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.

Austin Climbing & Bouldering Guide

Austin is filled with craggy walls and limestones cliffs perfect for climbing and bouldering. In fact, the city is home to a robust population of climbers. And visitor or local, beginner or pro, you don’t have to go far to send it. Austin Climbing Gyms Climb any time of year and in any weather at…

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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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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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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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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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