Austin, Texas

Character & Vibe

Austin's unofficial motto — "Keep Austin Weird" — captures something real about the city's self-image, even as the skyline grows and the tech industry expands. The live music scene is genuinely unmatched: Austin has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the US, and the South by Southwest festival each March transforms the city into the music industry's most important gathering.

The outdoor culture is equally strong. Barton Springs Pool, the greenbelt, the lakes, and the trails give Austin residents world-class outdoor recreation within city limits — and the Hill Country proper starts just 30 minutes west.

Things to Do

6th Street & the Music Scene — The historic entertainment district and surrounding areas host live music from country and blues to electronic and indie every night of the week. The Paramount Theatre, ACL Live at the Moody Center, and hundreds of clubs and bars keep the calendar full year-round.

Barton Springs Pool — A three-acre natural swimming pool fed by underground springs in the heart of Zilker Park. The water stays a constant 68°F year-round. A beloved Austin institution.

South Congress Avenue — The eclectic strip south of the river with independent boutiques, food trucks, restaurants, and live music venues. The personality of Austin in concentrated form.

State Capitol — The Texas State Capitol building is the largest state capitol by total area in the US and is open for free tours. The grounds are beautiful and the interior is worth seeing.

Lady Bird Lake — The Colorado River reservoir running through downtown is surrounded by hike-and-bike trails, kayak rentals, and paddleboard access. The 10-mile loop trail around the lake is one of the best urban outdoor experiences in the country.

Gateway to the Hill Country

Austin's position at the Hill Country's edge makes it the natural base for exploration. Dripping Springs is 25 miles west, Wimberley is 45 miles southwest, and Fredericksburg is 80 miles west. The US-290 corridor heading west from Austin is one of the great scenic drives in Texas.

Food & Drink

Austin's restaurant scene has become nationally significant. From legendary barbecue institutions like Franklin Barbecue and la Barbecue to cutting-edge restaurants pushing Texas cuisine forward, the city offers extraordinary range. The taco culture alone justifies a visit — breakfast tacos here are in a category of their own.

The craft beer scene is extensive, with dozens of breweries operating in and around the city. The cocktail bar culture has matured significantly. And the food truck parks scattered across the city offer some of the most interesting and affordable eating in town.

Music & Events

South by Southwest (SXSW) — March — The most important music, film, and tech festival in the world, transforming Austin for two weeks each spring.

Austin City Limits Music Festival — October — Two weekends in Zilker Park featuring hundreds of artists across multiple stages. One of the premier outdoor music festivals in the US.

Austin City Limits — The longest-running music TV show in American history, taping at the Moody Center with performances by the biggest names in every genre.

Getting There

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) serves the city with direct flights from most major US airports. The city is accessible via IH-35 from Dallas and San Antonio, US-290 from Houston and the Hill Country, and TX-71 from the coast.