Austin Holidays

Live music, late nights and lakeside lounging – Austin’s the cool kid of Texas. It’s got weird charm, wild festivals and more tacos than you’ll know what to do with.

Highlights

• Live music on every corner – from back-alley blues to rooftop DJs

• Street food heaven – breakfast tacos, brisket, and bites that bang

• Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake – nature and nightlife in perfect balance

• Keep Austin Weird – quirky shops, vintage vibes, and all the indie energy

Getting around

Austin’s easy to explore once you’re in the city. The downtown area is walkable, and there are plenty of scooters, bikes and rideshares to zip you around. Public transport is decent for the main hotspots, with buses and the MetroRail covering key routes. But if you want to get out to Hill Country or the lakes, renting a car is your best bet. Bonus tip: parking downtown can be a pain, so plan around that if you're driving into the centre.

Things to do for families in Austin

Austin may be cool, but it’s also super kid-friendly. Barton Springs Pool is a must – a huge natural spring with space to splash, swim or just chill in the sun. Nearby, Zilker Park is home to a miniature train, playgrounds and even a botanical garden if you're feeling zen. The Thinkery is Austin’s hands-on science museum, packed with fun experiments and brain-boosting play. Want some wildlife? The Austin Nature and Science Center has live animals, dinosaur digs and hiking trails. And if your lot loves a good paddle, rent kayaks or pedal boats on Lady Bird Lake for an adventure with skyline views.

Things to do for couples in Austin

Romance in Austin doesn’t mean candlelit clichés – think sunsets, rooftop bars and river paddling with a side of live music. Start your day at a food truck with coffee and breakfast tacos, then head out for a hike at Mount Bonnell or a swim in Barton Springs. Feeling artsy? Wander through the Blanton Museum of Art or explore South Congress Avenue with its indie shops and photo-friendly murals. When night falls, catch a gig at the legendary Continental Club or dance under the stars at a pop-up rooftop party. Or just grab a picnic and sit by the lake – sometimes simple wins.

Things to do for groups in Austin

Got the gang together? Austin’s got the goods. Book a party boat on Lake Travis – music, floats and a floating bar scene that’s pure summer goals. Daytime hangs might include brewery hopping, mural spotting, or trying to eat your way through every taco truck on the East Side. Come night, hit Rainey Street for laid-back bars in quirky old houses, or Sixth Street if you’re in the mood to go full chaos. For something active, try paddleboarding as a group or take a group cycle on a pub-crawl bike (yep, that’s a thing). And don’t forget the festivals – SXSW and Austin City Limits turn the whole city into a party.

Things to do for foodies in Austin

Austin is one of the best food cities in the States, hands down. You’ve got legendary barbecue (Franklin Barbecue is the holy grail), creative tacos, global fusion, and plant-based everything – often from a trailer parked under fairy lights. Start your day with a breakfast taco, then hunt down some brisket or fried chicken at lunch. For dinner? Head to East Austin for natural wine bars, inventive small plates, and seriously good cocktails. Vegans, meat-lovers, spice-chasers and sweet tooths are all catered for. And yes – it’s totally acceptable to have queso as a side, a starter, and a main.