If you’re new to the Austin area or just visiting, look no further than this guide to must-visit attractions to get the full Austin experience and continuing the tradition to “Keep Austin Weird.” You can ditch the cowboy boots and hat- Austin is one of the biggest up-and-coming cities in Texas and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.!

Hope Outdoor Gallery

When visiting Austin, take a trip over to Texas’ largest outdoor graffiti wall. Here, you’ll find the true meaning of “Keep Austin Weird,” the adopted slogan for the city. What was once an abandoned construction site has been turned into one of Austin’s most famous tourist attractions. T

The best part about Hope is that the wall art is always changing, so even locals can come out and enjoy Hope and the new creations that are displayed. Hope is free to the public daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Circuit of the Americas

If you’ve got the need (the need for speed), check out Circuit of the Americas just outside of Downtown Austin. Circuit of the Americas has hosted some of the biggest names in the racing world as well as musicians since 2012. For a full line up of racing events and tickets, visit their website. Tickets range in price, but you can get a Saturday and Sunday pass for as low as $50!

Related content: Annual Festivals in Austin

Texas Wildflower Center

Get to know the real beauty of Austin by taking a wildflower drive through Texas Wildflower Central. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect place to start your day by picking up a quick bite and a guide while learning about some of the different types of wildflowers. The Texas Bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas and the most popular wildflower you’ll see; there are roughly 19 other gorgeous ones to see as well.

Barton Springs Municipal Pool

Formed by a natural underground-fed spring, generations of Austin dwellers have enjoyed this spring. The all-natural limestone pool ranges in depth so children and adults of all ages can enjoy swimming here safely.

There's a fee to swim in the spring during guarded swim times, and food, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited. The spring has a kooky history just like Austin does, and one of Barton’s Springs claims to fame is that Robert Redford is said to have learned to swim here.

Allens Boots

If ditching your cowboy boots isn’t what you had in mind when coming to Austin or you need a new pair, check out Allens Boots. Allens Boots has been a tradition since 1977 and is still a family-owned and operated business to this day.

If you’re in the market for a pair of genuine cowboy boots, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Most pairs range from $149.99 and up. Allens also offers plenty of other things such as belts, hats, apparel items, and even kids’ size boots.

Related content: Shopping in Downtown Austin

Austin has so much more to offer, but these must-visit attractions make a great introduction if you're not sure where to begin exploring.

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Cover photo courtesy of Pxhere