Austin is one of the most energetic cities with excitement, eclectic experience, and endless adventure that is perfect for friends. From wild adventures and quirky tours to amazing food and drink, there’s something for everyone in this Live Music Capital of the World. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Austin with your friends in 2025:
1. Boat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake
Scan the Austin skyline while traveling with friends aboard a boat cruise of Lady Bird Lake. Settle down for a sightseeing or sunset cruise to breathtaking scenery and the attractions, beautiful vistas with stress-free riding in the city. For an added twist, take a bat-watching tour during summer to see the famous bats take flight at dusk.
2. Let Loose Your Anger at Unchartered Adventures
Uncharted Adventures is providing its Rage Room where you can smash objects using baseball bats and let loose all your frustrations. If you are searching for a wild, stress-free experience then look no more because this is where you could head out to ensure a lot of laughter and get a rush of adrenaline.
3. Party on the Water at Lone Star Party Boats
Rent a party boat from Lone Star Party Boats for the most lively and unforgettable day on Lake Travis. You may add a captain and a full cooler of drinks to make sure you and your friends have a party to remember on the water. Whether cruising through Devil’s Cove or soaking up the sun, this is the ultimate experience in Austin.
4. Explore the Spooky World of Austin: Haunted ATX Hearse Tours
This is a spooky adventure where one can book Haunted ATX hearse tours. Ride in this spooky, hearse-themed vehicle while a tour guide narrates creepy ghost stories and eerie local history. This will be a blast for friends seeking to explore Austin’s supernatural side.
5. Mount Bonnell for Breathtaking Views
Mount Bonnell is the best place to experience a panoramic view of Austin. A short hike takes you up to the top, and at this point, you can revel in the natural beauty of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. It is a quiet spot that will be perfect for group photographs, a relaxing picnic, or just absorbing the scenery.
6. Axe Throwing at Axe Escape
Axe Escape is very fun and competitive. Learn the art of axe-throwing in a safe, yet exciting environment. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the staff will walk you through the process, and soon, after a few throws, you’ll be aiming for the bullseye. A great way to bond, unleash your inner warrior, and have a giggle.
7. Laugh and Enjoy Comedy at Esther’s Follies
Esther’s Follies is located in the Sixth Street Historic District and is the premier destination for comedy in Austin. Savor is a side-splitting mix of sketch comedy, live magic acts, political satire, and musical performances. It is a good night to have a fun atmosphere.
8. Kayak and Watch Bats at Live Love Paddle
Live Love Paddle can be taken alongside Lady Bird Lake for an experience to remember. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes; enjoy the scenery while paddling through. For summer visitors, one tour that stands out is the bat-watching tour of thousands of bats emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
9. Have a virtual reality adventure at Zero Latency
Zero Latency VR will give an immersive gaming experience, taking you and your buddies to a place in the remote world, to fight zombies around futuristic terrains or complete certain objectives as an individual team member. It would be perfect for competition-seeking groups but for adrenaline-thirsty thrill-seeking groups.
10. Explore Zilker Botanical Garden
Leave your home to Zilker Botanical Garden, which makes it possible to spend a relaxed weekend in Austin. The 31-acre garden offers themed areas, including the Japanese garden, the rose garden, and a butterfly trail; it’s a great spot for a walk, photograph capture, and strolling around nature with buddies in silence.
11. Taste Austin’s Craft Spirits at Hill Country Distillery Tour
Take a guided tour of some of the best craft distilleries in the Texas Hill Country. Companies like Dripping Springs Distilling and Desert Door offer tastings and insight into their distilling processes. It’s a great way to sample local spirits while exploring the scenic Hill Country with friends.
12. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at COTA Karting
For a high-speed rush, have some fun racing go-karts at COTA Karting, Circuit of the Americas. This is a great way to have a friendly competition with friends by racing outdoors at this facility.
Test your driving skills by competing for the best time or get ready for an action-packed afternoon of having some fun at racing go-karts.
13. Challenge Your Friends at The Escape Game
Test your problem-solving skills and teamwork at The Escape Game Austin. With various themed rooms like “The Heist” and “Prison Break, though this is not an escape room experience, it is an experience aimed at solving puzzles, finding clues, and beating the clock before time runs out.
14. Museum of the Weird
On Sixth Street, the Museum of the Weird is a wacky and eccentric stop for those interested in oddities and paranormal artifacts. From shrunken heads to Bigfoot memorabilia, this offbeat museum is full of weird and wacky exhibits that will make for a fun, unique outing with friends.
15. Take a Selfie at the Texas State Capitol
In short, the Capitol of Texas is probably Austin’s largest landmark. Exploring historic edifices around this building, the Capitol does present beautiful architecture and great shots of downtown Austin. It will make a very nice place where one can either begin a walk-through tour within the city limits or just wind down on these grounds.
16. Relax at Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is one of the most used outdoor spots in Austin. The pool is fed with natural springs with refreshing water, so it’s really perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just a cool day with your friends. The place is inside Zilker Park, and there are loads of other areas around it to discover too.
17. Have the Austin Duck Adventures Ride
A unique land and water tour is offered by Austin Duck Adventures. You can ride an amphibious vehicle that takes you through downtown Austin and plunges you into the waters of Lake Austin. It is a fantastic group activity as you get to see the city’s landmarks from both land and water.
18. Hang Out with Cats at Purrfect Cat Lounge
If you and your friends love cats, check out Purrfect Cat Lounge, the first-ever cat lounge in Austin. There, you can sip coffee or tea and hang out with adoptable cats in an intimate atmosphere. It’s a calm and adorable experience for animal lovers looking for a break from stress.
19. Float at Barton Creek Greenbelt
Float down the Barton Creek Greenbelt for a chill day in the sun. Get a tube and float the smooth waters through one of Austin’s greatest treasures in outdoor fun. Excellent for friends to spend a lazy day outside, soak up some rays, have conversations, and appreciate nature.
20. Craft Beer Tour
Austin is one of the celebrated towns for its craft beer. Go and see it on a guided craft beer tour where you may get a sample of the brew from some local popular breweries, including Austin Beerworks and St. Elmo Brewing, as you will learn much about how brewing takes place.
Conclusion
With so many unique activities to choose from, Austin promises an unforgettable adventure for you and your friends. Whether you’re zipping across lakes, laughing at a comedy show, or testing your skills in an escape room, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in this vibrant city.
