THE LOCAL'S HANDBOOK
THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN
Austin is a city best experienced outdoors. Start your day at Juan in a Million for a world famous breakfast, then dip in the cool spring-fed waters of Barton Springs, wander beneath the towering oaks of Zilker Park, explore the trails and gardens that wind through the heart of the city, or paddle the waters of Lady Bird Lake beneath the Austin skyline. As the sun begins to set, a different side of Austin comes alive. Food trucks fire up, live music spills into the streets, and some of the best comedians in the country take the stage in clubs ranging from legendary venues to hidden local gems. Whether you're chasing trophy bass on the Colorado River, watching more than a million bats emerge from beneath Congress Avenue Bridge, exploring Austin's underground comedy scene, or sharing great food and laughs on an Epic Comedy Food Tour, the real magic of Austin is found in the stories you collect along the way. If you're looking for more than just another tourist attraction, you're in the right place.
Austin's Natural Wonders
Barton Springs Pool
A local favorite, this spring-fed pool stays a cool 68 degrees year-round. It's the perfect spot to dive into Austin's natural beauty and chill out like a true local.
Zilker Park
The crown jewel of Austin's park system. Whether you're here for ACL or just a sunny picnic, Zilker's 350 acres of lush green space offer the ultimate escape.
Botanical Garden
Stroll through the peaceful Zilker Botanical Garden. It's a living museum of flora that showcases the vibrant spirit of Austin's ecoscape.
Eat. Laugh. Repeat.
Experience the electric pulse of Austin’s comedy underground. From the legendary Comedy Mothership and East Austin Comedy Club, to our curated Epic Comedy Food Tours, we bring you front-row access to the city’s sharpest wit and most iconic late-night eats. It’s fun, it’s local, and it’s the only way to truly see Austin after dark.
Austin Essentials & Water Adventures
Explore the outdoors, top-rated taco spots, live music, and Austin's legendary BBQ scene by day. Franklin Barbecue is a must if you have the time and patience to wait. As the sun begins to set, Austin comes alive. Catch live music, explore the city's vibrant nightlife, or join one of our Sunday and Wednesday evening paddle craft kayak and SUP bat tours at Congress, complete with our exclusive guided fishing packages.
While you're exploring Austin, don't forget a few local favorites. Challenge your crew to a round at Peter Pan Mini Golf, enjoy craft ciders and classic arcade games at Cidercade Austin, grab legendary Texas barbecue from Terry Black's Barbecue, or finish the evening with what many locals consider the best slice in town at Home Slice Pizza.
The famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats can be enjoyed for free from the bridge nearly any evening they're willing to cooperate. Some nights are absolutely incredible, with hundreds of thousands of bats pouring into the evening sky in a river of wings stretching across the horizon. Other nights can be surprisingly underwhelming. You may wait patiently only to see a handful of bats emerge at first, wondering if the show is ever going to happen. Weather, temperature, food availability, and the bats themselves all play a role. Sometimes the emergence builds slowly before turning into something memorable, and sometimes Mother Nature keeps the performance short. That's part of watching wildlife—there are no guarantees, only possibilities. When conditions are right, however, it's one of the most unique sights you'll find anywhere in Texas.
After all, the best way to experience Austin is to eat well, laugh often, and leave with a few stories worth telling.
Austin After Dark: Bats, Kayaks & SUPs
Experience the magic of the Congress Avenue Bridge bats from the best seat in the house—the water. Join our Sunday or Wednesday evening paddle craft tours for an iconic Austin sunset. Looking for more? Dive into our guided fishing packages and cast a line into the heart of the city's legendary waters. It's fun, it's local, and it's calling your name.
Barton Springs & Zilker
Comedy Mothership
Expert Anglers & Local Guides
The Big One is Waiting: Austin Guided Fishing Packages
Whether you're here for business or just in town exploring the lush parks or one of the many spring fed pools, nothing beats the thrill of a guided fishing adventure. We offer specialized evening paddle craft kayak and SUP bat tours at Congress, paired with a comprehensive guided fishing package. It's fun, it's local, and it's the ultimate Austin experience.
Ready for an Epic Austin Day?
Austin is all about local soul and unforgettable stories. It's the smell of BBQ drifting through the air, cold water on a hot Texas afternoon, live music around the corner, and the feeling that something interesting is always about to happen. Spend the day exploring the city, then trade the guidebook for a real Austin experience. Catch a set at the Comedy Mothership, join an Epic Comedy Food Tour, or paddle beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge as the bats pour into the evening sky. The best memories aren't found on an itinerary—they're found in the moments you didn't expect. That's Austin. We've got a seat saved for you.