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 in Austin with Kids this Spring

While much of the country is still thawing out from the winter, spring in Austin is sunny and mild, making it the perfect time of year to visit with your kids. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly ways to celebrate the season! Credit Monet Hambrick. Visit a Park Soak up the sunshine while…

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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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First Timer's Guide to Zilker Park

More than 1.3 million people visit Austin’s Zilker Park each year. It’s time for you to be among them! Zilker Park is one of the locals’ favorite places to find fun and fellowship. Live music and theater, sports and games, and simple enjoyment of the great outdoors await at this emerald isle at the…

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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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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. Courtesy of McKinney Falls State Park . Hike & Bike Take off on a hiking or cycling trail. At…

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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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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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