Need to fit in some fun time? There’s no need to clear your schedule. You can do these 10 amazingly fun things in Austin in an hour or less. Stroll through a museum or take a brief, beautiful hike. You’re sure to return to those pesky errands feeling happy and refreshed.
- Hike Mount Bonnell.
alamosbasement/Flickr It’s a steep set of stairs, but the payoff is simply stunning. It won’t take you long to trek to the top of Mount Bonnell, and once you get there you’ll be in picture-taking paradise.
- Peruse the pieces at Austin Art Garage.
Austin Art Garage/Facebook The pieces at Austin Art Garage are truly unique. Local artists vie for a spot in this cozy gallery, and their works are nothing short of amazing. This eclectic gallery is tucked away on a dirt road at 2200 S. Lamar Blvd.
- Search for rare vinyl at Waterloo Records.
Waterloo Records/Facebook Waterloo Records, located at 600 N Lamar Blvd, has everything a music-lover craves. Spend some time sifting through the discount bins. You never know what kind of rare gem you’ll come across.
- Solve the mystery at The Escape Game.
The Escape Game/Yelp At The Escape Game, located at 405 Red River St, your blood will be pumping and your adrenaline rushing. You only have an hour to find your way out. Think you can make it in time?
- Cruise down Lady Bird Lake on a kayak or paddle board.
Hi I’m Santi/Flickr Bring your friends and experience Lady Bird Lake in the most picturesque way possible. It’s easy to rent a kayak or paddle board by the hour.
- Try on costumes at Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds.
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds/Facebook This quirky costume store, located at 1506 Congress Ave S, has everything you could ever dream of. It’s open year-round, too, so there’s no excuse not to throw a costume party.
- Take in the beauty at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
Phil Roeder/Flickr Escape from the noise at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden located at 605 Robert E Lee Rd. Artist Charles Umlauf’s bronze statues look like they could come to life amongst the verdant trees and picturesque plants.
- Be a tourist in your own city at the Texas State Capitol.
specchio.nero/Flickr The Texas State Capitol offers free guided tours nearly every hour, and you’re guaranteed to learn a whole lot of fascinating history in a short amount of time.
- Explore the natural beauty of the Austin Nature and Science Center.
Austin Nature and Science Center/Facebook There’s something for everyone at The Austin Nature and Science Center. Whether you’re out for a solitary stroll through the nature reserve or your bringing the kiddos to play in the Dino Pit, there’s always beauty to discover. Check it out at 2389 Stratford Dr.
- Gape at the cultural artifacts at the Harry Ransom Center.
Harry Ransom Center/Facebook This small museum is packed with fascinating exhibits. At the Harry Ransom Center, located at 300 W 21st St, you’ll find one of 21 complete Gutenberg Bibles, the first photograph ever taken, and loads of famous literary artifacts.
What’s your favorite fun thing to do when you’re in a time crunch?
alamosbasement/Flickr
It’s a steep set of stairs, but the payoff is simply stunning. It won’t take you long to trek to the top of Mount Bonnell, and once you get there you’ll be in picture-taking paradise.
Austin Art Garage/Facebook
The pieces at Austin Art Garage are truly unique. Local artists vie for a spot in this cozy gallery, and their works are nothing short of amazing. This eclectic gallery is tucked away on a dirt road at 2200 S. Lamar Blvd.
Waterloo Records/Facebook
Waterloo Records, located at 600 N Lamar Blvd, has everything a music-lover craves. Spend some time sifting through the discount bins. You never know what kind of rare gem you’ll come across.
The Escape Game/Yelp
At The Escape Game, located at 405 Red River St, your blood will be pumping and your adrenaline rushing. You only have an hour to find your way out. Think you can make it in time?
Hi I’m Santi/Flickr
Bring your friends and experience Lady Bird Lake in the most picturesque way possible. It’s easy to rent a kayak or paddle board by the hour.
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds/Facebook
This quirky costume store, located at 1506 Congress Ave S, has everything you could ever dream of. It’s open year-round, too, so there’s no excuse not to throw a costume party.
Phil Roeder/Flickr
Escape from the noise at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden located at 605 Robert E Lee Rd. Artist Charles Umlauf’s bronze statues look like they could come to life amongst the verdant trees and picturesque plants.
specchio.nero/Flickr
The Texas State Capitol offers free guided tours nearly every hour, and you’re guaranteed to learn a whole lot of fascinating history in a short amount of time.
Austin Nature and Science Center/Facebook
There’s something for everyone at The Austin Nature and Science Center. Whether you’re out for a solitary stroll through the nature reserve or your bringing the kiddos to play in the Dino Pit, there’s always beauty to discover. Check it out at 2389 Stratford Dr.
Harry Ransom Center/Facebook
This small museum is packed with fascinating exhibits. At the Harry Ransom Center, located at 300 W 21st St, you’ll find one of 21 complete Gutenberg Bibles, the first photograph ever taken, and loads of famous literary artifacts.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
