What to Do and Where to Stay in This Must-Visit City
No matter the time of year, tourists cite Austin as one of their favorite destinations for food, arts and culture, history, outdoor activities, and the natural beauty surrounding this sought-after metropolitan hub.
Austin is frequently cited as a “best of” among travel journalists and other cultural critics, and it’s likely at the top of your list as well.
Find all there is to do in a city that has families, newlyweds, sightseers, couples, and friends excitedly planning their next trip. This guide even includes a key recommendation if you’re looking for the best Austin hotel, so you can enjoy your stay even more. After reading, you might decide to book a trip to a city that’s “weird” for all the right reasons.
The Food
Austin’s global draw as a tourist destination, cultural landmark, and technology hub means that there are culinary delights from all over the world.
First, let’s start with the Texan fare. It’s hard to go wrong with Texas BBQ, Austin style. Smoked meats are an Austin specialty, so be sure to try a spot like Interstellar Barbecue. Or, for a close cousin, southern comfort food from Big Bird Biscuit always hits the spot.
Austin also has a particularly strong Asian culinary scene, including Seoulju’s Korean Kitchen and Bar and the excellent Chinese food at House of the Three Gorges.
It’s also important to taste the Tex-Mex flavors at restaurants like Con Todo. The blackened seafood at Austin’s North Loop marketplace and restaurants like Epicerie remind us that Texas isn’t Texas without the influence of French Creole culture from its next-door neighbor, Louisiana.
Arts and Culture
Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” motto is no more apparent than in the arts and culture scene that has defined this city for decades. Austin is the birthplace of many music and entertainment personalities including Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
To check out the thriving arts and music scene, be sure to visit the Austin Museum of Art and the Austin Contemporary. Don’t leave without checking out live music at the Moody Theater (home of Austin City Limits) and The Continental Club, which has a coolbar vibe with an intimate 200-person capacity.
For those who are in the know – and of a certain age – you must get a photo in front of the “Hi, how are you?” mural, created by Austin’s crown jewel, musician and folk hero Daniel Johnston.
History
Austin’s rich history includes many sites perfect for tourists trying to pack in as many experiences as possible before it’s time to head home.
Consider these landmarks, which are perfect for history buffs:
- The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
- The State Capitol building
- The Historic Scoot Inn (the oldest bar in Central Texas)
Also, keep in mind that San Antonio is a little over an hour away, so it’s easy to tour The Alamo and other mission sites, if they’re on your list as well.
Outdoors
For nature lovers and those who can’t travel without getting in some recreation, Austin is as beautiful and scenic as it is hip. When you’ve had your fill of food, art, and history, you can hike or stroll in the fresh air at several must-see locations.
Enjoy the trails at Lady Bird Lake where you’ll catch a glimpse of the Austin skyline while you experience Austin’s countryside. For a day trip, consider McKinney Falls State Park or Pedernales Falls State Park to enjoy all that these gorgeous landscapes have to offer.
Where to Stay
At this point, your itinerary should be packed with the best of arts, culture, culinary experiences, and the great outdoors, but you can’t just stay anywhere.
Where you stay can make or break your visit. There’s nothing quite as pleasing as returning to a comfortable, posh, amenity-packed hotel after a day of exploration.
For those who are looking for extraordinary service, comfort, and a boutique hotel experience, opt for an exceptional hotel situated in a must-visit Austin neighborhood.
Great Recommendations Make Your Travel Plan Truly Unique
Now that you have suggestions for how to make the most of your trip to Austin, you’ll immediately hatch a plan to return with friends, so you can show them everything you’ve experienced.
When you combine an outstanding hotel with all the attractions and entertainment that Austin provides, you’ll want to come back again and again.
