The Basics
Austin Travel Basics
Austin is awesome. Texas Hill Country, natural swimming holes, live music on every corner, breakfast tacos, and artsy vibes across the city make it a place that offers outdoor activities and nightlife in equal measure.
Summers are hot, so spring and fall are the best times to visit if you have flexibility. If you go in summer, make swimming holes part of the plan. Downtown and South Congress are walkable once you are there, but you will want a car or plenty of rideshares to reach the Greenbelt, Hamilton Pool, and other spots farther out.
The Highlights
Things to Do in Austin
Barton Springs Pool is a must. Entry is $9, the water is freezing no matter how hot it is outside, and people spend hours there, so bring snacks and settle in. Hamilton Pool Preserve is another great natural swimming spot, but reservations are required ahead of time. The reservation is $12 plus an $8 fee once you arrive.
Get out on the water too. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake LBJ are popular, and the views are worth the afternoon. Back in the city, wander South Congress for vintage shops and people watching, though it leans high end and pricey.
For a proper Austin night, 6th Street is the bar and restaurant district everyone talks about. For something different, Broken Spoke is the spot for country dancing. During the day, the Blanton Museum of Art, Texas State Capitol, and Zilker Park are all worthwhile stops.
Outside the City
Best Hikes & Views
Barton Creek Greenbelt is the classic Austin hike, with miles of trail and swimming holes tucked along the route depending on water levels. Mount Bonnell is a short climb with one of the best views over the city and Lake Austin, especially around sunset.
For something different, walk or hike out to the Pennybacker Bridge overlook, also called the 360 Bridge. It is one of the most photographed views in Austin. McKinney Falls State Park is a good half-day trip for waterfalls and easy trails without leaving the city. Entry is $6.
Neighborhoods
Where to Stay in Austin
South Congress keeps you close to shopping, restaurants, and an easy walk or short ride into Downtown. Downtown or Rainey Street is the move for nightlife and walkability to 6th Street. East Austin is a good option if you want a more local, less touristy home base with good food nearby.
Eat Well
Food to Eat
Torchy's Tacos is an Austin institution, and the queso alone is worth the stop. Franklin's BBQ is the famous one. The wait is usually long, but it is worth planning your morning around. For something different, Boteco serves Brazilian food, including great coxinha. Kerbey Lane Cafe is a solid pick any time of day, and finish with Amy's Ice Cream, especially the Mexican Vanilla.
After Dark
Where to Drink
6th Street delivers on nearly every block. Deep Eddy Vodka and Tito's Drinking Room are good stops if you are into local distilleries. Austin Eastciders works well if beer and vodka are not your thing. For a low-key night that still feels like an event, Alamo Drafthouse serves food and drinks right to your movie seat.
Keep More Cash
Ways to Save Money
- Mount Bonnell, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Zilker Park are free.
- Barton Springs Pool is only $9. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
- Book Hamilton Pool reservations early. Walk-ins are not guaranteed entry.
Local tip: Get to Franklin's BBQ early, or plan to wait. The line is real, but it moves, and it is one of those Austin experiences worth building your morning around.
