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.

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 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Tucked away in South Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center brims with native Central Texas blooms and landscapes. Designated as the State Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas, the gardens reflect the unique story of former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s journey towards beautifying Austin…

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Day Trip Destination: Blanco

Make your way to beautiful Blanco, Texas. Though it’s known for hosting an incredible lavender festival, the town offers so much more year ‘round. Get out in nature, learn some history, sip on some of the most well known and sought after craft beers and whiskies, plus eating well and living right…

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Visiting Mayfield Park & Mount Bonnell

Situated in the heart of west Austin, witness the natural beauty of Central Texas with a visit to Mayfield Park and Mount Bonnell. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a visitor looking for a glimpse of Austin's famous wild peacocks or a local, you're sure to enjoy these historic parks and their…

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The Complete Austin, Texas Bucket List for Spring

Spring is almost here! And with it comes loads of outdoor fun in Austin. From picnics in the park to scenic biking trails and alfresco patios, you’ll find that our town knows how to make the most of this sunshine season. Here are 12 fun things to do in spring for your Austin, Texas bucket list…

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Weirdest Things to Do in Austin

Austin’s reputation for “weirdness” is a bit hard to pin down. What exactly does it mean to be weird, anyway? If it means laid back, creative, fun-loving, and a little quirky, then it’s a fitting description. Visitors to our fair city should stop by some of these attractions to see if you agree with…

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Day Trip Destination: Round Rock

Just 20 minutes north of Austin, Round Rock is known for historic sites, a walk-able downtown, great shopping, and professional and amateur sports offerings. Get to know this destination and plan your day trip from Austin with our guide to the top things to do, see and eat in Round Rock. Downtown &…

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Where to Go Camping Near Austin

When the weather cools to a gentle 90ish degrees, it’s time to blow the dust off your camping gear, fire up the engine on the RV, rile the kids up with talk of s’mores and ghost stories and go! Central Texas is liberally dotted with camping options that range from primitive to premium. Here are our…

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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…

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Best State Parks & Recreation Areas Near Austin

Austin is surrounded by incredible parks and outdoor recreation areas. With rolling green meadows, wide open spaces, giant cypress and oak trees throughout the countryside and along creeks, limestone cliffs, rocky riverbeds, rivers, lakes and caves, Central Texas has some of the most diverse…

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