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 South Austin

South Austin is what locals like to call a "taste of old Austin." Quaint houses, old-school boutiques, iconic restaurants and new eateries by some of the city's top up-and-coming chefs populate this lively nook. Head here to get away from the crowds and decompress in Austin's largest city park…

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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: Marble Falls, TX

Though just 50 miles west of Austin, the city of Marble Falls makes you feel like you’re in some kind of dream. Revel in the great outdoors! Pick berries at a quaint farm! Eat pies the size of a small country! Drink cold craft beer! Picnic in a vineyard! Let’s be honest — a day trip here simply…

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11 Austin Wine Bars Worth Visiting

Is “rosé all day” your personal mantra? At Austin’s many wine bars, you’ll find plenty of reds, whites, rosés, and more—enough to keep even the most enthusiastic oenophiles happy. Visit one of these Austin favorites to find the best bottles in town. Aviary. Courtesy of Resplendent Hospitality…

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Day Trip Destination: Johnson City

Just an hour west of Austin, Johnson City is a perfect day trip destination. Whether you are interested in the story of LBJ, outdoor adventures, wineries, art, or science, this area of the Texas Hill Country has a lot to offer. History The town is named after the ancestors of the 36 th President of…

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Day Trip Destination: Georgetown

Just under an hour from Austin, Georgetown is known for its lovely main street, cool restaurants and bars and fun local shopping. Pick any weekend to get away and enjoy the slower pace without sacrificing great food and good fun. Shopping The Georgetown Town Square is dubbed "The Most Beautiful…

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Day Trip Destination: Fredericksburg

In 1846, a small city named Fredericksburg was founded in the Texas Hill Country. More than 150 years later, Fredericksburg has grown into a charming German village and is visited by thousands each year. A day trip to Fredericksburg is a must for Austinites and Austin visitors alike, so here are our…

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Day Trip Destination: Driftwood

Driftwood often gets overlooked on the way to other, larger Hill Country towns but it’s got a scene in its own right. Of course, it’s home to the legitimately world famous The Salt Lick barbecue but as Austinites rush out of the city in search of a little more space and some peace, Driftwood has…

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Hill Country Day Trip: Dripping Springs

If you’ve had your fill of walking around downtown Austin and are looking for other hot spots to visit, don’t fret: there are tons of lovely towns just outside of the Austin city limits that are perfect for spending a day in. One of the most popular towns for visitors (and locals) is Dripping…

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