Before the Europeans arrived, the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes inhabited the Austin area, previously known as Waterloo. In the 1830s, the Anglo-American settlers began settling in Central Austin along the Colorado River. By then, Texas was still part of Mexico. Between 1835 and 1836, Texans fought for independence from Mexico, forming the Republic of Texas on March 2, 1836. In 1839, Waterloo was chosen to become the capital of the Republic of Texas. A new city, Austin, was quickly built, and it was named after Stephen F. Austin, “The Father of Texas”. In 1845, the United States annexed the Republic of Texas, forming the State of Texas. However, Austin was officially recognized as the capital of Texas on February 19, 1846, when the Republic of Texas authority was formally transferred to the State’s power. By the 1850s, buildings were being constructed all over Austin, including Austin’s first capitol, constructed in 1853. In the 1870s, the railroads arrived in Austin and more buildings and businesses opened in the city. By the 1880s, Austin was a bustling city with hotels, a new capitol building, and schools such as the University of Texas at Austin, Austin High School, Normal Institute, and Tillotson Collegiate. Austin experienced rapid growth in the 1900s, with diverse groups immigrating from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Mexico. These groups contributed significantly to Austin’s rich culture. By 1950, the foundation of Austin as a tech hub was already being laid, which attracted innovative tech companies to the area. Until today, Austin is known as an industry leader in technology hence its nickname “Silicon Hills.”

Museum Of The Weird
Do strange things fascinate you? If so, you will love exploring the weird collection in the Museum of the Weird. It’s home to all sorts of oddities, such as a two-headed calf, African fertility statues, a cursed box, monsters, human skeletons, shrunken heads, and a Fiji mermaid. You will not only tour through the museum but get a chance to learn about the freaky artifacts in this museum.

Bat Watching At The Congress Avenue Bridge
From mid-March to November, locals and tourists gather at the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness a colony of around 1.5 million Brazilian free-tail bats soar from under the bridge to the skies to forage for food. It’s a spectacular show to relish as you end your day.

Dive Into The Natural Barton Springs
Austin gets hot, and you will need to cool yourself in one of its many natural pools. Barton Springs is a families’ favorite pool located inside Zilker Park that retains about 67 °F to 70 °F all year round. After swimming, you can sunbathe in the grassy area or explore other parts of Zilker Park.

Zip-line Over Lake Travis
How about some adrenaline rush as you zip across the forest and Lake Travis beneath you? You can then have someone take nice shots to make your friends envious on social media or keep them for memory's sake. Go test your bravery and see how much thrill you can handle.

Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is one of the most incredible places to visit in Austin, TX, with numerous fun things to do alone or with family. You can go hiking, biking, jogging, or just walking along the many trails as you feast your eyes on the picturesque sceneries. You can also rent a kayak or a canoe and explore the glittering waters of Lady Bird Lake.

Camp At McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a perfect destination for when you want to escape the bustling city life and soak in nature. McKinney Falls State Park is a 641-acres park with more than 80 camping sites and plenty of outdoor opportunities. You can swim, mountain bike, hike, and see wildlife.

Attend A Live Music Concert
How do you even explain living in Austin, TX, and never attending a live music concert? If it’s your cup of tea, there’s always a live performance somewhere in the city. Be on the lookout for big annual live music festivals such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL), which features over 100 performances.

Climb Mount Bonnell
Even though you are not exactly a hiker, Mount Bonnell is easy to climb, and you’ll be at the top in around 20 minutes. Mount Bonnell is the highest point in the City of Austin, and you get a scenic view of the city from atop the mountain.

Tour The State Capitol Building
Austin is Texas’ capital, and it would be great to take a free tour across the Capitol building. You could simply stroll the ground and take pictures, or you can get inside and immerse yourself in the rich Texan history.