Cowboy Core is taking over travel trends, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Austin. From horseback rides and line dancing to Texas barbecue and vintage Western fashion, Austin delivers an authentic and modern cowboy-inspired getaway.
Cowboy Activities and Things to Do in Austin
Kick off your cowboy-core adventure with the best horseback riding that Austin has to offer. Texas Trail Rides consists of scenic trails along Onion Creek at Lone Star Ranch, where you can choose a daytime ride or a romantic sunset tour.
For a more unique experience, book the BBQ Ride with Maverick Horseback Riding, combining picturesque trails near historic Lockhart with a stop for a Texas barbecue feast. At Miraval Austin, horseback riding becomes a therapeutic experience through their Rhythmic Riding and other wellness-focused programs. If you’re traveling with family or friends, Tristar Farm and Southern Trails offer group-friendly options, including lessons and serene rides through oak-shaded pastures.
Get your fill of the history of the Wild West at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Learn about Texas’s rich history through interactive exhibits, special-effects shows, and the iconic Texas Spirit Theater.
Want a taste of the rodeo scene? Rodeo Austin runs every spring and features ProRodeo events like barrel racing and bull riding. The event is also a music festival, with nightly concerts by established country artists, plus an after-hours honky tonk!
For more honky tonk energy, end your night line dancing, such as The White Horse, where live country music and two-step lessons keep the dance floor buzzing. For a real cowboy retreat, check out options for camping near Austin under the Texas sky, where you can gather around a campfire and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
Dine Like a Cowboy at These Restaurants
No Cowboy Core trip is complete without indulging in some authentic Texas barbecue. Head to The Salt Lick BBQ, famous for its family-style setting and mouthwatering meats. Dig into brisket, sausage, and pork ribs smothered in their iconic house-made sauces and rubs. The County Line BBQ is another famed spot known for cooking low with gorgeous views of Austin and the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy some tasty cuts on their wooden deck.
Shop for Cowboy Core Outfits in Austin
Find your signature cowboy look at Austin’s best vintage shops. Room Service Vintage is a treasure trove for retro finds, offering a huge selection of vintage furniture, Western boots, hats, and jewelry. Visit Honey Hill Market for Western-inspired apparel and accessories (along with hand-picked vintage home goods), or explore American Drifter for fringe jackets and leather goods. For authentic women’s vintage pieces, stop by Devil’s Details, where you’ll discover all sorts of decade-specific pieces, from frocks to leather boots.
Looking for authentic Texas boots and hats? Head to South Congress and shop on "boot lane" with a large selection from Allens Boots to Tecovas.
If you really want to embrace the Texas lifestyle, check out these other Texan things to do in Austin.