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: San Marcos

Just a short drive south of Austin, San Marcos offers a quaint Texas experience. Make time for a day trip with our guide to San Marcos, where you can go tubing and float the scenic San Marcos River, explore the Texas State University campus, spend a day shopping at two expansive outlet malls, visit…

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Experience the Austin 360 Bridge

Even if you have never visited Austin, it's likely you've seen a photo or two of an insanely beautiful sunset overlooking the Pennybacker Bridge—also known as the Austin 360 Bridge—and thought to yourself, "Is that real?" Yes, it's real and even more breathtaking in person. Here are our tips to see…

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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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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 and airplane hangar to hear music in unusual and…

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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…

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Austin Cycling Guide

Ready to get on your bikes and ride? There are plenty of places to do so in Austin whether you want a car-free paved path for a leisurely cycle or you prefer to tear up some single track. So grab your helmet and a pair of shades and take your wheels to one of these cycling hot spots perfect for…

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ABC Zilker Kite Festival

Welcome Spring at the ABC Kite Festival The nation’s oldest kite festival is a fresh-air ballyhoo of kite flying contests, food, games and more. Austin’s annual ABC Kite Festival takes place each spring, and is free to attend. Hundreds of colorful kites will dot the sky from morning till night. This…

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Fun Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend

Get weird, wild and wacky over a three-day weekend with this fun Austin itinerary. The whole family will keep busy with everything from outdoor adventures to kid-friendly attractions and lots of yummy eats in between. DAY 1 Morning Fuel up for the day with a filling breakfast taco at Fresa’s South…

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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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