Austin, TX

Best time to visit Austin

• Fall (September to November): One of the best times to visit Austin, offering cooler temperatures and an array of festivals, from ACL to Oktoberfest. Plan early to be sure to find accommodations during this popular season.
• Winter (December to March): Austin’s winters are cool, but still mild enough for outdoor activities like bouldering and February’s Austin Marathon.
• Spring (April to June): A great time to see wildflowers in bloom at spots like Lady Bird Wildflower Center, St. Edward's University and McKinney Falls State Park.
• Summer (July to August): Summer brings hot weather, but there are plenty of places to cool off, from swimming holes to alfresco bars and shady parks.

How many days to spend in Austin

For a good mix of food, nightlife, museums and sightseeing in Austin, allow around two to three days. Schedule more time if you’re planning on attending multi-day music events or exploring the outdoors. If you want to go on a wine tour or see The Alamo in San Antonio, you’ll want at least four to six days.

The vibe of Austin

The vibe in Austin is laid-back yet full of excitement. During the warmer months, the balmy climate means clothing styles are casual. Couple that with food trucks, alfresco dining and no shortage of outdoor getaway spots, and your Austin vacation can be totally relaxing. At the same time, exhilarating things happen every day in Austin. SXSW is a vibrant festival of creativity, where music, film and tech ignite endless inspiration. That pioneering spirit continues year-round, with many forward thinkers investing in making Austin a leader in innovation, music, food, health care, technology and culture.

What is Austin famous for?

Austin is famous for music in multiple ways. Its celebrated country, folk, rock and blues festivals draw nearly a million visitors annually. Plus hundreds of venues across the city offer year-round live shows, earning the city its nickname of Live Music Capital of the World. Other Austin tourist attractions are tied to Texas history and culture. With mouthwatering Tex-Mex food and outstanding barbecue, Austin is a hotspot for foodies, especially if you like a bit of spice. The impressive building and grounds of the Texas State Capitol, built in the late 1800s, showcase Austin’s history as state capital. More recently, the city has become a major player in innovation, with more than 5,000 startups and tech companies centered here.

Events in Austin

Austin’s event calendar never has a dull month, packed with everything from music to food festivals. In March, SXSW attracts more than 300,000 attendees for music, film and tech. October’s ACL is a highlight of Austin tourism, a glorious celebration of music genres, including country rock, folk, hip-hop and electronic. ACL’s two music weekends are followed by a movie weekend for October’s Austin Film Festival. Austin celebrates varied interests at the Bat Fest, Hot Sauce Festival, Quesoff Festival (of melted cheese), Rodeo Austin, Nascar at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Celtic Festival and Austin Powwow (Native American gathering). End the year at Zilker Park’s seasonal Trail of Lights.

Food in Austin

Authentic Texas barbecue reigns supreme in Austin, with brisket, ribs and burnt ends cooked low and slow. Simple seasoning or richly spiced sauces enhance the meat’s natural flavors. Sample barbecue and other Austin favorites as casual meals at the 2,000 food trucks scattered across the city. Besides barbecue, choose from delicious and affordable Tex-Mex (heavy on shredded cheese), chili and international dishes. Breakfast tacos are an everyday thing; if you want more spice, ask for hot sauce by heat level. Somewhat more upscale, Austin’s fine-dining sit-down restaurants feature omakase (chef’s choice) and kaiseki (multicourse tasting menu) sushi, dry-aged steaks and award-winning Mexican selections. Stop in during happy hour for many of the same flavors at lower prices.

Nightlife in Austin

Unsurprisingly, Austin’s nightlife focuses on music. Among the best places to visit in Austin in the evening, you’ll find hundreds of lively spots ranging from Texas dance halls to bluesy clubs and outdoor stages. Go bar-hopping along the streets of the downtown area from the Warehouse District to the Red River Cultural District for cocktails, beer or wine coupled with comedy acts, dueling pianos, DJs, late-night snacks, drag shows and even ghost tours. Also, check for one-night events like the Austin Under the Stars Film Festival in September.

Shopping in Austin

Austin is filled with independent shops and boutiques, a characteristic that triggered its “Keep Austin Weird” marketing campaign in the early 2000s. Browse the many indie shops along pedestrian-friendly South Congress Avenue for authentic Texan cowboy boots—which will fit in nicely at Austin’s music festivals—along with vintage clothing, handmade craft items and Austin mementos. High-end shopping is at its best at The Domain outdoor mall north of the city. Find luxury goods along with restaurants and attractions, including quirky museums, such as the Museum of Ice Cream. Buy fresh and prepared foods, take cooking classes or join a foodie event at one of Central Market’s two locations.