Things to do in Austin Within Your First Year Living There
Austin is the third-largest city in the United States and the state capital of the third-largest state. And it's no secret that Austin is a fantastic city. It's fast-paced and full of people who like the great outdoors, warm weather, and excellent barbecue. Furthermore, the warmth and friendliness of the people, the generous employment market, and the unique culture make Austin even more appealing. As a result, more people are moving to Austin each day. And this trend isn't going to stop anytime soon. In reality, over 100 people move to Austin each day. So, if you've decided to move to Austin with your children or alone, we understand and want to help you get off to a good start in your new city. Therefore, here are some things to do in Austin within your first year of living there.
Visit the State Capitol
One of the first things you should visit when you arrive in Austin is the Texas State Capitol. This famous building is, by total square footage, the largest state capitol building in the United States. Only the Washington DC National Capitol has a larger overall size. What makes the building even more outstanding is its appearance. This historic statehouse is covered entirely in eye-catching "Texas pink" granite. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind granite formed by crystallizing molten rock. There are also 17 monuments honoring Texas heroes scattered across the capitol grounds. They include volunteer firefighters, Texas Rangers, soldiers who fought at the Alamo, and veterans of the Vietnam, Korean, and world wars. In short, the Texas State Capitol is a great place to start learning about the history of your new home.
Stay active around Lady Bird Lake
In Austin, you have great ways to beat the heat in the summer by refreshing yourself near a lake. Lady Bird Lake is one of the most popular lakes for floating throughout the summer and enjoying summer in Austin. It is a dammed stretch of the Colorado River that runs along the southern edge of Austin and hosts a 10-mile-long trail perfect for biking, hiking, or running. More than 2.6 million people visit the lake each year to enjoy the spectacular views of the Austin skyline. Also, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board and go on a tour of the lake in search of birds, fish, and other wildlife. We recommend you do this at sunset when it's the most refreshing. After you visit Lady Bird Lake, you will understand why this is one of the first things you should do in Austin within your first year of living there.
Have a great day at Barton Springs
One of Austin's most valued outdoor settings is the Barton Springs public pool. It is a natural pool filled with fresh water from the nearby springs. You can find this pool within Zilker Park, which boasts plenty of shade and grounds for sunbathing. Furthermore, when the temperatures in Austin rise, there is plenty of room to float around and cool down in the pool. The entrance to the pool is only $4, and you can lounge wherever you please. While you are here, keep an eye out for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. Only the lucky ones have the chance to spot this little guy around.
Picnic in Zilker Park
Zilker park spreads on 350 acres of land, making it a huge attraction for all Austinites. It is also a pet-friendly park, making the Zilker neighborhood one of the best to move to with your dog. There are several activities at the park that you can enjoy alone or with your friends and family. For instance, you can go hiking, running, biking, or kayaking. You can also visit the botanical garden found inside the park and the Umlauf sculpture garden. If you want a more peaceful day, you may always take a book and read under a tree. Or, pack a picnic basket and have a meal in the beautiful outdoors.
Walk over the Congress Avenue Bridge
One of the first things to do in Austin within your first year of living there should be to visit the Congress Avenue Bridge. An error was made during the bridge's reconstruction in 1980, resulting in the formation of crevices between the bridge's beams. In those crevices, the Mexican free-tailed bats found a perfect habitat. As a result, about a million bats flood the Austin skies each evening from March through November. And what is the best place to view this incredible spectacle? The Congress Avenue Bridge, of course. And if you are concerned about the little creatures being dangerous, don't worry. These little cuties are insectivores, devouring around 250 tons of insects daily. They are harmless and have even become the official mascot of Austin.
Listen to live music
One other thing that Austin is famous for is music. Austin is the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world and home to one of the biggest music festivals. However, we want to talk to you about a specific music location in Austin, Sixth Street. In the mid-1970s, a single blues club opened on this street. From there on, dozens more clubs and bars sprung up in the area, transforming it into Austin's live music epicenter. Today, the area is known as Dirty Sixth, and it's the party center of the city. Therefore, if you want to spend a night with delicious shots, live music, and lots of dancing, Sixth Street is the place to be.
Taste the wonderful food
Austin's food scene is incredible. You can find anything from local cuisine to organic and international dishes. For example, only in Austin can you sample some of the greatest briskets available. Or serve an incredible seafood menu paired with a great selection of wines. Not to mention the BBQ choices, which are mouthwatering just thinking about them. Additionally, you just have to try the food from all the food trucks in the city. They have some of the best tacos, pizza, sausages, chicken dishes, and many more. Trust us. You will undoubtedly become a gourmand after you move to Austin.
In conclusion
There are many more things to do in Austin, but we wanted to highlight those that you should do within your first year living there. Austin is a vibrant city that will quickly make you fall in love with it. So, once you move to Austin, go out, hang out, and eat out whenever possible. We are confident that you will be happy to call this city home soon.