Local Area Attractions Near Austin East KOA Holiday

"There is something for everyone" may be cliché, but for Austin and the surrounding area, it is true! As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Austin, TX, is chock full of great food, quirky local sights, relaxing lakes and delightful live music. Still, despite its size, Austin leaves plenty of space to connect with nature and the thrill of the outdoors at the local forests and rivers near our campground.

The Many Things to Do in Austin, TX

Kick back and relax during your stay at Austin East KOA Holiday and check out some of the famous attractions in Austin. The city houses several cultural districts and distinct areas providing endless entertainment. Austin is located in the Texas Hill Country, with rugged hills and deep caverns. Inside the city, you can find cultural areas like the Red River District, known for its food and live music. The Six Square District preserves the city's Black cultural heritage. Other regions promote a bustling nightlife, family-friendly entertainment or laid-back relaxation. If you are looking for live music in Austin, take a look at The Austin Chronicle for what's playing. The city has hundreds of music venues offering live performances every week in every genre, from jazz to punk rock or country. From large concert venues to intimate music lounges and restaurants with live music, there is an option for any visitor.

Other family activities near Austin include the many museums as part of the Austin Museum Partnership! From history to art, there are plenty of options for great museums in Austin, TX. When you seek to spend time on the water, head to one of the city's many lakes for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and fishing. Some lakes are just for paddlers, while others cater to motorized boats. 

Book Your Stay at Austin East KOA Holiday While Exploring the Many Attractions in Austin, TX

Whether you tent camp, RV camp or stay in one of the Deluxe Cabins, you will find plenty of on-site amenities to ensure a relaxing and entertaining experience in Austin. However, if you are looking for what to do near Austin, here are some favorite places to go and things to see at the best of South and North Austin's attractions. Our helpful front desk staff can help if you need more information.

Ready to experience Austin? Book your reservation at Austin East KOA Holiday to enjoy the best camping in The Lone Star State! Get in touch with us at 512-732-2812. Looking to stay for a longer period of time? Book an extended stay at our site.

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

Located just 20 minutes away is a beautiful state park with just under nine miles of trails and weekend outdoor programming. As you watch Onion Creek flow over the limestone ledges and explore the trails of the Hill Country woodlands, you'll wonder how all this beauty can lie within Austin's city limits. Spend a day splashing in the pools, or get some exercise scrambling over boulders or biking the trails. The local creeks are also a great place to enjoy some peaceful fishing. 

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744

Website

Walter E. Long Lake

Walter E. Long Lake

Whether you are in pursuit of some largemouth bass and catfish or searching for a place to relax and unwind with the whole family, you're sure to love all the recreational opportunities at Walter E. Long Lake. Just four blocks from the Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, this lake offers fishing, kayaking, swimming, floating and picnicking. Large mowed easements offer excellent hiking or dog walking. For a more thrilling visit, be sure to pack your Jet Ski and explore the water.

Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park
6614 Blue Bluff Road
Austin, TX 78724

Website

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake, owned and operated by the City of Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority, stretches 416 acres in downtown Austin, TX. The lake's primary purpose is to create a reservoir for flood control. However, Lady Bird Lake also serves as the lake near Austin, TX, to kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. The lake is a popular stop for recreation and is directly connected to many of the things considered must-do's in Austin, TX. The Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail is the best place in town to walk, jog, run or bike. Check it out!

Website

Southern Walnut Creek Trail Bike Path

Southern Walnut Creek Trail Bike Path

Located in East Austin, this lovely path of twists and turns is a nature lover's delight. Bicyclists, as well as joggers and hikers, love this recreational resource, which is found in the heart of the city. Southern Walnut Creek Trail is an ideal place to enjoy the trees and foliage as you get a little exercise. Plus, you will cross only one street on this entire-eight mile, 10-foot-wide concrete path through the Walnut Creek Greenbelt.

Website

Texas Capitol

Texas Capitol

Explore one of the most beautiful and historically rich attractions in all of Texas — free of charge. Free 30-minute tours of the largest state capitol building in the United States are given daily, excluding some holidays. As you step through the storied rooms and halls that make up this stunning building, you are sure to gain a deeper insight into the Lone Star State.

1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

Website

Wildlife

Wildlife

While Austin is a thriving urban playground, locals and government officials understand the importance of preserving and enhancing the local environment — especially when it comes to wildlife. If you love creatures big and small, there are plenty of opportunities to commune with Austin's wildlife.

Every year from March through November, over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats reside under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Spectators gather nightly to watch the bats emerge for their hunt for food. Travis County has many nature preserves for you and your family to explore. There is also a zoo to introduce you to some of Austin's furrier residents. It started as a rescue center in 1990 and still fulfills this mission today by caring for over 300 animals in need of a home.

Website

Museums

Museums

Texas history, Mexican art, toys and medicine are just a few of the many interests represented in the exciting museums in Austin. As you explore one intriguing exhibit after another, you will gain a deeper appreciation for local culture and rich history.

There are 45 members of the Austin Museum Partnership. Here are a few favorites:

Website

Craft Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

Craft Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

Thirsty? You're in the right place. Over 45 breweries call Austin home, including Hops & Grain, Austin Beerworks and Oskar Blues Brewery. Tequila, vodka, rum and moonshine are just a sampling of spirits in the area. Austin is home to Tito's Handmade Vodka and Love, Titos. And if Fredericksburg seems too far for some wine tasting, there are wineries here as well, including The Austin Winery and Texas Red and Whites Tasting Room.

Website

Festivals

Festivals

We love to have a good time in the city of Austin! Almost every week, there is a festival celebrating our history, our diversity, our culture or just having fun. The Austin Marathon, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and the Austin Food and Wine Festival are just a sampling.

Website

Texas Barbecue

Texas Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue may be the most famous barbecue outside of Texas, but the campground is less than 30 minutes away from some places with a little more history and some bragging rights of their own. In Elgin (20 miles east on 290) is Southside Market, the oldest BBQ store in Texas. The Texas State Legislature named Lockhart (30 miles south on 183) the Barbecue Capital of Texas in 2003. Taylor (27 miles north on 973) is home to Louie Mueller Barbecue, the first Texas barbecue restaurant recognized by the James Beard Foundation. No matter where you choose to go, you are sure to experience some of the best BBQ in Austin.

Thinkery

Thinkery

Thinkery is Austin's home for budding scientists — where science and play go hand in hand. Exhibits such as Spark Shop, Light Lab and Innovators' Workshop are sure to excite your child's imagination. The museum's target audience is newborns through 11 years of age, but all ages will enjoy the interactive displays.

1830 Simond Ave
Austin, Texas 78723

Website

Food Trucks

Food Trucks

The city of Austin is pretty serious about its love of the humble food truck. With an eclectic array of offerings in nearly every imaginable food genre, dining out can take on a whole new meaning in Austin. It is estimated there are over 1,000 food trucks in the area, and they are serving more than just hot dogs. Tex-Mex, Thai, Philly cheesesteaks, Indian, gyros, donuts, wings and so much more — whatever you are in the mood for, you will find it traveling through the city on four wheels.

Bats of Austin

Bats of Austin

From March to October, 1.5 million bats emerge nightly from narrow crevices in the underside of the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. They usually start to emerge from the bridge around 20 minutes before sundown. The walkway on the east side of the Congress Avenue bridge offers the best vantage point for watching the bats emerge and fly eastward over Lady Bird Lake. The hillside below the bridge is a little more kid-friendly since you can spread out a blanket and even have a picnic while you wait. There are also several boat tour companies offering nightly excursions.

Website

Whole Foods Flagship Store

Whole Foods Flagship Store

When is a grocery store more than a grocery store? When it's the very first Whole Foods Market. Explore where this national sensation got its start. You will want to be hungry when you visit this store at the corner of 6th and Lamar in downtown Austin. It has several "mini restaurants" throughout the store, as well as a bar with craft beer on tap.

525 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703

Website

Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas

This motorsports playground is set on 1,500 acres and features some of the biggest racing, action sports and music events in the city. The Grade One FIA-specification motor racing track hosts Formula One, NASCAR and MotoGP races. You can also spend some time behind the wheel with an Audi driving experience on the F1 track or some go-karting at COTA Karting.The on-site concert venue is an excellent place to attend the live concerts the city is known for. It is the city's largest outdoor amphitheater, hosting the biggest names in music with room for over 14,000 guests to celebrate their favorite artists.
9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd
Austin, TX 78617

Website

University of Texas Sporting Events

University of Texas Sporting Events

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the football. The Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, home of the University of Texas football, is nine miles from the campground's front gate. Experience football fandom at its best when you attend an unforgettable UT Longhorns game. Hook 'em horns!

2139 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78712

Website

Water Parks

Water Parks

Texas summers can get hot — very hot. The quickest way for you and your kids to cool off is by heading to one of the local water parks. Typhoon Texas covers 23 acres and is just 20 minutes up the road off Texas 130. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels grew out of the spring-fed river and German heritage of the Hill Country. It is located approximately one hour south on Interstate 35. Also located only 30 minutes up the road is the Kalahari Indoor Water Park, with 223,000 square feet of "Wet. Wild. Fun."

Live Music

Live Music

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. From jazz and country to the Texas blues, all genres can be found throughout the city almost every night of the week. The Austin Chronicle is a good resource for what's playing where tonight.

Website

Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo

What began as a small goat zoo is now one of Austin's most popular attractions. The Austin Zoo is where visitors come to see beautiful wildlife up close and spend some time outdoors. The mission of Austin Zoo is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.

10808 Rawhide Trail

Austin, TX 78736

512-288-3972

Website

Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden

This botanical garden in Austin offers a slice of nature in the heart of downtown. The 28-acre garden sits inside Zilker Metropolitan Park, surrounded by live oaks providing shade and respite from the heat. You will find several themed gardens, including The Riparian Streambed, Mabel Davis Rose Garden, Taniguchi Japanese Garden and The Hartman Prehistoric Garden. Flower lovers can also check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for views of native Texas plants.

2220 Barton Springs Rd

Austin, TX 78746

512-641-8672

Website

Travis County Exposition Center

Travis County Exposition Center

See the rodeo or attend a formal banquet all in one place at this multipurpose expo center in Austin. The grounds are a permanent home to the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo but house many other events like craft shows, fun runs and weddings. It has several facilities rented throughout the year, including the Luedecke Arena, Show Barn, Skyline Club and Banquet Hall.

7311 Decker Ln

Austin, TX 78724

512-854-4900

Website