Things to Do in Southwest Austin
, Mar 2, 2022
Whether you’re in Southwest Austin for a fun short trip or you’re there for good, you’ll quickly find the area is filled with places to go and activities to do.
If you’re new to the neighborhood, get out and explore the simple yet enjoyable locale. And if you’re thinking of moving to Southwest Austin, getting to know the exciting activities in the area will give you the push you need. There are just as many activities in the southwest as living downtown, so why not give it a go?
Of course, finding the best activities in Southwest Austin on your own might be a time-consuming task. In this article, we will help you discover the best things to do and the best places to go to make your stay worthwhile.
South Austin activities
If you’re the type to rock on with blasted music, then something you will definitely enjoy is finding a seat at the Austin 360 Amphitheater. The Austin 360 Amphitheatre is the place to go for your favorite band’s music.
If you’re a music lover, the amphitheater features artists like the Rex Orange County, Jack Johnson, Alt-J, and more. You can choose either a premium seat or be seated in the tower club with a private bar, amazing views, and exclusive experiences.
Heading out of the city towards Belterra, it’s easy to find your way to Austin Zoo. The zoo promises an exciting day out for the whole family. As well as learning about the mammals, birds, and reptiles that call the zoo home, you can have close encounters with a capybara or Galapagos tortoises.
If you want to have a refreshing dip in a pool, South Austin also has the perfect place for you. The Barton Springs is also known as the crown jewels of Austin and the pool is a whopping three acres. The springs’ underground water is at a constant temperature of 68-70 degrees.
Barton Springs is considered a friendly habitat given its protection for majestic creatures such as the Barton Springs Salamander. The Barton Springs Salamander is a small, aquatic salamander found only in certain locations. Entrance to the springs costs between $2 and $5 for residents and up to $9 for non-residents.
Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is one of the most unique places you could ever go to. It is a cool, whimsical, and creative place with views you may have seen all the time — but not as creative as how it’s presented.
The Cathedral of Junk is a solid structure made up of a variety of junk. It began attracting people because of how inventive it was. You’re in luck when it comes to entrance fees because it’s free of charge. However, it does accept donations. As of 2020, donations were $10 for groups and $5 for individuals. Kids, on the other hand, are free.
If you want some thrill in your life, Southwest Austin will still deliver. The Circuit of the Americas is where people go if they want to entertain themselves with some racing. It is a world-class area for motorsports entertainment with its grade 1 FIA-specification 3.426-mile motor racing track.
The ticket prices can vary, but you can inquire on their website for more information on the ticket prices of each event. There are different ways you can buy your ticket. It can be online through an account manager or the Ticketmaster app/website. You may also buy a ticket using the official Circuit of Americas (COTA) app.
The Lady Bird Bike-and-Hike Trail is one for bikers wanting to see beautiful views while sweating off their bikes. It is a fun and cool 10-mile trail to experience the world’s beauty. You can bike, hike, and run all you want.
If you’re a tourist, this one is a place you wouldn’t want to miss. The incredible views consist of skyscrapers, friendly neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and many more. The natural environment, sensational views, and diverse, friendly people make it close to the heart of many tourists and residents.
Dining
Aside from an entertaining cinema experience, the Alamo Draft House isn’t just for the watchers but for the eaters as well. It serves one of the most award-winning cuisines in Texas with a multi-course menu and a perfectly cooked meal.
Their best sellers include “Royale with Cheese” Burger, Pizzas, as well as some chocolate chip cookies for dessert. They also serve cold brews and the finest craft beers. For every cinema, there are about 30 beers on tap. The price range of the food is mid-range depending on the order.
The Hill’s Cafe is the go-to place for simple-yet-amazing food and an eye-pleasing aesthetic interior. Hill’s Cafe serves high-quality food and beverages with an area that makes you relax and enjoy. This restaurant is perfect for breakfast because they serve a classic American breakfast like pancakes, Belgian waffles, Omelets, and more. The food prices are also mid-range, and it is totally worth it for its delectable taste. Their best-seller is called ‘For Mom,’ which is a pancake made out of buttermilk with an egg of your style of choice, bacon, and one sausage patty.
Kerbey Lane is another place to be if you’re craving a breakfast that will fill your tummy and will surely make you happy. The good thing about Kerbey Lane is that aside from a typical American breakfast, some Mexican food is also available. You can get different types of Queso with chips such as Credo’s Cashew Queso, Cowboy Queso, and of course, some classic queso. The price range is slightly more expensive than Hill’s Cafe, but it is still worth it for its taste and diverse menu.
Strange Brew
Strange Brew is a 24-hour coffee shop that offers different pastries with the relaxing vibes of the live music lounge. If you have the rest of the night to yourself, this place is the one to spend all your hours. It can be a place for study or you can spend the rest of the night with relaxation and coffee.
They offer a wide selection of coffees and drinks, including fancy espressos. The favorite of many is called the ‘Reuben on Rye.’ The menu is on the affordable side, which will make you want to stay for as long as you want.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner — any type of meal is available in Waterloo Ice House. It is one of the original restaurants in Austin, making it a classic. It has a high-energy setting which gives you an enthusiastic feel. Their classic tacos are the best in town. There are many options you can choose from such as burgers, chicken, and beers. They have branches all over Austin: in Burnet road, 360 & 2222, in Southpark Meadows, and Slaughter Lane & Escarpment Boulevard.
Wild Bubba’s Wild Game Grill.
The Wild Bubba’s Wild Game Grill is home to the best burgers in town. Customers have always claimed it to be the juiciest burger they have ever tried. They offer burgers of different flavors and kinds. From Elk, Wild Boar, Venison, and Kangaroo, what they all have in common is that they taste the best. Each burger costs around $9 — not bad for a big burger. There are no reservations for this restaurant, and it’s open on all days except Sundays.
Shopping
Sunset Valley Village is the place for all your needs, whether clothes, cookware, or home decorations. It is a place where you won’t have trouble finding what you need. With many shops inside, it’s simply the place for everything. Some of the shops include Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, Factory Mattress Sales, and a lot more. It hosts a variety of restaurants for you to enjoy.
The Shops at Onion Creek provide customers with diverse selections of where to go. This is because the tenants of the place include Regions Bank, Baylor Scott & White Spirit Wine & Liquor, Wisp Eyelash Lounge, and many more.
Not only that, but you can keep your energy up with a stop at Subway or Craigo’s Pasta and Pizzeria. They are open every 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from Monday through Friday.
Westgate Shopping Center
In Westgate Shopping Center, you can find the biggest selection of food, especially organic and non-organic foods. It provides a variety of stalls and stores and has a great movie theater. This is the ideal place to go to splurge on a diverse range of foods. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
