Austin
The Lonestar State is home to plenty of excellent cities and chief among them is the wonderful city of Austin. See an inviting & exciting part of America today!
Austin in a nutshell
Austin is unlike any other Texan city. Texas’ capital is an eclectic mix of business, tech and creativity, thanks to the likes of Apple, Facebook and Google, the University of Texas and a vibrant music-loving crowd, proud of home-grown stars like Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson.
Austin is offbeat, weird and wonderful all at the same time.
The city’s spectacular natural attractions beckon residents to enjoy the outdoors, adventure there as well as cycle, hike and enjoy a variety of water sports. Its creative side offers superb dining and entertainment opportunities, fabulous art galleries, fashion boutiques and superb handicrafts.
Constantly growing and changing, Austin is vibrant, exciting, eclectic and high tech in equal measures, with a rapidly expanding selection of stunning shops, restaurants, music venues, attractions and activities. You won’t find many cowboys or rodeos here.
But you will find plenty of fabulous TexMex food as well as contemporary dishes in the restaurants, fabulous festivals to enjoy and a hip culture that makes this city a forward-thinking, innovative place that is a delight to visit and explore.
Best time to visit: Most of the city’s festivals take place in the spring and fall, when the weather is not too hot.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Sights change almost daily, so keep up to date with what’s happening in this trendy city. And check out Things to do in Austin, below, for some great ideas.
Shopping in Austin: Trendy, fashionable stores selling fashion, design and creative items abound. You’ll be spoilt for choice here.
Food & Restaurants in Austin: Of course, Austin is in Texas, so you’ll find barbecue spots and great TexMex. But there are so many innovative contemporary spots with fabulous dishes to try, too, a plethora of stunning food trucks and craft beer spots. And dining out doesn’t necessarily cost a fortune, either.
Nightlife: With its young student crowd and vibrant music scene, Austin is a delightful place to party in. Visit Rainey Street, a hipster hangout, for a very different take on nightlife in the city.
Beaches: Austin may not be located by the sea, but the city does offer a number of spots to soak up the sun by the riverside or lakeside. Secret Beach is really hard to find, (it’s hidden on Grove Boulevard). It’s a great spot to sunbathe, although you can’t swim there. Lake Pflugerville Beach offers wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing, and is great for a day trip. West Lake Beach is sometimes closed for private parties, so check before heading there. It’s a great spot to fish, play volleyball and swim in a designated area. There’s also Emma Long Park, or City Park, a shallow water beach on the shores of Lake Austin.
Things to do in Austin:
- Visit the Texas State Capitol, housed in a pink granite building.
- Enjoy the city’s eclectic music scene in a variety of bars and venues around the city.
- Discover the stunning Barton Springs, natural springs in Zilker Park where you can swim.
- Explore the State History Museum to learn all about Texas’ history.
- Visit the LBJ Presidential Library with its interactive displays that tell the story of this President’s life.
- See the bats on Congress Avenue Bridge from March to November.
- Relax in Zilker Park, or enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, jogging and kayaking.
- Enjoy a tour of a craft brewery and sample some superb beer.
Best way to get around: Take the metro or a bus, or the city’s iconic pay-as-you-go bicycle rental program. You can also rent a car or take a taxi.
Best Area for Families: Zilker This peaceful district is home to iconic Zilker Park, and just a short walk from major attractions including the State Capitol and the Bullock Texas State History Museum.