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

By YPB Team

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 — ranked #11
    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 — ranked #22
    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 — ranked #33
    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 — ranked #44
    Franklin Barbecue
    A world-famous smoked brisket joint known for hours-long lines and legendary Central Texas barbecue.
    546pts
  5. Zilker Park — ranked #55
    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 — ranked #66
    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 — ranked #77
    Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
    Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, whose nightly summer emergence draws crowds.
    473pts
  8. Mount Bonnell — ranked #88
    Mount Bonnell
    A scenic overlook rising above the Colorado River offering panoramic views of the city and hills.
    473pts
  9. LBJ Presidential Library — ranked #99
    LBJ Presidential Library
    The presidential library and museum on the UT campus chronicling Lyndon B. Johnson's administration.
    473pts
  10. Umlauf Sculpture Garden — ranked #1010
    Umlauf Sculpture Garden
    A wooded garden and museum showcasing the bronze and stone works of sculptor Charles Umlauf.
    387pts
  11. McKinney Falls State Park — ranked #1111
    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 — ranked #1212
    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 — ranked #1313
    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 — ranked #1414
    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 — ranked #1515
    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 — ranked #1616
    Bullock Texas State History Museum
    A state history museum with three floors of Texas exhibits and a giant bronze star out front.
    0pts
  17. Lady Bird Lake — ranked #1717
    Lady Bird Lake
    A reservoir on the Colorado River lined by a hike-and-bike trail popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.
    0pts
  18. Rainey Street — ranked #1818
    Rainey Street
    A historic street of bungalow homes converted into buzzing bars, patios, and food trucks.
    0pts

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