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 Day Trip Activities

Day trippers (and locals) will find lots of exciting things to do in Austin. Hike or bike scenic trails, have a picnic in the park or head to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater. The options are endless. Pedernales River. Credit to Victor Mata. Hike & Bike Take off on a hiking or cycling trail…

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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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50 Fun Things to Do in Austin

There’s truly something for everyone in Austin. Whether you’re looking for live music, must-see museums, authentic Texas cuisine, scenic outdoor adventures or family-friendly fun, our city offers it all. Here are 50 of the best things to do in Austin to kick-start your trip. 1. Try Austin’s favorite…

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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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Top Local Artists to Watch at ACL Fest

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The long-awaited Austin City Limits Music Festival makes its return to Zilker Park with two full weekends of live music across nine stages on October 4-6 and October 11-13, 2024. With each passing year, ACL seems to outdo itself with its lineup of…

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Must-See Austin Historic Sites

Listen up, history lovers! We’ve compiled the iconic Austin sites you can’t miss while visiting the Capital City. Delve into the backstory of our fascinating town, where you can explore everything from art and history museums to lush parks, still-kickin' honky-tonks, and restaurants that have…

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Visiting Barton Springs Pool

How many cities can boast a three-acre, spring fed pool right in the center of town? Austin can, with the famous Barton Springs Pool. Fed by four bubbling springs, this natural wonder maintains a brisk 68-70° year ‘round. Surrounded by grassy embankments, visitors to the pool can lounge in the shade…

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Best Places to Kayak and Paddleboard in Austin

Summer, spring, fall or winter, there’s rarely a bad time to get out on the water for a paddle session in Austin. So grab a kayak or paddle board, drop your camera in a waterproof bag, and enjoy the sun from one of the many sparkling bodies of water nearby. Here are the best places to kayak and…

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48-Hour Austin LGBTQ+ Itinerary

LGBTQ+-Owned and Gay-Friendly Things to Do in Austin, TX Austin is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country, with a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index. But you won’t find just one “gayborhood” here. The community is integrated throughout this…

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