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.

Top Holiday Concerts & Shows in Austin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Austin is bringing back some festive traditions featuring amazing live music and spirited performances. If you haven’t experienced the holidays in Austin, see below for some of this season’s can't-miss events! "A Christmas Carol." Courtesy of ZACH…

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Your Hill Country Getaway: Hotel Viata

Escape to the tranquility of Texas Hill Country with a stay at Hotel Viata Austin. Nestled among lush trees, this charming retreat welcomes both locals and travelers to a warm and inviting experience. Join us as we explore the highlights of this hidden gem. Coastal Italian Dining with a Hill…

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Austin’s LGBTQ+ Arts Scene

The LGBTQ+ community in Austin has a long and ever-growing history. The deep cultural tapestry has laid the ground for Austin’s LGBTQ+ art scene to flourish and expand through installations, dance and music groups, individual creatives, and much more. Various communities within LGBTQ+ spaces…

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Festive Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Sing carols, twirl on ice, enjoy spectacular festive displays and get into the spirit of the season. We have the top tips for things to do with kids in Austin this winter. Courtesy of Trail of Lights. See Holiday Lights The Austin Trail of Lights is truly an Austin tradition celebrating its 59th…

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Day Trip Destination: Waco

If you’re itching for some new scenery, Austin’s central location in the Lone Star State makes it easy to take a day trip to and from. In the past decade, Waco has garnered a ton of national attention (in a good way.) The wild popularity of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ show, their Magnolia Market, the…

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Top Things To Do & See in South Austin

South Austin is what locals like to call a "taste of old Austin." Quaint houses, old-school boutiques, iconic restaurants and new eateries by some of the city's top up-and-coming chefs populate this lively nook. Head here to get away from the crowds and decompress in Austin's largest city park…

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Exploring Austin's Caves and Caverns

Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country features incredibly diverse landscapes, offering everything from green, rolling hills to limestone cliffs to rocky riverbeds to mesquite and pine forests. But the area also contains a lesser-known, hidden treasure—the intricate underground cave systems…

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Visiting the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum

Nestled on six lush acres in the heart of Austin, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum has become a favorite oasis for visitors. Showcasing a permanent collection of bronze figurative sculptures by American sculptor Charles Umlauf in South Austin, the UMLAUF also features rotating contemporary…

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The Complete Guide to Lakes in the Austin Area

Famous for its rivers and lakes, Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country is bisected by its countless waterways. Here's a quick guide to kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and boating on the water in the Texas state capital. Lady Bird Lake There are three lakes in the Austin area formed by…

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year and time for a new rendition of one of Austin's favorite old holiday traditions, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Taking over the Palmer Events Center from December 14-23, 2024, stop by to do some holiday shopping or just come and kick back by the stage. Shop…

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