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Texas' state capital has kept its small-town heart, earning the love with great music, culinary prowess, whip-smart locals and a sociable streak impossible to resist.

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Bat Colony Under Congress Avenue Bridge

Austin is known as the capital of Texas quirk, so it shouldn't be surprising that it's a city tradition to sit on the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake and…

Texas State Capitol

Completed in 1888 using sunset-red granite, Texas’ state capitol is the largest in the US, backing up the familiar claim that everything’s bigger…

Zilker Park

This 350-acre park is a slice of green heaven, lined with hiking and biking trails. The park also provides access to the famed Barton Springs natural…

University of Texas at Austin

Whatever you do, don't call it 'Texas University' – them's fightin' words, usually used derisively by Texas A&M students to take their rivals down a notch…

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Big, glitzy and bursting with high-tech interactive exhibits, this showcase museum celebrates the story of the Lone Star State, from its earliest…

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library & Museum

Devoted to the 36th US president, who launched his political career in Austin, this museum is still attracting the crowds more than 50 years since he left…

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Anyone with an interest in Texas' flora and fauna should make the 20-minute drive to the wonderful gardens of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,…

Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail & Boardwalk

You can gaze at the downtown skyline from a series of photogenic boardwalks on this scenic 10-mile trail, which loops around Lady Bird Lake. Shorten the…

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The 10 best things to do in austin, texas.

Mexic-Arte Museum

This wonderful, eclectic downtown museum features works from Mexican and Mexican American artists in exhibitions that change every two months. Many are…

Esther's Follies

Drawing from current events and pop culture, this long-running satire show has a vaudevillian slant, thanks to musical numbers and, yep, even a magician…

Lucy in Disguise

Colorful and over the top, this South Congress staple has been outfitting Austinites for years. You can rent or buy costume pieces, which is this place's…

Save your cents with the 10 best free activities in Austin

Zilker Botanical Garden

These lush gardens cover 31 acres on the south bank of the Colorado River, with displays including natural grottoes, a Japanese garden and a fragrant herb…

Blanton Museum of Art

A big university with a big endowment is bound to have a big art collection, and now, finally, it has a suitable building to show it off properly. With…

Greetings from Austin Mural

Well of course you're going to pull over and take a photo in front of this wall-sized postcard. It's awesome. The eye-catching mural adorns the southside…

Austin Nature & Science Center

In the northwestern area of Zilker Park, this center has exhibitions of native Texan mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that have been…

Güero's Taco Bar

Set in a sprawling former feed-and-seed store from the late 1800s, this Austin classic always draws a crowd. Güero's may not serve the best Tex-Mex in…

Elephant Room

This intimate, subterranean jazz club has a cool vibe, and live music almost every night. The cover charge stays low, mostly free except on weekends, and…

Cathedral of Junk

An ongoing (and climbable!) backyard sculpture that turns one man's trash into everyone's treasure. Visitation is by appointment, by phone. Owner Vince…

The super-chill Saxon Pub, presided over by 'Rusty,' a huge knight who sits out the front, has music every night, mostly Texas performers in the blues…

I Love You So Much Mural

This simple expression of devotion draws legions of photo-taking lovebirds. Spray-painted on the side of Jo's Coffee on South Congress, it now joins the…

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum

If the weather's just too perfect to be inside a climate-controlled building, stroll the open-air UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, located in the south…

Little Longhorn Saloon

This funky little cinder-block building, 5 miles north of downtown, is one of those dive bars that Austinites love so very much. They did even before it…

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Each of Austin's neighborhoods showcases a different aspect of Austin's character – the political, historical, academic, techy and funky.

Austin may have an incredible wealth of attractions but don't sleep on what's beyond the city limits. These are 7 of our top picks for day trips.

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Though the car may be king in Texas, Austin is doing its best to provide sustainable options to travelers. Here's how to get around Austin.

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Austin's popularity has made it more expensive but there are still free delights to be had. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Traveling with Kids

Though known more for music than being a family-friendly destination, the joyful city of Austin is an exciting and enjoyable place for kids of all ages.

From unique handmade crafts to one-of-a-kind artworks, explore Austin's diverse and inclusive shops that support local talent.

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Austin’s progressive and artsy vibe make the city perfect for LGBTIQ+ travelers. Here are the best places to go for an unforgettable visit.

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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36 Hours in Austin

By Shannon Sims Updated Feb. 29, 2024

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“Keep Austin weird” is the decades-old mantra in this capital of live music, colorful characters and, of course, Texas. But Austin, now the country’s 10th-most-populous city, is looking very different: Tesla Cybertrucks are pulling up beside pickups as this college town, home to the University of Texas, just keeps growing. South by Southwest , the signature music festival and conference, starts March 8, but any spring or autumn weekend is an invitation to fall in love with the city. Admire the skyline from a kayak on Lady Bird Lake, treat yourself to barbecue (it’s Texas, after all), and spend an evening carousing Sixth Street until you find your crowd. But whatever you do, for the love of Willie Nelson — one of those colorful Austin characters — start each morning with a breakfast taco.

Recommendations

• Lady Bird Lake is a waterway in the heart of Austin where visitors can enjoy the skyline from a kayak or paddle board.
• South Congress Avenue abounds with places to shop for cowboy hats, boots and vintage accessories to complete an Austin look.
• Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed public swimming pool that stays at around 70 degrees year-round.
• Zilker Metropolitan Park , Austin’s big central green space, features jogging trails and natural springs.
• Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is a prime spot at dusk, from April to October, to watch a giant resident colony of bats take flight.
• Sixth Street is one of Austin’s party zones, with bars and live music for every taste.
• Mount Bonnell , one of the highest points in Austin, is a great place for a panoramic view.
• The Bullock Texas State History Museum gives an overview of Texas’ past through exhibitions and films.
• Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail winds along the banks of the Colorado River near downtown.
• JuiceLand , a local chain, sells fresh smoothies, juices and açaí bowls.
• Dai Due is a high-end East Austin restaurant that turns out top-notch New Texan cuisine and specializes in wild game.
• The White Horse has a dance floor that’s the best place to test your Texas two-step skills.
• Veracruz All Natural is a female-owned local chain turning out some of Austin’s best breakfast tacos.
• Bouldin Creek Cafe combines a vegan-friendly menu with neighborhood charm.
• Jo’s Coffee offers iced coffee, breakfast tacos and live music. The “i love you so much” mural on the cafe’s outside wall attracts even non-coffee drinkers as well.
• Amy’s Ice Cream , a brand founded in Austin, is known for its Mexican vanilla flavor.
• Odd Duck is a South Austin restaurant with friendly service that started as a food truck.
• Donn’s Depot , a groovy dive, offers live country music and a multigenerational dance floor.
• Ego’s is a late-night karaoke bar inside a parking garage.
• La Barbecue , a female-owned restaurant in East Austin, serves brisket and pork ribs worth lining up for (although a handy order-ahead option lets you bypass the wait).
• Allens Boots is a longstanding, family-owned store on South Congress Avenue with a vast selection of cowboy footwear.
• Heritage Boot Co. , in South Austin, designs its own high-end cowboy boots.
• Feathers Vintage sells trendy secondhand fashion, from used coveralls to Valentino sweaters.
• Maufrais lets people customize their own cowboy hats.
• The Line ’s prime location means that many of its rooms — and its pool — overlook both the Colorado River and the Congress Avenue Bridge. There is also a Veracruz All Natural stand in the lobby, so you can get delicious breakfast tacos without changing out of your slippers. Rooms start at $215.
• Austin Motel on South Congress Avenue is easy to spot thanks to its iconic, phallic neon sign that reads, “So close yet so far out” — an accurate description of the proximity to downtown and the hip vibe of this redesigned motor lodge with a heated pool and a courtyard perfect for predinner drinks with fellow travelers. Rooms from $203.
• Heywood Hotel , a restored bungalow in the heart of East Austin, is an understated antidote to the area’s corporate short-term rentals. It has an affable front-desk staff and seven guest rooms, some with balconies and skylights. Rooms from $199.
• Short-term rentals are everywhere in Austin, especially in the most walkable parts of town, like downtown, around South Congress Avenue and near the University of Texas campus. Or try East Austin for a more eclectic area with both down-home Mexican bakeries and chic designer shops.
• Austin is smaller than Houston or Dallas, but driving or using a ride-hailing app like Uber is still the easiest way to get around. Many of Austin’s highlights — like Zilker Park, South Congress, downtown and East Austin — are within about 20 minutes’ biking distance. You can rent bikes through the city’s bike share program, MetroBike ($12.99 for 24 hours). The public bus system, CapMetro , is also efficient and easy to use ($1.25 a ride).

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Austin, Texas Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More

Austin likes to call itself the “live music capital of the world,” and the Texas town does its best to live up to the moniker. On a summer weekend night, you might find over 100 acts playing at venues across town, with the strains of Indy rock, funk, folk, blues, bluegrass, tejano, zydeco, and myriad other sounds filling the parched skies over south-central Texas. Of course, there’s much more to Austin than music. Food trucks, barbecue, microbreweries, arts festivals, spring-fed pools and a rather substantial bat population all play a part in luring travelers to one of the best-loved cities in the Lone Star state.

Where to Stay

Where to eat.

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The vibrant shopping and dining district of South Congress area makes an excellent base while visiting the city. You’ll also find some gems downtown as well as in East Austin.

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Best SoCo Stay: Austin Motel

First opened in 1938, this South Congress Ave. sleeper was best known for its phallic sign and aging rooms before Bunkhouse Group gave the place a dramatic makeover a few years back. Today, the 41-room motel boasts plenty of color and whimsy — like retro lamps and radios, vibrantly hued wallpaper and a kidney-shaped pool that plays host to nighttime pool parties. There’s a good all-day Tex-Mex restaurant on site, and there are plenty of good eating and drinking options just a short stroll away.

•  Nearest airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Time: 12 minutes by car
• Distance: 9 miles

Best Downtown Digs: The Driskill

Austin’s oldest operating hotel is set in a grand Romanesque Revival building downtown that dates back to the 1880s. The lobby bar is a swanky hangout spot, though a pure abomination for vegans: Think cowhide barstools, oversized leather couches, and wall-mounted heads of Texas longhorn peering down at you while you sip a glass of local Sisterdale whisky. Rooms aim for a look of classic timelessness, and the best have elegant balconies with skyline views.

• Time: 13 minutes by car
• Distance: 10 miles

Best Luxury Hideaway: Saint Cecilia

Named after the patron saint of music and poetry, Saint Cecilia plays muse to anyone lucky enough to overnight in this stylish beauty in the Travis Heights neighborhood. The secluded property has lush grounds with a 50-foot heated lap pool open 24 hours a day, and the individually designed accommodations (five suites, six bungalows, and three studios) boast loads of style. Rooms are kitted out with Rega turntables and Geneva sound systems and you can borrow LPs (as well as poetry anthologies) for leisurely listening whenever the mood strikes you — like when you order an in-room spa treatment for instance. You can also grab a bike for a quick spin over to South Congress Ave., just down the road.

• Nearest airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Time: 11 minutes by car

The dining scene in Austin is as vibrant as ever, with creative ethnic eateries, legendary barbecue, and New Texan standouts showcasing all things locally sourced.

Best Food Trailers: The Picnic

Just one block from the entrance to Zilker Park, the Picnic is Valhalla for food truck lovers. You’ll find nine top names in the mobile food game, including Cannone Cucina Italiana (and its sister truck serving up heavenly gelato), Coat & Thai with its fiery curries, and the Mighty Cone, famed for its tasty breaded chicken, shrimp, and avocado snacks that are served up in a tortilla cone.

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Best Brisket: Franklin Barbecue

Serving up some of the best brisket on the planet, Franklin Barbecue has a rather sizable following (NY Times restaurant critic Pete Wells is a fan). In other words, the line is absurdly long — some queuing diners might have to wait up to four hours before sinking their teeth into that smoked perfection. Barbecue lovers say it’s worth the wait (just come prepared, bring a chair, coffee and/or beer, some shade for the hot sun and some snacks!). There is also a way to avoid the long wait. You can pre-order up to six weeks in advance; simply show up within that 30-minute window, grab your food, and go. The catch: There’s a three-pound minimum and you can’t eat on-site, so bring a serious appetite, a few famished friends and picnic plans (Lott Pocket Park is an easy stroll from the restaurant).

Best Tex-Mex: Güero’s Taco Bar

A South Austin classic, Güero’s whips up the city’s best tacos , which taste all the better in the rustic oak-shaded garden. It’s set in a former feed and seed store from the 1800s, which makes a fine backdrop to the live music happening Wednesday to Sunday. The bar is also a fine spot for quality margaritas just about any time of day.

Downtown Austin

The gridlike streets of downtown have a mix of high-rise office buildings as well as abundant amusement (bars and live music clubs) along 6th St. You can also check out America’s largest state capitol, a striking red granite building where you can have a peak inside on a guided tour. Nearby, you can delve into Lone Star lore at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which covers everything from Neolithic peoples and early Native American settlements to Civil Rights and the space program. You can also catch some excellent works of art at the behemoth Blanton Museum of Art. Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” a kaleidoscope of a building that opened to much acclaim in 2018.

South Austin

Head across the Colorado River to reach the painfully hip SoCo district — short for South Congress, which is what most locals call it. Much of the action is along the eponymous avenue, which is lined with funky boutiques, edgy art galleries, patio cafes and bars, and quirky hotels — plus seemingly limitless dining options. West of South Congress is leafy Zilker Park, home to Barton Springs Pool , a massive swimming spot fed by an ice-cold spring. It’s a much-loved destination on hot days. You can also hang out in the forest-lined springs just outside the pool.

Winged Wonders

For a glimpse of Austin wildlife, stake out a spot south of the Congress Avenue Bridge just before dusk. Every night from spring through autumn, a vast swarm of Mexican Free-Tailed bats takes to the sky. Their numbers can reach over 1.5 million by the end of the season.

Austin has a packed festival calendar, with South by Southwest (SXSW) in March among the city’s best-known events. On the first two weekends in October, Austin City Limits festival features a stellar musical lineup. This year you can catch Billie Eilish, Erykah Badu, Rüfüs du Sol, Miley Cyrus, Jon Batiste, and dozens of other artists. The festival quickly sold out, though you can still score resale tickets on the website.

How to Save Money on Your Trip to Austin, Texas 

Experiences.

While it is popularly known for its music, Austin, Texas, can offer so much more than that. From exceptional museums and top-notch ballet performances to numerous restaurants and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, it is difficult to fit all of these in a day or two, especially with limited time and budget. So it’s best to prepare your itinerary and accommodation ahead of time (but if you want to be spontaneous, why not?). Good thing, there are multiple apps and websites to help you maximize your stay and keep you on your budget during your trip. Airbnb.com  offers a wide variety of options when it comes to rentals and hotel accommodations, depending on whether you want to be near some good eating spots or some peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

It is not so wrong to feel like a local in Austin whether you’re just visiting for the weekend or planning to come for an event. With the rise of the hotel industry, experiencing the city first-hand is now made more convenient, even at the comforts of your own rental place. From retro to Romanesque revival, each hotel has plenty to offer while showcasing what the city is known for: Arts and music. If you’re still undecided on where to stay, check out Hotel Tonight , Airbnb.com , and Kayak.com as they offer just about the right place for you to stay in Austin, Texas without breaking the bank.

Vehicle Rentals

Sure, there are accessible cabs in Austin, Texas but isn’t it nice to roam around the city without the hustle and bustle of public transportation? There are a lot of places to visit in Austin that having a car to go from one place to another will be convenient to maximize your stay and save some cash. Kayak.com is the best way to look for some of the best deals for car rentals.

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a household name, having played a leading role on Modern Family. He has also acted in various other movies and TV shows, and won a Tony award. Beyond his clear talent for acting, Jesse is passionate about food and travel. As Pride month hits the halfway mark and the summer travel season draws near, we chatted with the actor about his favorite LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations, what he always packs, and more. 

Not only is travel fun and exciting, but it also comes with many scientifically-proven health benefits! These benefits can positively impact your mind and body as you take a few days off of work and your daily routine to engage in some well-deserved London travel.

London has so much to offer, including fashion, art, music, cuisine, and an extensive history of buildings, museums, and jaw-dropping architecture. Whatever your taste, budget, or cultural persuasions may be, London can meet them. 

A fairytale castle. Winding, cobblestone alleys. Abundant street art. The best tapas in Spain. These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Granada, Spain, which is one of my favorite small cities in the world. Barcelona might get all the attention, but I’ve spent just over two years in Granada, and I know all too well the greatness that this pint-sized place has to offer.

When you visit, you’ll likely be going briefly as part of a larger trip through the country, so you’ll be working to experience Spain on a budget. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to enjoy Granada for roughly $400 over the course of 48 hours. I guarantee that you'll enjoy it.

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Austin Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 15, 2024

In this city, you’ll find line dancing next to an organic food market next to a classic Texan steak house. The beer and food truck scene here is amazing (some of the best BBQ and tacos in the country are here) and you can’t kick a stone without coming across some incredible music.

There is easy access to a ton of outdoor activities and lots of places to hike, cool offer, and play sports.

No one ever leaves Austin disappointed. Whether you’re a foodie or a music fan or a nature lover, Austin has something to keep you entertained. The quality of life here is just wonderful and the city keeps changing for the better.

This travel guide to Austin can help you plan an affordable trip to one of the hottest spots in the United States.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Austin

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Austin

1. Check out the music

Austin is famous for its music scene and there are tons of opportunities to listen to world-class independent music here. Pretty much every bar in the city showcases music and most of the shows are free. The two big music festivals in the city are Austin City Limits (October) and SXSW (March). Both events bring in over 400,000 people so make sure to book your accommodation early if you plan on attending. Beyond the festivals, 6th Street is home to a ton of venues and Stubb’s is one of the most popular venues in town so try to see a show there during your visit.

2. Jump into Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool is the city’s best spots. Located in Zilker Park (see below), it provides respite from the blazing summertime heat. Fed by a natural cold-water spring, the city-run Barton Springs Pool features manicured lawns that are great for lounging on and relaxing with your friends. The wide pool gives you plenty of room to float around and cool off, as the temperature can hit 100 degrees in the summer. It’s only $9 USD to swim here (residents pay $5 USD) and it’s just a 5-minute ride from downtown. If you want to go kayaking, guided two-hours tours from the Austin Rowing Club cost $45 USD.

3. Tour the State Capitol

The Texas Capitol building is the home to Texas’ state government. Completed in 1888, it’s on the US National Register of Historic Places, is a National Historic Landmark, and is also a Texas Historic Landmark. The capitol offers free 30-minute tours from Monday to Friday. You get a chance to walk the historic halls of the biggest state capitol building in the country (it’s over a dozen feet taller than the capitol in DC) while admiring its ornate architecture, right down to the brass door hinges and elegant chandeliers. You can also pick up a brochure and do a self-guided tour as well.

4. Take a craft beer tour

Austin is home to a growing number of craft beer breweries, most of which offer tours of their facilities (with samples, of course!). Companies like Twisted Texas Tour organize tours of multiple breweries via their Brew Bus. Tours last a few hours and cost $115 USD per person. For a unique twist, check out Art of This World . Their bike tour takes you to see some of Austin’s eclectic street art on the way to visit 3 breweries and includes 3 flights of beer for $77.50 USD. You can also do a self-guided tour using the ATX Ale Trail. There’s a passport you can use to collect stamps from more than fifty different breweries along the way.

5. Eat some BBQ

Other things to see and do in austin, 1. visit the museum of the weird.

This museum is a typical penny arcade featuring weird oddities like a two-headed chicken, a “fish man,” a mummy, and even a sideshow. It’s one of those “step right up and see some weird shit” kind of places. It’s small and takes only 20 minutes to wander through, but it’s weird, Austin-like, and sort of fun. Admission is $12.99 USD.

2. Take a walking tour

The best way to orient yourself on arrival is with a walking tour. You learn some history and see the main sights, all while connecting with an expert local guide who can answer your questions. I always start my visits to a new city with a free walking tour. Tipster Tours runs regular free tours in Austin. For paid tours, go with Walking Tours of Austin . If you want something spooky, you can also take a ghost tour .

3. Watch the bats

From mid-March until November, the Congress Avenue Bridge downtown is home to 1.5 million bats. Visit the waterfront at dusk to watch these creepy critters head out for their nightly foraging. Just don’t take the boat tours because the bats fly over the river and there’s a lot of poop that comes down as they fly off. Get there early to secure a good spot as a lot of people show up and the bridge gets crowded! If you want an evening stroll at the same time, Lady Bird Lake’s Butler Hike & Bike Trail has spots for great viewing. Once a year, during bat migration season (between mid-August and early September), the city hosts a Bat Fest with local food and live music.

4. Hang out in Zilker Park

Zilker Park is in the heart of South Austin. The park offers many different types of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, jogging, picnicking, and more. Barton Springs (see above) is here as well. Don’t forget to visit the statue park, filled with over 200 of the famous sculptor Charles Umlauf’s sculptures and artworks. They’re moved around every season so visitors can regularly experience the art in a new way. Kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards (SUP) can be rented for $21 USD per hour or $57 USD for the whole day from Zilker Boats. Bike yours around the park are also available.

5. See the Cathedral of Junk

The Cathedral of Junk is exactly that: a massive collection of repurposed junk. Started in 1988 by Vince Hannemann, the Cathedral of Junk is an ever-evolving passion project involving over 60 tons of junk. Old bikes, appliances, hubcaps, TVs — you name it. They’re all cobbled together to form a massive “cathedral” that spans Vince’s entire backyard. Admission is free though a $5 USD donation is encouraged. It’s not open every day so you need to call ahead.

6. Hang out on Lady Bird Lake

This lake is actually a reservoir on the Colorado River. Located in downtown Austin, it’s a great place for rowing or kayaking as no motorboats are allowed on the water. There are trails around the lake for hiking and cycling, too. If a relaxing place to escape the city and popular with locals. Single person kayak rentals cost $20 USD per hour (or $45 USD per day), canoes are $30 USD per hour (or $65 per day), and SUP rentals are $25 USD per hour (or $55 USD per day) from Rowing Dock . There’s also a 10-mile (16 kilometer) hiking and biking trail around the lake if you want to stretch your legs. It has regular entry and exit points so you don’t have to do the whole 10 miles. There are also fountains and bathrooms along the trail in case you need a break. It’s an easy, fun trail.

7. Swim in Deep Eddy

This man-made pool is fed from a nearby well with non-chlorinated water. It’s the oldest swimming pool in Texas (it was originally built in 1915) and is open all year round (its hours of operation are shortened during the winter, though). Deep Eddy is only a few minutes from downtown on the north side of the Colorado River, across from Zilker Park. It’s a 100-foot pool with ten lanes, plus a one-acre wading pool. There’s also access to the beach from here. In the summer, they show family movies here, projected onto an inflatable screen. Admission to the pool is $9 USD if you’re visiting or $5 if you are an Austin resident.

8. Tour the LBJ Presidential Library

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum does an excellent job of highlighting LBJ’s life and contributions as the 36th US president. Johnson was president from 1963-69, taking over after Kennedy was assassinated (he was sworn in on Air Force One just two hours after the assassination). There are a lot of interactive exhibits here, as well as an animatronic LBJ, a replica Oval Office from his presidency, and over 45 million pages of documents. As a history buff, I really enjoyed it! Admission is $16 USD and half-price on Tuesdays.

9. Try an escape room

Austin is home to a few great escape rooms, which are a fun way to spend an afternoon if it gets too hot out. The Escape Game Austin is one of the top-rated companies in the country and offers some really neat challenges. They have seven different escape rooms to choose from. You may want to try breaking out of prison, participating in a museum heist, or finding a prospector’s gold. If you’ve never tried an escape room, this is the place! Admission is $43.29 USD per person.

10. Go two-stepping

Two-stepping (often called ‘the Texas two-step’) is a country/western dance that can be found all over the city. The White Horse is the most famous spot for it, though The Broken Spoke and the Little Longhorn Saloon are also popular venues to try it out as well. Check their websites for an up-to-date event schedule to find out when they are hosting two-stepping. All the venues host beginner classes if you want to learn!

11. Experience First Thursday

The South Congress Hotel hosts a huge event on the first Thursday of every month. There is live music and an all-night happy hour. Local vendors also set up nearby selling art, clothing, and other items and many nearby bars and stores also run discounts too. Don’t miss this if you’re in town — it’s one of my favorite monthly events!

12. Get weird on Rainey Street

This nightlife area is filled with old houses that have been recently converted into bars. Originally the “hipster” part of the city, it’s now mainstream and teems with people on the weekend. There are plenty of places to eat, from food trucks to fine dining. There are a ton of bars, each with their own unique theme. In the last few years, most of the houses have been demolished and high rises put in their place. It’s lost its mellow vibe. Personally, I avoid coming here on weekends: it’s too crowded and there are too many bachelor/ette parties. It’s not my scene but it may be yours!

13. Take a food tour

If you’re a foodie like me, a food tour is the best way to get a delicious overview of everything Austin has to offer. Austin Eats Food Tours has couple tasty options, including a food truck tour and a happy hour tour. Prices start at $99 USD and most tours last 3 hours. In a city with as much variety as Austin, you can find specialized food tours, if there’s something in particular you want to try. There’s one specifically for trying various tacos and another that focuses on Austin’s street food scene.

14. Explore the Bullock Texas State History Museum

Opened in 2001, this museum focuses on telling the story of Texas. Named after former Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, it covers everything from its earliest inhabitants to the present day, including topics like ranching, Civil Rights, oil, space exploration (there’s a NASA center in Houston), Native American history, and more. Its biggest attraction is the preserved hull of the French La Belle shipwreck from 1686, which sunk in the gulf as it attempted to start a new French colony. Admission is $13 USD.

15. Walk the Greenbelt

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 7-mile (11-kilometer) stretch of hiking and biking paths. Beginning at Zilker Park, the Greenbelt also offers places to swim, rock climb, and lounge the day away. It’s one of my favotites things to do in Austin and, when the weather is nice, you’ll find it teeming with locals. Definitely don’t miss it! Just make sure to bring water (there are no water fountains here) and to take your trash out when you leave (there are no restrooms or garbage receptacles either).

16. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art

Located at the University of Texas at Austin campus, this is one of the largest university art museums in the country. There are over 21,000 works here, including modern and contemporary works, ancient pottery, works from Latin America, and paintings by famous masters like Reubens and Parmigianino. It’s basically the only art museum in the city too (though there’s tons of galleries on the easy side). They also host a rotating list of exhibitions so be sure to check the website to see what’s on. Admission is $15 USD.

Austin Travel Costs

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels near downtown start around $75-90 USD. Expect basic amenities like TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker. For a three-star hotel, prices start around $160 USD per night ($190 USD if you want a hotel with free breakfast).

There are lots of Airbnb options in Austin. Private rooms around $85 USD while entire homes/apartments start around $140 USD per night.

Food – Austin is home to an incredible food scene. BBQ joints, food trucks, Mexican restaurants, sushi, great Chinese food, Italian, delicious steakhouses — you can find everything you want in this city! You can eat well – and affordably – here.

You can get breakfast tacos for $3-5 USD, pizza slices are around $4-6 USD, and bowls of pho for about $10 USD. Most food trucks and lunch spots are around $12-15 USD for a meal.

You can eat a mid-range restaurant for $20-30 USD per main course, including seafood, sandwiches, and vegetarian dishes. A three-course dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $100 USD.

Prices just go straight up from there, with prix-fixe menus at high-end restaurants costing upwards of $100 USD! But you can find main courses at many high-end restaurants for about $40-50 USD each.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around $10 USD for a combo meal.

Beer is $6-8 USD while a latte/cappuccino is around $5.50 USD. Cocktails cost around $15 USD depending on how nice the places are. A glass of wine is usually around $10 USD. There are plenty of happy hours around town so you can always find a deal on drinks.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, expect to spend $50-70 USD per week on basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat. HEB is the best place to buy groceries.

Backpacking Austin Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Austin, expect to spend $65 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, public transportation, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing some cheap activities like visiting Barton Springs, seeing the bats, and going two-stepping.

A mid-range budget of $210 USD covers staying in a private room, eating out for all of your meals at cheap food trucks, taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a couple drinks, and doing some paid activities like museum visits or renting a kayak.

On a “luxury” budget of $370 USD or more per day, you can stay in a nice hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Austin Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Austin is one of the more affordable US cities, but if you don’t watch your budget, things can quickly add up — especially if you’re a foodie or drink a lot. But there are still plenty of ways to save here, thanks to lots of drink specials and outdoor activities! Here is how to save money in Austin when you visit:

• Cook your own meals – While Austin offers a lot of great eats, eating out for every meal is expensive. If you have access to a kitchen, be sure to cook some of your own meals. Buying groceries is much cheaper than going out for every meal. Shop at HEB for the cheapest groceries.
• Take the bus to the airport – While a taxi/Uber may be faster, taking public transportation to the airport is a fraction of the price. If you’re on a budget and have the time, take the bus. A single-fare only costs $1.25 USD.
• Drink on 6th street – If you’re going out for drinks, stick to 6th street. It offers the cheapest drinks in town, with a ton of happy hours and drink specials. A few great places to drink like Maggie Mae’s, The Blind Pig, and Shakespeare’s. This area is packed with lots of young people and can get crazy on the weekends but, if you want cheap drinks, this is the place.
• Take a free tour of the Capitol building – This is a really neat building to explore, and the tours are quite informative. If you’re a history buff or want to learn more about Texas, don’t miss this!
• Take a free walking tour – The best way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You learn some history, find out where the major sites are, and connect with a local expert who can answer all your questions. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is pretty popular here. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch or floor, this is a great way to save some money and meet locals. Just be sure to send your requests early in the summer.
• Do lots of outdoor activities – There are tons of free outdoor activities in Austin that can easily fill up your weekend here. Enjoy the parks and trails and you’ll be able to have a great visit without spending a cent.
• Look for the happy hours – The Ultimate Happy Hours website lists all the happy hour drink and food specials around Austin. It’s updated with new info frequently!
• Do the free Barton Springs – The city run part of Barton Springs may be nice but it’s also $9 USD. If you use the area outside the official “Barton Springs,” you can enjoy the same water for free. (Plus bring your own drinks!) You’ll see lots of people on the stretch of the creek from the spring’s source to Lady Bird Lake.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – Austin gets hot (especially in the summer). Avoid wasting money on single-use plastic and bring a reusable bottle. You’ll save money and the environment! LifeStraw is my go-to brand as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Austin

Most hostels in Austin closed after the COVID-19 pandemic so there are not a lot of budget-friendly options left in the city. Here is my suggested place to stay:

• Firehouse Hostel
• East Austin Hotel
• Hotel Indigo
• Extended Stay America
• Red Roof Inn

How to Get Around Austin

There is a MetroRail train service as well but it’s designed to bring daily commuters from the outskirts of Austin into the city center and not really practical. A single ride is $3.50 USD, and a day pass is $7 USD.

Scooter – Austin has several scooter options for short-distance travel around the city. Lime and Bird are all available here with prices starting $1 USD to unlock and then around $0.48 cents per minute.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive and you’re much better off getting an Uber or Lyft. The base charge is $3.50 USD, and then it’s $2.88 USD for each mile after that.

Ridesharing Uber and Lyft are available in Austin. Since the taxis are pretty gross and have poor service, I would recommend using Uber and Lyft to get around, especially if you don’t have a car.

Bike rental – The city offers bike-sharing, known as Austin BCycle. Bike stations are scattered all over the city. It costs $1 USD to unlock them and then $0.23 USD per minute after that. You can also get a day pass for $12.99 USD, which covers unlimited 60-minute trips (you have to pay $4 USD per each 30-minute interval after that or dock the bike at the station to restart the trip time). You can download the app and pay for everything from there.

When to Go to Austin

Austin is a great place to visit year-round. Weather-wise, September-November and March-May have the nicest temperatures, with daily highs averaging 70-80°F (21-27°C).

The summers can be unbearably hot in Austin, with temperatures soaring to the high 90s°F (high 30s°C) each day. A lot of times the temperature is above 100°F (37°C) and it’s like being in an oven. Most people leave Austin during this time since it’s so hot. If you do come, expect anything outdoors and near water to be packed with people as they try to cool off. This past summer was one of our hottest on record.

Winter (December-February) is an excellent time to visit as temperatures are mild and dry. Accommodation is a little bit cheaper during the winter as well. Over the last few years, Austin has started to get winter weather, with snow and below freezing temperatures. If you’re coming in winter, you may need to pack winter clothes.

When major festivals like SXSW (March), F1 (October), or Austin City Limits (October) are in town, the city gets jammed packed and prices skyrocket. Book well in advance for these festivals and prepare for inflated prices on accommodation, food, and drinks.

How to Stay Safe in Austin

Austin is a pretty safe city. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas (usually where drug and gang violence are a problem). Avoid the areas around Rundberg Lane in North Austin, especially if you’re alone after dark. “Dirty 6th” has a lot of fights on the weekends so, if you are partying there, be cautious.

Petty crime is the only real danger in the city (especially around touristy spots), and even that is pretty rare. Watch out around 6th street late at night. That’s where most of the problems occur (as that’s where much of the drinking occurs). Only bring the money you need with you when you go to the bar and always keep an eye on your drink.

When out and about, stay hydrated and cool whenever possible. Be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat to avoid getting heatstroke, especially if you come here in the summer.

Don’t leave your valuables in your car at night as there has been a rise in break-ins lately.

Overall, the standard city safety cautions apply.

Solo female travelers are generally safe but are should follow standard safety cautions. For specific tips, there are a number of great solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Austin Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Austin Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina

The 6 Best Hotels in Austin

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

VISIT AUSTIN

What you hear is true. With vibrant entertainment, art and culture, inspiring cuisine and stunning outdoor experiences, Austin lets you create a soundtrack all your own. So take a look around, and put the Live Music Capital of the World® on your playlist.

Quaint houses, boutiques, long-standing restaurants & new eateries by some of the city’s top up-&-comers populate this lively part of town.

This bustling area is a melting pot of business & pleasure. Find nightlife, retail therapy, museums, festivals & a vibrant live music scene.

One of the fastest growing neighborhoods in town, this is where old meets new. Discover rich history & modern attractions in East Austin.

Find decadent dining, dive bars, museums, cafes, music venues, tons of vintage shopping and the University of Texas campus.

North/Northwest

Find shopping, dining & nightlife, in this vibrant & upscale family friendly area that offers all that downtown has and more.

Elegant resorts, waterfront dining, Hill Country day trips & sunset gazing all make for a tranquil stay in West Austin.

#TRUEAUSTIN

Show us what Austin is to you by tagging your photos #TrueAustin on Twitter and Instagram !

The Ultimate 3 Day Weekend in Austin Itinerary

Known for tacos, barbecue, live music, and a love of the outdoors, spending a long weekend in Austin, Texas is an absolute delight. 

I absolutely adore this city and have spent time both living in and repeatedly visiting Austin over the course of the last 20+ years. 

Our 3 day Austin itinerary will help you discover several sides of the capital of Texas, all with just a few days in Austin–taco trucks, honky-tonks, funky boutiques, natural swimming holes, and bats all included.

Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend getaway in Austin!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

The Perfect Itinerary for 3 Days in Austin, TX

Day 1: tacos, the capitol, south congress + bats, start with breakfast tacos..

No trip to Austin could reasonably start with anything but breakfast tacos!

Choosing the best ones in the city is nearly impossible, but we recommend heading to Veracruz All Natural (order the migas).

Juan in a Million and Tacodeli (the Congress Ave location–I’m partial to the Otto and the Jamon el Sauvecito) are also excellent backups. 

If you’re looking for vegan options, you’ll find plenty of vegan breakfast spots in Austin , too.

Wherever you go, plan on ordering 2-3 standard-size tacos to make a solid breakfast out of them (this does not apply to the Juan in a Million Don Juan taco!).

Tour the Texas State Capitol.

Since you’re in the capital of Texas, head to the capitol building!

You can tour the grounds, the visitor’s center, and depending on the time of year, even the legislative chambers.

If you’re curious about more history of the Texas government, the beautiful governor’s mansion is also across the street and open for tours.

… or take a walking tour of Austin. 

Not interested in touring a government building on vacation? Don’t worry, there’s something for everyone.

This small-group walking tour is a fantastic and well-reviewed introduction to the city and comes with not only great stories and advice on finding Austin’s hidden gems but plenty of restaurant tips to help you make the most of eating your way through the city.

Alternatively, if you’re itching to hunt down Austin’s popular murals, this street art tour is a great way to kick off your explorations.

Book your Austin walking tour or street art tour today!

Check out one of Austin’s museums.

Austin is packed with interesting museums, from the regal to the quirky.

You won’t have time to see them all on your visit–and spending too much time inside during your weekend in Austin would be a shame–but we’ve carved out time in this Austin itinerary for a couple of them.

This morning, consider visiting one of these:

Mexic-Arte Museum

This beautiful fine arts museum focuses on Mexican and Latino art.

Blanton Museum of Art

Located on UT’s campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is Austin’s largest art museum, and one of the largest university-based art museums in the country!

Bullock Texas History Museum

The Bullock Texas State History Museum, which is the premier Texas history museum, is located close to the capitol building. Be sure to snap a photo with the star out front before heading inside!

Grab a bite to eat on South Congress.

Ah, South Congress. The closest thing that Austin has to a main drag, this beloved boulevard is lined with funky shops, excellent restaurants (some of which–like the South Congress Cafe and Jo’s Coffee–are Austin institutions), and of course, plenty of street art.

A few options for a great meal include the aforementioned South Congress Cafe, Perla’s for (somewhat pricey) seafood, Home Slice for pizza, June’s for classic American options, or Guero’s Taco Bar.

A bit further away but just off of South Congress, you’ll find Leroy & Lewis for absolutely delicious barbecue served out of a food truck.

Afterward, head to Amy’s to snack on some truly impressive ice cream!

Stroll down South Congress.

As a general rule, the further north, the more chain shops you’ll see. Austin is growing at a rapid pace, and national brands like Reformation and Madewell can now be found in the northern section of South Congress.

Keep walking south, and you’ll find the icons of South Congress: Allen’s Boots, Parts & Labour (one of my favorite shops on South Congress and an excellent place to pick up a Texas souvenir ), Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds, Tesoro’s, South Congress Books, Big Top Candy Shop, and more are waiting to be perused.

Uncommon Objects, a beloved Austin store selling everything from classic antiques to the most absurd oddities imaginable, was located on South Congress until 2017. It has now moved a couple of miles away, to Fortview Road, and is absolutely worth going out of the way for if you want an example of Austin’s prized weirdness.

Slide over to 1st Street to snap a photo. 

Located just a short walk off of South Congress, the famous Greetings From Austin mural is a fun photo spot to drop by when visiting Austin for the weekend.

Meet the largest urban bat colony in the world.

Some of the most famous residents of Austin have wings! From March to October each year, hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats live underneath South Congress Bridge.

If your timing is right, watching the bats emerge to hunt at dusk is absolutely one of the best things to do during a weekend in Austin!

There are several ways to watch the bats, including simply standing on South Congress Bridge, but the view is best from the water: we recommend this kayaking tour of Lady Bird Lake, which will ensure you have the perfect view.

Alternatively, this bike tour is a great option as well.

Fair warning, though: like all wildlife encounters, the bat viewing in Austin isn’t a guarantee. Sometimes, the bats fly out all at once, and the resulting dramatic swarm is what visitors hope to see. 

However, sometimes they emerge in smaller groups, which are still exciting to witness, but not nearly as dramatic (or photogenic). Be prepared for variety!

Book your kayaking tour or bike tour to see Austin’s bat colony today!

Day 2: Zilker Park, Museums + Outdoor Austin

Kick off your morning on the water..

It wouldn’t be a trip to Austin without some time spent on the water!

This morning, head to Austin’s beloved, spring-fed Barton Springs Pool for a taste of an Austin classic.

Didn’t have a chance to kayak last night, or just feel like going again? 

Alternatively, spend the morning renting a SUP, kayak, or canoe on Lady Bird Lake to soak up gorgeous skyline views while participating in one of Austin’s favorite pastimes.

Dive into TexMex.

For lunch, fill up on some of Austin’s best TexMex: Matt’s El Rancho, Enchiladas Y Mas, La Casita, and Tamale House East are all excellent options.

Feel like something a bit different?

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is a bit of a drive, but it’s absolutely delicious and a unique combination of two of Austin’s most beloved cuisines.

Go for a short hike.

The capital of Texas is well-known for its love of the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that there is some stunning urban hiking in Austin !

Without going far from downtown, you can enjoy the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which has magnificent views of downtown and goes directly over Lady Bird Lake in certain places, or enjoy a stroll to Lou Neff Point in Zilker Park.

For something that feels a bit more like you’re lost in nature, you can hike to Campbell’s Hole, a popular swimming hole on the Barton Creek Greenbelt that shows off the beauty of Austin.

If you start at Barton Springs Pool at Zilker, it’s only about a 20-minute walk to Campbell’s Hole–but since the main trail of the greenbelt stretches 7 miles, you can keep going further if you wish.

Visit another Austin museum.

Depending on what time you finish hiking, you may have time to squeeze in another museum visit before night falls!

You can check out one of the museums you didn’t get a chance to see yesterday, but here are a few more you might want to consider adding to your Austin weekend itinerary.

LBJ Presidential Library

Lyndon Baines Johnson was the first of three US presidents from Texas, and the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum holds an enormous archive of historical records from Johnson’s time in office.

Exhibits include a replica Oval Office from the 60s, a detailed exhibit on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and an exhibit exploring the tragic circumstances of Johnson taking office after President Kennedy was assassinated, among many more.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

A less traditional museum (but one that is conveniently located right next door to Zilker Park), the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is a beautiful and peaceful sculpture garden that celebrates the work of Charles Umlauf.

George Washington Carver Museum

Housed in a former library building, the George Washington Carver Museum is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the contributions of Black Americans, both in Texas and beyond.

The museum also operates as a genealogy center for Black families.

Watch the sunset over ATX.

This isn’t an absolute must on this Austin itinerary, especially since you’ve been enjoying the outdoors most of the day, but if you have a car, consider heading over to Mount Bonnell or to the 360 Bridge viewpoint to catch the sunset.

Both are incredibly popular views of Austin that are easy to access. While you could categorize them as extremely short “hikes”, both are located only a couple of minutes worth of climbing away from where you’ll leave your car.

Enjoy Austin’s famous nightlife.

Austin works hard to live up to its reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World–and whether you’re looking for a dive bar or a laid-back wine bar, the city has something to offer.

For a thorough overview of Austin’s nightlife, this pub crawl is a great place to start.

Not only will you not have to worry about handling any logistics as you explore the city, but you’ll be led by someone who knows Austin like the back of their hand!

Want to strike out on your own? Dirty Sixth (aka East Sixth Street) is where you’ll find the wild-and-touristy party vibes (the Austin equivalent of Bourbon Street, basically). 

Rainey Street caters to a slightly older, more laid-back clientele, and Guadalupe Street focuses on UT students.

For famous, longstanding honky-tonks, consider The Broken Spoke or White Horse, where you can try out your Texas Two-Step.

Day 3: Barbecue, Waterfalls + the Hill Country

I’m going to make what may be a controversial suggestion for your final day in Austin: leave the city.

Austin is located on the far eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, a magical place packed with wineries, adorable small towns , beautiful rivers, magnificent hiking, and idyllic barbecue joints that look like a slice of quintessential Texas… because they are.

Austin is positively amazing, but this morning, jump in the car and head out.

We have a full guide to day trips from Austin here , but for a first-time visitor to the area on a tight schedule, here are our top picks.

Swim in Krause Springs (which has a much longer swimming season than some of Austin’s popular swimming holes) and follow it up with barbecue at Opie’s. You could also potentially tour the magical Westcave Preserve.

Read our guide to Spicewood !

Dripping Springs + Driftwood

Head to the rightfully famous Hamilton Pool, and follow it up with a trip to The Salt Lick in Driftwood.

Read our guide to Driftwood !

The furthest of these suggestions, Wimberley will take about 45 minutes to reach–but you’ll be rewarded with an artistic downtown, a chance to swim in the Blue Hole or Jacob’s Well , and excellent views of the Hill Country at Mount Baldy.

Read our guide to Wimberley !

It’s worth noting that with the exception of Krause Springs, the other popular swimming spots outlined here–Hamilton Pool, the Blue Hole, and Jacob’s Well–all require advance reservations to swim in (and in the case of Hamilton Pool, even to visit). 

Though you can’t swim there, you’ll also need an advance reservation to visit Westcave.

In other words, be sure to plan ahead!

All of these towns are positively packed with wineries as well, so consider heading out for a flight and beautiful vineyard views after your barbecue lunch !

Don’t have a car? You can still visit the Hill Country via a tour! This popular tour will take you to two wineries and the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood.

Head back to Austin to enjoy one last evening in the city.

For your last night in the city, consider taking a ghost tour !

Part history, part legend, part walking tour, and all entertainment, ghost tours are a fun way to get to know the spookiest places in Austin –and it’ll give you an excuse to visit the positively magnificent Driskill Hotel, which is both incredibly beautiful and quite possibly haunted.

For something a bit lighter on legends and heavier on horror, this popular murder tour that focuses on a 19th century Austin serial killer is also an interesting option.

Book your Austin ghost tour today!

If you have a single ounce of energy left, you’ll still have time for a last round of drinks after you finish your tour!

… Or if you’re me, let’s be real: one more round of tacos.

One of my favorite Austin taco joints, Las Trancas, serves until 12:00 AM, and if you’re even later than that, Tyson’s Tacos and Kerbey Lane Cafe (order the queso) are both open 24 hours.

Where to Stay for Your Weekend in Austin

When choosing a hotel for your weekend trip to Austin, a good rule of thumb is to know that while, by the nature of the city, you won’t be within walking distance to everywhere, it’s best to be within walking distance of somewhere.

If this is your first weekend in Austin, we recommend staying on or near the South Congress area, or downtown close to 6th Street/the capitol building.

That way, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the most popular sightseeing spots and easily be able to reach others.

From boutique properties to luxurious hotels with rooftop pools, there is an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to narrowing down where to stay in Austin, but you can’t go wrong with these popular choices!

Firehouse Hostel — Housed in the oldest firehouse in Austin, the well-reviewed Firehouse Hostel is located right across the street from the Driskill Hotel, a quick walk from the capitol building, and right around the corner from Sixth Street.

For the price, you absolutely cannot beat this location in Austin! Both dorm-style accommodation and private rooms are available.

Check rates & book your stay at Firehouse Hostel!

Austin Motel — The iconic Austin Motel is located “so close, yet so far out” in the heart of South Congress Avenue.

Known for its vintage decor and absolutely perfect location (you’ll be within walking distance of most of the places on this Austin itinerary when staying here), the Austin Motel also features excellent reviews, an on-site pool, and on-site parking.

Check rates & book your stay at the Austin Motel!

The Driskill — This iconic Austin hotel dates to 1886 and is an unmissable landmark in the city. Staying at The Driskill, you’ll never forget that you’re in a luxury hotel… in Texas.

From the dark, cozy bar populated with cushy leather furniture to the Texas-shaped waffles served with breakfast, The Driskill constantly works to impress a sense of place on its patrons.

Located just off of 6th Street and within walking distance of many of Austin’s best sightseeing spots, visitors looking for an unforgettable, luxurious Austin weekend getaway should check into The Driskill (and if you don’t get spooked easily, don’t forget to ask about the ghosts!).

Check rates & book your stay at The Driskill!

More Than 3 Days in Austin?

A weekend is far from long enough to hike every trail, visit every museum, and sample every taco truck in Austin, and if you have longer than 3 days in the city, you won’t be sorry!

With more time in Austin, consider touring Austin City Limits Live, exploring the historic Tejano Walking Trail, visiting the peacocks at Mayfield Park, browsing the iconic Waterloo Records, and experiencing a barbecue right of passage by waiting in the Franklin Barbecue line.

Plus, of course, with the number of options outlined in this Austin 3 day itinerary, you can always find plenty to do by going back and enjoying the spots you missed on the first pass!

Getting Around During an Austin Weekend Getaway

While a decent chunk of this Austin weekend itinerary is walkable and with a well-chosen place to stay you can technically make do by cobbling together a combination of Ubers, bus rides, and tours to get around during your 3 days in Austin, we recommend renting a car if at all possible, and at an absolute minimum, for the last day of your trip.

Austin is a driving city, and as a result, parking is fairly plentiful (unless you’re visiting during a crowded event like SXSW, an Austin F1 race , or Austin City Limits, in which case, avoid a car every day that you can) and easy to use–you can even download an app to pay for city-owned parking throughout the city.

Driving also opens up a world of possibilities, from more restaurants to choose from to getting to easily access the city beyond its center, which truly enhances a long weekend in Austin.

If you can’t or aren’t comfortable driving, though, it is possible to have a wonderful weekend getaway in Austin without a car.

If you do choose to rent a car, we recommend searching for one through Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your trip.

Shop rental cars for your weekend in Austin today!

When to Visit Austin, Texas

The absolute best times to visit Austin, in my biased opinion, are from late March through mid-April (when the Texas wildflowers will be blooming all over the Hill Country), and in October and November, when the average daily high temperature finally dips below 90° (it’s 82° in October).

While Austin can certainly be characterized as a year-round destination, I would really only recommend planning a summer trip if you’re planning on spending most of your time in the water and the rest of your time sweating. 

July and August, in particular, are absolutely brutal, and it’s entirely possible to visit then and not experience a single day with a high under 100°.

Austin does get a few cold snaps and rainy weeks over the winter, especially in January and February, so planning a winter trip is a bit of a dice roll–but since you may also be greeted with sunny skies and 65° days, planning a long weekend in Austin over winter can also work out beautifully.

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How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Austin Texas: 3 Days in Austin Itinerary

last Updated: May 18, 2023 austin texas

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Texas and looking for the best way to spend a weekend in Austin?! Expect spring-fed watering holes. Live music. Iconic murals. Oh, and you can’t forget about that mouthwatering smoky barbecue brisket. The perfect Austin weekend getaway guide, coming right up!

Austin, Texas: Home to the Texas Longhorns, University of Texas, popular music and film festivals (like SXSW and Austin City Limits), and yes, all those delicious food trucks. Plus breakfast tacos, fuzzy little bats, and just general weirdness. You could visit Austin time and time again and never get bored. But if it’s your first time, you wanna make sure you plan the best Austin weekend trip possible!

If you’re looking for a colorful city full of vibrant culture, eclectic energy, and all the art and instagram spots you could want, you’ll be pleasantly pleased with all that Austin has to offer. All my (wildly high) expectations were met and then some. There’s a reason it’s recently become a popular spot for young professionals to move to, and a great Austin weekend getaway for couples, bachelorette parties, and girls trips!

I first spent a weekend in Austin in 2015, and loved every minute of it. So when my friends and I recently scored cheap tickets for a long weekend in Austin, we jumped on that chance and booked them right up! I mean, the city is constantly evolving and changing, so there’s always something new to see and do, and especially eat!

Before we get into the weekend in Austin itinerary, here’s a bunch of planning tools and logistics to keep in mind before you book that ticket!

Weekend in Austin Logistics

Where is austin and how to get there.

First of all, where exactly is Austin anyways?! The city is kinda smack-dab in the middle of Central Texas right on the Colorado River. It’s about 80 miles northeast of San Antonio, 200 miles southwest of Dallas, and about 160 miles west of Houston. 

And get this — it’s the southernmost state capital in the contiguous 48 states and the 13th most populous city in the United States.

Flying : When you fly into Austin, you’ll be heading to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, sometimes referred to as ABIA (airport code AUS). ABIA serves the Greater Austin metropolitan area, and thankfully is located only ~5 miles southeast of Downtown Austin! The airport has recently been expanded with a second terminal, meaning more and more nonstop flights from around the country!

Unfortunately, airfare to Austin is usually pretty pricey. Coming from the West Coast (specifically San Francisco), expect to pay at least $400 to $500 round trip. And these are typically with stops. 

BUT if you are super flexible, you may be able to score a sweet deal. I was recently able to fly to Austin for under $150 roundtrip NONSTOP! Practically unheard of — so I knew it was fate and had to go! Always be on the lookout for airfare deals (signing up for your preferred airlines’ emails usually helps you get notified of special discounts going on).

Trains and Buses: Coming from elsewhere in Texas (or from a nearby state)? Check out Amtrak’s train schedule and/or Megabus or Greyhound buses. But if you only have a weekend in Austin, it may not be worth it to spend half the time on a train or bus!

How to Get to Downtown Austin from the Airport

Uber : Ubers are quick and easy from ABIA, with rides to downtown taking less than 20 minutes. Depending on timing though, beware of surge pricing, as they can get kinda pricey (especially if it’s raining).

Capital Metro Bus : Since Ubers can be kinda expensive (especially if you’re traveling to/from the airport solo), consider taking the bus! Capital Metro runs buses to downtown Austin, UT, and Mueller every 15 minutes from the airport along Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside! Just make sure to factor in some extra time since it takes about 45 minutes or so (compared to the short 15 minutes via car). 

But at only $1.25 (yes one dollar, 25 cents), it’s by far the cheapest way to get downtown from the airport (or vice versa). Two of my friends took the bus and they said it was super easy and efficient, as well as crazy cheap! Find more information and bus routes here and here . If you’re at the airport, just look for the spectacular neon guitar bus stop!

When to Visit Austin

Austin is a year-round destination with short mild winters (it rarely gets below 50F!) and super pleasant springs and falls. The good news? With more than 300 days of sun each year, there’s no horrible time to visit the city (…but keep reading). 

The bad news? The summers are long, hot, and downright scorching. If you’re not a fan of temps in the triple digits, avoid July through August, and steer clear of September and June too. October to May are absolutely beautiful, but come with the occasional rainstorm in some months.

A few other things to keep in mind when deciding when to plan your Austin weekend getaway:

• Rain : The wettest months of the year are May, October, and June (in that order). Definitely bring an umbrella and/or rain jacket. Thunderstorms do happen, but pretty rarely and when they do happen, they seldom last all day.
• Bats : The famous bats only fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge from March to October. If this is on your Austin itinerary, visit then!
• Festivals : Hoping to come for one of Austin’s big festivals (like SXSW or Austin City Limits)? Promise me you’ll book your hotel way in advance — room rates skyrocket and get sold out months beforehand. Not looking to partake in all the fun? Don’t accidentally come during a major conference/festival — check to see what’s going on in the city before booking your flights!

Spring/Fall: March – May, September – October (High Season)

The spring and fall are peak seasons for visiting Austin, and for good reason! There’s picture-perfect weather, the kids are in school, and the temps are just right (the scorching temps of the summer haven’t arrived just yet, and the winter chill is gone). Expect bright blue skies, pleasant temps of mid-70s to low-80s°F, and even wildflowers if you come in early spring (late March to April).

But because of this, you’ll see the most crowds and hotel rates are at their highest. You’ll wanna plan in advance.

Also — this is when Austin hosts it’s most popular festivals, like South by Southwest (in March) and Austin City Limits (in late September/early October). So… if you’re not looking to visit during these world-famous festivals (trust me, the city’s absolutely wild during these times), plan your travel around these dates.

For reference, we planned our Austin weekend getaway for late October/early November, and had beautiful weather (although a tad hotter than we were expecting), and crowds seemed average to minimal.

Summer: late June — August (Low Season)

Summer in Austin is more than a little toasty – it’s absolutely sizzling! If you don’t love triple digit temps, stay away. Temperatures are SCORCHING, and just a short walk down the street can be hot and miserable (make sure you stay hydrated). With that being said, unless you really love super hot weather (who are you, haha?!), you probably don’t wanna plan your weekend in Austin during the summer. I warned you!

August is the hottest month in Austin, so I’d stay away from the city if you’re not used to scorching temps (with an average temp of around 96°F and loads of humidity, you’ll be dripping constantly). If you do find yourself with a long weekend in Austin during summer, make sure to include a few watering holes into your Austin itinerary! You might end up staying in your bathing suit all day!

The good news is that since it’s the low season, hotel rates will be at their lowest and crowds will be minimal. Just be prepared for a hot and sweaty summer! And keep hydrated!

Winter: November — February (Shoulder Season)

Winters in Austin are much more tolerable than the scorching summers. And this season is considered shoulder season in the sense that most visitors have left and hotels are less expensive. Score!

Although it’s the chillest time of year here, the temps are still warmer than most places in the US (making it one of the best winter trips in the USA !). And chilly is all relative, because low-to-mid 60s°F is hardly cold, especially if you’re coming from the snowy Northeast, haha.

But winter in Texas can be finicky. Austin see’s snow on occasion while the next week may reach highs of 70°F, so you kinda never know what you’re gonna get until you go. Packing layers is an absolute must! Winter nights can dip into the 40s, so if you’re planning on going out to experience Austin’s nightlife, make sure to bring a warm jacket.

Popular Festivals and Conferences in Austin

I normally don’t include festivals in my weekend city guides, but since there’s SO many and they will undoubtedly affect your weekend trip to Austin, here you go! I’m sure you’ve heard of the most popular festivals in Austin, but there’s actually way more than those! Here’s just a small sampling of them:

• The Austin Marathon: This race draws more than 20,000 runners from around the world. Hmm.. I should convince my husband to run it so I can spend another weekend in Austin soon, haha. (February)
• South by Southwest (SXSW) : A massive conference and arts festival and easily one of Austin’s biggest events of the year with the latest and greatest in the music and film industries. And you can’t forget about all the performances — more than 1,000 bands perform! (March)
• Austin City Limits Music Festival: Come party with 70,000 of your closest friends in Zilker Park with performances by more than 100 bands plus lots of local eats. On my USA bucket list! (October)
• Old Settler’s Music Festival: Come celebrate the best of Americana, bluegrass, and roots music — you know it’s good when it’s been going on for more than 30 years. (October)
• Austin Food + Wine Festival: Showcases the best innovative cuisine from renowned chefs and top-rated restaurants – from Central Texas and across the country. A must for any foodie! (November)

If you’re not visiting Austin for a festival, I highly advise you to google your Austin dates to see if there’s any major conferences/festivals going on. Because if there are, well, things will be more than a tad crazy (my advice – pick a different weekend in Austin to visit).

How to Get Around Austin

Walking : Downtown Austin is very walkable, as is South Congress/Lamar and the UT Campus. But you’ll need a way to get from neighborhood to neighborhood. We typically walked as much as we could, and relied on ride shares when it was too hot to walk long distances or when the walk was just far too long in general. 

Ride shares : Uber and Lyft are all around Austin, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a car. We found most rides to be under $10, and drivers were very friendly with lots of local tips. 

Do note that there’s been a lot of controversy around Uber and other ride sharing in Austin, and ride shares were actually on a year long hiatus due to strict regulations not too long ago. With this being said, always have a back-up plan during your weekend in Austin just in case!

Public transit — Capital Metro: Thankfully, Austin’s got a pretty decent public transit system (unlike the rest of Texas). The Capital Metro (usually called Cap-Metro by locals) has lines operating all around the city, even to and from the airport — all for $1.25. Think you’ll be using the bus at least twice a day? Grab a day pass for only $2.50 (less than the price of a single subway ride in New York City )!

Find all bus routes here ; the high-frequency lines have service every 15 minutes or sooner.

Scooters and bikes: Just like in San Diego , we saw scooters everywhere around Austin. Currently Lime, Bird, and Wheels operate in Austin, but we primarily saw Bird scooters. Make sure to download the app beforehand.

But if you don’t trust yourself on a scooter (maybe you’re clumsy like me…), check out Austin B-Cycle, Austin’s bike-share program. With over 70 stations in Central Austin, you can easily pick up and drop off bikes all around the city.

Renting a car: Honestly, I think the cons of having a car far outweigh any pros. If you’re following my Austin weekend getaway itinerary to a T, public transit and ride shares (and walking!) will suffice. Parking is difficult in the buzzy neighborhoods, traffic is bad, and hotels charge an arm and a leg for overnight parking.

But there’s one silver lining — gas is dirt cheap (and commonly less than half the price on the West Coast). Unless you’re planning on making a few day trips from Austin, I wouldn’t bother with renting a car. Save that money for more barbecue!

Where to Stay in Austin

• Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown (where we stayed and we absolutely loved it!)
• The Driskill (one of the spookiest places in Austin!)
• The LINE Austin (super trendy and where I wanna stay next time!)
• W Austin (with a luxury spa and elegant outdoor pool)

• South Congress Hotel (one the best boutique hotels in Austin)
• Austin Motel (another trendy spot right on South Congress Ave)
• Hotel San Jose (a bungalow-style hotel in a lush garden)
• Fairmont Austin (great views of Lady Bird Lake here!)
• Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt (the pool and chic decor look awesome)

Is a Long Weekend in Austin Enough?

Personally, I felt pretty satisfied with our long weekend in Austin. It was the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions of the city, eat a bunch of barbecue, watch a few sunsets, spend ample time on South Congress Ave, and even venture off to some more obscure photo spots in Austin .

However, if you wanna take any day trips from Austin, to say the Hamilton Pool (on my bucket list for next time), Hill Country (definitely see the bluebonnets in the spring), and/or Lockhart (for what’s considered the best bbq in all of Texas), you’ll wanna tack on an extra day or two.

A Note on Austin BBQ

Austin is known for its barbecue – we all knew that. Meaning you’ve gotta have at least one stuff-yourself-silly meal full of brisket and ribs. 

But not all barbecue is created equal. You’ll wanna do your research ahead of time (thankfully I already did it for you). 🙂 While nothing is necessarily bad here, if you’ve only got a weekend in Austin (or 3 days), you wanna make sure what you’re eating is the best of the best.

Franklin BBQ is by far the most popular, but with lines literally snaking around the block, you don’t wanna spend half your day waiting for bbq. If you do, come prepared with a fold-up chair and lots of games, because the line easily takes 3-4 hours on a good day. 

Now let’s get what you’ve actually come here for – an absolutely perfect weekend in Austin itinerary, crafted by yours truly. <3

3 Days in Austin Itinerary

While you of course can’t see and do it all with only a long weekend in Austin, you’ll still be able to go shopping and have a bite to eat on trendy South Congress Ave, watch the fuzzy little bats fly out at dusk, and visit a museum or two! And of course eat a few pounds of bbq and visit a bunch of murals in Austin !

Weekend in Austin Itinerary Day 1

Morning and Afternoon: South Congress Neighborhood

Start off your weekend in Austin with a few hours on trendy South Congress Ave, known as SOCO by locals.

First stop: Jo’s Coffee in South Congress (there’s a few locations, so make sure you come here)! Stop for some caffeine and a few of their breakfast tacos. The tacos do run out, which is why I’m telling you to make Jo’s your first stop of the day in SoCo. Try the migas tacos (with crunchy tortilla chips), the hashbrown taco, and bean and cheese taco (my favorite). 

The Iced Turbo is their signature drink (a sweet and creamy coffee drink with coffee and hazelnut), but I always get the Belgium Bomber (the famous Iced Turbo mixed with cold brew, making it not as sweet and creamy). And don’t miss a photo with the iconic “I love you so much” mural on the side of the building (you can’t miss it!) – it’s easily one of the best murals in Austin (in my opinion).

Once you’re all fueled up, it’s time for some shopping (and more) in the vibrant neighborhood of South Congress. Think funky vintage shops, chic boutiques, iconic murals, and cool bars. We could have easily spent all day here, but if you’re only spending a weekend in Austin and tight on time, you can still see a lot in a few hours.

To make it super easy, here’s my favorite spots in South Congress:

• Allens Boots: Walk in and smell that leather, then stroll down the aisles full of cowboy boots in every style and color imaginable (there’s over 4,000 pairs of boots here). It’s such an iconic shop in SOCO, and it’s fun, too! Try on as many boots as you want — some of them costing over $900! Don’t be surprised if an hour goes by and you’re still mesmerized by all the boots!

• Parts & Labor: This shop in SoCo is so unique and special — everything in the store is designed exclusively by Texas artists! Not only will you find creative T-shirts, jewelry, handmade cards & other quirky gifts, but there’s literally always something new. The inventory changes on the regular, and you really never know what you’ll find! How fun is that?! A great place to pick up an Austin souvenir. 
• Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds: This shop is so totally Austin. There’s wild costumes and outrageous clothing, and a huge assortment of accessories (think colorful wigs, outlandish jewelry, full-on face masks, long gloves, etc). The store is over 8,000 square feet, so you can definitely peruse for a while if this stuff’s your jam.
• Go mural hunting: Some of my favorite murals in Austin can be found on South Congress. You’ve already seen the famous red script “I Love You So Much” on Jo’s, but make sure to check out Love from Austin, Willie for President, and of course the Legendary Memories SoCo mural. Check out this post if you’re looking for more Austin photo spots.

• Tesoros Trading Company: A funky shop with tons of folk art, furniture, jewelry & curios from around the globe. Such eye popping colors. It’s kinda pricey here, but everything’s authentic and well-made.
• Big Top Candy Shop: Exactly what all your old-school colorful candy shop dreams are made of. I especially loved the old-school jelly bean dispenser, as well as all the circus themed sweets. If you’re thirsty, try an Italian cream soda from the old-fashioned soda fountain – they’re really delicious and super sweet!

Lunch and dessert in South Congress:

You’re most likely pretty hungry by now, and thankfully there’s lots of great restaurants right here in South Congress. You can either grab a decent sized meal at one spot, or share a few things with friends like I did on my last Austin weekend getaway (it’s more fun that way)!

• Home Slice Pizza: Craving pizza? Home Slice is such an iconic Austin landmark — you’ve gotta try a slice of their New York-style pizza. With so many toppings to choose from, you’ll wanna grab a white slice as well as red!
• Gourdoughs Big. Fat. Donuts.: Ohhh Gourdough’s. I’ve been dreaming about these decadent donuts since my first visit to Austin in 2015. They’re absolutely huge and ridiculously insane, so plan to share if you’re eating elsewhere as well. The menu’s huge, but my favorites are Miss Shortcake, The Baby Rattler, and the Motherclucker! 

• Elizabeth Street Cafe: Such a cute spot if you want something a bit different than your usual Texas fare — the cafe specializes in French and Vietnamese cuisine. 
• Amy’s Ice Creams: Have you really been to Austin if you haven’t had a few scoops of Amy’s?! It’s the OG of ice creams in Austin afterall! Try some of their inventive flavors in a handmade cone — so delicious. Psst — there’s a few around town, so if you don’t make it to the location on South Congress, you’re bound to see another one later on.
• South Congress Cafe: Any place that’s known for their Bloody Marys and carrot-cake French toast gets 5-stars in my book. And psst — there’s also beignets and croque madame. Don’t miss the great happy hour out on their patio!

Late-afternoon: Before leaving buzzy South Congress, make sure to stop by the famous “Greetings From Austin” Mural! Just note you may need to wait in line as it’s a super popular spot!

With it’s 40’s postcard vibe and colorful vintage letters, it’s easily the most photographed work of art in all of Austin. And I just LOVE it ! Head across the street for another of the best murals in Austin — “You Belong Among the Wildflowers”.

Night : Bat Watching from the South Congress Bridge

Did you know that Austin’s got the largest urban bat colony in the world (yes, the world!)? Time to partake in all that fun! From March to October, people line up on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the 1.5 MILLION Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge. 

While the bats emerge nightly around dusk, plan to get there about 30 minutes before sunset because you never know the exact moment they’ll fly out.

Do note that some bat shows will be better than others — you may see an insane surreal dark cloud of them all at once, or they may exit the bridge only a few at a time (making for a not-so-spectacular show).

And even if you don’t get a spectacular bat viewing (like us), the sunset is so gorgeous over Lady Bird Lake! Pro Tip: Go to P6 (at the Line Hotel) to watch the bats fly out with a cocktail in hand – I so wish we had done that! We got HUGE agua frescas from Veracruz All Natural (where we’re grabbing breakfast tacos tomorrow morning), and they were delicious.

Austin Weekend Trip Day 2

Morning : Start off day 2 of your Austin weekend getaway with more breakfast tacos! This time, from Veracruz All Natural. We loved their signature Migas Taco (with tortilla chips stuffed inside), the El Traditional Taco, and the green juice. Everything is authentic with all-natural ingredients and homemade (even the salsas), so you know you’re getting good stuff. 

Late-Morning : Get out on the water!

Once you’re fueled up for the morning, it’s time to experience some of Austin’s outdoor fun! And if you’re visiting when it’s hot out, you’ll definitely wanna get out on the water for a bit. One of the best ways to beat the heat by far. Since Austin’s located right on the Colorado River, there’s a bunch of options to choose from:

Option 1: Stand-up paddle boarding/canoeing on Lady Bird Lake: Take part in Austin’s large outdoor lifestyle (absolutely essential to any weekend in Austin) and try some stand-up paddling or canoeing on the lake! Lady Bird Lake is actually part of the Colorado River, separating North and South Austin with great city skyline views while paddling! Rent SUPs or kayaks/canoes at Rowing Dock, Live Love Paddle, or the Austin Paddle Shack.

Option 2: Walk over the Barton Creek Pedestrian Bridge and along Barton Creek: This is what we did! We loved following the dirt path along Barton Creek, filled with tons of views and cute little turtles sunning themselves on the rocks! And if you’re one of the brave ones, throw on your bathing suit and jump on the many rope swings! 

If you’re up for it, you can rent a stand-up paddle or canoe at Zilker Park Boat Rentals. Note that blue-green algae toxins have been detected in the creek, so don’t plan on going swimming here. You’ll see signs along the creek reminding you of that little detail if it’s not safe.

Option 3: Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool : Super hot day? Cool off in the refreshing waters of the Barton Springs pool, a year-round swimming pool with temps of 68 degrees no matter the month. Yes, it’s man-made, but the waters are spring-fed! Do note there’s a fee to enter (although it’s pretty reasonable for under $10 per person for a day pass), so plan to spend a few hours here.

Afternoon : Lunch and Zilker Park

Lunch : Time for lunch after a busy morning at the water. If you want something close by, I highly recommend checking out Barton Springs Picnic — an iconic food truck park right near Barton Springs.

Such a classic Austin experience with an iconic “old Austin” vibe. I had a fried chicken and avocado cone from The Mighty Cone, and boy did it fill me up. My friends had some Thai food, and they loved theirs, while another had a gyro and that was great as well! Seems like you can’t go wrong. There’s even a “Dog Treat Truck” with all things for dogs — how fun!

If you want something a bit different, Chuy’s is super close by as well! They serve up authentic Tex-Mex food in an eclectic spot full of color and lots of kitschy personality with tons of Elvis touches. Super hungry? Try the “big as yo’ face” burrito!

Zilker Park and Zilker Botanical Garden: The park is so close to Barton Springs and the food truck park, so it’d be a shame to miss it! If you come in the spring, you’ll see lots of butterflies everywhere and all the flowers blooming. Zilker Park is over 350 acres, so you obviously won’t see all of it, but it’s still worth a quick visit. 

You can check out the Zilker Botanical Garden (with lots of streams, waterfalls and Koi-filled ponds,) and the Austin Nature and Science Center (don’t miss the hands-on nature exhibits), or simply hang out on the grass and relax for a bit. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is nearby so make sure you check that out too!

Dinner : Barbecue! 

This weekend in Austin itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a good old Texas barbecue joint. Smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket (that’s perfectly pink and juicy on the inside), chipotle slaw, cheesy mac n cheese, and alllll the pickles you could want.

And since Franklin’s BBQ frequently sells out by noon, I’ve got some other (almost equally as good) options for you. Both spots have your iconic Texas bbq, all served on a silver tray. Get about a ½ pound of meat per person (give or take depending on how hungry everyone is), and share a few sides.

Terry Black’s Barbecue: Traditional Texas barbecue at it’s best. Definitely get at least a bit of brisket — I couldn’t believe just how tender it was! There’s even a mural reading “brisket is king” inside and outside. We were mesmerized as our pitmaster cut our slabs of meat. Everything is made from scratch, and all the meat is smoked in-house, low and slow. Don’t miss the banana pudding – it’s my absolute favorite!

La Barbecue: One of the best bbq spots in all of Austin. Many people consider it a backup when Franklin’s runs out, so you know it’s good. They specialize in Central Texas-style barbecue, slathering the meats with salty, savory rubs. Think pork ribs falling off the bone, spicy sausage, mouth watering brisket, and mustard and dill flavored potato salad. I unfortunately haven’t made it here just yet, but I hear it’s outta this world. Psst – La Barbecue has small cups of free beer, you just have to ask for it (and give a tip).

Night: Experience Austin’s Nightlife Scene

It’s time to get out on the town! Austin does have the reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World afterall! And thankfully, there’s tons of nightlife options in Austin – really something for everyone.

Option 1: Dirty Sixth (aka East Sixth Street)

Come here if you’re looking for wild-and-touristy party vibes. And a whole lotta shenanigans (as well as questionable late night pizza and unruly chaos). It’s the original entertainment section of Austin, with tons of eclectic dive bars, lots of live music, and delicious food trucks. 

It’s a long stretch of eternally hopping bars, and they don’t die down until the wee hours of the morning. They don’t call it Dirty Sixth for nothing! It’s basically the Austin equivalent of New Orleans ’ Bourbon Street and San Diego ’s Gaslamp Quarter, with a little bit of the Las Vegas strip thrown in there for good measure. What a combo, right?!

Technically, Dirty Sixth stretches from Congress Avenue (to the west) to I-35 (to the east). If this sounds like your kinda scene, here’s a few spots to check out: 

• The Jackalope : Don’t miss one of their specialty sake bombs and a photo with the giant rabbit-antelope statue
• Casino El Camino: Try the Bloody Mary — the garnishes are wild! Yes, chicken nuggets and corn dogs hanging off the side of your glass (great to help the impounding hangover).
• Shakespeare’s Pub: Feel like you’re back in your college days with $5 pitchers! An Austin staple.
• Midnight Cowboy: Fancy cocktails in a secret-speakeasy kinda place (with no screaming college kids) — just be sure to make a reservation in advance. A bit different than your typical Dirty 6th experience.

Option 2: Rainey Street

Dirty 6th not your thing? I totally get it — the wild shenanigans aren’t mine either. Instead, head on over to Rainey Street, which caters to a slightly older, more laid-back clientele. The whole area is full of old craftsman houses that have since turned into bungalow bars and upscale eateries. It’s one of Austin’s newest nightlife districts, just blocks away from Dirty 6th, and it’s so cute! A great option if you want something a tad more low-key but still poppin’.

I went here on my first visit to Austin in 2015, but since learned it’s gotten way more popular and touristy than it used to be. Still super fun though! There’s still string-light covered patios, food trucks, and all the craft cocktails you could want. All in the adorable little bungalow houses!

A few spots to check out on Rainey Street (although you could just walk up and down the street and still have a great time!):

• Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden : It’s always busy here, and for good reason — everyone’s grabbing a spicy andouille sausage and choosing from the 100+ beers on tap (no hard liquor here).
• Clive Bar: Come here for the mezcal! And then find the semi-secret bar in a small shack out back — I kinda wanna go next time!
• Parlor Room: As instagrammable as it gets on Rainey Street. There’s a hot pink living room, a black and white tiled bar, and a giant  DRINK UP sign out on the patio.
• Lucille : Hammocks, lots of outdoor seating, and cozy indoor booths. There’s also fancy drinks!
• The Container Ba r: Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds — a bunch of shipping containers stacked together with lots of outdoor patio space.

Option 3: Country Bars and Honky-Tonks!

You’re here in Texas — why not get back to it’s legendary country roots?! You know you wanna dust off those boots and bust out the cowboy hat — it’s time to get immersed in some honky tonk culture! A great option for any weekend in Austin if you wanna check out the famous, longstanding honky-tonks and country music! 

A few legendary dance halls where you can work on your two-steppin’ skills:

• The White Horse : Try out your Texas two-step and get in on the boot-scootin’! This space is absolutely legendary, boasting live country jams and some of the best two-steppers around. No joke — you’ll wonder how they move that fast. Take a lesson for only $5 on Saturdays (and check out their famous Lone Star beer/whiskey deal). It’s hip and upbeat, and there’s even a taco truck outside.
• Broken Spoke: As old-fashioned as they come! And known to be one of the best two-steppin’ spots since 1964. They’ve got boot-scootin’ dance lessons here too (Wednesday to Saturday nights). But whatever you do, don’t miss the chicken fried steak — it’s legendary for a reason!
• The Little Longhorn Saloon : An authentically old-school honky tonk beer joint and as Austin as it gets. Come for free chili dogs (did we say FREE?!) and Chicken Sh*t Bingo every Sunday from 4 to 8pm — yes, you read that right (the chickens poop on a huge bingo board). Kinda like what I saw in Belize ; absolutely wild!

Austin Weekend Getaway Day 3

Morning : You’ve Got Options!

Option 1: You’re My Butter Half Mural and Surroundings

After a potentially wild night out on the town, take it slow and head north to a different part of town. The main reason we ventured over here — for the super iconic and cheery “You’re My Butter Half” mural! Considering my friends and I were kinda matching — unintentionally I might add — this mural was just perfect for us! It’s easily one of the most instagrammable spots in Austin , and one I couldn’t wait to see in person after missing it on my last visit.

While you’re over here, grab some breakfast at Bird Bird Biscuit for some buttery buttermilk breakfast sandwiches and some ice cream at Amy’s if you want something sweet.

Option 2: Guided Tour

If you had a low-key night (or murals just aren’t your thing), head out on a tour this morning! There’s quite a few to choose from, including these favorites:

• Austin Art Walk: The art scene is constantly changing here in Austin, and this guided walking tour takes you to all the best spots in East Austin! You’ll learn about the artists and their artwork, and of course have plenty of time to take all those Austin instagram photos ! 
• Best of Austin: This tour is literally what it seems – all the best spots in Austin! The 2-hour adventure gives you an excellent overview of the major landmarks, parks, and hidden gems. And you’ll even take a guided Capitol tour before stopping at Austin’s favorite food trucks. 
• Electric Bike Sightseeing Tour : Have you ever been on an electric bike? All the easaility of getting around without any work (my kinda exercise, haha). This electric bike sightseeing tour takes you to Austin’s favorite murals, landmarks, and history including the Austin skyline, State Capitol Building, Rainey Street and 6th Street, Barton Springs, and the University of Texas campus.
• Double Decker Sightseeing Tour: Travel on a loop around the city that passes by top landmarks in Austin’s downtown area, including 6th Street, The Museum of the Weird, The Driskill Hotel, Texas State Capitol, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.  

Option 3: Franklin BBQ  

Wait in line for Franklin BBQ – it’s famous for a reason and a true Austin experience. Franklin is known for its succulent wood-smoked brisket, and it’s easily the most popular bbq spot in all of Austin. There’s really nothing better than brisket at Franklin’s.

But because of this, be prepared to wait in line for no joke, 3-4 hours — and yes, I’m dead serious. Either bring your own lawn chair or rent one out, bring a deck of cards to play with friends (or people you meet on the line), and lots of water to keep hydrated (especially in the heat of the summer). The wait will undoubtedly be a little longer on the weekends, so plan to come during the week if you can.

And once it’s your turn to order, don’t be shy — get some brisket, pulled pork, and whatever other smoked meats tickle your fancy.  Come early because once the meats sell out, there’s no more for the day. 

Is Franklin BBQ worth the wait? I think it’s worth doing once, but I wouldn’t wait on every visit or if you only have a day or two. The wait alone will easily take up at least half the day, and there’s so many other things to do on an Austin weekend getaway!

Afternoon : Texas State Capitol Building, Museums, and 6th Street

If you haven’t already seen the Texas State Capitol Building on one of the tours above, it’s time to head over there! 

We just walked around the perimeter of the building, but there’s actually free 30-minute guided tours (M-F 9:30-3:30, and weekends 12:30-3:30). Although the tour is pretty short, expect to learn lots about the building (it’s made almost entirely of granite and marble!), Texas history, and the legislature. Did you know the building is almost 15 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building?!

 The park surrounding the capitol is absolutely gorgeous, with lots of sculptures and plaques outside for learning too. So if you end up visiting outside of tour hours (like we did), don’t fret — the capitol building is still worth some time!

Next up, a museum or two! The most popular ones around here are the Blanton Museum of Art and Bullock Texas State History Museum, and you can easily walk to both right from the capitol building.

We chose to visit the Blanton Museum of Art (Austin’s largest art museum) and absolutely loved the colors and art pieces. But whatever you do, don’t miss “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly. It’s basically a rainbow-bright Austin sanctuary! Just look at those colorful stained glass windows and smooth architectural elements. 

Psst — if you’ve got a teacher or student ID, make sure to bring it! I flashed my coveted school staff ID and got completely free entry! I love when museums recognize our hard work! Active military also receive free admission as well.

If history’s more your thing, head over to The Bullock Texas State History Museum instead. It’s the state’s official history museum, with three floors of exhibition galleries and even an IMAX theater. Basically everything you could ever want to know about Texas history — a complete historical overload!

Downtown/6th Street: You may have hung out on 6th Street at night, but there’s a whole bunch of things to do here during the day as well! Hungry? Definitely check out Taquero Mucho (for pink tortillas and loads of IG worthy corners) and Torchy’s Tacos (order the fried avocado tacos and spicy queso). We actually went to both and shared a few things!

Once you’re all filled up, you’ve got a lot to choose from! Here’s my top picks;

• Historic 6th Street Mural: Don’t mess with Texas! This mural pays homage to Austin as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, and you’ll see all the things that make it great on the mural itself. From its history to it’s rockin’ music scene. The mural is massive — with bold typography and color blocking; it’s literally hard to miss! One of my favorite murals in Austin , and a must for anyone looking for the best photo spots.
• The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center: If you haven’t had your fill of art yet, here’s another art museum for ya! This one focuses on contemporary art, and since the exhibitions change a few times a year, you never know what you’ll see!
• Tau Ceti Rainbow Mural: Josef Kristo Foletti, you are a technicolor, multi-dimensional marvel! Just look at this thing! I especially love all the gradients; it’s just so cool and oh so colorful! And it’s even Austin’s tallest public artwork at over 10 stories high!

• Here Nor There: Did someone say secret speakeasy?! Here Nor There was easily a highlight during our weekend in Austin, and we LOVED our globally inspired cocktails. You need to make a reservation in advance, so be sure to head to their website and follow all the directions!
• Museum of the Weird: To say Austin is weird is a huge understatement. Here at Museum of the Weird, you’ll learn about the famous haunted hotel in Austin (The Driskill, where you can still stay the night today), see “live” models of two headed pigs and other weird animals, and even witness a pretty weird show! If you’ve been, you know what I mean. Not everyone can handle an electric pulse on their tongue… We visited the museum on our first weekend in Austin and it’s definitely pretty memorable… haha.
• Mexic-Arte Museum: The museum showcases Mexican and Latino art — so much color and vibrancy here! It’s pretty small (and only $7), but they pack a lot of art into the small space so you can really see a lot in just an hour or so.
• Voodoo Doughnut – 6th Street: Originally from Portland , if you love creative (and quirky) donuts and pink decor, definitely make a stop here! Don’t miss the original Bacon Maple Bar — it’s absolutely delicious!

Night : Sunset at Mount Bonnell

Throw on your sneakers — it’s time to watch the famous sunset at Mount Bonnell. Yes, you’ll need to climb up about 100 steps, but I promise it’s well worth it for the stunning sunset views! Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin at 781 feet, and you’ll get sweeping views of Lake Austin, the city of Austin, and the surrounding hills.

On my first visit we went during the day AND for sunset later on — we just loved it so much we had to return for all the pastel colors.

Psst — Take the short path on the RIGHT to get clear views of the lake/river (the left still has a great view but there’s a big fence blocking part of it).

Mount Bonnell is a little ways away from Downtown Austin, so if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to call an Uber and ask to get dropped off at the bottom of the steps. If I remember correctly we simply put in “Mount Bonnell” and ended up in the right spot!

Late-night: Ghost Tour 

If you’re still rearing to go (and are intrigued by Austin’s haunted paranormal history), sign up for a late-night ghost walking tour! The tours explore Downtown Austin’s most haunted places, from the “Museum of Weird” to the haunted streets of South Congress. 

Find more information, reviews, and book your Austin ghost tour here!

So there ya have it – my ultimate weekend in Austin itinerary! What are you most excited to do (and of course eat!) in this quirky city?!

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February 1, 2022 at 10:32 pm

Hi, great article. I love Austin and wish I had brought my kayak along the last time I was there. Lots of great places to explore.

July 7, 2022 at 8:02 pm

What a horrible way to describe summers in Austin texas. All I read was humid, hot, scorching, sizzling, stay away! Most people don’t mind the heat and know when traveling in the summer they are going to encounter the heat. They know to do water activities or indoor activities which there are plenty of in Austin.

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Austin Travel Guide

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Austin is the Texas state capital and the Live Music Capital of the World, with more than 250live music venues in this sprawling central Texas city. More than 2,300 recording artists call Austin home. Among them? Willie Nelson, who moved from Nashville to Austin in 1972 and never looked back.

Austin is a college town, home to the University of Texas, and it's as big as you would expect the capital of Texas to be. The city limits cover 232 square miles encompassing more than 300 parks, including the nearly 360-acre Zilker Park. Austin is America's11th largest city and one of its fastest-growing.

They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and the state Capitol building—14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. —is no exception. Neither is the bat colony that roosts under Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge from April through October. It's the largest urban bat population in North America, home to between 750,000 and 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.

Between the great outdoors, local art, music festivals, quirky neighborhoods, and a seemingly endless list of restaurants and bars, there's plenty to do in Austin whatever your fancy and whatever your budget. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in Austin, an evolving city that's successfully upholding its mantra to "Keep Austin Weird."

Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally.

Best Time to Go

March and October are particularly good times to catch live music in Austin. In March, the city hosts SXSW , a music and multimedia festival, and the Urban Music Festival, a celebration of R&B, jazz, funk and reggae. Austin City Limits , a two-weekend festival that brings more 130 acts to eight stages, happens each October. The Austin Rodeo, with nightly concerts, is held in March.

To wander down an iconic Austin street and get a feel for its bohemian roots, visit in May when the Pecan Street Festival takes over 6th Street. If you're looking to skip out on snow and ice, Austin can make for a temperate winter escape, but beware if you head to town in July or August. Texas summers can sizzle.

Related : 15 Best Places to Travel in March

Things to Know

In Austin, tacos are a breakfast item, and suits and ties are few and far in between. Flip-flops are acceptable footwear for many occasions, and there's never really a need for stilettos.

Austin is among the most walkable cities in Texas, but you'll want to take Uber or Lyft or rent a car to make the most of your time. Austin is big, and it's going to take you longer than you think to get where you're going.

Austin is an Instagrammer's paradise. The city has public art you've probably seen on your social feeds, including an I Love You So Much wall on South Congress, a Greetings from Austin postcard mural on South 1st Street and an atx sculpture at 5th and Lamar.

Lady Bird Lake isn't actually a lake. It's a river-like reservoir on the Colorado River created by the city in 1960 as a cooling pond for a new power plant.

How to Get Around

Cap Metro is Austin's public transit system serving a population of more than one million in its 535-square mile service area. More than 1,600 bus stops and 82 routes include MetroRail, MetroRapid, and High-Frequency Route Network. Weekend service may be limited.

Taxis: yellowcabaustin.com/

Lyft, Uber, and an emerging light rail system (Cap Metro) have made it easier to get around. Austin is walkable and bikeable, but a rental car is a great convenience there.

Best Hotels

The carpenter hotel.

Address: 400 Josephine Street, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 682-5300 Book Now

This quirky hotel, among Travel & Leisure's favorite new properties, is partially housed in a low-slung brick building that used to be a meeting place for union woodworkers. The hotel's owner has kept its original wood-paneled floors, teller window reception area and cork boards intact, creating a modest welcome to this minimalist space.

JW Marriott

Address: 110 E 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 474-4777 Book Now

This luxury hotel in downtown Austin is an easy walk from 6th Street, Austin City Limits, the Capitol, and the Austin Convention Center. The hotel has ample event space, and it's popular with conference goers and football fans in town for University of Texas Longhorns games.

Doubletree Suites

Address: 303 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 478-7000 Book Now

The Doubletree Suites, an all-suite hotel a stone's throw from the Texas Capitol building, is well suited for long stays and families. Each suite has a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. Some are two-bedroom, two-bathroom, and many have views of the Texas Hill Country or the Capital.

Hyatt Regency

Address: 208 Barton Springs, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 477-1234 Book Now

The Hyatt Regency in downtown Austin is a short walk from the bars on 6th Street, the Austin Convention Center, and the bats that live under Congress Avenue Bridge. Some rooms in this pet-friendly contemporary hotel have river views and patios.

Hampton Inn

Address: 200 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 472-1500 Book Now

Austin is home to several Hampton Inns that offer comfortable affordable accommodations, but the chain's downtown outpost is the most convenient for visiting the city's sights. The downtown Hampton Inn is just a short walk from the bars on 6th street, Austin's seasonal bat colony, the Texas State Capitol, and one of Austin's best eateries—Stubb's BBQ.

Fairmont Austin

Address: 101 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 600-2000 Book Now

The Fairmont Austin is a 37-story luxury hotel with more than 1,000 guest rooms, many with views of Lady Bird Lake. The hotel, located in Austin's central business district, is conveniently connected to the Austin Convention Center.

Address: 200 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 542-3600 Book Now

This four-star hotel in downtown Austin includes both a Tequila bar and a record room, perfectly suited for the Live Music Capital of the World. The W Austin's Record Room houses a collection of more than 8,000 records, making it the perfect place to begin a night of hopping between local live music shows.

East Austin Hotel

Address: 1108 East Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78702 Phone: (737) 205-8888 Book Now

This unique entrant to the Austin hotel scene has rooms for under $100 a night on iconic Sixth Street if you're willing to share a private bathroom with your neighbors. More expensive rooms with private bathrooms also are available at this trendy boutique hotel that's brimming with East Austin pride.

Omni Barton Creek Resort

Address: 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735 Phone: (512) 329-4000 Book Now

This luxe Austin resort offers six restaurants, a spa with an adults only pool, four golf courses, four swimming pools, and golf clubhouse. The 4,000-acre property is located west of downtown and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Driskill

Address: 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 439-1234 Book Now

The Driskill is the oldest operating hotel in Austin, named for Jesse Driskill, a cattle baron who aimed to build the finest hotel south of St. Louis. The hotel has long been popular American presidents. It's where Lyndon B. Johnson watched returns of the 1964 presidential election and where Bill Clinton stayed during his 1999 visit to Austin.

Best Restaurants

Launderette.

Address: 2115 Holly Street, Austin, TX 78702 Phone: 512-382-1599 Website

Launderette is a neighborhood cafe with a North African-inspired Mediterranean menu that includes dishes like fried shrimp, beet hummus, and steak. Launderette's burger has been called the best in Austin. Launderette's desserts, which include Hibiscus Poached Pears and Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches, are especially popular.

Franklin BBQ

Address: 900 E 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702 Phone: (512) 653-1187 Website

Franklin BBQ started in a humble trailer but has since grown into an empire where President Barack Obama, Anthony Bourdain, and Jimmy Kimmel have dined. James Beard Award winning Pitmaster Aaron Franklin wrote "Franklin Barbecue, A Meat Smoking Manifesto" and launched a PBS barbecue show.

Home Slice Pizza

Address: 1415 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: 512-444-PIES Website

If you're looking for a slice in Austin, Home Slice Pizza is where to find it. This New York style neighborhood pizza joint is one of the few places in Austin that serves pizza by the slice.

South Congress Cafe

Address: 1600 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: 512-447-3905 Website

This retro hotspot, known for boozy brunches, carrot cake French toast, and jalapeño venison meatloaf, was a pharmacy back in the 1940s. Today, it's the place for a Texas-size shaded patio, happy hour, and the perfect spot for lounging on breezy days.

Address: 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703 Phone: 512-476-4852 Website

Hula Hut, a lakeside TexMex restaurant with a Polynesian twist, is a tiki bar that fancies itself a surfer's paradise. One of its most popular menu items is the Kawaikini Stuffed Avocado, a Hass avocado filled with roasted chicken, green chilis and more, then fried and served with hatch green chile and queso blanco.

Address: 1917 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722 Phone: (512) 391-2337 Website

Salty Sow is all about swine, wine, and beer. Its menu focuses on meaty dishes like triple fried duck fat fries, bacon and gruyere roasted bone marrow, candied pork belly, and slow-cooked beef shoulder. It's a very Austin restaurant with its focus on mindfully sourced local ingredients and creative hand-crafted cocktails.

Address: 2027 Anchor Lane, Austin, TX 78723 Phone: (512) 614 - 2260 Website

For an authentic Texas ranch-style dining experience without leaving the city, head to Contigo. Designed to feel like a country ranch, the restaurant serves menu items like crispy green beans, rabbit & dumplings, Texas quail, and a bone-in ribeye that serves three to four.

Torchy's Tacos

Multiple Locations Website

Torchy's Tacos started as an Austin food truck, and it's now best known for creative tacos. Among them is the Trailer Park—a combo of chicken fried steak, bacon, green chile queso, cotija cheese, and pico de gallo in a fresh flour tortilla. The Brushfire includes Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapenos, mango sour cream, and cilantro with diablo sauce. They serve breakfast tacos all day.

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Address: 2713 E. Second Street, Austin, TX 78702 Phone: (512) 803-2224 Website

This Austin restaurant's menu is a mashup of Texas barbecue and traditional Japanese izakaya. Think BBQ tsukemen, sticky rice tamales, and edamame smoked over cherry wood. The restaurant's founders are self-described Japanese Texans who brought Austin its first Ramen joint in 2012.

Ramen Tatsu-ya

Address: 8557 Research Blvd #126, Austin, TX 78758 Phone: (512) 893-5561 Website

Ramen is their specialty, and they offer a variety along with sides, extra noodles, toppings, small bites, and even instructions on the best way to enjoy their ramen.

Things to Do

Texas state capitol.

Address: 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 463-4630 Website

One of the nation's most distinguished state capitols, the building is surrounded by 22 acres of statues and monuments. Several historic sections of the capitol can be seen on a free guided tour covering Texas history and the building itself.

LBJ Presidential Library

Address: 2313 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78705 Phone: (512) 721-0200 Website

This presidential library chronicles the life of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. Johnson was born and died in central Texas, not far from the University of Texas where this library is housed. Visitors to the LBJ library can listen in on LBJ's calls from the White House, step inside a replica of the Oval Office, and experience interactive exhibits.

Austin Bats

Address: 305 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 Website

Head to the Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset to see North America's largest bat colony. A renovation in 1980 turned the bridge into the ideal bat cave, attracting a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. The bats typically emerge between 7:30 pm and 9:45 pm, and visitors start lining up just before sunset, facing east for the best views.

Barton Springs Pool

Address: 2101 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746 Phone: (512) 974-6300 Website

Barton Springs Pool is the crown jewel of Austin's sprawling 358-acre Zilker Park. The man-made pool measures three acres, drawing its water from underground springs with an average temperature around 68 degrees. The pool is open year round and hosts a polar plunge each January.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Address: 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78702 Phone: (512) 936-8746 Website

This Austin museum chronicles Texas history and the people who made the state what it is today. It houses an original NASA Mission Control console from the 1960s, cattle branding and oil field tools, and an AT-6 "Texan," the World War II-era training airplane flown by the trailblazing Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Harry Ransom Center

Address: 300 West 21st Street, Austin, TX 78712 Phone: (512) 471-8944 Website

The Harry Ransom Center is a humanities research library and museum with 41 million items, including one of five copies of the Gutenberg Bible in the U.S. The museum also houses the Niépce Heliograph, considered the earliest surviving photograph made with camera obscura, the archive of playwright Arthur Miller, and childhood writing from authors including Charlotte Brontë and David Foster Wallace.

Blanton Museum of Art

Address: 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712 Phone: (512) 471-5482 Website

The Blanton Museum of Art is the largest university-owned art collection in the U.S. The museum's key piece is Austin , a highly Instagrammable temple of light created by American artist Ellsworth Kelly. The 2,715-square-foot stone building features 33 mouth blown colored glass windows set in three different patterns, a totem made of salvaged wood, and 14 black-and-white stone panels representing the Stations of the Cross.

Play Golf at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Address: 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735 Phone: (512) 329-4000 Website

Austin's warm weather and 300 days of sunshine a year make it an ideal golf destination, and the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa's four championship golf courses are the perfect place to play.

The Paramount Theater

Address: 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 472-5470 Website

The Paramount Theater is everything you'd imagine an opulent downtown theater to be. Opened as a vaudeville house in 1915, the theater now hosts live performances and movies. Houdini, Katharine Hepburn, Amy Schumer, and Sheryl Crow are among the performers who have graced the Paramount's stage.

ACL Live at the Moody Theater

Address: 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 225-7999 Website

The Moody Theater is home to Austin City Limits Live, the longest running music series in American television history. The Moody Theater hosts about 100 concerts each year and offers tours every weekday.

Antone's Nightclub

Address: 305 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 814-0361 Website

Antone's Nightclub, open since 1975, is an iconic blues venue in Austin. The club has hosted B.B. King, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, James Brown, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Best Shopping

Soco - south congress avenue.

Address: South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 441-2444 Website

This strip just south of Lady Bird Lake is where Austin's hipsters, politicos, and students come to peruse antique shops and vintage stores. It's also home to Allen's Boots , which stocks thousands of pairs of boots as well as snap shirts, belts, buckles, and anything else you might need for your first rodeo.

2nd Street District

Address: 2nd Street to 4th Street, between Colorado and Guadalupe streets, Austin, TX 78701 Website

This is Austin's original downtown pedestrian shopping district and includes the first ever brick and mortar ModCloth. The 2nd Street District is home to independent retailers and chains including Urban Outfitters and Loft.

Address: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace , Austin, TX 78758 Phone: (512) 795-4230 Website

The Domain has 700,000-square feet of luxury shops, mainstream stores, and restaurants, including Austin's first Neiman-Marcus, a Tiffany and Co., and a Louis Vuitton store.

South First Street

Address: South Austin, Austin, TX 78704 Website

If you're looking for retailers you won't find elsewhere, head to South First Street between Barton Springs Road and Oltorf Street. You'll find designer and vintage clothing, neon art and a whole lot of other things you likely won't see anywhere else.

Address: 603 N. Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703 Phone: (512) 472-5050 Website

BookPeople is a behemoth of an independent bookstore. It's the largest independent bookstore in Texas and hosts regular signings and readings. BookPeople opened in 1970 and has hosted Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

Waterloo Records

Address: 600 N Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703 Phone: (512) 474-2500 Website

Waterloo Records has been part of Austin's music scene since 1982. It's an independent music and video store known for its vast selection of vinyl records, its knowledgeable staff, and its support of Texas music. Waterloo Records hosts live music, and past performers include Willie Nelson, Nirvana, Spoon, Cheap Trick, and Norah Jones.

Neighborhoods to Know

SoCo : South Congress , known as SoCo, is a collection of small shops, restaurants, music venues, and art galleries just south of Lady Bird Lake. It's a great spot to find food trucks, shop for quirky souvenirs, and take in postcard views of the Texas State Capitol.

Rainey Street: This once sleepy residential neighborhood has become a hub of Austin nightlife. Many of the old bungalows on this historic street have been converted into bars, restaurants, and live music venues. With its expansive porches and comfortable yards, it's a top spot for Sunday fundays.

Red River Cultural District : Austin may be the Live Music Capital of the World, but the Red River Cultural District is the live music capital of Austin. Once the domain of metal and punk fans, this area has evolved to become an ideal place for a live music crawl through genres.

Sixth Street Historic District: Sixth Street Historic District is perhaps Austin's best known neighborhood. It's home to the historic Driskill Hotel and a seemingly endless array of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The street occasionally closes to traffic for tailgating and other events.

Texas summers can be hot and humid, but winters are mild, and snow or ice are rare. Severe weather most commonly occurs in the spring when there can be heavy rain, flash flooding, and occasional tornadoes.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 42 - 62 February 45 - 65 March 51 - 72 April 59 - 80 May 67 - 87 June 72 - 92 July 74 - 96 August 75 - 97 September 69 - 91 October 61 - 82 November 51 - 71 December 42 - 63

Apps to Download

Park ATX: Pay for street parking in Austin iOs | Android

Cap Metro: Trip planning, online ticketing, real-time arrivals iOs |Android

Bird : Electric scooters iOs | Android

Lime : Electric scooters iOs | Android

• Destinations

Austin Travel Guide

The Lone Star State’s capital truly is a city for every type of traveler. Creatives will soak up the artistic spirit throughout Austin's growing neighborhoods, from the street art and murals to the unmatched live music scene and festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the endless natural wonders to explore—from kayaking on Lady Bird Lake and hiking through Mount Bonnell to biking along the Greenbelt and swimming at Hamilton Pool. Culinary adventurers will devour the food trucks, breakfast tacos, and the emerging French and Asian restaurants. Families will love the interactive museums, walkable South Congress, and nightly bat parade viewing parties. —Jade Broadus

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Austin   Travel Guide

Courtesy of RoschetzkyIstockPhoto | Getty Images

Why Go To Austin

Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin boasts more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation. It has witnessed the early careers of several famous musicians, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin and The Chicks. Despite significant growth in recent years, Austin maintains a  quirky, laid-back atmosphere  that you won't find in other Texan cities. Outsiders tend to see the city as a home base for wacky characters, but Austinites revel in their eccentricity and proudly flaunt the city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird."

Aside from its buzzing live music and nightlife scenes, the main reason to visit is to enjoy the outdoors. With an average of about 300 sunny days per year and large swaths of green space like Zilker Metropolitan Park  many experts consider Austin one of the  Best Places to Live in America . It's probably because there's something here for everybody: Whether you're a history buff ( LBJ's library  is here as well as the Lone Star State-sized  Texas State History Museum ) an art lover ( Blanton Museum of Art ), a sports fan (University of Texas at Austin football) or a budding musician ( Sixth Street ). After your visit, you might be asking: Why don't I live here?

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• # 8 in Best Places to Visit in Texas
• # 8 in Best Party Cities in the U.S.
• # 10 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.

See All 5 Rankings

Best of Austin

Best hotels in austin.

• # 1 in Austin Proper Hotel & Residences
• # 2 in Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
• # 3 in Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Best Things to Do in Austin

• # 1 in Zilker Metropolitan Park
• # 2 in Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
• # 3 in Texas Capitol

Popular Tours

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Austin Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Austin are September to November or March to May, when 70s and 80s are the anticipated daytime temperatures. As temperatures climb into the mid- to high 90s with high humidity, the Texan summer (June through August) is barely tolerable for unaccustomed visitors. Winter (December to February) is relatively mild and dry, with temperatures that hover in the low to mid-60s. Festivals are an integral part of Austin's culture. If your travel plans are flexible, then plan on attending a festival that interests you – just be prepared for inflated lodging rates.

Weather in Austin

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Yes, you're in Texas You should be aware that it is perfectly legal to carry a concealed weapon (as long as you have the proper permit to go with it).

Yes, you're in the "Live Music Capital of the World" The sweet notes of undiscovered musicians pour out onto Sixth Street from almost every bar every evening. Plus, many of the  top guided tours make stops at some of the city's best local music venues. Don't miss out on a critical part of Austin's culture.

Yes, you're in a college town Home to the University of Texas at Austin, the city's pride is its beloved Longhorns. If you can find tickets, go to a sporting event and feel the fervor of the Texas fans.

How to Save Money in Austin

Dine on food truck fare Austin is a food truck mecca believed to be home to more than 1,200 mobile food vendors. Skip the pricey sit-down meals in favor of the city's inexpensive food truck fare. 

Avoid festivals and game days  Look out for major citywide events, such as Texas Longhorns home football games and the South by Southwest festival – these can cause hotel room rates to skyrocket.

Reduce your carbon footprint  Walk, bike or use public transit to move about Austin and gain a deeper appreciation of this city's beautiful neighborhoods.

What to Eat

A city formerly overrun with barbecue joints and chophouses, Austin has since welcomed a more diverse dining scene featuring more upscale restaurants as well as a wide array of international cuisine. However, the traditional barbecue joints continue to thrive alongside sushi bars and European bistros. Many say you'll find the best smoked meats in the city at  Lamberts , but head to  Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew if you want your barbecue served with a side of craft beer. Unsurprisingly, Tex-Mex is also popular thanks to Austin's proximity to Mexico, which has ushered in the infiltration of south-of-the-border specialties, such as tacos (a city-wide favorite available any time of day), burritos and fajitas. Local establishments recommended by both locals and visitors include Veracruz All Natural , Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop and La Condesa .

For a tasty meal on a budget, head straight for one of the city's food trucks. It's estimated that there are more than 1,000 mobile food vendors roaming Austin's streets, so you'll likely have no trouble finding a truck that tantalizes your taste buds. Several websites, including FoodTrailersAustin.com , offer a directory of each trailer's location and cuisine. Pinpointing the best food trucks would be an exhaustive task, but according to visitors and residents, Luke's Inside Out , Churro Co. , Thai Kun and Patrizi's are among the top mobile vendors in the city. Tagging along on one of the city's best food tours is another great way to discover the city's top food trucks.

Along with its impressive food truck scene, Austin's craft beer landscape is equally lauded. Several tour companies, including Austin Brewery Tours and Bike and Brew ATX , offer tours of the city's best breweries, but you can also branch out on your own to popular spots like Austin Beerworks , Jester King Brewery and St. Elmo Brewing Company . And if you're into wine, you're in luck. Austin's proximity to Fredericksburg (which sits about 90 miles west) makes exploring Texas Hill Country wineries easy. Spend a day in Fredericksburg and sign up for a wine tour to make the most of your time.

Compared to other U.S. cities of its size, Austin is relatively safe for visitors, but it's still necessary to exercise precautions. Make sure to keep your car doors locked and your valuables in a secure location and avoid dimly lit streets after sundown.

Those who are not used to Texas' climate should be mindful of heat stroke. Common symptoms include dizziness, headache and exhaustion. To prevent illness, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Visitors to Austin should be aware that they will be sharing the city with some intimidating creepy-crawlies, including scorpions and snakes. The types of scorpions that are sometimes spotted within the city cannot inflict as much damage as other species, but experts do recommend keeping your distance. If you head out into the countryside, you may encounter rattlesnakes and water moccasins. If you're stung by a scorpion or bitten by a snake, contact a medical professional immediately.

Getting Around Austin

The best way to get around Austin is by bus and light rail. Some travelers recommend a car; however, the expense and pains of one are enough to encourage many visitors to use  Capital Metro – Austin's public transit system. The Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside line connects the downtown area with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where you'll likely be greeted by music as soon as you exit the plane, to the heart of downtown about 10 miles northwest. The minimum taxi fare from the airport to downtown Austin costs $13.30. Amtrak provides train service to the city via the Texas Eagle line.

If you'll be centrally located downtown between the Convention Center and the University of Texas at Austin, you should be able to walk or bike.

Vacations in Austin

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• There are loads of types of vacations in Austin and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $332; Family vacation $294; Romantic vacation $504; Luxury vacation $550; Budget vacation $250.

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The 13 best resorts in Texas for a Lone Star State getaway

A s a native Texan, I can tell you firsthand that the old phrase "everything is bigger in Texas" is true. The skies are vast and blue, the mouthwatering barbecue is limitless and the best resorts in Texas span from the Gulf of Mexico, across the Hill Country and beyond.

Whether you're a Texan like me looking for a great in-state vacation or you're from elsewhere heading down to experience Tex-Mex and two-stepping, the resorts in Texas have something for everyone. Options include everything from luxurious, high-end properties to working ranches where you can get your hands dirty with the whole family.

In the Texas Hill Country, you can fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and experience a taste of Texas cool. Or, you can head to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) for the Mexican- and Spanish-infused spirit that permeates the culture before heading off to a spa resort. Both the Houston and Dallas areas have multiple airports, making it pretty easy to get to two world-class cities and the regions beyond.

The majority of the best resorts in Texas are classic (think: wide open spaces, pools and activities). Others emphasize spa services or offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of a major city like San Antonio .

Either way, you can't go wrong with any of these fabulous Texas resorts.

Austin may be an oasis for music, technology and tacos, but it also offers plenty of places to get outside in nature and relax, including the all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort , found 30 minutes from downtown by car or via water taxi.

Forty rooms with private porches, tall ceilings and soaking tubs await guests looking for a tranquil escape; all of your meals are included in the rate, plus snacks, juices and smoothies.

Outside of the airy rooms, activities abound. Take advantage of the included lake equipment like stand-up paddleboards, kick it in a hammock by the water with a book or splash around the resort's two pools.

Related: The best hotels in Austin, Texas

But the real star of the show here is the 25,000-square-foot spa that includes treatments (for an additional cost) like signature facials or deep-tissue massages, plus saunas, whirlpools and steam rooms. Sure, it's on the pricey side, but after a full day of hiking, a few hours in the spa and an order of room service will be worth it.

Rates at Lake Austin Spa Resort start at $1,100 per night, based on double occupancy.

There are many reasons to love Lost Pines , a TPG favorite resort and one that offers something for the whole family — seriously. You can spend your days lounging along on the 1,000-foot lazy river , learn the art of archery, go horseback riding or play a round of golf on the resort's 18-hole course. Parents can rest easy knowing there's a kids club (open for ages 3 to 12) where you can drop off the little ones and then spend a few leisurely hours at the on-site spa.

It's just 20 minutes from the Austin airport, and the food is as diverse as the Texas capital. Start the day with a classic buffet breakfast (biscuits are a must), grab a wood-fired pizza and a patio seat for lunch; then, look forward to a range of dinner options, including a Texas-style roadhouse with chicken fried steaks (also a must), an upscale steakhouse and a 10-seat sushi restaurant.

Rooms are airy and modern with a just touch of Texas twang (think: western posters on clean white walls and the occasional sliding barn door). For larger groups, consider booking a family suite or even the 2,600 Littleton House, which has a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa start around $349 per night or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

San Antonio is one of Texas' most vibrant cities, and it's full of good food, great attractions and an impressive resort called La Cantera. The resort puts you close enough to all the action, yet it has so much to offer that you might not want to ever step foot off the property.

At La Cantera, rooms have an elegant but rustic feel with highback leather armchairs, huge leather headboards and a muted sensibility that makes relaxing easy. While the resort is totally family-friendly, it also happens to offer an exclusive adults-only floor and experience called "Seven" that offers a private check-in area and lounge.

While at the resort, activities abound. Kids can enjoy activities at the kids club while the adults hit up the spa. Guests can also lounge by the pool in a cabana, roast s'mores as a family around a fire pit, play a round of golf on the 18-hole course or take the free shuttle to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for some scream-worthy thrill rides.

Just don't forget to eat: Food options range from casual Tex-Mex to a high-end restaurant for dinner and everything in between.

Rates at La Cantera Resort & Spa start around $280 per night.

For a wellness-centered retreat, there's nowhere in Texas better than Miraval Austin . It's an adults-only resort — and TPG favorite — that offers an all-inclusive-like experience with all meals and many activities included in the nightly rate. Even better, the resort is mostly "unplugged," meaning that you can feel good about disconnecting for a bit while you're there.

During the day, hit the Life in Balance Spa for healing spa treatments, take wellness classes like Rise and Shine Yoga or Cardio Drumming, then spend the afternoon conquering the challenge course or taking a cooking class. Or, simply relax by the pool and bask in the warm Texas sun. (Just note that spa treatments and some activities are an additional fee.)

At the resort, guests are invited to enjoy three daily health-conscious meals at The Hilltop Crossings Kitchen; they can also learn about their gut health or healthy eating habits through sessions with nutritionists or classes.

Rates at Miraval Austin Resort and Spa start around $1,200 per night or 65,000 points, based on double occupancy.

Luxury knows no bounds with Auberge, and that's exemplified at the Commodore Perry Estate — a resort spread over 10 acres in Austin that'll have you wondering if you're in Texas or actually somewhere in Europe.

At Commodore Perry, rooms are grand and chic and can be found in the resort's historic mansion or the Inn. In either location, expect beautiful spaces full of art, four-poster beds and a cheeky in-room shopping experience called "The Estate Sell."

Days at this Auberge can be as relaxed as you want. Soak up the sun by the pool and then learn the ins and outs of tequila during a tasting. Or, opt for an experience that'll keep your mind and body active (think: yoga, hiking or joining a HIIT class). For something extra special, you can even set up an experience where you shop for custom boots with a glass of Champagne in hand.

Fresh meals full of ingredients from local farmers and Texas ranchers are on offer at Lutie's Garden Restaurant — a Ken Fulk-designed space that pays tribute to the woman originally behind the former estate.

Rates at Commodore Perry, Auberge Resorts Collection start around $520 per night.

A member of Preferred Hotels and its I Prefer program , the Houstonian is a classy and classic city resort. It's near all the fabulous shopping of Houston's Galleria area, lush parks full of hiking trails and the arts, culture and diversity of America's fourth-largest city .

Set on 27 acres and decked out in a swanky Texas style, the property actually used to be home to former president George H.W. Bush. Now, the resort has 284 rooms and suites; a Trellis spa with a new outdoor soaking pool and a garden; tennis courts; and three different climate-controlled pools, including one with a waterslide and one perfect for swimming laps. In fact, the resort actually doubles as a sports club, so don't be shocked if you see high-performance athletes training.

Houston has no shortage of incredible dining, and the Houstonian is absolutely part of the scene. It offers a handful of restaurants, including an upscale option serving up flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico; a patio bar and grill; a poolside dining area; and a coffee and juice shop.

Rates at the Houstonian start around $469 per night. Or, members of I Prefer can book with points or cash and receive elitelike perks, including potential room upgrades, early check-in or late checkout and more.

Slightly west of Austin in the rolling hills, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is an oasis of relaxation and fun that serves up a side of gorgeous Texas sunsets. Here, you'll wake up in a room with huge windows that provide natural light and views of the surrounding hills; then, you can set off for all the adventures the resort has in store.

For starters, head to the Mokara Spa for a rejuvenating treatment then relax on your favorite level of a tiered pool deck. (It offers three different pools, including an adults-only option for people without kids.) The rest of the day is whatever you decide to make of it: Play a round at one of four golf courses, join in on one of 30 weekly fitness classes or take a private tennis lesson. You can also see what the seasonal activities schedule offers; it normally includes things like bounce houses for kids, arts and crafts and miniature golf.

Eight restaurants, bars and dining experiences — including a true Texas-style steakhouse, a Latin restaurant, an in-room dining option and poolside bites — round out the resort.

Rates at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa start around $343 per night.

North of sprawling Houston, Hilton Honors fanatics can book a vacation with points at The Woodlands Resort, a Curio Collection property that makes for a great trip, whether you want to stay for a weekend or an entire week.

There, 402 rooms and suites offer comfort for all. Some rooms open right up to a patio or balcony, and club-level rooms offer access to the Canopy Lounge. For even more fun, book a room that opens up directly to the pool.

Other on-site activities include golfing on 36 holes; a water park with a 30-foot waterslide and lazy river stretching over 1,000 feet; biking and jogging pathways; and even access to water sports equipment like pedal boats, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Feeling sore after all that activity? Book an in-room massage.

Food options include the Back Table Kitchen & Bar overlooking the golf course, a poolside grill, breakfast and lunch at Harrison's, and a lobby bar serving Texas classics until midnight.

Rates at The Woodlands Resort start around $230 per night or 60,000 Hilton Honors points.

Down in Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico, there's no hotel more iconic than the pink-hued Grand Galvez, aptly called "the Queen of the Gulf." Dating back to 1911, this resort has seen it all: It has hosted presidents, served as a wartime command center for the U.S. Coast Guard and managed a handful of brands before landing as a Marriott Autograph Collection property in 2023.

Now, it has been restored to its century-old splendor, featuring stunning and stately public spaces. Founders Bar has massive red chandeliers and a specialty cocktail called the Ghost Bride, named after a ghost that allegedly still calls the resort home. (If you're curious about the otherworldly, sign up for a ghost tour around the property.)

Guests can enjoy a luxurious spa, a popular Sunday brunch, an Instagram-worthy pink cabana at the pool and even soon-to-open private beach access. There's also an on-site boutique with stylish resort wear, an espresso bar and a restaurant serving seafood and steak.

Rates at The Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection start around $184 per night or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Marfa, Texas, is a haven for art lovers and a great entry point into rugged West Texas. About 30 miles away, Cibolo Creek Ranch offers a homey way to experience life in the west — Texas style — on a 30,000-acre ranch that dates back to the late 1800s.

At Cibolo Creek, guests get an immersive experience that starts in accommodations. Options range from poolside rooms to haciendas and forts full of rustic furniture, many rooms with fireplaces and included breakfast. Plus, guests to the ranch can enjoy an outdoor pool, pickleball courts, dining on Mexican food inside an adobe fort and more.

While at the ranch, newbie cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, birding, mountain-view yoga, spa treatments, shooting sport clays or learning about the area's history.

Rates at Cibolo Creek Ranch start around $408 per night.

In San Antonio, you definitely won't forget to "remember the Alamo," and you're sure to enjoy a rush of excitement at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld. After days packed with activity, if you're looking for a relaxing resort that packs a powerful punch, don't pass up a stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country. It has more than enough to keep your crew entertained.

At the 600-acre resort, you don't even have to leave for a full-on water park experience thanks to the resort's on-property water park, River Bluff Water Experience. It features 9 acres of fun, multiple pools (including one strictly for adults), a 1,100-foot lazy river, waterslides and cabanas you can rent.

For a more relaxing day, a spa offers a wide menu of treatments, or guests can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course. Afterward, retreat to the upscale steakhouse 18 Oaks for a true Texas-style dinner or indulge in Mexican food at Cibolo Moon. When it's time for bed, rest easy in one of more than 1,000 rooms and suites designed to fit any traveler's need.

Rates at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country start around $280 per night or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

As it turns out, big resorts in Texas love to have an on-property water park, and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country is no different. It features a 5-acre park with a 950-foot lazy river, an activity pool, a zero-entry beach, a baby pool and a waterslide.

Come for the water park but stay for everything else, including some great dining ranging from casual bar snacks to upscale lodge food. Other amenities include a 27-hole championship golf course, a spa and a calendar full of activities to keep the young and young-at-heart busy.

As for the rooms, expect fresh and modern design with a little Texas flair tossed in (think: dark wood and rich leather combined with framed art depicting cowboys and ranch life); there are also large suites so that families in need of more space can spread out.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa start around $230 per night or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

While some resorts in Texas are sprawling, Loews' latest major project in the Lone Star State is a massive convention hotel that might as well be a resort. It is smack in the middle of Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, making it the perfect place to stay for concerts and sporting events.

At the 800-plus room property, guests can take in stadium views from floor-to-ceiling windows or spread out in a large suite loaded with amenities like bathrobes, smart TVs, coffee makers and more.

While there's plenty to experience outside Lowes Arlington, be sure to block off plenty of time to take advantage of the hotel's pool complex, which features two decks. One deck is heated and open year-round, and one is seasonal; plus, there are cabana rentals and a bar to grab a drink.

No good resort is complete without a spa: The Spa at Loews Arlington has six treatment rooms and a 24-hour fitness center.

Food comes in many shapes and sizes here, from pan-Asian cuisine at the chic Soy Cowboy restaurant to Farena, an Italian restaurant with service three times daily. If you're still hungry, grab poolside cocktails and Mexican snacks at Tomar El Sol or order room service for a meal in bed.

Rates at the Lowes Arlington Hotel start around $229 per night.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.