Austin, Texas, Journey Information

The capital of Texas, Austin is a bustling metropolis that pulls everybody from tech giants to wannabe Willie Nelsons. It is often called the Stay Music Capital of the World, and each night time of the week, you’ll discover crooners belting out tunes at ramshackle dive bars and world-class theaters. No matter style you’re into, you’ll discover it in Austin.

Aside from the coveted music scene, Austin is bursting with outside pursuits, from kayak journeys throughout Woman Chook Lake and hikes by way of the Barton Creek Greenbelt to runs by way of the town’s huge path system. Bikers love Austin, because it’s one of many few cycling-friendly cities within the state. Town can be house to the full of life College of Texas at Austin, so anticipate a sea of burnt orange come soccer season and Matthew McConaughey, the college’s Minister of Tradition, on the sidelines cheering on his Longhorns. “As a result of we now have UT right here, there’s nonetheless quite a lot of locations which can be focused for youthful generations, which helps me keep younger,” says Cindy Y. Lo, an Austinite, occasion planner, public speaker, and creator who got here to check at UT in 1994 and by no means left.

Austin has loads of incredible accommodations, from storied boutique properties to sprawling oases just like the Commodore Perry Estate, which transports you to the Texas Hill Nation, the Mediterranean, and the roaring ’20s abruptly. Sprawl out subsequent to a lodge pool for a day, or get your steps in and take a look at a few of Austin’s high eateries, which embody arguably the most effective tacos you’ll ever have, award-winning craft barbecue, and Michelin-starred eating all over the place you flip.

Austin is undeniably a hub for creatives—whether or not your medium is paint, brisket, or a worn-out guitar. It’s at all times been a spot for these seeking to categorical themselves, with the motto “Maintain Austin Bizarre” always igniting innovation throughout the town. Right here, our information to Austin’s bizarre but fantastic scene.

Finest Resorts & Resorts

Fairmont Austin

Downtown, the Fairmont Austin gives six eating venues, three bars, an distinctive spa and pool, and beautiful views of the skyline, Woman Chook Lake, and the State Capitol constructing. There are greater than 1,000 visitor rooms and suites, and locals and visitors alike adore the rooftop pool, which gives cabana leases and poolside cocktails and snacks. “The rooms on the Fairmont Austin are large,” says Lo. “If measurement issues, they’re nice in comparison with what you get at different downtown Austin properties.” Ebook a spa appointment so you may benefit from the solariums, full with sizzling tubs and lounge areas.

Austin Correct Lodge

In all places you flip on the Austin Proper Hotel, you’ll discover Instagrammable areas, from a sculptural staircase lined with classic rugs to a tiled restaurant wall that appears like a patchwork quilt. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the downtown lodge gives 238 rooms and suites; a rooftop pool, spa, and restoration space; and 4 on-site eateries. The Peacock serves Mediterranean meals and natural wines in a heat, inviting house, whereas La Piscina delivers contemporary ceviche, scorching fajitas, and small-batch tequilas on the rooftop.

Lodge Saint Cecilia

Awarded a Michelin Key in 2024, Hotel Saint Cecilia is a boutique property within the Travis Heights neighborhood with 5 suites, six poolside bungalows, six backyard suites, and three studios. It was initially in-built 1888 because the Miller-Crockett home and was as soon as occupied by a descendant of Alamo legend Davy Crockett. It’s one among 5 remaining Victorian houses of the 12 initially constructed alongside this part of the Colorado River, and its secluded grounds are open solely to lodge visitors and members. Benefit from the heated lap pool, meals on the Lodge Saint Cecilia Lounge, and the lending library, the place you may borrow classic LPs to play again in your room’s turntable.

Commodore Perry Property, Auberge Resorts Assortment

Named the best hotel in Austin by T+L readers, the Commodore Perry Estate blends European opulence with Hill Nation appeal. Manicured gardens and a dreamy courtyard throughout 10 acres make the proper backdrop for croquet and lounging by the property pool, whereas rooms function Juliette balconies, terraces, daring wallpapers, and heirloom furnishings. Lutie’s Restaurant transports you to the Jazz Age with craft cocktails, velvet barstools, and classic glam set within the formal gardens. “My favourite cocktail right here is the Keep Gold, and their zero-proof cocktails as properly,” Lo shares. The lodge has two Michelin Keys and on-site actions embody en plein air portray courses, Texas wine tastings by the property sommelier, culinary courses, and boat days on Lake Travis.

Line Lodge

Previously a jazz membership, the Line Hotel gives views of Woman Chook Lake and downtown Austin, with 400-plus rooms and suites, an infinity pool that serves tacos and margaritas all day, and quite a few on-site eating ideas. P6 is the lodge’s lounge and bar the place you may watch the sundown over Congress Bridge, and Arlo Gray is the restaurant specializing in central Texas elements. Veracruz All Pure is a coastal Mexican taqueria, whereas Cantero honors sotol, a local Texas spirit. Friends could use complimentary paddleboards on the lake or try the occasion calendar, which might embody tarot within the foyer, joyful hour, and yoga.

Finest Issues to Do

Get on the water.

Austin is heat for a majority of the 12 months, and the town is filled with swimming holes and spots for paddling. Woman Chook Lake is nice for kayaking, as there are quite a few launch factors and the calm waters give supply a relaxed journey as you float by way of the town. For boating, swimming, and water sports activities, Lake Travis and Lake Austin are each glorious choices with beautiful views of hilltop houses close by. And for a lazy day of sunbathing or hanging with associates, there’s Barton Springs, a three-acre spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, and the Deep Eddy Pool, one other spring-fed possibility.

See dwell music.

You possibly can’t go to the Stay Music Capital of the World and never see a present or two. Venues giant and small throughout Austin supply dwell music units each night time of the week, from grunge and pop to electrical, Tejano, and Texas nation. Antone’s, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2025, is the place for blues, and the historic Paramount Theatre is an iconic venue for nation, jazz, rock, and extra. Mohawk is the place for indie, hip-hop, and metallic, and the Carousel Lounge‘s small stage continues to maintain Austin bizarre.

Hit the path.

Austinites are usually very energetic. There are a lot of choices for hitting the pavement, and also you’ll see bikers, hikers, and runners buzzing about all over the place. The Barton Creek Greenbelt has 12 miles of trails by way of South Austin for climbing, biking, mountain climbing, and swimming, and the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Woman Chook Lake welcomes cyclists, walkers, and runners with attractive skyline views. Cyclists and inline skaters love the Veloway, a three-mile pedestrian-free path, and the Violet Crown Trail runs 13 miles from Zilker Park to the Woman Chook Johnson Wildflower Middle. Lo recommends a morning trek up Mount Bonnell for beautiful views of Austin and surrounding Hill Nation.

Go on an Austin meals tour.

There’s a lot good meals to expertise in Austin, so why not take a tour by way of the town to get your bearings? Secret Food Tours Austin takes you to pattern breakfast tacos, barbecue, and extra, and Austin Eats Food Tours will get boozy with breweries, cocktail bars, and brunch spots, amongst different choices. The Twisted Texas Tour has a Brew Bus and a Brunch Bus, the place you’ll traverse the town for craft beers and brunch whereas having fun with a live performance on the street.

Discover South Congress Avenue.

Austin’s South Congress Avenue (SoCo) attracts a mixture of guests and locals who come for eclectic purchasing, dwell music, and nice eating places. The historic Continental Club has seen the likes of Leon Bridges, Robert Plant, Gary Clark Jr., and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the always-photographed “I Love You So A lot” mural is close by. Meals vans and bars are ample, and classic outlets and boutiques will hold you busy for hours.

Finest Buying

The Area

The Domain is an outside shopping center in North Austin filled with mid-range to luxurious shops, together with huge names similar to Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Anthropologie, Rolex, and extra. That is your cease for all of it: clothes, decor, furnishings, items, and baubles, as The Area has greater than 100 purchasing and eating choices.

Classic

Austin is ripe with classic outlets which can be filled with clothes and enjoyable decor so as to add to your wardrobe or house. Leopard Lounge has denim, assertion T-shirts, and must-have boots, and Monkies Vintage & Thrift is close to the UT campus with common offers. Uncommon Objects is stocked with jewellery, taxidermy, positive china, and the whole lot you by no means knew you wanted, and Room Service Vintage has furnishings, lighting, information, and clothes.

Allens Boots

On the lookout for your first pair of cowboy boots? Head to Allens Boots, which has been open on South Congress since 1977. In-store consultants may also help you discover the fitting boots with an ideal match, or you may customise a pair of your personal, selecting the leather-based and heel and toe kind. Prepared-made choices come in brief or bootie kinds to knee-high showstoppers in a rainbow of colours. “Allens has the biggest choice and widest worth vary for these on a price range and people who need to splurge,” says Lo. “I’ve by no means been in a position to depart Allens with out shopping for one other pair of trainers.”

Maufrais

Cowboy hats are the secret at Maufrais, the place you may select your fashion and have it formed to your liking. Add on a hat band, pin, or feather to customise your new lid. Types fluctuate, which means you may choose your participant: coastal cowgirl, boho cowgirl, or rodeo queen, amongst others.

Nightlife

East Austin

East sixth Road could have the nickname “Soiled Sixth,” however you may discover a variety of bars to probe for an evening out. Whisler’s is an award-winning cocktail bar with 4 seasonal menus a 12 months, plus an all-mezcal bar upstairs. For those who’re searching for a honky-tonk, head to The White Horse. Yellow Jacket Social Club is a tucked away dive with weekend brunch, and The Lucky Duck has a big patio and a meals truck. Lo recommends an evening out right here, noting each bar has one thing to supply.

Downtown

Downtown is full of elevated bars and beloved dives. Powder Room is an upscale cocktail bar with a no-phone coverage—you test your cell on the door so everybody can dangle up and hang around. El Cockfight is a mezcal and tequila bar with a cool rooftop vibe. Close to The Driskill, Here Nor There is a hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy that requires reservations. When you safe a spot, you’ll be despatched a code to unlock the doorway.

South Congress

Close to downtown, South Congress is the place throngs of individuals congregate for purchasing, music, dinner, and, after all, after-dinner drinks. Watertrade is an intimate Japanese-style cocktail bar with whiskies, sake, craft cocktails, and bar bites coming from the connected omakase-style Otoko. Equipment Room, inside Lodge Magdalena, has basic cocktails and a heavy concentrate on music, whereas June’s focuses on wine.

Finest Eating places

Fonda San Miguel

Fonda San Miguel is value a go to just because it’s one among Austin’s most stunning eating places. Step inside and discover breathtaking chandeliers, leafy foliage at each flip, bold-colored partitions studded with Mexican work, and hanging alebrijes—dreamscape figures that depict animals, objects, and imaginary creatures. Inside and coastal Mexican delicacies is the main focus, with dishes stemming from Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, and Yucatán. “I extremely suggest the mango frozen margarita, no matter particular they’ve that day for starters, and enchiladas de pato or camarones con chipotle,” says Lo. “Plan forward and make a reservation, or go early sufficient and check out your luck sitting within the bar space, which is a big, enclosed patio.”

Discada

Nice tacos are plentiful in Austin, and pinning down the most effective is perhaps powerful. However what makes Discada stand out is its simplicity. Discada cooking is a northern Mexican approach, the place elements are blended collectively in a tractor plow disc earlier than being piled into tacos. Right here, the one alternative you must make is what number of tacos you’d like. Your order comes with beef, pork, bell peppers, and onions gradual cooked for six hours within the disc. Tacos are topped with onion, cilantro, pineapple, and salsa. Did we point out this spot is Michelin really useful?

Lenoir

Nice for date night time, Lenoir is a Michelin-recommended spot highlighting seasonal Texas elements. There’s a wine backyard out again, and inside, bench and bar seating create an intimate but up to date really feel. The crab fingers, served with curry leaf leche de tigre and smoked chili oil, are at all times successful, as is the large house-made bread with fermented pepper pimento cheese. Seasonal menu objects rotate, so anticipate one thing new usually.

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

Very like tacos, craft barbecue is ample in Austin, and also you’ll discover tasty bites throughout the town. Nonetheless, LeRoy and Lewis takes the cake with one Michelin star. The “new-school barbecue” spot blends basic Texas barbecue with new-wave choices, like flat iron beef paired with kale Caesar slaw and grain salad. After all, the basic Texas barbecue objects, like brisket and sausage, are a should, however you also needs to dabble with the meat cheeks, entire hog, frito pie, and chori-papas (chorizo, fried potatoes, cheese, and salsa).

Emmer & Rye

Winner of a Bib Gourmand and Inexperienced Star from Michelin, Emmer & Rye is a New American spot specializing in seasonal elements. They make their very own pasta, bread, and desserts from heirloom grains, and an in-house fermentation program permits the workforce to protect flavors and serve within the off season. The cacio e pepe is a fan favourite, made with Challerhocker Swiss cheese, and the pappardelle is served with a smoked wagyu beef ragu, crème fraîche, and Texas olive oil.

Finest Time to Go to

The autumn months (September to November) are nice for visiting Austin, as temperatures are decrease and the town’s huge occasions are unfolding. Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place in October, as does the Austin Film Festival. The Austin Food & Wine Festival is held in November, and soccer season can be in full swing throughout autumn. Spring can be an important alternative, as you’ll get blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures. In March, SXSW takes over the town, and in Could, the chef-driven Hot Luck Live Food & Music pageant attracts crowds at numerous venues. The summer time months convey temperatures within the triple digits and it may be harmful if you happen to’re outdoors for too lengthy.

Methods to Get There

Fly into Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport (AUS), which can put you instantly within the metropolis. For those who’re situated in Texas already, a flight can be quicker than driving, however since many Texans love a street journey, plan for no less than a couple of hours to achieve the town. Austin is about 200 miles south of Dallas, or 80 miles north of San Antonio.

For those who’re based mostly in Dallas-Fort Price, you may additionally take a Vonlane bus straight into Austin. Vonlane is a luxurious bus firm with giant reclining seats, an on-board attendant who serves complimentary drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi, loads of electrical retailers, and, relying on the timeframe, an included meal together with your ticket. Plus, there are not any center seats. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle prepare additionally stops in Austin on its journey from Chicago to San Antonio.

Neighborhoods to Go to 

South Austin

The vibe is a bit slower in South Austin, the place you’ll discover folks idling away in Zilker Park, tossing round a frisbee, or having fun with a picnic. South Austin can be house to Barton Springs, the UMLAUF Sculpture Backyard + Museum, and the Zilker Botanical Backyard—all locations the place folks spend a lazy afternoon with family members. Numerous long-standing outlets and eating places are present in South Austin as properly, blended in with newer spots that hold issues contemporary.

East Austin

East Austin is an up-and-coming space, as extra bars and eating places proceed to open right here always. There’s at all times a brand new store, meals truck, or restaurant that seemingly pops up in a single day, which means this neighborhood is a sizzling spot for stylish eats and buzzy nights.

Downtown Austin

It’s arduous to overlook the center of the town, however it is best to give your self a while to discover right here. See the Texas State Capitol constructing or kayak alongside Woman Chook Lake. Stay music venues like Antone’s and the Moody Theater are plentiful, as are murals, native outlets, and eating places.

South Congress

South Congress is rarely sleepy. Right here, you’ll discover funky outlets and boutiques, buzzy espresso spots, cute cocktail bars, top-notch eating, and, after all, extra dwell music. This space is pedestrian pleasant, so spend a while looking the outlets or soak up a day on a shaded patio.

Methods to Get Round

You possibly can lease a automotive at Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport, however parking in Austin might be troublesome and restricted, particularly throughout festivals and huge occasions. Sure, there are parking garages and plenty all through the town, however discovering alternate transportation is simpler. Journey-share companies are ample all through the town and are nice for getting round.

Scooters are large in Austin, and also you’ll discover numerous electrical scooter stations from Lime, Chook, Lyft, and extra all through the town. Electric bikes through CapMetro can be found to lease from greater than 40 stations all through the town, and there are different outlets like Barton Springs Bike Rental that provide leases, too.

Public transportation through CapMetro can be an possibility. CapMetro is a community of bus routes with 1,600 bus stops and 82 routes. The CapMetro app means that you can purchase passes and take a look at routes. The CapMetro Rail system connects Austin on a 32-mile line from Leander, Texas to downtown Austin with 9 stops in between.