North Loop Travel Guide

Plan your trip to North Loop, Austin, with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to North Loop

Located in the heart of Austin’s Central Hill Country, North Loop is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a mix of old-school Austin charm and new-wave Austin energy. This funky urban district is packed with locally-owned boutiques, vintage shops, coffeehouses, and live music venues.

Traveling to North Loop is easy, with several convenient transportation options available, and the area is home to many eclectic accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, foodie experiences, or just want to soak up the local atmosphere, North Loop has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in North Loop

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Texas State Capitol: Visit Texas’ most iconic landmark and state structure, located just a few miles south of North Loop. The building houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor.
  • Harry Ransom Center: Explore the world-renowned research library and museum that houses the cultural artifacts of artistic, literary, and scientific works. The center also hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
  • Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum: Visit the presidential library, museum, and archives dedicated to President Lyndon Baines Johnson.
  • University of Texas at Austin: Stroll around the campus of one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the United States.

Natural Attractions of North Loop: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Bonnell: Hike or bicycle up to the tallest point in Austin, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city skyline and the Colorado River.
  • Zilker Park: Enjoy a day at this 351-acre park, which offers various recreational activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and picnicking.
  • Lady Bird Lake: Rent a kayak or paddleboat to explore the scenic and serene waterways of the lake.
  • Barton Springs Pool: Take a refreshing dip in this natural spring-fed pool, which maintains a refreshing temperature of 68°F year-round.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Loop

  • Walnut Creek Trail: This 15-mile round-trip trail is perfect for mountain biking and hiking, offering several miles of wooded canopy and scenic overlooks.
  • Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail: Explore the hidden natural gem of Austin, which offers lush greenery, stunning rock formations, and several swimming holes. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
  • Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride on this well-maintained trail that runs along the banks of Lady Bird Lake. With picturesque views of the downtown skyline and public art along the path, it’s a great way to experience the Austin culture.

Best Things to Do in North Loop: Activities and Tours

  • Austin City Limits Live: Catch a live performance by one of the top musical talents at this world-renowned venue.
  • Texas Memorial Museum: Discover the natural history of Texas, including its rich geological, biological, and paleontological history.
  • Austin Bouldering Project: Test your rock-climbing abilities at the largest indoor bouldering gym in Austin.
  • Craft Brewery Tour: Embark on a beer-tasting adventure through the local breweries that are popping up all over North Loop.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Loop

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the local neighborhood with a coffeehouse tour
Day 2 Visit the cultural attractions and museums
Day 3 Enjoy an outdoor adventure at Zilker Park
Day 4 Take a leisurely hike at Walnut Creek Trail
Day 5 Indulge in the foodie scene with a food tour
Day 6 Relax and enjoy the vibrant music scene
Day 7 Explore nearby destinations, such as the Hamilton Pool Preserve

Food and Drink Scene of North Loop

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tex-Mex: Enjoy a plate of mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos, which are Austin’s signature dishes.
  • BBQ: Satisfy your hunger with a plate of juicy brisket, ribs, and pulled pork at one of the famous BBQ joints in the area.
  • Kolaches: Try the delicious Czech pastries that are a popular breakfast item in Texas.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beers: Sample the local brews and creative flavors at the numerous breweries that call North Loop home.
  • Mexican Martinis: Sip on the Austin classic cocktail that is known for packing a punch.
  • Texas Wines: Savor the locally-produced wines at the various wine bars and tasting rooms that dot the neighborhood.

Where to Stay in North Loop: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Ella: Experience luxury at its finest at this chic hotel that features elegant accommodations, a fine dining restaurant, and in-house spa.
  • Drifter Jack’s Hostel: Stay at the budget-friendly hostel that offers comfortable accommodations, a communal kitchen, and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Park Lane Guest House: Enjoy a cozy and relaxing stay at this charming bed and breakfast that features comfortable rooms, a lush garden, and complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in North Loop: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Vinyl Records: Browse and purchase from the extensive collections of vinyl records available at the vintage shops.
  • Handcrafted Goods: Shop for unique and locally-made jewelry, clothing, and gifts at the boutique stores that are scattered around North Loop.
  • Cowboy Boots: Treat yourself to the iconic Texas footwear that is available at the western wear stores in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of North Loop

Austin is known for its casual and laid-back attitude, and North Loop embodies this spirit. Locals in North Loop are friendly and welcoming, and visitors can blend in easily by embracing the local culture.

Best Time to Visit North Loop

The best time to visit North Loop is during the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May) when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summer can get hot and humid, and winter can be unpredictable weather-wise.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Loop

Do:

  • Be prepared to walk or bike around the area as parking can be difficult to find.
  • Make reservations at popular restaurants ahead of time.
  • Support local businesses and shop at the boutique stores.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disruptive late at night in residential areas.
  • Litter or damage the local sights.
  • Forget to try the local food and drink scene.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Loop

North Loop is a relatively safe neighborhood, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions against theft and vandalism.

Health in North Loop

Visitors should drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen when enjoying outdoor activities in North Loop, as the Texas sun can be intense. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the local flora and fauna and take precautions against any potential dangers.

Getting to North Loop: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Loop

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): The closest airport to North Loop, located approximately 20 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near North Loop

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Located 10 minutes away by car from North Loop.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Various car rental companies operate in the area, making it easy for visitors to rent a car and explore the surroundings at their own pace.

How to Get Around in North Loop

The best way to get around North Loop is by walking or biking, as the neighborhood is small and compact. Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft also operate in the area, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to navigate Austin.

Where to Go Next from North Loop: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hamilton Pool Preserve: Swim in the natural pool and explore the scenic caves and waterfalls at this nature preserve, located just a short drive west of North Loop.
  • Buda: Visit the charming and historic small town, located 20 minutes south of North Loop, which features local wineries, antique shops, and a historic downtown.
  • San Antonio: Take a day trip to the historic city of San Antonio, located 80 miles southwest of North Loop, where you can visit the iconic Alamo and enjoy the vibrant River Walk.

Conclusion

North Loop is a hidden gem in Austin that offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, natural wonders, foodie experiences, and outdoor adventures. Travelers who visit this vibrant urban district will be treated to an authentic Austin experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else. Plan your trip to North Loop today and enjoy everything that this charming neighborhood has to offer.