Austin, Texas is a great place to see live music, eat heavenly barbecue, and enjoy the natural beauty of central Texas Hill Country. Although Austin has experienced astronomical population growth in recent years, it has retained much of its singular character, maintaining its weirdness and reign as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” And if you’re interested in checking out this vibrant city, here are my top recommendations on what to do, see, and eat in Austin.

Go For a Swim at Barton Springs

Barton Springs photo by Shutterstock

Fed by an underground spring, Barton Springs Pool is truly the crown jewel of Austin. Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres, Barton Springs is arguably the best place in Austin to take an “icy” dip (the year-round average water temperature is a cool 68-70 degrees). It measures three acres in size, and ranges from 0’ to 18’ in depth.

From state legislators who have drafted laws on its grassy hillsides to professional swimmers working on their technique, Barton Springs is the perfect escape from the often oppressive Texas heat. Also, it’s home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.

Indulge Your Taste Buds With Some Texas Chili

Texas Chili Parlor photo by Shutterstock

Just steps from the State Capitol Building, the Texas Chili Parlor is a true Austin institution. Immortalized in Texas folk legend Guy Clark’s song “Dublin Blues,” the Chili Parlor is the perfect place to have some incredible Texas Chili, with spice levels ranging from mild to XXX hot. 

It’s also home of the famous “Mad Dog Margarita,” a twist on the traditional margarita recipe that adds Mad Dog 357 Ghost Pepper Extract to the mix. If you’re in the mood for some signature Texas dishes, this is a top choice.

Hang Out at a Honky Tonk Bar

Dancing at Honky Tonk Bar photo by Shutterstock

Broken Spoke is one of the oldest Honky Tonk bars in Austin that’s still in business today. This establishment opened its doors in 1964, and continues to host some of the best local and national country and western artists around. If you know the Texas two-step, or if you just love watching some incredible country western dancers, the Broken Spoke is guaranteed a good time.

From Willie Nelson to Garth Brooks, from Asleep at the Wheel to local Austin sensations Dale Watson and Gary P. Nunn, the Broken Spoke has seen its share of heavy hitters over the years. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and you can even get some two-step or swing dancing lessons before the band starts at 9 p.m. They truly don’t make places like this anymore.

Visit Austin’s Home of the Blues

Blues musician / Shutterstock

If you’re a fan of blues music, then you must visit Antone’s Nightclub, which is Austin’s home of the the blues. This downtown gem has hosted legendary blues icons such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Jimmy Reed, and of course, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Fun fact: Vaughan and his band Double Trouble achieved national fame after getting their start at Antone’s.

Get Your BBQ Grub On

Franklin Barbecue photo courtesy of Robb1e

Franklin Barbecue was noted as “serving the best barbecue in the known universe,” according to Texas Monthly. Franklin’s traditional Texas barbecue offerings, which include sliced brisket, ribs, and smoked sausages, are truly out of this world. Open for lunch every day except Monday, Franklin is open from 11 a.m. until they run out, and they run out everyday, usually around 2 or 3 p.m. 

Winner of Texas Monthly’s Best Barbecue Joint in Texas and Bon Appetit’s Best Barbecue Joint in America, Franklin Barbecue is an essential part of any Austin bucket list.

Attend a Live Taping of Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits photo courtesy of Daniel Morrison

Any music lover should try to catch a live taping of Austin City Limits (the television show, not the festival). Although the festival of the same name has become insanely popular in recent years, this public television institution started its run in 1974 (it’s now the longest running music program in television history), and has since hosted the best musical artists of every genre.

Filmed at The Moody Theatre studios on 2nd Street in the heart of Downtown Austin, Austin City Limits tapes a new live show each week during its season, which airs on PBS stations around the country. This show, along with innumerable Austin music venues, cements Austin’s title as the undisputed “Live Music Capital of the World.”