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.

Mount Bonnell for Beginners

While part of the allure of Austin includes more than 300 days of sunshine per year, those visitors with more urban experience might find themselves intimidated by the unbelievable variety of outdoor activities that the city has to offer. Whether you're here for the day or plan on sticking around…

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Best Indie Bookstores in Austin

Austin's independent spirit is alive and well in our community-owned, new and used bookstores. Make time to visit one of the many independently owned bookstores located around the city. All of them have something different to offer—here’s a list of the best indie bookstores to visit in Austin, on…

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Best Restaurant Patios in Austin

Whether its a date night under string lights or a sunny alfresco outing – no Austin experience is complete without enjoying the city’s many outdoor dining options. Our top picks range from dog-friendly to treehouse-like to sleek and architecturally-impressive. Which open-air adventure will you…

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Visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden

If Zilker Park is the heart of Austin, then surely the Zilker Botanical Garden is the heart of the city’s favorite park. This 28-acre expanse of lush greenery, flowers, and streams welcomes 300,000 visitors every year to wander the grounds and enjoy a peaceful respite from the city. Over the 6+…

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