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.

20 Iconic Austin Restaurants

While Austin may be known for its legendary Tex-Mex, tasty breakfast tacos and juicy barbecue, there's so much more to the capital city's food history to explore. Austin's celebrated dining scene has evolved with lightning speed over the last few decades, but don't forget to pay homage to the greats…

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Pedernales Falls Hiking Guide

Pedernales Falls State Park has arguably some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the Texas Hill Country. While the river itself is reason enough to visit the park, scenic trails wind through forests, atop ridges, and along the riverside. Walk the sandy shores of the Pedernales River and…

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Best Italian Restaurants in Austin

From classic red sauce, checkerboard tablecloth joints to refined menus with modern takes, Italian fare is well represented here, and we have 10 solid examples to prove it. Here's where to find great Italian restaurants in Austin, Texas. Vespaio. Credit CityJewell . VESPAIO A long-time South Congress…

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Day Trip Destination: Smithville

If you were a fan of Hope Floats , then Smithville is probably already on your “must visit” list. For everyone else, it should be. There’s a reason it’s been the backdrop for 13 different movies. This great little town is about 40 miles from Austin and boasts all the small-ish town charm you’re…

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Best Restaurants with Live Music in Austin

Austin is no longer just a city full of live music and entertainment. Now, the Live Music Capital has also become a robust foodie city with some of the best smoked barbecue in the state, a surplus of fine dining establishments as well as various walk-in, sit-down, no-frills watering holes to beat…

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Haunted Places in Austin, Texas

While Austin isn’t typically known for its haunted offerings, you can find a few places to celebrate the spooky and supernatural this fall in the capital city. Check out our list of top spine-chilling things to do and (allegedly) haunted places in Austin, Texas. Haunted Places in Austin The…

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Family-Friendly Music Venues in Austin

Whether you are looking to enjoy music with friends of all ages, a significant other, by yourself, or even as a family, Austin has it all! To satisfy your music needs, we’ve gathered a list of local venues that are open to audiences under 21, and breweries with regular music that allow you to bring…

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Austin's Indie Arts Scene

Austin is a magnet for creatives, drawing a mix of artists, actors and musicians who make up the city’s ever-growing indie arts scene. Check out these venues and events for the inside scoop on where to find some of Austin’s best independent art exhibits, theatrical performances and live music shows…

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Top Things to Do at Domain NORTHSIDE

If there’s any place where you can find just about anything you want, it’s Domain NORTHSIDE. Locals and tourists alike mix and mingle in this thoughtfully designed complex in North Austin. Delicious dining options abound in every flavor imaginable. The immense variety of stores is a huge draw for…

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