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Visit Austin, Texas

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After living in Austin Texas for 4 years, here are some of my favorite things to do, plus some places I was taken on my first visit. A little local and a little touristy- something for everyone in the group!
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theescapegame.com
The Escape Game Austin

Escape the ordinary and challenge yourself in Austin's best escape room! With 8 unique rooms to explore and unlimited hints, you'll have a blast navigating through puzzles and mysteries. I was taken here on my first visit to Austin, and had a great time with our group of 5.

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cidercade.com
Cidercade

Experience Austin's ultimate retro gaming haven, featuring free-play arcade games, a vast selection of craft ciders, house-made eats, and stunning downtown views. This place is a lot of fun, and worth checking out when you visit! Play games like Skiiball, guitar hero, hoops, frogger, racing games, pinball, and so much more! The views of downtown really are some of the best from south of the river too.

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tspb.texas.gov
Tour the Texas State Capitol

Explore the historic Texas State Capitol with guided tours. Learn about the building's architecture, art, and Texas history on the official State Preservation Board website. All tours are free.

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guide.michelin.com
Dine at Austin's Michelin Restauarants

Explore the best of Austin's culinary scene, featuring star-rated restaurants, Bib Gourmands, and more. Might I suggest KG BBQ, Emmer & Rye, Ezov, and LeRoy and Lewis? Want more dining options in Austin? Check out my Stack "Dining out in Austin Texas" for more recommendations.

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austintexas.org
Hike Barton Springs Greenbelt

Discover the beauty of Austin's Barton Creek Greenbelt! I like to start from the Zilker Park parking lot, and walk as far as I like. It's an out and back, totaling about 15 miles, so however far you walk in, you've got the same distance back. Walk the whole thing for some waterfalls! Watch people rock climbing just past the mile 2 marker!

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wimberleyparksandrec.com
Go to Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberly

Discover the beauty of nature at Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley, Texas, managed by the Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department. This is a very fun day trip from Austin, which can be grouped with Jacob's Well and a stroll through downtown Wimberly. Want to stay the night? Check out Postcard Cabins in Wimberly! Be sure to reserve entrance tickets for everything in advance.

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tpwd.texas.gov
McKinney Falls State Park

Explore the stunning natural beauty of McKinney Falls State Park, featuring scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas. This park is less than 20 minutes from Downtown Austin, and is a great way to spend a day in nature. Hike the Onion Creek trail which is about 6.9 miles looped, visit the lower and upper falls, see Old Baldy, the 500 year old bald Cyprus, and so much more!

innerspacecavern.com
Inner Space Cavern Cave Tours

Step into the vast, hidden world of Inner Space Cavern, where you can explore ancient formation-filled passages and discover the magic within. Escape to a new dimension with Texas' largest underground adventure!

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zilkergarden.org
Zilker Botanical Garden

Escape to 28 acres of breathtaking beauty in the heart of Austin, Texas, at Zilker Botanical Garden, a lush oasis awaiting your arrival. This is a MUST visit on your trip to Austin! 2025 Free days are: March 12, May 26, June 15, July 13, September 7, November 11, December 26

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wildflower.org
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Discover the beauty of Texas' native plants in our vibrant gardens and arboretum, while also learning through our educational programs. A haven for nature lovers and conservations, featuring the rare and unique Native Plants of North America.

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boulderingproject.com
Austin Bouldering Project

Get climbing, fit, and flexible at South Austin's top bouldering gym, featuring walls, classes, and expert yoga instruction! Grab a day pass and head to one of their two locations!