If you enjoy live music, Austin is the perfect destination to explore. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Texas’ capital city boasts hundreds of venues hosting performances year-round. However, Austin’s appeal extends far beyond its vibrant entertainment scene.
Whether you're planning a date night in Austin or a family vacation, the city offers something for everyone. From charming date night spots to family-friendly museums, parks and attractions, the city provides a variety of experiences to suit all interests and ages.
Deciding to visit Austin is easy—the challenge comes in planning all the details. Our Austin travel guide is here to help, offering valuable tips on transportation, budgeting and must-see photo spots, along with recommendations for top restaurants, hotels and attractions.
How to Get Around Austin
If you’re staying within the downtown area, you don’t really need anything other than a comfortable pair of shoes to get around. Austin is a highly pedestrian-friendly city. There are also other ways to get around such as buses and other public transportation to use if you don’t want to walk throughout your entire trip.
Driving is another option, though not highly recommended for many reasons. We’ll take a closer look now at the best ways for getting around to help you with planning your trip to Austin.
Public Transportation
Relying on public transportation might not always be the fastest or most reliable, but this can depend on the location. Austin has a wide variety of public transportation options that are affordable and convenient for traveling around the city. These include:
- CapMetro buses for routes throughout the city and the University of Texas
- CapMetro Rapid buses with limited stops in the downtown area
- CapMetro Rail between downtown and outer suburbs
- CapMetro Express buses for North Austin and surrounding areas
It's always important to double check fares, schedules and routes before you go. Consider getting day passes instead of paying single ride fares throughout your trip for cost savings.
Driving and Parking
Having your own transportation while visiting Austin can be convenient, but it's important to be aware of the challenges that come with driving in the city. Heavy traffic and numerous one-way streets, especially downtown, can make navigation a bit tricky.
Parking is another factor to keep in mind, as finding a spot can be difficult and fees can add up quickly. If you plan to drive, it's helpful to research parking options in advance to make your experience smoother.
A car can be especially useful for day trips outside the city, but while exploring downtown, you may find it more convenient to leave your vehicle at the hotel and take advantage of walking or public transportation.
Biking and Walking
Austin being a walkable city means that you can easily stroll around to sightsee and get to various other activities in Austin. To make your travel faster, you could look into renting a bike through the city’s bike share programs, like CapMetro Bikeshare.
Best Time to Visit Austin
If you're trying to decide when the best time of year might be for your Austin trip, there are some things you'll need to consider. Knowing your weather and travel preferences will help you make your decision. Every season has its pros and cons, especially when it comes to weather, crowds and prices. To help you determine the right time to go, let’s explore the best time to visit Austin based on varying factors.
If you want the lowest travel rates, plan a winter trip here. Being so far south means you won’t be dealing with bitter cold and piles of snow, making winter vacations more pleasant in Austin. In addition to saving money on airfare, hotels and other costs, you’ll also be able to see the Austin Trail of Lights and other holiday events.
If you want the best weather, aim for springtime. Highs are usually in the 70s and low 80s, with lows in the 50s and 60s. That’s ideal weather for walking around the city. It’s not as humid and hot as it gets during the summer months. It's important to note that spring’s also when the SXSW festival takes place, so expect crowds and increased rates around then.
If you want fun festivals, visit Austin in autumn. Come for the Austin City Limits Music Festival and/or Austin Film Festival in October. Or enjoy the city’s many thrilling Halloween festivities. During this time, you’ll also have cooler temps, especially in mid to late fall.
Top Things to Do in Austin
The many outdoor venues, nightclubs, restaurants and concert halls make it easy to catch live performances while you’re in Austin. However, this city has many other things to do and see whether you like history, art, the outdoors or local foods. We’ve picked out the best activities and attractions in Austin.
Texas Capitol
The Texas Capitol is the largest one out of all the U.S. state capitols. Its reddish hue also makes it stand out and provides great backgrounds for your vacation photos. Take a free guided tour of the building to hear about its history, then stop top by the Capitol Visitors Center for souvenirs and artifacts.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake serves as a great location to help you stay cool. Here you can go canoeing at the lake for incredible city views from the water. Or try your luck at fishing for sunfish or largemouth bass. You can also go birdwatching, hike the trails or spread out a blanket and have a picnic on the grass near the lake.
Austin Walking Food Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
If you're looking to experience the best local flavors during your visit to Austin, a guided food tour is a great way to sample some of the city’s top culinary offerings. On this downtown tour, you can enjoy specialties like smoked BBQ brisket and Reuben sliders, while a South Congress tour offers delicious treats such as handmade Italian cream soda and a classic meatball sub.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
For fans of the outdoors, there are few better places in Austin than Zilker Metropolitan Park. You’ll have over 300 acres to explore, while also getting to see the Colorado River and Barton Creek. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to tour the area via the water or go hiking on the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail.
2nd Street District
2nd Street District is a must-stop location for those looking to do some shopping on their trip. You’ll find it between the Colorado River and the Warehouse District, with streets lined with boutique shops, trendy eateries and coffee shops. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to attend a live taping of Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater.
Where to Stay in Austin
Austin is filled with all sorts of accommodations to choose from, including traditional hotels, resorts and historic places to stay. You’ll need to pick just one for your trip—but which offers the right location, price and amenities? That depends on your travel plans. Our AAA experts recommend these accommodations when traveling to Austin.
Austin Southpark Hotel
Address: 4140 Governor’s Row, Austin, TX 78744
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Parking: On-site (fee)
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, heated indoor pool, full bar, pet-friendly, restaurant, exercise room, sauna
If you're looking for a budget-friendly stay without compromising comfort, Austin Southpark Hotel is a great choice. Offering affordable rates and well-appointed rooms, the hotel is conveniently located near downtown and just a short drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Plus, with both indoor and outdoor heated pools, you can enjoy a refreshing swim any time of year.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Address: 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Austin, TX 78612
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Parking: Valet and on-site (fee)
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, pet-friendly, hot tub, two restaurants, game room, spa, health club, fishing, tennis, lawn sports, walking trails
For a resort experience with pampering and luxurious amenities, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is one of the top places to stay in Austin. The resort offers various outdoor activities, like fishing or playing golf. With a couple of restaurants on site, you don’t even need to leave the property for dinner.
Renaissance Austin Hotel
Address: 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Parking: On-site (fee)
Amenities: Heated indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, pet-friendly, restaurant, area transportation within 5 miles, hot tub, fitness center
2nd Street District’s not the only place to enjoy shopping in Austin. There’s also the Arboretum, an outdoor shopping destination with more than 40 stores and restaurants. The Renaissance Austin Hotel puts you conveniently close to this shopping center—and offers transportation around the area. After spending hours in stores, unwind in the on site hot tub or heated pool.
The Driskill by Hyatt: The Unbound Collection
Address: 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Parking: Valet only
Amenities: Full bar, restaurant, entertainment, exercise room, pet-friendly, massage
Take a step back into the past with a stay at The Driskill by Hyatt: The Unbound Collection, dating back to the late 19th century. The rooms have vintage decor and furnishings for a charming look. There’s also a bar and lounge area with a nostalgic atmosphere.
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown
Address: 500 N I-35, Austin, TX 78701
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Parking: Valet only
Amenities: Outdoor pool, pet-friendly, fitness room
If you want to be steps away from nightlife or if you’re heading into town for an event, the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown makes for an ideal location. It’s close to clubs, bars, lounges, restaurants and the Austin Convention Center. It’s also right next to I-35 if you need to hop on the highway to travel around the area.
Where to Eat in Austin
From fancy dishes in upscale restaurants to heaping platters of ribs in BBQ joints, Austin gives you tons of possibilities for dining spots. No matter what part of the city you’re in, you can find great dining establishments for any meal. We recommend the following as some of the best restaurants in Austin.
Emmer and Rye
Address: 51 Rainey St #110, Austin, TX 78701
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Cuisine: International/American/Tapas
Enjoy seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally grown and sourced ingredients at Emmer and Rye. Its open kitchen concept dining area gives the place an inviting atmosphere with friendly staff. The menu features Wagyu beef, pork, oysters and other entrees.
Garrison
Address: 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Cuisine: American
Garrison’s post oak live fire grill gives the restaurant an exciting environment and great-tasting food, like grilled Texas redfish and strip loin. It also offers an impressive dessert menu, with items including chocolate passion fruit and hazelnut mocha.
Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
Address: 1400 S Congress, Ste 8100, Austin, TX 78704
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Cuisine: Seafood
For those in the mood for seafood, a great choice is Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar. You can dine out on the patio for fresh air or enjoy your meal in the comfortable indoor dining area. Perla’s offers oysters that come all the way from New England or choose from the menu’s other seafood dishes, like Pacific ahi tuna or Maine scallops.
L’Oca d’Oro
Address: 1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Cuisine: Italian
If you’re a fan of Italian food, make reservations at L’Oca d’Oro. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby Mueller Lake Park and working up an appetite, then head over to the restaurant for lasagna, swordfish drenched in olive oil or fresh mozzarella. There’s also a bar and patio food menu if you don’t want a full meal.
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
Address: 123 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Some might say that a trip to Austin isn’t complete without going to a Western-themed restaurant and Lonesome Dove Western Bistro offers just that, with its rustic decor and dimmed lighting. The menu includes smaller plates and courses, like elk sliders and rabbit-rattlesnake sausage for more daring diners.
Austin Photo Spots
If you're searching for a great backdrop for vacation photos, engagement pictures or a family portrait, Austin offers a variety of stunning locations to capture memorable moments. The city features both well-known landmarks and hidden gems, providing plenty of picturesque settings. Here are some of our top recommendations for the best views in Austin.
1. Pennybacker Bridge
You don’t have to try and take a quick picture while driving over the bridge, as there’s a better way to include the bridge in your shots. Hike the overlook trail for amazing views of the bridge, Colorado River, skyline—and more. It’s a fairly easy hike to make for picturesque views in all directions.
2. Mount Bonnell
You’ll have to do some hiking to reach this spot—but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and backdrops. It’s a half-mile trail (and just over 100 steps) up the mountain to the viewing deck and back. Once you’re at the peak, you’ll get to see the Colorado River, city skyline and the hill country in the distance.
3. Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
If you enjoy birdwatching, you’ll love visiting here for photos. The observatory’s a top place to go to see songbirds, shorebirds, birds of prey and other winged wildlife. Its scenic grounds give you lots of options for backdrops and you might be lucky enough get a bird photo bombing your shots. Watch for owls, herons, cardinals, falcons, barn swallows and other birds here.
4. Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls
Hiking along the Barton Creek Greenbelt gives you not one, but two waterfalls to use in your photographs. Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls both offer a lot of natural beauty. The surrounding woodlands and rock walls give you even more eye-catching environments for lasting vacation images.
5. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Visiting the park gives you an escape from the city’s busy streets. You can wander along walking trails admiring surrounding gardens and keeping an eye out for peacocks. You might even be able to snap pics with one of these birds in the background. Or head to the park’s historic cottage and lily ponds for scenic settings.
Day Trips from Austin
Austin offers plenty of activities for a full and exciting vacation, but setting aside time for a day trip can add even more to your experience. The surrounding areas provide a mix of scenic landscapes and charming small towns, all within a two-hour drive. Here are some of the best day trip destinations to explore from Austin.
1. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Distance: 100 miles
This is the farthest destination on our list but the drive is considered to be well worth it. Enchanted Rock stands out with its pinkish hues and a height of over 400 feet. Enjoy views of Texas Hill Country all around from the peak or while you’re hiking along the area’s many trails.
2. New Braunfels, TX
- Distance: 50 miles
If you’re visiting Austin in summer, a trip to New Braunfels can help you cool off. This is where you’ll find Schlitterbahn Waterpark, with its water slides and other water rides. You can also go tubing in the Cornal River or Guadalupe River to escape the heat. New Braunfels is under an hour away via I-35 S for an easy drive.
3. San Antonio, TX
- Distance: 80 miles
As big as Austin is, San Antonio’s even bigger, being the second largest TX city population-wise, with Austin being the fourth. A day trip here gives you a chance to visit the Alamo, San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio Zoo and other attractions. The city’s about 90 minutes away via I-35 S, depending on traffic.
4. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
- Distance: 40 miles
Making the 45-minute drive along FM1431 brings you to this stunning part of Texas Hill Country. Take your pick of hiking trails to explore, like Vista Knoll or Cactus Rock, while admiring views of the woodlands and landscapes all around you. Watch for local wildlife, including bobcats, armadillos and beavers. The refuge is also home to the once-endangered golden-cheeked warblers.
5. Georgetown, TX
- Distance: 30 miles
Head north on I-35 to get to this central Texas city in under an hour. Georgetown’s got historic buildings to see and adventurous activities, like exploring Inner Space Cavern or wading in the lagoon at Blue Hole Park. Lake Georgetown in the northwestern part of town offers jet skiing, fishing and hiking trails. The downtown area has Georgetown Art Center, quaint shops and many eateries.
Visiting Austin on a Budget
Dining, entertainment, accommodations can all add up, whether you’re spending a whole week in Austin or just a few days. If you're trying not to break the bank, our guide to Austin includes some great ways to save money on most of your travel-related expenses.
1. Enjoy a winter vacation in Austin. Summer crowds and spring’s SXSW festival go hand in hand with higher prices throughout the city. Planning a winter getaway here helps you save on the cost of flights, hotels and other expenses. If you’ve got the flexibility to do so, visiting in winter helps you enjoy decreased rates, cooler temps and holiday fun.
2. Explore Austin’s many free things to do. You’ll spend enough on restaurants, shopping and major attractions. So save money where you can with free or low-cost attractions and activities. Explore free things to do in Austin with kids for family-friendly ideas, like the Austin Nature and Science Center, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve and the Texas State Capitol.
3. Save on dining during your trip with food trucks and affordable eateries. Fine dining is certainly an experience—but it can be a costly one. You can stretch the rest of your dining budget much farther with food trucks and down-to-earth eateries, like cafes and diners. Austin’s got around 2,000 food trucks in and around downtown, including Arbor Food Park and South First Food Court.
4. Make use of your AAA member benefits and perks. Before you start booking rooms or reserving a rental car for your trip to Austin, check your AAA benefits first. You might just end up saving a lot on various expenses, including:
- Tickets for local tours and attractions
- Accommodations in downtown or outlying areas
- Vehicle discounts for rental cars if you're flying into town
5. Stay nearby in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville or other local towns. A hotel in Austin, especially downtown, is going to cost you. Being right in town makes it more convenient to do sightseeing. But you can save on accommodations with a hotel in a neighboring city that’s just a short drive from Austin. You might want to consider this if you’re coming into town during busy times, when famous festivals or other events are happening.
Plan Your Austin Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Austin trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.