Living in Austin my entire life, I like to think that I have some idea of cool places to see and go when visiting or exploring the area. I also think that being in college and having a very limited budget has allowed me to explore in new ways (i.e. only do things that are free/cheap). Obviously, I couldn't make a list long enough to fit everything fun there is to do in the Austin area but I think I did an okay job. Here is a list of things you should do if you're ballin' on a budget this summer in Austin, Texas:
Activities for $10 or less:
- Sit on the cows at the arboretum
- Get Amy's Ice Cream or go down to the water and feed the ducks for extra points.
- Barton Springs (natural) pool ($4)
- Peter Pan Mini Golf($6-$9)
- BYOB if you need any more convincing.
- Florence's Comfort Home
- Graffiti on the walls of Hope Outdoor Gallery
- Buy spray paint ahead of time or enjoy the art that's already there. The cool thing is that the art changes completely from week to week.
- If someone offers you a newspaper, buy it! That's one of the spots where this newspaper is sold that is written by homeless people with a passion for writing and it's really good. Plus, they sell for only donation so do a little good for the world while you're having fun!
- Go on a mural scavenger hunt
- They are everywhere! If you don't take a picture in front of the "I Love You So Much" mural, did you even visit Austin?
- Fountain Park
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center ($10)
- Go to a cheap concert downtown
- Try to find The Narrows
- This place has been all over Pinterest for years but it's actually hard to find so be prepared to look hard for it. It's definitely worth the wait and is usually deserted.
- Visit Mt. Bonnell at sunset
- Go to Food Truck Tuesday at the Long Center
- Another option is visiting Mountain View Park with a ton of food trucks everyday.
- Spend a Wednesday night at Blues on the Green
- Free music in front of a skyline, what more could you ask for?
- Take your dog to Red Bud Isle
- Watch free movies at the Long Center
- Visit your favorite state's capital
- Plan ahead for a tour or chill on the lawn- both are fun.
- Tour all the filming sites of Friday Night Lights
- They're very spread out over the area but if you're committed, your picture in front of the Taylors' house will totes be worth it
- LBJ Library ($8)
- Go down the Milburn Park water slide 20 times ($3)
- See the bats under the bridge
- 360 Overlook
- It's a super short (steep) walk from the car and you will have the most amazing view.
- Jog around Town Lake
- Or walk, no judgement.
- Union Underground Bowling ($4)
- Hamilton Pool Preserve ($15/car)
- See the peacocks at Mayfield Park
- Volunteer at ARCH
- This takes more planning because you need a one-day training but I promise it's worth it and you'll love it! Volunteer anywhere actually.
- Jacob's Well ($9)
- Hike Bull Creek
- Search for events downtown
- Hang out/hammock at Zilker Park
- Bring your best friend for more laughs.
If you have money to blow:
These places all cost more money and some are in other cities too but have they've supplied me with endless hours of fun so they are definitely worth mentioning.
- Blazer Tag
- K1 Speed
- Watch a movie and eat at Alamo Drafthouse
- iFly
- Shop on South Congress
- Austin Park and Pizza
- Stand up paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake
- Top Golf
- Lake Travis Zip Line
- Rent a boat/jetskis on Lake Travis
- Go out on 6th or Rainey Street
Food that's not always cheap but is ALWAYS good:
- Chuy's
- Go to the original because #history
- P. Terry's
- The Oasis
- Franklin Barbecue
- Go early (like 8am) because the line starts early and they will run out. It's that good.
- Halcyon
- It's just fun to make s'mores in a bar/coffee shop.
- Hey Cupcake!
- Amy's Ice Cream
- Kerbey Lane
- And you better get the queso.
- Hula Hut
- There's always a lake view but at sunset, it's even more perfection.
- Lick Ice Cream
- County Line Barbecue
- Mozart's Coffee
- Go around Christmas time too for the perfect light show to make all your holiday dreams come true.
- Bananarchy
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Sno Beach Shaved Ice
- Kung Foo Saloon
It's a long list but everything in Austin is fun so I'm sure everyone has at least one other thing they'd add. Enjoy adventuring in the best place in the world!
