Why Go to Austin
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, and it backs that up with more music venues per person than almost anywhere in the country. Legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin and The Chicks got their start here. The city has grown fast, but it still holds onto its quirky, easygoing spirit and its famous motto, Keep Austin Weird.
Music and nightlife are a big draw, especially along Sixth Street, but so is the outdoors. With around 300 sunny days a year, locals spend plenty of time outside, from swimming at Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park to paddling Lady Bird Lake. History buffs can visit the LBJ Presidential Library and the Bullock Texas State History Museum, art lovers will enjoy the Blanton Museum of Art, and sports fans can catch a Longhorns football game. And don't skip the food: Austin's barbecue and breakfast tacos are legendary.
Don't be surprised if you leave thinking about moving here. I'll plan a long weekend around live music, great food and the events you care about, from festival weekends to game days.
BEST FOR
Music fans, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers
BEST MONTHS
March to May and October to November
EXPLORE
Downtown has music venues and the Capitol; South Congress offers boutiques and restaurants; East Austin has galleries and food spots; Zilker Park anchors recreation.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Austin
North America › Southwest › USA › Texas
Live music, Tex-Mex and laid-back outdoor fun in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Music
Culinary
Nightlife
Tech
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Watch the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset between March and October. It's free and unforgettable.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Take the free guided tour and explore the grounds.
Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is taller than the U.S. Capitol, with free tours and beautiful grounds.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard on the lake.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
A popular trail around Lady Bird Lake, with views of the skyline.
The pool closes on Thursdays for cleaning; arrive early on weekends.
Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed pool that stays around 68 degrees year-round, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Have a picnic and enjoy views of the skyline.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
A large park along the lake, home to Barton Springs and the ACL Festival.
Don't miss the IMAX theater.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
A museum telling the story of Texas, from its earliest history to today.
A luxury hotel on Lady Bird Lake, with a pool and lake views.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Downtown / Lady Bird Lake
City
A stylish hotel in the Second Street District, with a rooftop pool.
Austin Proper Hotel
Second Street District / Downtown
Boutique · City
A modern high-rise hotel downtown, with a pool and city views.
Fairmont Austin
Downtown / Red River Street
City
Austin's grand historic hotel on Sixth Street, open since 1886.
The Driskill
Downtown / Sixth Street
City · Boutique
A music-themed hotel in the Rainey Street District, with live music nightly.
Hotel Van Zandt
Rainey Street Historic District
Boutique · City
A courtyard boutique hotel on South Congress, steps from shops and live music.
Hotel San José
South Congress
Boutique · Value
An exclusive, rock-and-roll-inspired hideaway in a Victorian mansion.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
South Congress
Boutique
A big downtown hotel near Sixth Street and the convention center.
JW Marriott Austin
Downtown
City · Family
A resort with golf, pools and a spa in the Hill Country.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Hill Country / West Austin
Family
A destination spa on the shores of Lake Austin.
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Lake Austin
Boutique
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Austin
High 71°F · Low 50°F · Rain 2.9 in
Pleasant weather and fall festivals make November ideal.
The best times to visit Austin are March through May and October through November, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Summer is very hot, while winter is mild.
Best Times to Visit Austin
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Austin's food scene is famous for barbecue, Tex-Mex and food trucks.
- Barbecue: Try brisket at Austin's famous barbecue joints, where lines form early.
- Breakfast tacos: An Austin staple, found everywhere.
- Must-try: Brisket, breakfast tacos, queso and Tex-Mex.
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Walking
Downtown and South Congress are easy to explore on foot.
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Scooters & Bikes
Electric scooters and bikes are popular downtown.
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Rental Cars
A car is helpful for exploring the Hill Country and state parks.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Rideshares are the easiest way to get around.
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CapMetro
Buses and the MetroRail connect downtown with neighborhoods.
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Flying In
Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) is about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown.
Most visitors fly into Austin-Bergstrom, just 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. Rideshares, scooters and buses make it easy to get around, while a rental car is helpful for Hill Country day trips.
Getting Around Austin