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.

Stand up Paddle Boarding in Austin

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is a popular way to while away the day in Austin, and with a steady influx of outdoor enthusiasts visiting the city, the beginner-friendly sport has gained even more steam in Central Texas. With an abundance of rivers and lakes, perfect for flat-water paddling, you'll…

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Guide to Austin's Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Barton Creek Greenbelt, which travels through South Austin, is the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes in the city. You can enjoy hiking, biking, rock-climbing, bouldering, swimming and even lazily passing a day perched in a hammock or sunbathing on a boulder along Barton…

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Where to See Outdoor Concerts in Austin

In the Live Music Capital of the World®, you’ll find a dizzying array of outdoor venues offering everything from bluegrass and indie to Latin and soul. Visit Austin’s lush downtown parks, hidden hot spots and repurposed spaces like a car garage to hear music in unusual and welcoming places…

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Visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Less than two hours away from Austin is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a magical outdoor wonderland, indeed. Here, a massive pink granite dome stands 425 feet above the rocky soil below, a spectacular sight amidst the rolling Hill Country landscape. At the park, campsites, hiking trails, and…

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Where to See Longhorns In Austin

Perhaps no state mammal is associated with its “home state” as quickly as the Texas Longhorn. Weighing in at up to 1,500 pounds and standing up to six feet tall, these bovine beauties certainly catch the eye. But it’s their titular longhorns, sometimes reaching eight feet from tip to tip, that…

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25 Can’t-Miss Food Trucks in Austin

Food truck eats are a must when you visit Austin. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly food truck park or tasty late night bites on the patio at a bar, here are 25 to add to your Austin dining itinerary. Veracruz All Natural. Credit to Ryan Myers. 1. Veracruz All Natural Wake up with a migas…

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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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Your Complete Fall Bucket List

Celebrate fall in Austin with tons of seasonal activities, including pumpkin patches and corn mazes, spooky tours and amazing outdoor adventures in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Austin really shows off some of it's best qualities this time of year. From perfect weather and patio dining to amazing…

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Top Smoothie & Juice Bars in Austin

Austin is all about the great outdoors and when it comes to sunshine, we have plenty to spare. After spending a day at Zilker Park, swimming in Barton Springs or kayaking Lady Bird Lake, cool down with a refreshing snack at one of our many fresh juice bars around town. Remember, vacation doesn’t…

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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…

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