SXSW is a lot of fun, but it can also be very exhausting, loud, and busy. Sometimes we all need a break from the festival to re-charge. To help out, we have a list of 10 things to do outside of SXSW while in Austin.

10 Things To Do

1. iFly Indoor Skydiving: It’s exactly what the name implies – Austin’s own indoor skydiving facility. If you’ve ever wanted to go skydiving without having to jump out of a plane, this is the place to do it.
2. Barton Springs Pool: Assuming the weather is the normal spring warmth in March, Barton Springs Pool is a great place to cool off in or by the water. It’s a staple for many Austinites throughout the spring and summer.
3. The University of Texas at Austin: One of the biggest college campuses in the country, there is a reason UT is called the 40 Acres. With many students on Spring Break during the SXSW weeks, this is a great time to visit the looming campus. Whether it’s getting an up-close look at the Tower, some of the iconic statues, or peering into some of the classrooms, a trip to campus is always exciting.
4. Zilker Botanical Garden: Looking to get more personal with nature? Zilker Botanical Garden has 31 acres of plants.
5. Zach Theatre: Often called the “Broadway of Austin,” Zach Threatre is a great place to catchy a Broadway-style musical in one of the best places for entertainment in the city. The listings change often, so just be sure to do a double check before planning the trip.
6. Tour the State Capitol: You probably aren’t in a capital city very often – let alone one as well known as Austin – so this is a great chance to do a tour of the Capitol Building.
7. HOPE Outdoor Gallery: A beautiful display of the city’s talented street and graffiti artists, HOPE Outdoor Gallery hides just behind downtown and offers some of the most inventive art in Austin. Pictures don’t do justice – seeing the gallery in person is the best way to truly experience it.
8. Mount Bonnell: Arguably the best hiking spot in Austin, Mount Bonnell is wroth the 800 feet climb for the view on top. Especially during spring, the view is stunning.
9. Blanton Museum of Art: While HOPE offers some of the most innovative and modern forms of art, UT’s Blanton Museum has the more classic museum feel. If this is more up your alley, head to the UT campus for one of the best museums in Texas.
10. Wild Basin Preserve: If you’re really looking to get away from the urban downtown life, Wild Basin Preserve is about as close to nature as you can get. The trail is perfect for hiking on a nice spring day.

These 10 options should give you the break from the chaos of the festival that you need. If you’re still looking for other options, there are plenty more to keep you busy in Austin, including the Museum of the Weird, Austin History Center, and Auditorium Shores. When the streets are so busy during SXSW, it can be easy to forget how fascinating the city of Austin is, so we recommend taking a break here and there to experience some of Austin’s other attractions.