What is the best thing to do in Austin, Texas?

From spring-fed swimming holes and Hill Country overlooks to smoky barbecue joints, honky-tonk dance floors and landmark museums, the Live Music Capital packs wildly different ways to spend a day. Which one wins your vote?

1

Barton Springs Pool

A spring-fed natural swimming pool in Zilker Park kept at a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round.

1000pts

2

South Congress Avenue

The eclectic SoCo district packed with vintage shops, food trucks, live music, and the iconic downtown view.

744pts

3

Barton Creek Greenbelt

A miles-long stretch of trails, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs winding through the heart of the city.

546pts

4

Franklin Barbecue

A world-famous smoked brisket joint known for hours-long lines and legendary Central Texas barbecue.

546pts

5

Zilker Park

Austin's beloved 350-acre metropolitan park hosting festivals, gardens, and green space along Lady Bird Lake.

546pts

6

Blanton Museum of Art

The University of Texas art museum housing a major collection and Ellsworth Kelly's Austin installation.

546pts

7

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, whose nightly summer emergence draws crowds.

473pts

8

Mount Bonnell

A scenic overlook rising above the Colorado River offering panoramic views of the city and hills.

473pts

9

LBJ Presidential Library

The presidential library and museum on the UT campus chronicling Lyndon B. Johnson's administration.

473pts

10

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

A wooded garden and museum showcasing the bronze and stone works of sculptor Charles Umlauf.

387pts

11

McKinney Falls State Park

A state park with waterfalls, swimming holes, and trails along Onion Creek just outside downtown.

387pts

12

University of Texas Tower

The landmark clock tower of the University of Texas at Austin, lit burnt orange for victories.

387pts

13

Texas State Capitol

The pink granite seat of Texas government, taller than the U.S. Capitol and topped by a Goddess of Liberty statue.

284pts

14

The Broken Spoke

A classic Texas dance hall and honky-tonk offering two-stepping and live country music since 1964.

284pts

15

Hamilton Pool Preserve

A stunning natural grotto and jade-green pool formed by a collapsed underground river dome.

284pts

16

Bullock Texas State History Museum

A state history museum with three floors of Texas exhibits and a giant bronze star out front.

158pts

17

Lady Bird Lake

A reservoir on the Colorado River lined by a hike-and-bike trail popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.

158pts

18

Rainey Street

A historic street of bungalow homes converted into buzzing bars, patios, and food trucks.

158pts