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 Camp Lucy

You’ve Heard About It, It’s Time to Experience It. Just outside of the city limits, the picturesque town of Dripping Springs is booming with breweries, wineries, distilleries, natural parks and more. Whether visiting central Texas for the first time or in search of an Austin staycation, experience…

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Day Trip Destination: Johnson City

Just an hour west of Austin, Johnson City is a perfect day trip destination. Whether you are interested in the story of LBJ, outdoor adventures, wineries, art, or science, this area of the Texas Hill Country has a lot to offer. History The town is named after the ancestors of the 36 th President of…

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Day Trip Destination: New Braunfels and Gruene

Experience Texas’ German Roots in New Braunfels, Texas. This Hill Country town is located an hour outside of Austin and is jam-packed with outdoor activities, historic attractions and wonderful restaurants, making it the perfect day trip destination for visitors to Austin. Plus, be sure to explore…

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7 of the Best Swimming Holes in & Around Austin

There’s no denying it: summer is sizzling in Austin. But luckily, Mother Nature helps out with a number of splashy swimming holes that offer a fun way to cool off. Shake the summer heat at some of the best swimming holes found in and around Austin. Please note that swimming is not always guaranteed…

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Your Complete Austin Summer Bucket List

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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Visiting Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa sits in the heart of Austin’s Hill Country. Renovated in 2019, the AAA Four Diamond resort embraces the surrounding nature and rolling hills through its vibrant artwork by Texas artists and large windows that frame the landscape. While the resort feels worlds away, it…

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Austin Climbing & Bouldering Guide

Austin is filled with craggy walls and limestones cliffs perfect for climbing and bouldering. In fact, the city is home to a robust population of climbers. And visitor or local, beginner or pro, you don’t have to go far to send it. Austin Climbing Gyms Climb any time of year and in any weather at…

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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: Fredericksburg

In 1846, a small city named Fredericksburg was founded in the Texas Hill Country. More than 150 years later, Fredericksburg has grown into a charming German village and is visited by thousands each year. A day trip to Fredericksburg is a must for Austinites and Austin visitors alike, so here are our…

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What to Do on Memorial Day Weekend in Austin

Planning to spend Memorial Day weekend in Austin? Whether you’re in the mood to relax and unwind or get outside, we’ve got you covered! Here are our suggestions for the best ways to spend three days off in Austin, Texas. Krause Springs. Credit Haley Plotkin. Explore the Outdoors Soak up plenty of…

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