As self-proclaimed, card-carrying members of the Keep Austin Weird fan club, we get it. You wanna visit the beloved ATX to soak up the live music scene, stuff your face with quirky BBQ, and hang with some of the chillest weirdos around. And no judgment! But trying to navigate Austin on your own for the first time without a local guide? Let’s just say crazier things have happened during SXSW.
From its world-famous slogan to the hipsters zipping around on scooters drinking craft brews at 10 AM, Austin definitely dances to its own beat. Figuring out where to go and what to eat in this buzzing city can feel more overwhelming than attempting to slug down a bucket of queso in one sitting. Trust us, it’ll hit you harder than the secret sauce at Franklin Barbecue if you aren’t prepared!
Luckily, we’ve compiled this Austin travel guide to help you experience this city’s full weird wonderfulness without feeling more out of place than a rideshare blaring elevator music. Consider us your temporary best friends/tour guides as we journey together through bat bridges, buzz-worthy food trucks, boot-stomping concerts, and more!
Strap on those cowboy boots and get ready to embrace the Austin ethos when you Come As You Are, leave when you Can’t Even. But fair warning – you may never wanna leave! Now let’s taco ’bout how we’re gonna Have a Taco ‘Bout Tacos and where we recommend chasing them down with some Hops and Grain…
About Austin
Austin is the perfect place to celebrate your bachelorette party. Its warm climate is perfect for a bachelorette party and is sunny most days of the year. Although it can be chilly at night, it is never too cold. There are numerous places to enjoy the nightlife. This city offers an array of entertainment, including live music and a vibrant music scene.
Although the city has a population of over one million, it manages to retain its small-town heart. As the state capital, it is a lively city with plenty to offer visitors. The city is a fusion of diverse cultures and is home to great music, a culinary scene, and a hip and sociable population.
Austin is a vibrant city that embraces an alternative lifestyle. There’s always something going on and something to try, and visitors can even enjoy nature close to town. The eclectic mix of people makes Austin an enticing destination for millennials.
Why Go to Austin
There are plenty of reasons to visit Austin, TX. The city is filled with cultural attractions, some of the best food in the US, and more than 50 craft breweries. You can also enjoy live music and outdoor adventures like kayaking down Lady Bird Lake. However, you must keep in mind that lodging in Austin can be pricey during peak travel seasons.
If you’re looking for great nightlife and a live music scene, Austin is the place for you. It also has plenty of outdoor activities to offer, with 300 days of sunshine and expansive green spaces like Zilker Metropolitan Park. This city is often regarded as one of the Best Places to Live in the United States, so it’s no wonder that many people flock here. No matter your age, you’ll find something to enjoy in Austin. Don’t miss the Blanton Museum of Art, LBJ’s library, or Sixth Street.
For art lovers, there are plenty of murals to enjoy. The Welcome to Austin Mural is one of the most popular murals in the city. You’ll find ample parking in downtown Austin for your car. Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and there are more than 250 live music venues in the city.
Best Time to Go
Austin has something to offer visitors throughout the year. Fall weather is pleasant, and October is an ideal time to experience the many local festivals. Austin is a great place to see live music, and October is also the month to catch the Austin City Limits and the Austin Film Festival. You can also take advantage of last-minute deals during this season.
High summer is the hottest time to visit Austin, but temperatures are comfortable during the fall. The summer months are hotter than normal, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. However, the colder months are also pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s. If you want to avoid the hottest months of the year, try visiting during September or November.
Springtime is also a popular time to visit Austin. The city is known for its festivals, and springtime is a great time to check out SXSW, the city’s biggest annual event. SXSW is a film, music, and interactive media festival that draws a variety of visitors. You can also check out the 6th Street entertainment district during this time, which is always packed with people having fun.
How to Get Around
If you’re planning a trip to Austin, Texas, you’re going to need to learn how to get around the city and get to your destination. There are several ways to get around the city, and you’ll want to take public transportation wherever possible. The Austin public transportation system is easy to use and runs nonstop, making it very convenient for you to travel around the city. However, you should be aware of the city’s notorious traffic, which can be particularly annoying when visiting in the middle of the day.
The Capital Metro system is the main public transportation system in Austin. It includes an extensive bus network and a light rail system. It also has an integrated ticketing system, so it is easy to find and buy a pass that fits your needs. Passes can save you a substantial amount of money, and you can purchase them at local grocery stores and online. Additionally, you can download the Capital Metro app to your phone to plan your trips and save money on fares.
Bicycles are also an excellent way to get around Austin. The city has over 75 bicycle rental stations, and most of them are accessible 24 hours a day. Additionally, there are several bike lanes throughout the city, which make riding a breeze. Just remember to follow the traffic laws and wear a helmet, and you’ll have no trouble getting around. Biking is probably the most practical way to get around Austin without a car.
Things to Do
Among the things to do in Austin, TX, is a visit to the Zilker Botanical Garden. This 28-acre park is full of themed gardens, including Japanese, rose, and cactus gardens. There are also specially curated fields where you can see hummingbirds and other colorful creatures. Visitors can also take in a display of quirky toys and collectibles. There is even a cute coffee truck called “Pretty Cute Coffee” that serves dairy-free drinks and other treats.
Another thing to do in Austin is to visit the Hamilton Pool, a natural swimming pool located about 20 miles west of the city. This pool was formed by the collapse of an ancient underground river. Its clear water and limestone slabs are a great spot for swimming. The park also hosts nature tours and gardening shows. Visitors can even plan private events in the park.
You can also watch a movie at the Paramount Theater, which was built in 1915. The park offers plenty of activities for the whole family, including wooden docks. Another option is Hatchet Alley, which has 12,000 square feet of indoor recreation space where you can play football bowling, or axe throwing. The great thing about this venue is that it’s weather-independent, so you can even try your hand at a new sport.
Neighborhoods to Know
If you’re visiting Austin, Texas, you’ll want to know about the best neighborhoods in town. Some neighborhoods have a thriving music scene and have provided a stage for musical legends. Others have quieter residential areas. Regardless of your preference, there are a variety of neighborhoods in Austin to explore.
If you’re looking for a more affordable neighborhood, consider East Austin. This trendy, historic neighborhood is near downtown. You can find eclectic restaurants and fun nightclubs along Rainey Street. You can also enjoy some good shopping in the neighborhood. There are also many historic buildings and popular bars and restaurants in this neighborhood.
While East Austin used to have a reputation as a “bad neighborhood,” it has recently gotten a facelift and is now one of the city’s best places to eat. East Sixth Street has some of Austin’s top bars, including Whisler’s, Lazarus, Lolo Wine, Lucky Duck, and others.
Weather
The climate in Austin, Texas varies greatly from month to month, but the most comfortable months are April, October, and November. By contrast, July is the wettest month in Austin. An average of 1.6 inches of rain falls on Austin during July. While many people confuse climate and weather, they are very different. Climate refers to the conditions of the atmosphere over long periods of time. Weather can be described in terms of temperature, humidity, cloudiness, visibility, and wind.
Austin’s climate is subtropical and humid, with warm summers and cool winters. High temperatures are generally above 90°F, but they can drop to the mid-fifties at night. While Austin does experience heat waves, they are relatively rare. On average, temperatures do not dip below freezing in Austin, and only a few days per year go below freezing. Austin also experiences occasional snowfall. The average amount of rainfall is 33 inches per year, with the heaviest rains falling in May and September. During these months, the humidity is high, and thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding.
The water temperature in Austin can reach up to 32°C in August. The temperatures during the hottest part of the day can reach a high of 104°F (40°C), while the coolest part of the day is 68°F (20°C).
