How To Have a Great Austin, Texas Vacation
Are you planning your first of many trips to Austin, Texas? Get ready for an awesome adventure! The city is known for its amazing music venues as well as its mix of food and fun. This guide will help you plan the perfect vacation, whether you love trying new foods, experiencing the outdoors, or listening to live performances.
Why Visit Austin, TX?
Austin, TX, is one of the most exciting places to visit in the U.S. With its beautiful outdoor spots, the city makes for an excellent vacation. Here’s why you should put Austin, TX, on your travel bucket list:
- Live music everywhere. It fills the air from Sixth Street to South Congress in bars, coffee shops, and open-air venues.
- World-class food scene. Famous for its barbecue, Tex-Mex, and food trucks, Austin is a paradise for food lovers.
- Outdoor recreation. Austin is perfect for adventurers with its lakes, hiking trails, and green spaces.
- Unique culture. The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” vibe makes it a fun, laid-back destination with quirky attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
Best Time To Visit Austin, TX
It’s warm all year, but the best times for Austin travel and tourism are in the spring, March to May, and the fall, September to November. These seasons have nice weather where you can enjoy seeing the wildflowers bloom, fun festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, and just overall great outdoor activities to take part in.
Where To Stay in Austin, TX
Finding the perfect place to stay can make your trip to Austin, TX, even more enjoyable. Consider these popular areas for your stay.
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is the busiest and most exciting part of the city. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to live music, restaurants, museums, and shopping. You can visit the Texas State Capitol or enjoy a tasty meal at a local restaurant like:
East Austin
A relaxing yet another exciting part of the city, East Austin is home to great coffee shops like Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors Cafe & Roastery and Flitch Coffee, perfect for those often needing a caffeine fix to start their day. It’s also one of the most creative neighborhoods, as it’s filled with colorful art on Canterbury Street and delicious food on every corner.
Zilker and Barton Hills
Zilker and Barton Hills are quiet, beautiful neighborhoods in Austin, perfect for people who love nature. This area is home to Zilker Metropolitan Park, a big green space where you can hike, bike, and just have some fun outside. You can even walk or ride along Ann and Roy Butler Trail, which offers amazing views of Lady Bird Lake.
Must-See Attractions in Austin
No Austin visitors guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s top attractions. Here are some places you shouldn’t miss:
1. Live Music Scene
Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World” for a reason! The hum of a voice or the strum of a guitar is everywhere, from big concert arenas to small bars with local artists like White Demin, Calliope Musicals, and Magna Carda. If you love a classy vibe and perhaps craving a cocktail, head to The Continental Club. It’s famous for hosting rock, blues, and jazz musicians and was named one of the best clubs in America by Rolling Stone.
2. Outdoor Adventures
It’s great to live in Austin if you love the outdoors. There are many ways to experience nature while enjoying the city’s beauty. For a breathtaking view, take a short hike up Mount Bonnell, one of the highest spots in Austin, where you can see the Colorado River and the city skyline.
3. Cultural Landmarks
Austin is full of history, art, and unique places to visit. If you love art, stop by the Blanton Museum of Art, one of the best museums in Texas, with incredible paintings and sculptures from contemporary American to Italian Renaissance. For something different, visit the Cathedral of Junk, a creative art installation made from recycled materials.
4. Iconic Austin Food Stops
Food lovers will love Austin, especially its tacos and other Mexican dishes. Torchy’s Tacos is a local favorite as it was originally founded there. It serves creative and flavorful vegan and non-vegan taco combinations that you’re sure to love. Veracruz All Natural is also the perfect spot if you’re wanting fresh and authentic Mexican food. It’s known for its homemade tortillas and tasty salsas.
5. Shopping and Entertainment
Austin is a great place to shop and have fun, with many cool stores and bars to visit. If you enjoy modern shopping, The Domain has luxury stores like Balenciaga, tasty restaurants like Blue Sushi Sake Grill, and just an overall lively nightlife scene. Rainey Street is also the place to go for a unique night out, as old houses are turned into cool bars with live music and outdoor patios.
Best Day Trips From Austin
If you have some spare time, visit these beautiful places near Austin:
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is beautiful and just about 30 miles outside Austin and is famous for its abundance of wineries and breweries. If you love wine, visit Hamilton Pool Vineyards & Farms and Driftwood Estate Winery to try some of their award-winning rosé and albariño. You can also check out the Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery if locally crafted beers are more your style.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is farther west of Austin but is worth the drive due to its German heritage. The city has a Main Street, where you’ll find many establishments with a German influence.
Old German Bakery & Restaurant stands out as it’s family-owned and serves German favorites like bratwurst and schnitzel made with traditional recipes. If you want to wash that down with a wine tasting right after, you can visit places like Grape Creek Vineyards and Becker Vineyards to try some of their best pinot grigio and chardonnay.
Austin, Texas Travel Tips
Make the most of your trip to Austin by planning ahead. Downtown Austin is easy to see on foot, but you can also rent a bike or use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to get around. Also, make sure to pack for the weather, especially if you’re traveling in the summer. It can get really hot, so wear lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and even consider a hat so you can block out the sun.
Store Your Gear in Austin With Copper Storage Management
Whether you are visiting live music venues, enjoying delicious barbecue, or adventuring outdoors, make your Austin, TX, trip easy with Copper Storage Management. Our Austin storage units offer a convenient solution for storing additional suitcases, outdoor gear, or personal items. Make the most of your Texas vacation by contacting us to rent your Austin storage unit today.