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.

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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Top Things To Do & See in West Austin

If the urban hubbub is too much, go west. With its rolling hills, gorgeous views, scenic drives, elegant resorts, waterfront restaurants and multiple lakes, you’ll see an entirely different side of the city. Take a break and make it a lake day in West Austin. The Switch. Credit Wyatt McSpadden…

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Visiting the Austin Zoo

Located southwest of the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, the Austin Zoo is a family-friendly adventure. Open year-round, the animal sanctuary and rescue houses more than 300 animals of 100 different species. Featuring a feeding area, a train ride and regular educational demonstrations, kids and…

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Day Trip Destination: Boerne

If you’re looking for a day trip with culture, nature, deep Texas historical roots and great food and drink, then head straight to Boerne, Texas. Settled over 150 years ago by German immigrants, this Hill Country town is nothing short of delightful. It’s one of those places where you stroll…

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Best Austin Breweries

Austin's craft brewing scene has been booming, so you'd be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed by all of our fermented offerings. Whether you're in the mood for a Mexican-style lager to compliment your tour of Austin tacos and queso, looking to expand your palate with a sour-mashed saison or…

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Live Music Venues in West Austin

West Austin is known for its rolling hills, scenic hiking trails and beautiful residential architecture, but it also boasts a few live music gems that provide residents and visitors alike with seemingly endless amounts of fun and entertainment. Check out a few of West Austin’s best music venues…

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Visiting Jacob's Well

The other-worldly beauty of Jacob’s Well—along with its year round water temperature of 68°F—makes it a popular swimming hole for hot Texas summers. Located within the 81 acres of Jacob’s Well Natural Area in Wimberley, TX, this stunning spot is a must-see. Due to drought and low water levels…

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Day Trip Destination: Schlitterbahn

Situated in the rolling hills of Central Texas is the state's first waterpark, Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels. For the past 40 years, Schlitterbahn has been one of the top destinations for family fun during the hot summer months. Located less than an hour outside of the Austin city limits…

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Local Craft Beverage Companies to Know

Chances are that you already know a few of these beverage brands, but did you know they were born in Austin? Here’s a list of some well-known names and others that we recommend you discover during your visit. Who knows, you may be part of the growth of the next big name! Austin Eastciders. Credit…

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Day Trip Destination: Gruene

Gruene, Texas (pronounced "green") is a Historic District located within the city of New Braunfels, about one hour from Austin. Established by Henry D. Gruene in 1872, this thriving district was originally populated by German cotton farmers dating back to before the Civil War. Despite its growing…

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