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.

Where to See Wildflowers Near Austin

Every spring, the Texas Hill Country blooms into a colorful cascade of delicate Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes and Indian Blankets, as wildflowers blanket the meadows, fields and valleys near Austin. Bring your camera, and your sense of wonder, as you scout out these top 10 spots for spectacular…

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Day Trip Destination: Blanco

Make your way to beautiful Blanco, Texas. Though it’s known for hosting an incredible lavender festival, the town offers so much more year ‘round. Get out in nature, learn some history, sip on some of the most well known and sought after craft beers and whiskies, plus eating well and living right…

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Where to Go Horseback Riding in Austin

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face... no, we’re not writing a country song. We’re waxing poetic about horseback riding! Although visitors may be disappointed to learn that most Texans don’t ride horses to school, we can still get the equestrian experience in and around Austin. Go for an…

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Day Trip Destination: Bee Cave

Nestled just west of Austin’s city limits is Bee Cave, Texas. The area derived its name from the colonies of Mexican honeybees that lived near the banks of Barton Creek and Little Barton Creek that encompassed a large area of Western Travis County. Today, Bee Cave is known for its laid-back…

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Day Trip Destination: Round Top

Round Top, Texas is well known to antiquers, shoppers, and folks looking for a little retail therapy. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of town. That said, during the spring, fall and winter, it’s full of people bustling around the Round Top Antiques Show, looking for great deals and rare finds…

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Day Trip Destination: Georgetown

Just under an hour from Austin, Georgetown is known for its lovely main street, cool restaurants and bars and fun local shopping. Pick any weekend to get away and enjoy the slower pace without sacrificing great food and good fun. Shopping The Georgetown Town Square is dubbed "The Most Beautiful…

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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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Best State Parks & Recreation Areas Near Austin

Austin is surrounded by incredible parks and outdoor recreation areas. With rolling green meadows, wide open spaces, giant cypress and oak trees throughout the countryside and along creeks, limestone cliffs, rocky riverbeds, rivers, lakes and caves, Central Texas has some of the most diverse…

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Day Trip Destination: Bastrop

Visitors travel across Texas in search of serene vistas and wide-open skies… but that road trip isn’t necessary. Austin is lucky enough to be just 30 minutes away from neighboring Bastrop, a city whose charm cannot be overstated. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the heart of Austin. Bastrop feels a…

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