Everyone knows that Austin is a little different from the rest of Texas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the full Lone Star State experience in the capital city! From cowboy boots and custom hats to barbecue, rodeos and two-stepping, Austin knows how to do Texas the right way. Add these Texas-inspired activities to your Austin bucket list for the true Texas Experience.
Allen's Boot. Credit Carolina de Mauro.
Pick Up a Pair of Cowboy Boots
Before you start working through your list of Texan things to do, you'll need to look the part. Gear up for an adventure with a pair of authentic cowboy boots. Allens Boots on South Congress may be the best-known boot shop in town. While the city has changed dramatically since it first opened in 1977, this shop is still family-owned and packed floor-to-ceiling with footwear. On the same side of the street you can find locally-owned Heritage Boot, Austin's "fancy boot" maker for over 20 years, or stop by Tecovas, where they'll hand you a cold drink while you get fitted. For an original pair handmade just for you, head to Texas Custom Boots on South First! They’ve been constructing and stitching boots since 1980.
Find the Perfect Cowboy Hat
Complete your new Texan look with a cowboy hat, whether you’re after something classic, modern or completely custom. South Congress favorite Maufrais creates personalized hats with custom bands, branding and accessories for a modern take on Texas style. While you’re there, grab a coffee and Texas kolache from Little Brother, a walk-up coffee window tucked inside the shop. For a more traditional western look, swing back over to Allens Boots. While it's best known for its extensive selection of cowboy boots, the South Congress staple also offers a wide selection of cowboy hats, western apparel and accessories, making it a great place to round out your Texas wardrobe.
Bullock Museum. Credit @bullockmuseum Instagram.
Take in Some Texas History
Experience a grand piece of Texas hsitory at the Texas State Capitol, and iconic landmark located in the heart of Downtown Austin. Visitors can head inside or wander the grounds to discover 19 monuments commemorating important events from our state’s past.
At the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, visitors can explore rotating exhibits that unravel the long history of the land now known as Texas. From prehistoric times to colonization by French and Spanish explorers to the creation of the 28th state in the Union, the exhibits at the Bob Bullock Museum help tell the story of Texas. The museum is also home to an IMAX theater, where visitors can experience educational documentaries, Texas-focused films and blockbusters on one of the largest screens in the state.
The LBJ Presidential Library on the University of Texas campus, features extensive archives and exhibits on the life of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Visit a full-scale Oval Office replica, LBJ animatronic and the presidential limousine used during his administration. Learn more about the importance of Austin to LBJ and his wife and first lady, Lady Bird Johnson at the museum's permanent exhibitions.
For a glimpse of old Texas charm, stop into The Driskill, one of Austin’s iconic historic hotels. Since opening its doors in 1886, the landmark has welcomed presidents, musicians and travelers for generations. It remains one of Austin’s most cherished and recognizable historic destinations. While you're there, grab a drink at one of the two Old West Saloon-inspired bars, The Victorian and The Driskill Bar.
Go Horseback Riding
You’re much more likely to find a Texan in a car than on a horse—especially in the summer heat! But horseback riding still captures the spirit of the Old West, and offers a lovely way to spend a sunny day. There are plenty of horseback riding options in the Austin area, including Texas Trail Rides around Onion Creek in Southeast Austin and Maverick Horseback Riding, which offers guided rides through scenic Austin-area landscapes. Many local ranches also offer sunset rides and private group experiences, making it a classic way to add a little Texas adventure to your Austin trip.
Bluebonnets at Muleshoe Bend. Credit Theresa DiMenno.
Look for Texas Wildflowers
Each spring, the fields of Texas turn a stunning purplish-blue when the bluebonnets are in bloom. This natural display is only a few weeks long, typically peaking between March and April depending on weather conditions. You don’t have to look hard to find bluebonnets around Texas. The Texas Highway Department has planted thousands of bluebonnet seeds alongside our highways each year since the 1930s. Highway 360 has a particularly pretty patch near the Pennybacker Bridge. There are also beautiful displays at St. Edward’s University and McKinney Falls State Park.
Not bluebonnet season? Stop by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to see hundreds of native Texas plant species!
Cool Off in a Natural Swimming Area
Beating the Texas heat in a pond, swimming hole, or spring is a rite of passage in the Lone Star State. Fortunately, the Austin area has a wealth of natural swimming spots. Most well-known is Barton Springs Pool, located inside Zilker Park just outside Downtown Austin. This spring-fed public pool stays a refreshing 68 to 70 degrees year round, even during the hottest Texas summers.
Along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, you’ll find pockets of slow-moving creek water at Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls for wading and splashing. Just outside of Wimberley to the south, visit Blue Hole, named for the striking color of the spring-fed water! All natural water areas are subject to environmental conditions, so always check their websites before planning a visit.
Courtesy of Rodeo Austin.
Head Down to the Rodeo
Is there anything more quintessentially Texas than the rodeo? Rodeo Austin brings the “official sport of Texas” to the city each spring. Events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, and more. There’s also a large carnival with action-packed rides, and, of course, fair food. We’re talking smoked turkey legs, corn dogs, and deep-fried cheesecake, y’all. Drop in each August for Gambler Days as a part of the Professional Bull Riding Team Series. Watch as the Austin Gamblers compete in a series of wild 8-second rides against other regional teams to take home the championship.
Go Two Stepping
No Texas experience is complete without a night of two stepping. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or complete beginner, Austin’s bars and dance halls offer a fun way to experience a beloved Texas tradition. Take a spin on the legendary dance floor at Broken Spoke, one of Austin’s oldest and most iconic spots, or head to The White Horse for live music, dance lessons, and a lively East Austin atmosphere. Many venues offer beginner-friendly lessons before the band starts, making it easy to join in and dance like a local.
Spot Some Texas Longhorns
Eye-catching Longhorn cattle are about as Texan as Whataburger and Dr. Pepper—although they’re not quite as easy to find! Texas Longhorns need plenty of grazing room, which means they’re not as common within the city limits. But if you know where to look, you can still find a few. The Austin Zoo has three longhorns in its menagerie, and longhorns are among the farm animals found at Pioneer Farms. You may even be able to spot some just outside the Fast Park & Relax parking lot, across from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Catch a viewing of Texas' most famous longhorn, Bevo. Chaperoned by the University of Texas Silver Spurs, Bevo can be found on the field at every home game in the storied Darrel K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
Courtesy of Stiles Switch BBQ.
Sample Texas Beef Ribs
Many states have their own signature barbecue style. In Kansas City, you’ll find a variety of meats drizzled with a bit of sweet BBQ sauce, while South Carolina’s pork BBQ will have a spicy, vinegar-based sauce.
In Texas, the barbecue is dry-rubbed instead of sauced. And while we’re well-known for some wonderful brisket, you have to try some Texas beef ribs! These large, hearty ribs are less common than their pork cousins, but certainly worth the hunt! You can find them in Austin at MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Franklin Barbecue, but only on weekends. Try local favorites like MICHELIN Starred la Barbecue and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue Stiles Switch, Micklethwait Craft Meats or MICHELIN Starred la Barbecue and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue.
Get Some Tex-Mex
There’s great Mexican food all across Mexico and the American Southwest. But Tex-Mex is the local favorite, developed over the years by Tejanos combining Mexican cuisine with ranching culture.
You can’t throw a stick in Austin without hitting a Tex-Mex joint, and some of the best are hole-in-the-wall, family-owned neighborhood spots. Try Enchiladas y Mas in North Loop for hefty enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and of course, margaritas. At East Austin’s Mi Madres, dig into delicious tacos and burritos, plus house-made horchata. Historic Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery has been serving Austin Tex-Mex favorites and breakfast tacos for decades. Or visit the iconic Matt's El Rancho, where Knockout Martinis are so strong they have a limit of two, and the Bob Armstrong queso is so good you'll want at least three orders.
Sip a Texas Beer
Craft beer is BIG in Texas! There are hundreds of craft breweries in the state, serving everything from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to farmhouse ales and sours. Stop by local favorites like Austin Beerworks, Jester King Brewery, or Hold Out Brewing in the city, or head into the Hill Country for Jester King Brewery, known for its farmhouse ales, sprawling acreage and laid back Texas atmosphere.
All this Texas talk having you ready to plan your trip? Grab a visitor guide today to get inspired and start planning.
Contributed by Kate McDermott.
Kate McDermott is a local copywriter, content writer, and mocktail enthusiast. She writes about and for restaurants, hotels, event companies, and more from her home in Way South Austin.
Website: lastcallcopy.com
Instagram: @lastcallcopy
