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.

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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9 Reasons to Explore Austin's Outdoors

Whatever your recreational preference, Austin likely has it. The city is, after all, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, which boasts state parks, rivers, swimming holes, cliff walls and every other type of outdoor destination imaginable. Land-goers and water-lovers alike have countless ways to…

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30 Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Visiting Austin with the kids? We’ve got 30 great ideas for fun family activities they’ll love, from swimming holes and food trucks, to kid-friendly live music and museums that welcome curious little explorers. Be sure to check attractions’ hours and safety protocols before heading out. Credit…

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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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20+ Dog-Friendly Things To Do in Austin

If leaving your dog home alone sounds worse than starting a night out with only 10% phone battery, you’re in the right city. Austin is chock full of dog-friendly activities where you can eat, drink, work and play alongside your canine companion. So grab that leash, some extra baggies and a portable…

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Visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden

If Zilker Park is the heart of Austin, then surely the Zilker Botanical Garden is the heart of the city’s favorite park. This 28-acre expanse of lush greenery, flowers, and streams welcomes 300,000 visitors every year to wander the grounds and enjoy a peaceful respite from the city. Over the 6+…

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Take A Virtual Tour of Austin

Just because we can’t travel in person right now, doesn’t mean we can take a virtual trip and experience our favorite Austin attractions from the comfort of our homes! Check out these virtual tours and 360-degree videos of Austin museums, attractions and iconic landmarks to help ease your current…

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Austin City Limits Music Festival 2019 Survival Guide

One of the best ways to experience Austin is by attending one (or more!) of its many festivals. The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is one of the largest live music events in the country, taking the famed "Austin City Limits" TV series outside the studio and into scenic Zilker Park. In 2021…

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6 Instagram-Worthy Stops in Austin

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Austin has a lot to say. The city is full of “Insta-worthy” views that would make anyone with a camera phone and a social media account go crazy. Feel free to snap and share any of the great moments you have in Austin, but here is a list of essential…

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Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

Nestled on six lush acres in the heart of Austin, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum has become a favorite oasis for visitors. Showcasing a permanent collection of bronze figurative sculptures by American sculptor Charles Umlauf in South Austin, the UMLAUF also features rotating contemporary…

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