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.

Guide to Exploring Hamilton Pool Year-Round

Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of the most popular parks in the Travis County area. So popular, in fact, that you need reservations to get in. It’s easy to see why—the beautiful blue pool in the collapsed grotto and trickling waterfall make for excellent photo ops and hiking trails provide gorgeous…

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Visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden

If Zilker Park is the heart of Austin, then surely the Zilker Botanical Garden is the heart of the city’s favorite park. This 28-acre expanse of lush greenery, flowers, and streams welcomes over 150,000 visitors every year to wander the grounds and enjoy a peaceful respite from the city. Over the 6+…

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Where to Zipline Near Austin

One of the most unique ways to take advantage of the beautiful Texas Hill Country is by flying through the trees on a zipline adventure. Take in fresh air, gorgeous scenery, and if you're lucky, some wildlife sightings as you glide through the air on a giant steel cable. Check out some of the best…

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Austin's Best Public Golf Courses, Clubs & Resorts

Austin is a favorite destination for golfers, thanks to its excellent year-round courses (many of which are PGA-endorsed). Whether you’re looking to tee off from one of Austin’s historic golf courses or want to make a weekend of it at a scenic Texas Hill Country resort, you’ll discover plenty of…

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Mount Bonnell for Beginners

While part of the allure of Austin includes more than 300 days of sunshine per year, those visitors with more urban experience might find themselves intimidated by the unbelievable variety of outdoor activities that the city has to offer. Whether you're here for the day or plan on sticking around…

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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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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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Yoga Studios in Austin to Try

Austin’s yoga and fitness community is easily navigable and super visitor-friendly. In fact most hotels in central Austin have a studio nearby – and if you’re downtown, just hop on a BCycle and pedal your way to class as a warm-up! Here are a few visitor-friendly Austin yoga studios to try out…

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Day Trip Destination: Spicewood

Home of Texas icon and country music legend Willie Nelson, Spicewood has a charm all its own. Fantastic barbecue, rolling hills, fabulous vineyards, and incredible views make this day trip one to remember. You’ll feel miles away from the city while still satisfying that need for novelty. Nature &…

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Dog-Friendly Water Activities

Austin is an exceedingly dog-friendly city. Everywhere you go, you’re likely to find plenty of pups with their owners in tow. And with a warm climate for most of the year, there are lots of dog-friendly water activities so visitors and their pooches can stay cool, especially when temps rise in the…

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