Austin Texas, USA Travel Guide
Austin’s natural landscape features many opportunities for outdoor activity, catering to various levels of thrill and relaxation.
Explore the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake), Barton Creek Greenbelt, or McKinney Falls State Park for diverse terrains.
Lady Bird Lake is well-liked for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and canoeing. Lake Travis and Lake Austin are ideal for motorbeing on a boat and jet skiing.
Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool are spring-fed options for refreshing swims. Hamilton Pool Preserve (reservations needed) offers a natural pool with a waterfall.
Always wear life jackets for watersports. Be aware of weather conditions and strong currents on lakes and rivers. Respect all posted warnings and regulations at natural swimming areas.
Engage with Austin's creative spirit through various cultural experiences, from artistic workshops to festivals and live music performances.
Austin boasts over 250 live music venues. Catch a show at ACL Live at Moody Theater, The Continental Club, Saxon Pub, or Broken Spoke.
Zach Theatre for professional regional theater. Ballet Austin, Austin Opera, and Austin Symphony Orchestra for classical performances.
Paramount Theatre & Stateside Theatre: Historic venues host concerts, films, and diverse performances.
South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival in October. F-1 United States Grand Prix in Oct/Nov.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival in the fall. Pecan Street Festival in spring and fall. Blues on the Green (free summer concert series).
Limited formal community-based tourism initiatives. Spanish language schools and classes are available for learning or practice.
Find tranquility and rejuvenation in Austin, with options ranging from luxurious spas to natural healing practices and outdoor yoga.
Barton Springs Pool features a natural spring-fed, cool water experience, ideal for invigorating swims. Austin has limited natural hot springs directly within its city limits.
Various yoga studios, like Black Swan Yoga and Eastside Yoga, provide classes. Occasional retreats are also available in the surrounding Hill Country for practice.
Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark on Lake Travis features a beach experience. Various hotel pools may make day passes available for non-guests.
Austin summers can be hot. Drink plenty of water, especially when outdoors.
Use sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours to prevent sunburn.
Pace yourself when engaging in outdoor activities. Take breaks and cool down as needed.
Austin’s nightlife buzzes with live music, diverse bars, and entertainment venues, living up to its "Live Music Capital of the World" title.
Paramount Theatre, Stateside Theatre, Zach Theatre, and Bass Concert Hall host a variety of theatrical productions and performances.
6th Street has many clubs with DJs, dancing, and cover bands. Rainey Street bars provide a more relaxed atmosphere, some with DJs. Elysium caters to goth/industrial music.
Many bars on 6th Street and Rainey Street remain open until 2 AM. Some food trucks also operate late into the night, offering after-hours food.
High-energy, often drawing college-age crowds, with many bars giveing affordable drinks and live music.
Features more upscale bars and craft cocktail lounges, a slightly more refined nightlife experience than Dirty Sixth.
Trendy, with outdoor patio bars housed in converted bungalows, featuring a different, often more relaxed vibe than 6th Street.
Stay aware of your surroundings, drink responsibly, and utilize ride-sharing services or designated drivers for safe transportation after a night out. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
Austin features diverse shopping experiences, from artisan crafts and small local shops to luxury brands and traditional markets.
"Keep Austin Weird" merchandise. Texas-themed items like chili mixes, BBQ rubs, and pecan treats. Local art and crafts. Music-related souvenirs.
The Domain: A luxury outdoor shopping center with key national and international brands. South Congress: Independent boutiques, vintage shops, unique local finds. 2nd Street District: Boutique clothing, jewelry, and home goods downtown.
Support local artists and businesses. Seek out products made in Texas or the USA. This approach benefits the local economy.
Choosing local boutiques and markets over large chain stores directly benefits Austin's unique economy and creative community. Look for "Made in Austin" tags.
