Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Yoga Studios in Austin to Try

Austin’s yoga and fitness community is easily navigable and super visitor-friendly. In fact most hotels in central Austin have a studio nearby – and if you’re downtown, just hop on a BCycle and pedal your way to class as a warm-up! Here are a few visitor-friendly Austin yoga studios to try out…

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Day Trip Destination: Spicewood

Home of Texas icon and country music legend Willie Nelson, Spicewood has a charm all its own. Fantastic barbecue, rolling hills, fabulous vineyards, and incredible views make this day trip one to remember. You’ll feel miles away from the city while still satisfying that need for novelty. Nature &…

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Top Things to Do & See in Central Austin

You could spend a week in Central Austin and still find new things to do, eat and buy. From country bars to culinary feats, this area is well worth exploring. The energy of collegiate culture abounds around the University of Texas and the North Campus/Hyde Park neighborhoods, while the North Loop…

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Dog-Friendly Water Activities

Austin is an exceedingly dog-friendly city. Everywhere you go, you’re likely to find plenty of pups with their owners in tow. And with a warm climate for most of the year, there are lots of dog-friendly water activities so visitors and their pooches can stay cool, especially when temps rise in the…

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Visiting Austin's Trail of Lights

The holidays are here, and one of the best ways to celebrate in Austin is by visiting the city’s 59th Annual Trail of Lights. From December 8-23, 2023 (closed Mondays), Zilker Park transforms into a winter wonderland as it's lit up by more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more…

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Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Austin

If you're planning to spend Thanksgiving in Austin, let our award-winning chefs minimize your time in the kitchen and dine in or order in from these local restaurants. Find Austin restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, plus great places to order Thanksgiving meals to take home. TLC. Credit to…

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Austin Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2023 holiday gift list. If you’re looking for something really special or even one-of-a-kind for your friends and family, look no further than these local, handmade shopping events and markets in Austin, running from Black Friday to…

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View the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Austin

On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, join the crowds gathering on rooftops, city parks and in the Texas Hill Country to watch the solar eclipse. It will be an exciting time to be outside and see the moon pass over the sun on the eastern edge of its path from Texas to Maine. In Austin, the partial…

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The Ultimate Guide to Holidays in Austin

Spending the holidays in Austin? Celebrate like a local and join in some of our city’s most beloved holiday traditions, from over-the-top holiday lights displays to shopping markets and live performances of Christmas classics. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday Lights Displays…

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The Ultimate Austin Winter Bucket List

You’ll find plenty to do in Austin during the wintertime, both indoors and out, thanks to the city's temperate weather. Here you can hike along forest trails, sip seasonal cocktails in a cozy lounge, explore a world-class museum and dine outdoors on a heated patio. Add these ideas to your Austin…

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