Austin Travel Guide

Austin is home to about one million people, but it's really a much bigger city. It's the capital of the state of Texas and is a cosmopolitan city that offers visitors a wide array of cultural and historical sites and attractions, as well as a full menu of great nightlife, first-class restaurants, shops, boutiques, and activities. Some of the best spots around town to get immersed in Austin culture and life are Downtown, the East district, Rainey Street, Red River for live music shows, Sixth Street, and South Congress.

Things to Do in Austin

Home to a rich history and culture, Austin is home to such places as the Blanton Museum and Harry Ramson Center, both of which display exhibits of American and world works of art. The diversity of the city's history and present can be witnessed at the Jones Center (a community arts center), the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Long Center (a performing arts center). However, further creativity and some of Austin's eccentricity is showcased in places like the Bullock Museum, the Cathedral of Junk, and the Fusebox Festival.

Best Time to Visit Austin

Austin sees extremely hot summers. In fact, it gets so hot sometimes that outdoor activities become nearly impossible. However, winters are mild and spring and fall have relatively temperate weather. One of the most famous events taking place in Austin is the South by Southwest (SXSW) music and film festival in March.

A Local's Guide to Austin Vacation Rentals

Often referred to as the live music capital of the world and the food capital of the South, Austin, Texas is as unique as it gets when it comes to vacation destinations. The lively music scene coupled with the unique wilderness of the city’s surroundings makes Austin, Texas a dreamy getaway.

Water Activities

The Texas state Capital, Austin, is surrounded by lakes. Spend your days paddle boarding or kayaking with amazing downtown skyline views on Lady Bird Lake. Maybe try your hand at water skiing, wakeboarding, or wake surfing on Lake Austin. Or take a day trip north of the city, to Lake Travis for a scenic boating experience in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country.

If you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer day, head to Zilker Park where you will find Barton Springs, a natural spring-fed pool that locals and tourist alike flock to on steamy days.

See & Do

Austin is home to the University of Texas, which has one of college football’s most noteworthy and historic programs. Darrel K. Royal Stadium will blow away any football fan.

Spend your evenings strolling downtown after a world-class barbeque dinner. Check out Sixth Street or Rainy Street to visit one of the city’s most lively bars. Or duck into one of the hundreds of live music venues in the city. The city is home to Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, two of the nation’s most popular culture and music festivals.

Cabins in Austin

The town of Austin is often referred to as the Jewel of Texas, situated in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. With some steep terrain, a number of parks and the Colorado River, there is no denying the city is perfect for the outdoorsy type. Downtown are a number of museums, art galleries, and eateries. East Sixth Street is a must-visit when darkness falls, as the area transforms into a glittering strip of bars with live music shows.

For families, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is a lot of fun and offers a short respite from the hot Texan sun! Alternatively, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the place to get up-close to exciting and exotic animals -- experience different habitats from around the world, with over 500 animals from six continents. The Zilker Botanical Gardens and Barton Springs Pool are also fantastic attractions. Continue the fun and take a duck tour around town or head underground to the Inner Space Cavern to step back in time to the Ice Age.

Austin is thriving, busy city and accordingly there are many Austin cabin rentals to stay in. Browse the selection of different types of vacation homes and plan your Texan adventure.