Austin, Texas is the capital of the Lone Star State. The eclectic city is vibrant and thrives on live music, creative energy, and a laid-back lifestyle. As the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is the perfect place where travelers can explore music genres and fresh, new artists of all sorts! Savor world-famous barbecue. Kayak along Lady Bird Lake. Dive right into Austin’s quirky, creative culture. Austin is the must-see city for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Experience the Live Music Capital of the World
Music is Austin’s heartbeat. The city is home to more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the United States. Visitors can effortlessly catch performances every night of the week. Some iconic spots like the Continental Club, which is known as the granddaddy of live music venues, have been around since the 1950s and 60s. All are welcome at the Mohawk, a venue which showcases everything from rock and country to indie and blues. THN Travel Tip: Visit in March for South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual global event that combines the best of film and music. The Austin City LImits Music Festival (ACL Fest) has been running for more than 20 years and lights up eight stages every fall with some of the biggest names in music.
Savor Austin’s Bold Flavors and Famous Eats
Austin’s food scene is as dynamic as its music. Travelers can find a mix of iconic Texas traditions and inventive new flavors. Barbecue lovers make pilgrimages to spots like Franklin Barbecue for smoky brisket that’s worth the wait. Taco joints and food trucks dish out everything from breakfast tacos to creative fusion bites. Tex-Mex staples sit side by side with vegan barbecue, artisanal donuts, and locally roasted coffee. For a true Austin experience, pair your meal with a craft beer from one of the city’s celebrated breweries (THN Travel Tip: try Independence Brewing Co. or St. Elmo Brewing Company). Order a margarita made with local tequila (THN Travel Tip: sample Lalo or La Caza Tequila). With flavors this bold, eating your way through Austin is an adventure of its own!
Get Outdoors at Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs
Austin’s outdoor lifestyle is a big part of its appeal. Nowhere captures it better than Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to glide along Lady Bird Lake. You’ll enjoy incredible views of downtown skyscrapers rising above lush greenery. Locals love walking or biking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop that circles the water. When the Texas sun gets too hot, head to Barton Springs Pool. This crystal-clear, spring-fed oasis stays at a refreshing 68°F year-round. Zilker Park, right next door, offers wide-open lawns for frisbee, picnics, and festivals. The Zilker Botanical Garden and Umlauf Sculpture Garden add an extra dose of natural beauty and art. For travelers, these outdoor escapes are a chance to experience Austin’s slower, laid-back side.
Explore Austin’s Quirky Culture and Street Art
Sure, “Keep Austin Weird” is the city’s slogan — but it’s also a way of life. You’ll find it in the colorful murals splashed across the city, like the Instagram-famous “Greetings from Austin” postcard in South Austin or the uplifting “You’re My Butter Half” mural on the east side. Wander South Congress Avenue, with its quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and local art galleries. Offbeat attractions like the Cathedral of Junk, a massive backyard sculpture built from thousands of found objects, show the city’s playful creativity. Don’t miss a stop at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, an evolving community art park where street artists cover the walls with ever-changing designs. From high art to funky roadside oddities, Austin’s culture is as vibrant and eclectic as its people.
End the Day with Austin’s Famous Bats
Of all Austin’s attractions, the nightly bat flight might be the most unexpected. From March to October, around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost under the Congress Avenue Bridge. This is the largest urban bat colony in North America. Just before sunset, crowds gather on the bridge, the riverbanks, or even boats on Lady Bird Lake to watch as the bats stream out into the night sky in a swirling, cloud-like formation. It’s an eerie yet mesmerizing spectacle, accompanied by the city skyline glowing in the background. Local guides offer bat-watching tours by kayak, which provide a magical perspective as you sit on the water and see the creatures pass overhead. It’s a uniquely Austin experience that blends nature, city life, and a little bit of weirdness. This is the perfect way to close out a day in Texas’ capital.
