Austin Travel Guide

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Top Attractions

Cheap Flying Tips

Where to Stay

Things to Do

Your Guide to Austin, Texas

Long known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin, Texas is a great destination spot for families of all sizes. Knowing what to expect when you arrive can make all the difference with so much to do and see in this bustling city.

Whether you’re absorbing the city’s cultural complexity or seeing the beauty of the natural surroundings, Austin, Texas, is a great destination vacation spot for people of all backgrounds. We’ve put together this guide to spend less time planning your trip and more time getting to know the city and enjoying what it has to offer. Let’s get to it!

Top Attractions in Austin, Texas

Since Austin, Texas is one of the sunniest cities in all of America, the sky really is the limit regarding how much there is to do throughout the city. From its food vendors and hiking paths to its fabulous nightlife and live music, there is something for everyone to experience. Top attractions include:

Moody Theater
Broken Spoke
Lake Travis Zip Lines

With so much history and culture to experience, let’s take a look at the top three can’t miss attractions in Austin, Texas.

Live It Up at the Moody Theater

With its strong roots in live music, no trip to Austin, Texas would be complete without stopping in at Moody Theater. Originally found on the University of Texas campus, Moody Theater was moved to its new home right next to the W Austin hotel back in 2011.

With seating available for just over 2,700 people, there’s plenty to see, including live entertainment, and even a Willie Nelson statue commemorating the artist. With live music playing such a massive role in the city’s history, you’ll always hear new sounds and shows going on any time of the day.

Grab a Drink at the Broken Spoke

Once considered a “hole-in-the-wall” dive bar, Broken Spoke prides itself in being one of the last Texas dance halls that’s still in operation. Having opened its doors in the early seventies, the Broken Spoke has had 50 years’ worth of visitors from all walks of life.

Here, you can enjoy a bit of live music or put on your best dancing shoes and join in on the dancing fun; They even offer dance classes on certain days. Once you’ve tired yourself out, treat yourself to a beer and one of Broken Spoke’s classic chicken-fried steaks before hitting the old dusty trail.

See the Sights on the Lake Travis Zip Lines

Thrill seekers, this one’s for you! Lake Travis Ziplines is an awesome way to see the city from a whole new angle, with a little bit of excitement on the side. With 5 different zip lines available, experience some of the longest, fastest ziplines Texas has to offer as you fly across the landscape and take in the view.

Lake Travis Zip Lines gives you everything you need, including transportation and a place to relax in between zips. Lounge in one of their hammocks or even enjoy all day access to their own private lake front property, where you can enjoy some downtime with the family before you’re ready to hit the lines again!

The Experience Flying into Austin, Texas Airports

If you plan on flying in to Austin, Texas, chances are you’ll be landing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which serves the Greater Austin Texas area. Downtown Austin is only 5 miles northwest of the airport and currently resides on what used to be the Bergstrom Air Force Base.

Named after a former officer of the 19^th bombardment group, Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, the airport is home to some of its own bit of history within the state. The state intends on adding a completely new terminal, with 32 available gates, so the already busy international import will only get busier in the coming years.

Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Austin, Texas

Before you set out on your trip to Austin, Texas, it’s important to do your homework in order to save the most amount of money you can on your travel expenses. Here are our three best tips in regards to keeping the cost of your flight low:

1. Book your flight as early as you possibly can.

Book your flight as early as you possibly can. If you can plan your trip further than 3 weeks out, chances are you’ll get better pricing on your tickets, and save a significant amount of money compared to buying them the day or week of your trip.

2. Plan your trip in the summer or the fall

Plan your trip in the summer or the fall, and stay away from the springtime trips. Right around March is Austin, Texas’s busiest time of the year, with flowers in bloom and concerts taking place, trips to Austin, Texas can get pretty expensive pretty fast.

3. Don’t settle for the first set of tickets you find

Don’t settle for the first set of tickets you find, even if they look like a good deal. With so many resources available to you via the internet, take your time searching and comparing prices to make sure you get the best possible deal available to you.

Popular Areas of the City to Stay

Due to the size of Austin, Texas, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out where things are, or where you should stay during your visit. Here are a few of the areas in Austin many visitors choose to stay based on what each of the areas offer.

1. downtown Austin

Just a short 5-mile drive from the airport, downtown Austin is a great option if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of big city living. While work is in session during the week, there’s plenty of amenities within the city that visitors can use to quickly travers the city and see what it has to offer.

2. South Congress

One of the greatest areas of attraction for tourists both near and far is South Congress. Located close to the Texas State Capitol building, there’s plenty of access to redone shopping centers and restaurants scattered through the area. South Congress is the perfect area to stay if you’re looking to take in some city culture and want access to plenty of activities.

3. South Lamar

If you want to be close to the outdoor recreational activities, then look no further than South Lamar. While South Lamar is small, this growing neighborhood also has plenty of access to shops and bars, meaning you’ll never run out of something to experience.

Popular Hotels in those Areas

Let’s take a look at some of the top choice hotels in the areas, so you know what to expect for potential lodging.

Hotels Available in Downtown Austin

The Westin Austin Downtown: Perfect blend of quiet vacation mixed with inner city living. A top choice for those looking to stay smack dab in the city.

JW Marriot Austin: A more affordable hotel option that doesn’t skimp out on the feel of premium. Reasonably priced, with access to city amenities, what more could you ask for?

Hotels Available in South Congress

Austin Proper Hotel: Access to the best shopping and entertainment, with lodging arrangements that are flush with class.

The Driskill: Considered the pinnacle of Texan Hospitality, you’ll have access to some of Austin’s richest cultural areas available.

Hotels Available in South Lamar

The Line Austin: If you’re looking for the perfect amount of quiet life, with just a pinch of city living, then The Line Austin is the perfect place to stay.

La Quinta Inn & Suites: Located just off the highway, you’ll be able to circumnavigate your travel during your stay pretty easy staying at La Quinta Inn.

Popular VRBO Places in Those Areas

Hill Country Estate

Discover the beauty of the Texas Hill Country in this stunning estate, featuring a private pool, outdoor kitchen, and breathtaking views. Located close to downtown Austin, this luxurious rental offers the best of both worlds.

South Congress Bungalow

Immerse yourself in Austin’s iconic music scene from this charming South Congress bungalow. With a vintage-inspired interior, lush backyard, and easy access to the city’s top attractions, this rental is perfect for music lovers.

Modern Downtown Loft

Experience Austin’s urban energy from this sleek downtown loft, featuring high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a prime location near top dining and entertainment options. Ideal for urban adventurers and business travelers.

Lake Travis Retreat

Unwind in this tranquil lakefront retreat, located on the shores of Lake Travis. With a private boat dock, expansive deck, and stylish interiors, this rental offers a serene escape from the bustling city.

Top Things to do in Austin, Texas

Now that you know the different areas available to stay, let’s take a look at some of the different entertainment things to do and events you can enjoy during your stay in Austin, Texas.

Take a Trip Up Mount Bonnell

If you’re looking to experience the natural side of Austin, Texas, look no further than Mount Bonnell. Home to a massive 775-foot outcrop, you’ll be able to see just about everything in the surrounding areas. If you find yourself at the top of Mount Bonnell’s outcrop on a clear day, you’ll be able to see the city in all of its glory.

Get Lost in the Blanton Museum of Art

If you find yourself by the University of Texas, Austin, it’s worth taking a trip through the Blanton Museum of Art. Packed to the brim with over 18,000 pieces of art, it’s considered to be one of the largest university-based art museums available in all of the United States. With so much art, you’ll find beautiful works from every corner and time period around the globe.

Dance Down on Sixth Street

If you’re looking for less mainstream, Sixth Street is the perfect place for you to experience in Austin, Texas. Known as the Dirty Sixth to locals, Sixth Street is home to many different shops and restaurants, and it’s where up-and-coming musical talent comes to showcase what they’ve got!

Go for a Swim in the Barton Springs Pool

The Barton Springs Pool is located within Zilker Park and is a must visit if you ask any of the locals. This beautiful swimming spot was formed from the underground springs, which help to keep the water temperature perfect in any weather. For the educational enthusiasts, there’s even an exhibit where you can learn all about the science and history behind the Barton Springs Pool.

Now Get Out There and Enjoy

Whether it’s your first time visiting, or you’re experiencing the charm of Austin, Texas for the hundredth time, you’ll always find something to experience. Whether you’re crawling the bars downtown enjoying the nightlife, or walking the art and museum halls soaking in the culture and heritage, you’ll enjoy every bit of your stay in the city.

As you prepare for your trip, we hope this guide can act as a flashlight, showing you the best way to experience what the city has to offer. Be sure to do as much research about peak times and what to see when you go, so you can focus less on where it is you’re going and spend more time enjoying yourself.