Austin

15 Central Texas & Hill Country Day Trips

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:58:20 +0000

Sip along scenic wine trails, shop and dine in charming small towns, spend a day tubing and hiking, sample locally made craft beers, tour fascinating historic sites and so much more.

1. DRIPPING SPRINGS Take a tour with the great-great-granddaughter of the founders of the 1850s Pound House Farmstead. Book a tasting of the signature olive oils and balsamic vinegars produced by the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. The gorgeous Tillie’s was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America by People magazine. Enjoy a bite and a beer in the outdoor garden of the family-friendly Fitzhugh Brewing. Kids will love the splash pad at Route 12 Filling Station, serving up comfort fare like chicken fried steak. Cousin Louie’s Italian Restaurant is known for its family recipes and handmade pastas.

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West Austin & Beyond

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:56:11 +0000

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South Congress

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:54:46 +0000

People watching is the name of the game on walkable South Congress. Wander from creative boutiques to hip eateries and historic clubs, all within a few city blocks.

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South Austin

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:53:28 +0000

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East Austin

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:52:19 +0000

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East Austin blends old-school weird with new-school creativity. Global eateries, boutiques, inviting cocktail bars and lively music venues keep the energy going from day to night.

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North Austin

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:51:54 +0000

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Family-friendly North Austin is packed with global eats, vibrant shopping hubs and whimsical wonderlands that kick-start your senses — it’s a creative playground for kids and adults alike!

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Central Austin

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:22:38 +0000

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Central Austin is a cultural hot spot and home to The University of Texas at Austin campus. Tour sprawling art museums, browse vintage shops and unwind at easygoing watering holes.

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Downtown: Second Street

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:21:46 +0000

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Stop, shop and stroll in this funloving, pedestrian-friendly district. Step into chic boutiques by day and lounge on leafy patios with a cocktail in hand by night.

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Downtown: Red River Cultural District

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:21:08 +0000

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Music is life in this energetic entertainment district, where you’ll find themed dance parties, late-night shows and artists of all genres any night of the week.

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MAP

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:10:56 +0000

GETTING AROUND AUSTIN

From flying in to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to traveling around the city, there are lots of transportation options to make your visit easy and affordable.

TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

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Downtown: West Sixth Street

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:47:44 +0000

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West Sixth Street may be more upscale than its historic cousin, but it’s no snob. Its retro discos, elegant wine bars and offbeat dives are high in style and hospitality.

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Downtown: Warehouse District

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:46:59 +0000

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This former industrial district is now an after-dark hot spot, home to some of Austin’s top restaurants, buzziest dance clubs and swankiest cocktail lounges. Dinner and dancing? Yes, please.

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Downtown: Sixth Street

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:46:27 +0000

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You may have heard of Austin’s famed Sixth Street — but do you really know what to expect? With elegant speakeasies, edgy comedy clubs and mouthwatering food, this street is full of surprises.

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Downtown: Rainey Street

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:44:55 +0000

Rainey Street is a one-of-a-kind entertainment district — an urban canyon where luxe high-rises tower over historic bungalows-turned- bars. Whether it’s quiet cocktails or all-night dance parties, you’ll find it here.

DINING

Feast on modern Mexican at Tómalo Grill, serving fresh Peruvian ceviche and rich chicken con mole tacos in a modern Yucatan-inspired space. Texas goes global at Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt. Try lamb birria with arbol pepper harissa, while live music acts hit the stage every night.

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Downtown: Congress Avenue

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:42:34 +0000

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Classic cocktails, eclectic eats, buzzy nightlife and outdoor adventures — Congress Avenue packs big Austin energy into a vibrant 10-block stretch in the heart of Downtown

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Around Town

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:41:59 +0000

Discover Austin’s many entertainment areas, where you can explore everything from locally owned shops and galleries to MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, diverse live music venues, fun outdoor attractions and fascinating museums.

Find a complete map at the back of the guide or visit us online to view and download free maps at visitaustin.org/maps

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Exciting Sports

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:41:37 +0000

From heart-stopping Formula 1 races to powerful pro tennis matches, there’s always something to cheer for in Austin!

The energy is always high at an Austin FC match at Q2 Stadium. Join the locals decked out in verde-and-black as they chant for their favorite soccer stars. And be sure to check out Austin Rise FC, a Women’s Premier Soccer League team and 2024 regional finalists.

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Outdoor Adventures

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:41:06 +0000

Get outside! With nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, Austin is a paradise of parks, rivers and wildlife.

HIKING

Barton Creek Greenbelt’s 12 miles of hiking trails snake through South Austin. Stop by picturesque waterfalls and cool off in the creek when water levels are high. Wooded paths and rocky terrain make Emma Long Metropolitan Park a quiet respite from the city, with beautiful Lake Austin views.

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Austin's Best Beverages

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:39:53 +0000

Drink up the Austin way, where beers, spirits and wines are made with passion by masters of the small-batch craft.

BREWERIES

There’s more to Meanwhile Brewing than great beer — like a soccer field, volleyball court and food trucks. Central Machine Works is an industrial-meets-breezy beer hall with traditional small-batch beers. Hopheads love The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (ABGB) for their hop-forward brews and roomy warehouse.

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Must-Eat Austin

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:38:58 +0000

MICHELIN-rated cuisine, smoky Texas barbecue and tasty tacos — Austin’s restaurant scene satisfies every foodie’s craving.

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Iconic Music Venues

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:37:40 +0000

Kick up your heels at a honkytonk, jam at an intimate indie sesh or settle into a dark jazz club. Hundreds of local venues mean you’ll find the right rhythm on Austin’s music scene.

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Plan an Austin Getaway

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:36:04 +0000

Mapping out your visit? Start here! First-timers and families alike can dive into Austin’s creative culture, outdoor fun and fabulous food — all in one unforgettable weekend.

FIRST-TIMERS

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Events Around Austin

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:32:42 +0000

ON OUR RADAR

Austin’s exciting year-round events celebrate everything from live music and the arts to local foods and fun holiday happenings.

Keep current on all things Austin by signing up for our free eNewsletter at visitaustin.org/enewsletter

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WELCOME TO AUSTIN

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:12:55 +0000

Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, Austin always has something new to discover — world-famous live music, unforgettable food, one-of-a-kind shops, scenic trails and friendly faces around every corner. This guide is your starting point to explore the city like a local and make the most of your time in the Live Music Capital of the World®.

ON THE WEB

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