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: Salado, TX

Our favorite state has many historic spots but Salado, Texas has that old town look-and-feel that really connects you with small-town Texas history. Just an hour north of Austin, it’s the ideal spot for a quick getaway. Take to the charming streets to stroll the art galleries, split a dish at lovely…

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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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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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Guide to Austin's Anderson Lane Neighborhood

Located in North-Central Austin, the Anderson Lane area is a convenient place to stay the night or spend an afternoon, just minutes from shopping at the Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE, history and culture at the University of Texas at Austin and downtown activities and nightlife. The suburban…

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Day Trip Destination: Lockhart

Lockhart has long been known as the barbecue capital of Texas. Way before Franklin was a whisper in the wind, Texans from all over have flocked to this city to get their carnivore on. There’s more than meets (or meats) the eye here though—a fascinating history, adorable shops, live music, golfing…

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Top Things to Do & See on East Cesar Chavez

Home to tons of local history and deeply-rooted culture, Austin's East Cesar Chavez neighborhood is where old Austin meets new. The area surrounding East Cesar Chavez Street, named for the Latino-American labor and civil rights advocate, sits just east of IH 35 from Downtown, and is a great place to…

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Guide to Austin's North Loop Neighborhood

Austin’s North Loop neighborhood is a unique part of town located just northeast of the University of Texas. North Loop’s proximity to the university and mix of eclectic restaurants and shops makes it a popular local hangout among students and campus staff. Courtesy of Home Slice Pizza. NORTH LOOP…

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Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Austin

An ever annoying part of traveling is finding room in your suitcase for souvenirs. But when you come to Austin, odds are you will not need to pack a big winter coat. Whether you’re looking to fill that spot with a gift or a personal keepsake, we’ve got you covered with this list of some of our…

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Top Things To Do & See in Mueller

Mueller looks a little different from most neighborhoods in Austin, partly because it’s a lot newer, built with a vision in mind—sustainability, walkability and greenery everywhere. There’s always something happening in Mueller, both at the restaurants and bars, but also in the massive park that…

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