spots.
Explore South Congress and check out all of the shops. From candy stores to costume shops and a store all about Uncommon Objects, there’s no shortage of “weird” here.
Climb up the Graffiti Park at Castle Hill and take some cool pictures. Muralists and street artists display their work at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery to inspire the community with their creativity.
The Cathedral of Junk is about as weird as it gets and what’s even weirder is that it’s located in the backyard of a suburban neighborhood in South Austin. Make an appointment and see the true meaning of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
For ABC, Austin is Home
ABC Home & Commercial Services is proud to call Austin home. With so many fun things to do in Austin this summer, homeowners can count on ABC to help with their summer to-do lists, whether it’s assisting with lawn care, pest control, pool services, AC repairs, plumbing, appliance repair or handyman services. With ABC’s help, Austin homeowners can spend more time doing the things they enjoy. Have a summer to remember!
