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.

Visiting Barton Springs Pool

How many cities can boast a three-acre, spring fed pool right in the center of town? Austin can, with the famous Barton Springs Pool. Fed by four bubbling springs, this natural wonder maintains a brisk 68-70° year ‘round. Surrounded by grassy embankments, visitors to the pool can lounge in the shade…

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Best Places to Kayak and Paddleboard in Austin

Summer, spring, fall or winter, there’s rarely a bad time to get out on the water for a paddle session in Austin. So grab a kayak or paddle board, drop your camera in a waterproof bag, and enjoy the sun from one of the many sparkling bodies of water nearby. Here are the best places to kayak and…

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Austin's Best Murals

Austin's buildings and walls may be canvases, but they're anything but blank. Explore any of the city's neighborhoods and you’re bound to stumble on an ever-changing gallery of murals and street art. Grab your camera and take yourself on a sightseeing tour through a wealth of colorful, approachable…

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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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9 Reasons to Explore Austin's Outdoors

Whatever your recreational preference, Austin likely has it. The city is, after all, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, which boasts state parks, rivers, swimming holes, cliff walls and every other type of outdoor destination imaginable. Landgoers and water lovers alike have countless ways to…

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Top Things To Do in Austin This Summer

Summer is a great time to visit Austin. Outdoor activities are the name of the game, from kayaking Lady Bird Lake and cooling off in a spring-fed swimming hole to catching an outdoor concert and picnicking in a scenic park. Here are 25 Austin summer activities to help build your itinerary. Lady…

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Exploring McKinney Falls

Your Comprehensive Guide to the State Park Located just 13 miles from Downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is an exceptional place to enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors can see local wildlife like armadillos, painted bunting, and various snake species native to Texas. From camping and hiking…

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Experience the Austin 360 Bridge

Even if you have never visited Austin, it's likely you've seen a photo or two of an insanely beautiful sunset overlooking the Pennybacker Bridge—also known as the Austin 360 Bridge—and thought to yourself, "Is that real?" Yes, it's real and even more breathtaking in person. Here are our tips to see…

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