Austin
Overview
Welcome to the city with a heart as big as the state.
5 things you’ll want to do
On the banks of Lady Bird Lake you can take in one of nature’s more spectacular sights. From March-October, the largest urban bat colony in North America, upwards of 1.5 million bats, ascend from under the Congress Bridge at sunset to feast on insects and provide a show like no other. In August it's most impressive.
Highlight: Rent a kayak and see it from the water.
The Texas Capitol brags both form and function. This state landmark showcases the history and splendor of the Capitol and houses work space for their state government.
Highlight:These spaces reflect the turn of the 20th century using original and replica furniture and artwork.
If you have a need for speed, the Circuit of the Americas will satisfy your craving. Spend a full or half day training and then get behind the wheel of a high-performance Audi.
Highlight:Track discovery laps on the full 3.4-mile Grand Prix circuit.
Live music is everywhere: from the grocery store, to Austin’s vibrant neighborhood streets, and in over 250 venues throughout the city. Embrace but look beyond the iconic Austin City Limits and South by Southwest to festivals like the Urban Music Festival, Old Settler's Music Fest, and the Pecan Street Festival.
Austin Visitor Center is worth the trip. As the starting point for a variety of walking and bus tours, helpful locals will guide you in choosing how you want to see Austin.
A WestJetter’s day in Austin
WestJetter Shayne recommends starting your day with a great cup of coffee and Chilaquiles at Paperboy breakfast and brunch food truck. Afterward, enjoy a bike tour along Walnut Creek. As the temperature hits its afternoon high, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, and icy-cold natural-spring pool where Robert Redford learned to swim.Airport served by: AUS
Destination basics
Climate
Austin’s climate is classified as humid subtropical. Locals enjoy very long, hot summers; short, mild winters; and pleasantly warm spring and fall seasons. Bring your sandals.
Austin highlights
SXSW is the quintessential Austin festival experience, offering film, interactive media, and modern music highlights.
See the profound impact Mexico has on the state of Texas at the unique Mexic-Arte Museum.
For the curious, the Texas Capitol provides a unique look a working government site and the opportunity to learn about the history of state capitol.
The Walnut Creek Bike Tour is a 4hr, 23-mile bike tour that combines both street and traffic-free riding, with respites for lunch and drinks
Be sure to make time one evening to linger along the banks of Lady Bird Lake to see the bats emerge and feast.
Especially good for kids and their families:
Barton Springs Pool, home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.
Kids can come dressed in thier faerie best to enjoy a tea party overlooking the Zilker Botanical Garden.
Music and sport
Austin may be known most for its music scene. This comprehensive list shows you music festivals, venues, and all the uplifting musical experiences Austin has to offer.
The Long Center showcases the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera and Ballet Austin.
Aside from the Austin Spurs NBA team , Austin boasts minor league baseball, hockey, rugby and football. Cheer on the Austin Bold soccer team, or if you're looking for something a bit different, go watch the impressive ladies on skates at roller derby.
Food and beverage
Mexico's influence on Austin's cuisine is omnipresent and provides a terrific opportunity to try some of the best you can find outside Mexico itself.
There is so much great food to choose from, we've narrowed this list down to a few offerings:
Tacos: Best known and beloved is VeraCruz All Natural
Coffee: You can find multiple locations of Café Medici, each with its own charm
Patio: Olive & June offers spectacular food, drink on a perfect patio nestled under old oak trees
Food Truck: Gourdough's Big Fat Donuts offers sweet and savoury doughnuts with a side of friendly local chit-chat.
Beer: Pair your craft beer with a French-style nosh at Hopfileds
Cocktails: Experience true hospitality at the award-winning Drink.Well
The food scene is vibrant and ever changing. Use your trusted food guides to find the best of the city and narrow down your choices. It’s going to be tough.
Getting around
Austin is pedestrian friendly, but if you’re travelling any distance, here are some things you can rely on:
Get a Capmetro pass and use the app and get around using public transport.
Ride Austin has a big local following, however, Uber and Lyft are both available.
Hail a Yellow Cab, Austin Cab or Lone Star Cab.
Experience a Pedicab; the Game of Thrones themed pedicab is particularly popular.
Ryde operates open-air electric vehicles that can carry up to five passengers.
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