Austin

Austin, the capital of Texas, is a city known for its lively music scene, natural springs, and eclectic food trucks. You can watch live performances at iconic venues like the Continental Club, swim in the 68-degree waters of Barton Springs Pool, or sample Korean-Mexican fusion tacos from Chi'Lantro food truck. The city's slogan, "Keep Austin Weird," reflects its laid-back atmosphere, which you'll notice in the colorful murals adorning building walls and quirky events like the nightly emergence of bats from under Congress Avenue Bridge.

Where to Experience Live Music in Austin

With over 200 music venues, Austin has rightfully earned its nickname "Live Music Capital of the World." You can find performances across various genres every night of the week. The Continental Club on South Congress Avenue has been a staple of the music scene since 1955. At Stubb's BBQ, you can enjoy Texas-style barbecue before heading to their outdoor amphitheater for a concert. For a quintessential Austin experience, attend a taping of the long-running PBS show Austin City Limits at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

Exploring Austin's Parks and Natural Areas

Austin has numerous green spaces throughout the city. Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 351-acre area in central Austin, includes the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool. You can walk, run, or cycle on the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Trail, which circles Lady Bird Lake and gives you views of downtown Austin. For a more challenging hike, head to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, with 12 miles of trails winding through wooded areas and past limestone cliffs.

Discovering Austin's Food Truck Culture

Austin's culinary scene goes far beyond traditional Tex-Mex, with over 1,000 food trucks serving a wide array of cuisines. You'll find a high concentration of these mobile eateries in East Austin, including clusters at locations like The Picnic food truck park. Try Korean-Mexican fusion tacos at Chi'Lantro, creative donuts at Gourdough's, or innovative plant-based dishes at Arlo's. Many of Austin's popular restaurants started as food trucks, so you might be tasting dishes from the city's future culinary stars.

Attending Major Events and Festivals in Austin

Austin's event calendar is packed with significant gatherings that draw visitors from around the world. In March, South by Southwest (SXSW) fills the city with conferences and festivals focused on music, film, and interactive media. The Austin City Limits Music Festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends each October, featuring big-name headliners alongside local acts. Film buffs can attend the Austin Film Festival in October, which spotlights writers' contributions to film, television, and new media. Remember that these events can make accommodations scarce, so book well in advance if you plan to visit during these times.

Visiting Austin's Museums

Beyond music and outdoor spaces, Austin has a rich cultural scene. On the University of Texas campus, you'll find the Blanton Museum of Art, home to the largest public art collection in Central Texas, including many Latin American pieces. The Bullock Texas State History Museum tells the story of Texas through interactive exhibits and includes an IMAX theater. At the LBJ Presidential Library, you can explore President Lyndon B. Johnson's life and presidency, with exhibits covering topics from civil rights to the Vietnam War.

Navigating Austin: Transportation Tips

While a car can be useful for exploring areas outside the city center, you can easily walk or bike in downtown Austin. The city has a bike-share program called Austin B-cycle, with stations throughout central areas. For longer journeys, use Capital Metro's bus and light rail services. Ride-sharing services are also readily available. If you choose to drive, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours and major events. Parking in popular areas like downtown and South Congress can be difficult, so consider using parking garages or park-and-ride facilities.