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.

Things to Do for Halloween in Austin 2023

If you're looking for a good ghost story, not only does Austin have some ghoulish ones to tell, the city is also full of festive ways to celebrate Halloween. From scary movies, haunted houses and parties at your favorite local bars to kid-friendly events like corn mazes and Boo at the Zoo, here are…

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Stand up Paddle Boarding in Austin

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is a popular way to while away the day in Austin, and with a steady influx of outdoor enthusiasts visiting the city, the beginner-friendly sport has gained even more steam in Central Texas. With an abundance of rivers and lakes, perfect for flat-water paddling, you'll…

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Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

Each year, Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Austin. During Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, the city's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event, visitors will experience a street festival and a parade down the iconic Congress Avenue, bringing together a…

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Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels in Austin

A truly family-friendly hotel must be more than a place to rest your head. It has to be a home-away-from-home where you can keep kids, toys, snacks, souvenirs, and strollers in a state of comfortable disarray until it’s time to head home. And of course, it needs the all-important pool! These eight…

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Your Complete Fall Bucket List

Celebrate fall in Austin with tons of seasonal activities, including pumpkin patches and corn mazes, spooky tours and amazing outdoor adventures in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Austin really shows off some of it's best qualities this time of year. From perfect weather and patio dining to amazing…

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Day Trip Destination: Round Rock

Just 20 minutes north of Austin, Round Rock is known for historic sites, a walk-able downtown, great shopping, and professional and amateur sports offerings. Get to know this destination and plan your day trip from Austin with our guide to the top things to do, see and eat in Round Rock. Downtown &…

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Visiting the Austin Nature & Science Center

If you are a parent to a budding naturalist or future environmentalist, a trip to the Austin Nature & Science Center is a must. Within the boundaries of Zilker Park, this ecological refuge lets kids explore and discover the natural Austin environment and learn about geology, animals, paleontology…

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3 Days in Austin with Your Dog

Austin is an incredibly dog-friendly city. Locals take their fur babies everywhere—off-leash parks, specialty pet shops and even their favorite bars and restaurants. For visitors, pet-friendly hotels abound, and you won’t run out of fun activities to share with your best friend. Here are some ideas…

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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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