Austin has something for everyone, making it, oh so easy to love. Having lots to offer for free just makes such an eclectic city that much more delightful. Though there are many, here are 12 free ways to experience Austin:
www.expedia.com
Things to Do
12 Awesome Things To Do in Austin for… Free!
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1. Tour The Governor’s Mansion
Photo: txfgm.org
Free tours are offered Wednesdays – Fridays afternoons. Since walk-ins aren’t accepted, schedule tour at least a week in advance.
2. Tour The State Capitol Building
Photo: newsradioklbj.com
Tours are offered daily and can either be self-guided or group. Many specialty tours, such as Women of Texas History and Holiday Tours, are also occasionally offered.
3. Lady Bird Lake
Photo: expedia.com
The lake formally know as Town Lake is the heart and soul of the outdoor enthusiasts of Austin. Paddleboard, kayak, or canoe the lake while live music drifts over the water from nearby bands.
4. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Photo: tclf.org
If water sports aren’t your style, the hike-and-bike’s 10 miles of wide, smooth trail is a great way to see the lake.
5. The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Photo: theaustonian.com
The Boardwalk, bedecked with artwork by artist Ken Little, presents visitors with seven spectacular viewing decks in which to admire Austin’s skyline beyond the lake.
6. Barton Creek Greenbelt
Photo: austinot.com
With alluring swimming holes, diverse hiking and biking trails, and sheer cliffs challenging climbers to scale them, it’s no wonder why locals love Barton Creek Greenbelt. It also is considered the 7th best hiking trail in Texas.
7. Waterloo Records
Photo: 24thstreetrealty.com
What better place to take in a free live music performance than in a record store? Browse vinyls, CDs, and apparel all while having an authentic Austin experience.
8. Mount Bonnell
Photo: austintexas.org
For stunning sunsets and perfect picnics, trekking the steps to the summit is well worth the effort.
9. Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Viewing
Photo: statesman.com
Watch the world’s largest urban bat colony take flight from Congress Avenue Bridge. Right before dusk, 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats take to the night sky to rid Austin of more than 10,000 pounds of insects.
10. Doug Sahm Hill
Photo: Flickr/winemegup
This 35 foot hill located in Butler Park offers outstanding viewing of Austin’s downtown. Pack a picnic and watch the skyline flicker to life as the sun goes down.
11. Bull Creek
Photo: Panoramio/destuffilator
Another urban retreat, this one more quiet than Barton Creek and boasts dog friendly hiking trails and play areas.
12. Austin Nature and Science Center
Photo: progressschoolaustin.com
Kids and adults alike can dig for dinosaur bones in the Dino Pit, discover natural Texas wildlife, get hands-on with minerals and shells, trade these treasures, and hike the Zilker Nature Preserve. All of this and more without ever taking out your wallet.
