Bat watching is a popular activity in Austin. The best time to observe the bats is late March through early fall and from 7:30-9:45 pm. The bats can be observed from many different places including the Statesman Bat Observation Center, Congress Avenue Bridge, at the corner of Congress Avenue and Barton Springs Road, on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and on the lake. There are a few businesses that offer tours to observe the bats, such as Lone Star Riverboat , Capital Cruises , Live Love Paddle, and Austin Kayak Tours.

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a 10-mile trail around Lady Bird Lake that is compatible for runners, cyclists, and walkers. A full map can be found here.

Pedernales Falls State Park is 30 miles west of Austin and offers a variety of activities including hiking, rock climbing, swimming, bird watching, and fish. There are also certain sections of the trails that are wheelchair accessible. A trail map can be found here.

Inner Space Cavern is a cave system that also includes a zip ride. The trail is easy to navigate and there are activities for children to participate in.

Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures is a floating water park containing an on-water obstacle course, lakefront beach, with many games. There is on site food truck and alcoholic beverages (must be 21+ years to drink). You much be 7+ years and 45 inches tall to enter.

Austin Nature & Science Center is a museum that includes multiple hands-on exhibits. Visitors can examine nano objects, honeybee hives, sundials, and many more. Admissions is free and this museum is great for ages 3+.

Texas Toy Museum is a museum that hold vintage action figures, video games, and much more. Visitors have a hands-on experience with some exhibits and can play a variety of vintage video games. Admissions are $6 for children and $9 for adults. This museum is great for all ages.

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms is an interactive live museum placed in Texas during the 1800’s. Visitors can guide themselves through the museum or the can join guided tours about cowboys, Tickanwa- tic, and many more. Visitors can also pay extra and take classes about candle making, weaving, forging blades, and many more. Admissions are $6 for children and $8 for adults. This museum is great for all ages, but the facility spans 90 acers.

The Dinosaur Park is an outdoor museum with life size dinosaurs. Visitors can dig up fossils, play on the playground, and have a picnic. Admissions are $10 for children and $11 for adults. This museum is great for all ages.

Pinballz is an arcade of pinball machines, arcade games, and many more. They also offer Escape Room scenarios, where a group is given hidden clues to escape out of the room. They also serve some food items and alcoholic beverages (must be 21+ years to order). This arcade is great for people 6+ years.

Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater has a large variety of performances, including live music and performances. It is nicknamed music’s best address.

The Roosevelt Room is a 1920’s inspired cocktail bar with live music performances. There is a focus on handcrafted cocktails (must be 21+ years to drink), and it is an intimate setting.

Elephant Room is an underground jazz club with live music everyday starting at 9:30 pm. They have a variety of alcoholic beverages including craft beer and wine (must be 21+ years to drink). This location is small and intimate.

Emo's has many rock’n’roll and punk rock music performances and they serve a variety of alcoholic beverages including craft beer and wine (must be 21+ years to drink). They have outdoor seating available.

Asian

DeeDee ($$) is a food truck that you can order online and in person. Outdoor seating can be found at Coffee Radio. They serve authentic Northern Thai Street food including stir fry, salad, and kapow. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya ($$) has outdoor seating available. They are a fusion of Japanese and Texan cuisine with dishes including smoked meats, grilled skewered meat, izakaya classics, and ramen. They also serve a variety of alcoholic beverages (must be 21+ years to drink). There are some vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu.

Lucky Robot ($$) has takeout and delivery options available. They have Tokyo street foods including sushi and dumplings. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Korean House ($$) offer takeout and outdoor seating. They are an authentic Korean restaurant that serve bibimbap, Korean barbecue, and bulgogi. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Barbeque

Slab BBQ & Beer ($$) can order on Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Favor, also have takeout menu and outdoor seating. Have all the traditional BBQ foods like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and pulled chicken. There is only one vegetarian option on the menu and no vegan options.

La Berbecue ($$) can order takeout but does not have 3^rd party sites. There is outdoor seating available.  They have many options including sausages, pulled pork, brisket, ribs, bacon, and smoked turkey. There are no vegan or vegetarian options on the main menu.

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ ($$) only offers in person service. They have all the traditional BBQ foods like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and sausage with a twist of fajitas and tacos. There are no vegan or vegetarian options on the main menu.

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue ($$) can order online for takeout. They have live music in the evening. They serve BBQ options as well as steak, salads, burgers, seafood, and an array of cocktails and wine (must be 21+ years to drink). There are some vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu.

Italian

Home Slice Pizza ($$) offer takeout, and they have outdoor seating. They serve Italian dishes and New York style pizzas. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Mama Mal's ($) is food truck that serve Italian classics and are known for their meatballs. Seating can be found at Saxon Pub. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Juniper ($$) has outdoor seating. They serve Northern Italian cuisines and a variety of wines and cocktails (must be 21+ years to drink). There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Uncle Nicky's ($$) has takeout options. They serve many Italian dishes including sandwiches, antipasti, pastries, and gelatos. They also serve many alcoholic beverages including, wines, spritzers, and cocktails (must be 21+ years to drink). There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Mexican

Iron Cactus ($$) has takeout options and outdoor seating. They serve many Mexican inspired dishes and alcoholic beverages (must be 21+ years to drink) including fajitas, tamales, enchiladas, and margaritas. There is some vegetarian, vegan, and low gluten options on the main menu.

Vaquero Taquero ($) has takeout options and delivery options through Door Dash.  They specialize in making street tacos. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Trudy's ($$) has a takeout and delivery option. They serve authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, such as tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, and have award winning cocktails (must be 21+ years to drink). There are some vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu.

Lick It Up ($) offer a takeout option and they are a food truck. They are 100% plant based and serve authentic Mexican food including tacos, nachos, and tamales.

Sweets & Desserts

Easy Tiger ($) has outdoor seating and games located on the patio. This restaurant operates as a bakery and a beer garden with a variety of food including sandwiches, pastries, and salads. They have a variety of alcoholic (must be 21+ years to drink) and non-alcoholic beverages ranging from coffee to local draft beer.

Gelateria Gemelli ($) is owned by an active LGBTQ+ member who trained in Italy, they serve a variety of Italian style gelato including some lactose free options. They also serve various coffee drinks, cocktails, wine, and bubbles (must be 21+ years to drink).

Gourdough's Donuts ($$) is a food truck. They have American style food and specialize in sweet and savory donuts. They serve coffee and alcoholic cocktails (must be 21+ years to drink). There are some vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu.

Tiny Pies ($$) offer to go orders and curbside pickup. They serve small sweet and savory handmade pies. There are some vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu. There are gluten free options available.

Churro Co. ($) is a food truck that offer traditional and artisanal churros. There are some vegetarian options but no vegan options on the main menu.

Bars

Lala's Little Nugget ($) is a Christmas themed 1970’s dive bar. There are many alcoholic drink options (must be 21+ years to drink) with a large menu of salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and wings. There are some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Highland Lounge ($) is a gay night club featuring guest DJs, dance competitions, and themed events such as Drag Queen Bingo. To enter you must be 21+ years.

Antone's Nightclub ($$) is a legendary club that is known for its live performances. They have a variety of alcoholic drinks. You must be 21+ years old to enter.

Augustine Bar ($) is a converted historical home into a bar. They have outdoor seating and serve a variety of cocktails (must be 21+ years to drink).

Breweries

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden ($) has options and outdoor seating with live performances in the evening. They specialize in sausages and craft beers (must be 21+ years to drink). They have some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches ($) is a family-owned business that is partnered with Greater Goods Roasting. They serve a variety of sweet and savory kolaches, coffee, and craft beers (must be 21+ years to order). They have vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu.

Zilker Brewing Co. ($$) offers to go orders and outdoor seating. They serve seasonal craft beer and have a tap room for tastings (must be 21+ years to order).

Nomadic Beerworks ($) offers to go orders for pick up. They serve craft beer on tap and offer a tap room for tasting (must be 21+ years to order). They serve sandwiches and pretzels. They have vegetarian options and no vegan options on the main menu.

Wineries

Patika Wine and Coffee ($) has outdoor seating, live music, and yappy hours for pets. They serve coffee, pastries, and local wine (must be 21+ years to drink). They have some vegetarian and vegan options on the main menu.

The Austin Winery ($) offers to go orders for pick up and outdoor seating is available.  They serve a variety of wines and offer tastings (must be 21+ years to order).

Water 2 Wine ($$) offers to go orders for pick up. They serve a variety of wines and offer tastings (must be 21+ years to order). You can also make your own wine and they offer specialized labels.

Bent Oak Winery ($) offers to go orders for pick up. They serve a variety of wines and offer tastings (must be 21+ years to order). They have a few dancing events each month.