SPRING BREAK 2023 IN AUSTIN

What to do in Austin for Spring Break

There's no better place to spend your Spring Break than in Austin. Whether you're traveling with the whole family, your best friends or just that special someone, Austin has great attractions, restaurants, activities and things to do to suit everyone.

Barton Springs Pool.
Barton Springs Pool.

Spring Break Family Fun

When it comes to family fun, Austin does it right. There are plenty of attractions that will keep the whole family happy.

Head over to Zilker Park, Austin's largest and most popular park, where kids can play on the extensive playscape, ride the train around the park or spend the day paddling a canoe on Lady Bird Lake. The park also boasts a multi-age playscape, numerous hike and bike trails and the Barton Springs Pool, a natural 68 degree spring-fed pool that can be enjoyed year-round.

Take the kids out on the water with the exciting, educational Austin Duck Adventures, an amphibious tour of downtown Austin and Lake Austin aboard one of the unsinkable Hydra Terra vehicles. Tours run about 75 minutes and take you to all the must-see sites around town. Finish off the experience with a stop at one of Austin's many food-court trailer parks for some delicious, inexpensive food from some of the city's best food trucks.

If you want to get out of the city for a little while, consider a day trip to a nearby state park, such as McKinney Falls, a 635-acre park with miles of trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and wonderful waterfalls. Pedernales Falls State Park is another great option. It boasts camping, picnicking, hiking, river swimming, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding.

couples dancing at the White Horse in austin texas
Dancing at the White Horse. Courtesy of Contiki.

Spring Break Nightlife

For young travelers going on a trip with friends, Austin delivers outdoor activities and a thrilling nightlife scene, guaranteeing you'll have a unique experience you'll want to Instagram about.

Austin is known for innovative music and contemporary bars, but it also has a proud Texas-country background that is best experienced through a night of dancing. Spend a night at one or all of these favorite honky-tonks. If dancing isn't your thing, then check out this guide to Austin's thriving and energetic nightlife, and you're sure to find something that suits your fancy.

Rainey Street is one of the hottest bar scenes in the city. This old residential neighborhood has been transformed into a bustling collection of wine bars, live music venues and cocktail lounges, all of which feature amazing outdoor patios perfect for relaxing and mingling. This is also the perfect place to sip the many Austin craft beers.

Musician Ray Prim plays an acoustic sunburst guitar on stage at Stubb's in Austin Texas. Two other male musicians stand behind him
Ray Prim at Stubb's. Credit Ismael Quintanilla III.

Unique Austin Spring Break Adventures

Austin is unlike any other place in Texas-or in the country, for that matter. So, when you visit, why not see all the attractions that you won't find anywhere else?

It's no secret that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World®, so it makes sense that the city would be brimming with musicians, singers and songwriters. And the best place to hear those tunes and pick up a few albums is Waterloo Records. This iconic Austin business has been around since 1982, and has been voted best record/CD store in the Austin Chronicle for 31 consecutive years. Music lovers will revel in the extensive selection of music that spans all styles, as well as the special propensity the store has for Texas artists.

While there is a variety of nightlife for all ages and styles, Austin also boasts some great activities to enjoy during the day. Explore 10 miles of hiking and biking trails around Lady Bird Lake, or get out on the water for some kayaking, canoeing or rowing. Or get into the trees with Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. This outdoor excursion features five zip lines, including the longest line in Texas and the 9th longest in the world. Tours take three hours and include a full day pass at the private lake front park where you can swim, play game and relax.

Second Street is bustling with activity and features some of Austin's hottest music venues. View the latest art house film at Violet Crown Cinema, or catch a performance from world-renowned musicians at the Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. South Congress is home to the Continental Club, revered for showcasing everything from rock and Latino singers to up-and-coming acts and famed locals.

Austin offers a number of different tours to help explore the city. Chow down on the Austin Eats Food Tour, where you can walk or bike to some quintessential local eateries. Or soar above it all with an Helo Austin Tour, giving you and your friends a scenic view of the city.

For information about transportation options during Spring Break, visit Get There ATX to learn more. 

Check out more things to do and places to visit this season with our Complete Austin Bucket List for Spring!