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.

8 Ways to Experience Austin's Zilker Park

Zilker Park is known as the "jewel in the heart of Austin," and it's easy to see why. The 351 acre park features a natural spring-fed swimming pool, sculpture garden, stand-up paddle boarding, dinosaurs (at the prehistoric gardens in the botanical garden) and unbeatable views of the Austin skyline…

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Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants in Austin

Austin's Black community has quite the legacy in the Austin food scene. Find award-winning restaurants, authentic Ethiopian, Jamaican and Haitian flavors, savory smoked meats and flavorful southern comfort food all around town. Enjoy Austin's food truck scene with creative takes on baked potatoes…

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Where to See Wildflowers Near Austin

In early spring, the Texas Hill Country blooms into a colorful cascade of delicate bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and Indian blankets, as wildflowers cloak 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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Top 20+ Family-Friendly Attractions in Austin

Austin, Texas is an outdoor lover's paradise and a super kid-friendly city, making it the perfect getaway for families with kids of all ages. While your Austin family vacation might not be raging at all the music venues, there are still so many things to do, see, eat and listen to that are totally…

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Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Austin

Texas may be renowned for its barbecue, but Austin’s culinary scene doesn’t stop there; the city is also brimming with meat-free fare and these restaurants are some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Austin. Be prepared to be delighted and amazed. 1. Arlo's Jr. Known far and wide for…

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Weird Things to Do in Austin

Austin’s reputation for “weirdness” is somewhat 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…

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Where to Go Shopping in Austin

Whether you’re a luxury label lover or a vintage treasure hunter, Austin has just the place for you to shop ‘til you drop. Spend some time at our sprawling shopping malls, charming retail districts and special shopping events. You won’t come home empty handed. Allens Boots. Credit Carolina de Mauro…

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Best Restaurants & Bars This Winter

There are lots of exciting things to do during winter in Austin. But when the winter weather hits and you're looking to get extra cozy, try out one of these winter warmers around town. From local restaurants with fireplaces and fire pits to dark and cozy wine bars, here are some of the best Austin…

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Visiting Austin's Trail of Lights

The holidays are here, and one of the best ways to celebrate in Austin is by visiting the city’s Annual Trail of Lights taking place December 10-23, 2024. Celebrating it's 60th anniversary in 2024, this iconic Austin event transforms Zilker Park into a winter wonderland as it's lit up by more than 2…

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