Austin Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Texas? Check out this comprehensive travel guide to Austin for tips on the best sights, food, accommodations, and more!


Introduction to Austin

Located in the heart of Texas, Austin is a vibrant city that is known for its bustling music scene, incredible food, and beautiful natural attractions. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, there is something for everyone in Austin. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay in Austin.

List of Places to Visit in Austin

From museums and outdoor attractions to amazing food and nightlight, Austin has it all. Here are the top attractions you can’t miss when visiting the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Austin is rich in history and culture, making it the perfect destination for history buffs and those interested in the arts. These are just a few of the important cultural attractions in Austin:

  • The State Capitol: Completed in 1888, the Capitol is a stunning piece of architecture, and is an important political hub in the state of Texas.
  • The Blanton Museum of Art: Featuring more than 17,000 pieces, the Blanton Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers.
  • The Bullock Texas State History Museum: An interactive, family-friendly museum that showcases the rich history of Texas.
  • The Harry Ransom Center: A world-renowned research library and museum that houses important literary and artistic works.

Natural Attractions of Austin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Austin is blessed with breathtaking natural attractions. Here are some places to visit for outdoor fun in Austin:

  • Barton Springs Pool: This popular attraction is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and is one of the most beloved natural swimming pools in the city.
  • The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: This 284-acre nature reserve is home to a variety of native plants, flowers, and wildlife, and offers a serene retreat from the city.
  • The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: This beautiful trail that follows the banks of Lady Bird Lake throughout the city and passes through many of Austin’s major parks.
  • Mount Bonnell: This peak offers stunning views of Austin’s hillsides and is a great spot for a picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Austin

Austin has miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • The Barton Creek Greenbelt: A favorite among locals, this trail offers a challenging hike with beautiful scenic views.
  • The Walnut Creek Trail: An easy, three-mile out-and-back trail that is perfect for a quick afternoon ride or walk.
  • The Southern Walnut Creek Trail: This trail offers 7.3 miles of scenic riding or hiking throughout the city.

Best Things to Do in Austin: Activities and Tours

In addition to the above-mentioned places, Austin has plenty of fun activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • The Sixth Street Entertainment District: This lively strip is lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues, making it the perfect destination for a night out on the town.
  • The Austin Detours Van Tours: This company provides a variety of tours through some of the best sights in the city including food and brewery tours.
  • The Austin Duck Adventures: Jump aboard an amphibious duck vehicle, and tour Austin via both land and sea.
  • Jester King Brewery: This brewery is located just outside of Austin and is known for its flavorful beer and scenic views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Austin

If you’re planning a longer stay in Austin, you may be wondering how best to spend your time. Here’s our recommended itinerary for a week in Austin:

Day Activity
1 Visit the State Capitol
2 Explore the Blanton Museum
3 Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
4 Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
5 Take a Brewery or Food Tour
6 Hike Mount Bonnell or try some retail therapy in South Congress Avenue
7 Spend the day at Barton Springs Pool

Food and Drink Scene of Austin

Austin is known for its innovative food scene and the host of local beers, wines, and spirits it offers. Here are our top picks for food and drink in Austin:

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ: Austin is famous for its BBQ, with amazing hotspots like Franklin Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, and Stiles Switch BBQ.
  • Tacos: A local delicacy, try Vera Cruz All Natural, Trill Taqueria, or Torchy’s Tacos.
  • Breakfast Tacos: Try Taco Deli, Joe’s Bakery, or Paperboy.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Sample local breweries such as Jester King Brewery, Independence Brewing Company, or Zilker Brewing Company.
  • Wine: Visit the vineyards, Cork & Co., the Austin Winery, or the Visconti Vineyard for a taste of Texas- produced wine.
  • Spirits: Try the Garrison Brothers Distillery or the Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery to see where the craft spirits are being made.

Where to Stay in Austin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are countless accommodations options in Austin to suit every budget and preference. Here are our top picks across the range:

  • Best Overall: Line Austin. This hotel has an amazing atmosphere, good location, and excellent service.
  • Best for Budget Travellers: Drifter Jack’s Hostel is a comfortable, clean, and cheap, hostel located near the University of Texas campus.
  • Best for Luxury Travellers: The Fairmont Austin. This hotel offers you the ultimate luxury experience in the center of downtown.

What to Buy in Austin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Want to bring home a little piece of Austin with you? Here are some souvenirs and local products that are unique to the city:

  • Cowboy boots from Allens Boots: This iconic store, located on the famous South Congress Avenue, sells some of the best-known boots in Texas.
  • Mementos from the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: This annual event showcases some of the best work from artists and craftsmen across Texas.
  • Hand-crafted jewelry from Kendra Scott: A modern-American jewelry company that produces Austin-style hypoallergenic pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Austin

Austin has built a unique and welcoming culture over the years. Here are a few interesting customs and cultural practices to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Live Music Capital of the World: Austin is known for its lively music scene and is home to many musical genres including country, blues, and rock.
  • Being eco-friendly is important: Many locals in Austin prioritize environmental stewardship with alternative approaches such as solar-powered homes, eco-friendly products.
  • The university life: Austin is home to the University of Texas campus, bringing a youthful vibe to the city.

Best Time to Visit Austin

The best time to visit Austin depends on your preferences. Here are things to consider when planning your trip:

  • Spring (March to May) is prime for outdoor activities, festivals, and bluebonnets season.
  • Summer (June to August) is the ideal time for swimming and music festivals, but it can be hot and crowded.
  • Fall (September to November) is also an excellent time for festivals, outdoor activities, and back-to-school energy.
  • Winter (December to February) is the best option for budget travellers- hotel prices and attractions have fewer crowds making it more affordable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Austin

In general, Austin is a very welcoming city, but here are some suggestions to ensure you have a pleasant stay:

Do:

  • Take your sun protection seriously – the sun is hot in Austin and can lead to severe sunburn.
  • Take a dip in Barton Springs, a beloved Austin tradition.
  • Be considerate to other outdoor recreators – leave no trash and leave no trace.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter! Austin is a litter-free city.
  • Don’t forget that traffic can get pretty heavy, like in any city.

Safety and Health

Safety in Austin

Austin is a relatively safe city. However, like any city, caution and common sense should be exercised. Follow these safety tips while visiting Austin:

  • Always lock your door and windows in hotel rooms and apartments.
  • Stay alert at night and stick to well-lit areas.

Health in Austin

Visitors to Austin should take basic precautions to maintain their health and safety while on vacation. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe:

  • Stay hydrated – the heat can be intense, so take plenty of water with you.
  • Protect against mosquitoes and diseases. Austin can be a breeding ground for various diseases transmitted by mosquitos.

Getting to Austin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Austin is a well-served city with lots of transportation options to choose from. Here are your options:

Airports Near Austin

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Bus Stations Near Austin

  • Megabus
  • Greyhound

Other Options

  • Car Rentals, such as Hertz, Budget, and Enterprise, are readily available throughout the city. You can Zoom to Right in time. There are also electric scooters and bikes readily available provided by Spin, Lime, and Bird.

How to Get Around in Austin

Austin is a walkable city, especially in downtown areas. Most of the natural attractions are outside of the city center. The following transportation alternatives are available:

  • Use the Capital Metro System, which offers bus and rail service with multiple connection points across town.
  • Use a bike rental service or grab a scooter for closer access.
  • Taxis are also available throughout town, but ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are often cheaper.

Where to Go Next from Austin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re planning a longer trip through Texas, there are plenty of other destinations to consider from Austin. Here are some recommendations:

  • San Antonio: Just a 90-minute drive away from Austin, San Antonio is home to the Alamo, the River Walk, and numerous other attractions to explore.
  • Dallas–Fort Worth: A three-hour drive from Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth offers a wide variety of attractions, including the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
  • Houston: A two and a half-hour drive from Austin, Houston has numerous museums, parks, and other attractions making it the ideal destination for history buffs and art lovers.

Conclusion

Austin has a unique culture and so much to offer travelers- from music and art to outdoor recreation and fantastic food. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to plan your trip to Austin. Don’t forget to bring your hat to block the sun and your cowboys boots to be fully immersed in the Austin-life to enjoy some of the best sights, food and drinks in Texas!

The state capitol The state capitol The Austin skyline, as of 2010 The Austin skyline, as of 2010 The University of Texas Tower The University of Texas Tower


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