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.

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Author
Jenna Livingston

Jenna is the Digital & Content Marketing Manager for Visit Austin. As a native Texan, she will be sure to tell you that Austin is one of the greatest spots in the state — a perfect blend of small town heart and big city energy. Jenna spends her free time sampling breakfast tacos around town, exploring the Hill Country, and hanging on patio bars with her pups Brisket and Daisy.

Top 5 Things To Do in East Austin

East Austin has evolved into a hot destination for great food, luscious lounges, and marvelous educational museums. Discover the best East Austin restaurants, bars, museums, live music venues and more. Then find your perfect East Austin hotel and book your stay! The hangouts are casual in East…

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Visiting Austin's Central Library

Austin’s Central Library, located in the Seaholm District, is one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces. Opened in 2018, the library serves as a modern technology and information hub that reflects Austin’s vibrant culture and unique soul. The space reflects natural characteristics of the Hill…

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Hot Summer Nights 2024

Hot Summer Nights is bringing three packed days of music to Austin's own Red River Cultural District this July 18-20, 2024. Created to bring awareness to local businesses and artists during the slower summer months, Hot Summer Nights has grown to be a marquee event for locals and visitors alike…

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Best Independent 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 to…

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Check Out the Austin Visitor Center

Conveniently located in Austin’s downtown (602 E. Fourth Street) and open seven days a week, the Austin Visitor Center is the go-to place to find maps and brochures to kick start your adventure. The friendly folks at the VC love sharing the city's history and culture and answering questions about…

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Hotel Swimming Pools in Austin with Day Passes

Splish splash, y’all! Austin’s warm weather is here and it has locals and visitors alike on the hunt for water activities to cool down from the summer sun. Austin has so many places to chill out, like spring-fed swimming holes and natural oases. But if you’re a planner, or want something a little…

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Where to Watch Sports in Austin

Sports in Austin usually revolve around the Texas Longhorns or Austin FC, but we know there are fans of every sport and team across the capital city. Likewise, there are plenty of places to catch big games around the city. Here are a few of our suggestions for every kind of sports fan. Where to…

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Where to Celebrate Juneteenth In Austin

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is a holiday that celebrates the abolition of slavery in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, some states under Confederate jurisdiction did not implement it until years later. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 that Union…

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Top Things To Do & See in Downtown Austin

Arts and culture, craft cocktails and draft beer, food trucks and fine fare, live music and dance clubs — there’s never a dull moment in Downtown Austin. Learn more about things to do, where to go and what to see downtown, from the Warehouse District and 2ND Street District to Congress Avenue…

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