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.

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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Where to Zipline Near Austin

One of the most unique ways to take advantage of the beautiful Texas Hill Country is by flying through the trees on a zipline adventure. Take in fresh air, gorgeous scenery, and if you're lucky, some wildlife sightings as you glide through the air on a giant steel cable. Check out some of the best…

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Best Dive Bars in Austin

Looking for the best dive bars in Austin, Texas? Head to these spots, where the drinks are stiff, the locals are friendly and the live music and jukeboxes play all night long. We’ve listed 21 down-home Austin bars to get your night started, from the best dive bars on Sixth Street and around…

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The Complete Guide to Lakes in the Austin Area

Famous for its rivers and lakes, Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country is bisected by its countless waterways. Here's a quick guide to kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and boating on the water in the Texas state capital. Lady Bird Lake There are three lakes in the Austin area formed by…

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Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Austin

If you're planning to spend Thanksgiving in Austin, let our award-winning chefs minimize your time in the kitchen and dine in or order in from these local restaurants. Find Austin restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, plus great places to order Thanksgiving meals to take home. TLC. Credit to…

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20 Iconic Austin Restaurants

While Austin may be known for its legendary Tex-Mex, tasty breakfast tacos and juicy barbecue, there's so much more to the capital city's food history to explore. Austin's celebrated dining scene has evolved with lightning speed over the last few decades, but don't forget to pay homage to the greats…

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Visiting The Wayback

One of the best parts about visiting Austin is the opportunity to escape to the Texas Hill Country. You can easily enjoy the best parts of city life and Hill Country relaxation at The Wayback, a casual boutique hotel just 15 minutes west of downtown. Surrounded by hills and a big Texas sky, The…

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Day Trip Destination: Miraval Austin Resort & Spa

Dreaming about your next getaway, but can’t commit to a week-long vacation right now? Sometimes taking a few hours away from your usual routine is all you need to recharge your mind, body and soul - and Miraval Austin Resort & Spa's day package, which features full access to Miraval's extensive…

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25 Places for a Margarita in Austin

Nothing says Austin like an icy margarita enjoyed on an outdoor patio. The city offers countless great places that mix amazing margaritas. But how do you pick just one (or two, or three!)? To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 margaritas in Austin. Now get to sipping! Jump to Map…

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