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.

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…

Continue Reading

Best Outdoor Activities in Austin

Austin is known for its great outdoors, both within the city limits and in the nearby rural Texas Hill Country. Get out and explore the best things to do outside, from winding hiking and biking trails to cool swimming holes and lakes perfect for paddling. 360 Bridge Hikers. Credit Pierce Ingram…

Continue Reading

Your Guide to Paddling Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is the epitome of the Austin lifestyle. Every day of the week, the lake is filled with people taking advantage of this stretch of dammed-off Colorado River that offers endless recreation opportunities. Backdropped by the downtown Austin skyline on one side, Zilker Park and Auditorium…

Continue Reading

50 Fun Things to Do in Austin

There’s truly something for everyone in Austin. Whether you’re looking for live music, must-see museums, authentic Texas cuisine, scenic outdoor adventures or family-friendly fun, our city offers it all. Here are 50 of the best things to do in Austin to kick-start your trip. Austin Visitor Center…

Continue Reading

Austin's Best Outdoor Activities this Fall

Austin is an outdoor lover’s playground. And with its enviable location in the heart of Texas Hill Country, visitors can find everything from scenic state parks to crystal clear lakes close by. So, whether you’re a hiker, biker or boater, you’re sure to find your bliss in Austin this fall. Hiking…

Continue Reading

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…

Continue Reading

Austin Day Trip Activities

Day trippers (and locals) will find lots of exciting things to do in Austin. Hike or bike scenic trails, have a picnic in the park or head to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater. The options are endless. Courtesy of McKinney Falls State Park . Hike & Bike Take off on a hiking or cycling trail. At…

Continue Reading

Top Things to Do in Austin

Excited to start planning your upcoming trip to Austin but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll help get you started with these handy insider tips and ideas. Whether it’s your first time in Austin or your fortieth, this checklist is sure to provide plenty of unique Austin experiences for…

Continue Reading

Austin's Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake

The Hike and Bike Trail is a low-grade trail, most of which is wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrian traffic, making it a leisurely, enjoyable ride for cyclists, runners and families alike. Because the trail winds through downtown, there are access points and parking all along the…

Continue Reading

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. Land-goers and water-lovers alike have countless ways to…

Continue Reading