Austin, Texas Travel Guide

Austin is a city on the move. Hollywood has discovered this big city with a small-town atmosphere and it's not uncommon these days to see film crews blocking off an oak-lined street. High-tech industries have also migrated to this area, making this Texas's answer to Silicon Valley.

But, for all the changes that have occurred in this capital city, Austin is still very much a town whose roots are buried in the past--a past the city is proud to preserve and show off to its visitors.

A visit to Austin should begin downtown, where the Colorado River slices through the heart of the city. Once an unpredictable waterway, the Colorado has now been tamed into a series of lakes, including two within the Austin city limits. The 22-mile-long Lake Austin begins at the foot of the Hill Country and flows through the western part of the city.

Lake Austin flows into Town Lake, a narrow stretch of water that meanders for five miles though the center of downtown Austin. In the late afternoon hours, locals grab their sneakers and head to Zilker Park or Town Lake's shores for a jog or a leisurely walk. When the sun sets on summer days, attention turns to the lake's Congress Avenue bridge, the location of the country's largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. The bats make their exodus after sunset to feed on insects in the Hill Country.

After a day of touring, Austin presents plenty of other entertainment options. The heart of Austin's nightlife is Sixth Street, an historic seven-block area which compares itself to New Orleans' Bourbon Street.

Travel News

Austin travel news

Austin Attractions

Hotels

Hotels, Resorts and B&Bs Austin has no shortage of accommodations; here's a look at a select number.

Booking Austin hotels

Dining

Austin Restaurant Guide From barbecue to fine dining, you'll find plenty of options in Austin.

Festivals & Special Events

January: First Night Austin. The city ushers in a new year with this family-friendly party that celebrates the arts.

March: Zilker Kite Festival. Go fly a kite at this early March event.

March: Star of Texas Rodeo. Since 1938, this rodeo has meant over two weeks of cowboy fun including acts by many big name country entertainers.

March-April: Zilker Garden Festival. Celebrate spring with this gardening festival in Zilker Park.

April: Old Settler's Music Festival. This four-day jamboree features local and national names.

April: Austin Reggae Festival. Formerly the Bob Marley Festival, this Auditorium Shores event celebrates reggae music.

May-June: Republic of Texas Biker Rally. One of the country's motorcycle rallies rolls into Austin with a trade show, rides, a parade and more.

June: Urban Music Festival. Held on Auditorium Shores, this event features funk, hip hop and R&B tunes.

August: Batfest. The celebrated Mexican free-tailed bats that live beneath the Ann Richards Bridge (formerly Congress Avenue Bridge) are the focal point of this summer fest.

August: Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. Heat up August a little bit more with this festival celebrating hot sauce.

November: Victorian Christmas Festival. Sixth Street steps back to the Victorian age at this popular event that kicks off the shopping season.

December: Zilker Tree & Trail of Lights. Austin's most popular holiday event.

December: 37th Street Lights. This funky neighbor leaves on the lights with Austin's most unique holiday displays.

More festivals and Special Events From a nationally-known music festival to one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the country, Austin is a city that loves a party.

More on Austin

Austin Nightlife The city that's nicknamed "the live music capital of the world"

Shopping From malls to markets, the city has plenty of shopping options.

Austin for Kids From outdoor fun to hands-on museums, the city's youngest visitors find plenty of attractions.

Sports Activities From spectator sports to swimming pools, boating to biking, we've got it covered for active visitors.

In-depth Travel Articles

Austin Steam Train

Elisabet Ney, Austin Sculptor

Austin Photo Ops

Lunch at the LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center

For More Information: visit the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau