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The progressive, laid-back capital of Texas enjoys a thriving food scene, nightly live music, acres of green outdoor space and 300 days of sunshine a year. Here are eight reasons why you should visit Austin, Texas.
Zilker Park
A huge, green 361 hectare playground in the heart of the city. Here you can rent bicycles, canoes and paddleboards, play disc golf and sand volleyball, explore botanical gardens and sculpture gardens, and take the Zilker Zephyr train through the park. In October, Zilker Park hosts the prestigious annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, a huge six-day event that takes place over two consecutive weekends. The festival presents over 100 artists on eight stages.
Barton Springs Pool
One of the jewels in the green oasis of the Zilker Park is this spacious, three-hectare outdoor pool. The cool water is fed by three underground springs and keeps an average of 68 degrees. The pool is a magnet for year-round swimmers, stays cool even in oppressive summer temperatures and is very popular with locals and visitors. Keep an eye out for the tiny and critically endangered Barton Springs salamander that makes their home in the shallow water.
Austin’s barbecue scene
If you’re a barbecue fan in Texas, you’ll find yourself in the middle of Austin’s legendary food scene, pig heaven. From restaurants with seating to iconic food trucks, the city has multiple places where meat is burned. Notable luminaries include Franklin Barbecue, where guests regularly line up around the block to enjoy the famous smoked oak brisket, pulled pork, and homemade sausages. Kerlin BBQ is another Austin legend. This humble white food truck attracts hordes of meat lovers who crave angus brisket, pork ribs, and meat and cheese colaches. Do like the locals do and bring a folding chair for relaxed queuing.
The State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is an impressive red granite centerpiece and towers over the city from its vantage point on Congress Avenue. This majestic landmark is more than 100 meters tall, several meters higher than the US Capitol in Washington. Take a free 30-minute guided tour of the halls and explore the ornate 19th-century architecture, including the beautiful 280-foot-tall rotunda. The building is quietly located in a 22 hectare, immaculate landscaped park with imposing historical monuments.
Mount Bonnell
For a breath of fresh air and great views of the city, head to Covert Park. This is where you’ll find Mount Bonnell, a 775-foot limestone cliff and the highest peak in the city. A short 60-meter climb takes you to an observation deck where you are rewarded with great views of downtown, Lake Austin and the famous 360 Bridge. It’s a great place to see the sunset (or sunrise if you’re an early bird). There is a gazebo and tables so bring a picnic, relax and enjoy the view.
Congress Avenue bat watch
Every evening, from spring to early fall, a crowd gathers around the Congress Avenue Bridge in central Austin. An incredible one and a half million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the bridge, the largest colony in the world. As the sun goes down, thousands of bats appear in the twilight and swarm in formation columns in search of insects. Join the crowd at the Statesman Bat Observation Center (across from the bridge) for the best views of this amazing natural spectacle.
Bar hop in SoCo
South of downtown you will find SoCo. The vibrant area around South Congress Avenue is a trendy mix of vintage shops and chic boutiques, music venues and art galleries. Choose from a number of neighborhood restaurants, many with outdoor patios perfect for people-watching. For live music, head to the legendary Continental Club, which hosts a variety of blues, rock, country, swing, and rockabilly acts every night of the week.
Relax by the Ladybird Lake
This peaceful lake that runs through central Austin is technically a reservoir and is fed by the Colorado River. Hike or rent a bike and explore the scenic 10 miles (16 km) path that winds around its perimeter. Sections of the trail offer great views of the city skyline. Private motorized boats are banned from the lake, which only adds to the feeling of calm. Enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking on the calm waters, relax on a sunset river cruise, or try SUP yoga when your balance is good enough.
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