Welcome to Austin, Texas – where the spirit of the Lone Star State shines brightest. Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River, Austin is a dynamic blend of vibrant culture, booming tech industry, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Explore the iconic landmarks of downtown, where historic charm meets modern innovation. From the towering State Capitol to the legendary live music venues along 6th Street, every corner of Austin tells a story of its own.

Venture south to discover the eclectic charm of South Congress Avenue, where quirky boutiques, art galleries, and food trucks serve up a taste of Austin's unique flair. Or head west to the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, where outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, and swim to their heart's content.

But perhaps what truly sets Austin apart is its vibrant music scene. From intimate jazz clubs to sprawling music festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, the city's rhythm pulses through every street and venue, earning its title as the 'Live Music Capital of the World.'

So whether you're savoring mouthwatering barbecue, paddling along Lady Bird Lake, or dancing the night away to the sounds of local bands, Austin welcomes you with open arms to experience the undeniable allure of the Texas capital.

know the lingo

Population: 2.2M County: Travis Area Codes: 512, 737

Austinites pride themselves on being weird. Often, the way we talk reflects it. Here's a rundown on a few major roadways and locations and how to pronounce them, so you don't end up lost when someone tells you that great local restaurant is just off "Manshack" and you can't find that street anywhere on a map...

Burnet

Pronounced "BURN-it" by locals, this street runs parallel to Mopac through North Austin to the Domain. You'll find a great variety of bars, restaurants, and shops both new & old along this cooridor.

Guadalupe

A popular hangout spot for UT students, , this street runs along the west side of campus. You'll hear locals leaving off the "e" and pronouncing it "GUAD-a-loop" or referring to it as "The Drag."

Soco

South Congress Ave. is at center of the city leading to the Capitol building. It's also a hub for local restaurants, shops, and food trailers. You may also hear people referring to nearby South Lamar Blvd. as SOLA.

Menchaca/Manchaca

Running North to South through ever growing & buzzing South Austin, Manchaca may have recently gotten a spelling change, but the pronunciation has remained the same: "MAN-Shack."

Mopac

The highway everyone loves to hate. Mopac Expressway is usually identified on street signs and maps as Loop 1, but locals just call it Mopac (named for the Missouri Pacific Railroad).

Mueller

East of the city you'll find a trendy neighborhood on the site of the old Airport. Don't be fooled by the spelling, this one is pronounced "MILL-er."

austin city tours

State Flower: Bluebonnet
State Bird: Northern Mockingbird

Duck boat tours aren't just for tourists. Whether you've spent tons of time in Austin or are brand new to town, don't overlook these unique Austin tours. It's a fun, family friendly way to get to know your city!

Austin Duck Adventures

austinducks.com

See the "quacky" side of Austin on this amphibious tour of downtown Austin and beautiful Town Lake!

Haunted ATX

hauntedatx.com

Haunted ATX offers the only mobile haunted tour in the city. Visit several historic & reportedly haunted landmarks and see the ~spooky~ side of Austin.

Austin City Running Tours

cityrunningtours.com

If you want to tour the city and get a workout in, these tours are perfect for you. The group runs span 3 miles with designated stops along the way. Choose from tours of Historic Downtown, the UT Campus, or check out the adult beer/beverage tours to reward yourself after the long run!

Austin Trolley Company

austintrolley.com

Another unique way to tour the city is aboard these cute restored trolleys. Try a wine tour through the scenic Hill Country!

Austin Eats Food Tours

austineatsfoodtours.com

One of the best things about Austin is the food and with these tours, you can experience it all! From food trucks to bbq , there is something for every appetite.

guide to downtown

Austin is rated one of the most dog friendly cities in the U.S. Look for the throughout this guide for all the pup approved spots around town!

Get to know the many districts in and around downtown Austin! From live music to tasty food trucks to trendy boutiques to water sports, this city truly has something to offer everyone and every mood. Each corner of the city offers a unique style and atmosphere!

6TH Street

It's the party mecca of Austin, and over the years it's expanded into three distinct districts, each with its own style. Whether you're looking for live music, a relaxing patio, or an exciting night out on the town, you'll find it on 6th street.

West 6TH | Posh bars & restaurants popular among young professionals.

East 6TH | East of I-35, this part of the street is much more mellow with a "hipster" vibe. You'll find art, live music, and plenty of outdoor seating!

"Dirty" 6TH | The OG of Austin nightlife, this area is popular among young austinites and tourists. It's famous for its history, live music, and rowdy atmosphere.

The Domain

The Domain in North Austin is like the city's second downtown, with shopping and dining hotspots. You'll also find a buzzing nighlife along Rock Rose Ave.

Rainey St.

Once a quaint neighborhood, now you'll find renovated houses-turned-bars with large patios and food trucks. This is the spot for everything from bachelorette parties, Sunday funday, or a casual night out.

Town Lake

Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife, but the city has so much more to offer. The lake & trail wind through downtown & offer the perfect spot for a morning run, afternoon kayak, or a chill day at the park at Auditorium Shores with family or friends!

sights & attractions

Austin City Limits: Oldest music TV show with Willie Nelson as first singer.

Austin is known for many things from live music and a vibrant nightlife to relaxing patio bars, not-so-hidden swimming holes, and lush green space. The city is truly unique and always "keeping it weird." There's something fun happening everywhere you look!

Live Music

Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World," boasting two of the largest music festivals and tons of great spots to catch a show any day of the week. Here are just a few of our favorites:

ACL LIVE

The Backyard
Emo's
Threadgill's
Nutty Brown Amph.
Stubbs Bar-B-Q
Antone's Nightclub
Austin 360 Amph.

Blues on the Green

This free concert series in Zilker Park is one of the highlights of summer in Austin. Pack a picnic or enjoy a bite from one of the food vendors and relax with an evening of live music in the park one day a month from May through August.

ACL Fest

The Austin City Limits music festival is an annual music festival held in Zilker Park on two consecutive three-day weekends.

South by Southwest

SXSW proves why Austin is an international hotbed of innovation, with giants of music, film, and tech industries converging in one place for two weeks of parties, premiers, awards, showcases, and more.

Circuit of the Americas

COTA's biggest event of the year is the Formula One race in September, bringing spectators from all over the world for a weekend of speed and of course, music. Other events & concerts are held at the track throughout the year as well.

Congress Street Bats

One of the most amazing sights in Austin can be seen every evening from March through early November, when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their roosts under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Taking flight to find their dinner, the bats paint the sky and fly up river along Lady Bird Lake.

Moonlight Towers

Austin's Moonlight Towers are the only ones in the world still standing, earning them a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. One of the towers was also featured in Dazed and Confused starring one of Austin's other national treasures, Matthew McConaughey.

The Bullock Museum

Learn everything there is to know about the Lone Star State at this museum of Texas history and culture, featuring fun interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre.

The Oasis

Situated in the hills overlooking Lake Travis, theres no better view in all of Austin. Catch the sunset from one of the tiered decks while you sip a fruity frozen drink from the bar.

Alamo Drafthouse

Upgrade your rainy day movie-going experience at this Austin staple. In addition to new releases, Alamo offers tons of specialty screenings of old classics that are fun for both kids and adults. Plus their movie snack game is the best in the biz!

The I Love You So Much Wall

Have you really ever been to Austin if you don't have a photo of yourself in front of this mural painted on the side of Jo's Coffee on South Congress Ave? The answer is no. Grab a taco and an iced coffee at Jo's before you go.

fitness & nature

Austin FC is the city's first & only professional sports team. The soccer team was formed in 2020.

One of the best things about Austin is the miles of green space, hike & bike trails, and many rivers. lakes, and swimming holes located in and around the city. Here are a few favorites!

Town Lake

This river-like reservoir runs through the heart of Downtown. You'll find tons of kayak & paddle board rental shops along the shoreline as well as a 10 mile loop for runners, bikers, hikers, and their four legged friends!

Zilker Park

Considered Austin's most beloved park, this 350-acre green space is a favorite hangout for people and pups and also hosts a number of popular events & festivals.

Pennybacker Bridge

This iconic bridge over Lake Austin is surrounded by the rolling hills, making it one of the most scenic urban drives in Texas. The views from the nearby trail up to the overlook are even more breathtaking!

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton Creek is one of the most beautiful urban natural areas in the U.S. The greenbelt features miles of hike & bike trails and the creek offers numerous swimming holes for you to jump in and cool off! This area is also home to the iconic spring fed Barton Springs Pool.

Deep Eddy Pool

The oldest swimming pool in Texas with a bathhouse built during the Depression era. The water here is crystal clear & cool, feeding from a hand-dug well.

Mount Bonnell

At 775 feet, Mt. Bonnell is considered to be the highest point in Austin. Catch stunning views of the lake & surrounding hills.

Zilker Botanical Garden

Often called the "jewel in the heart of Austin." The botanical garden blooms with roses, herbs, and japenese gardens, connected by streams, waterfalls, and koi ponds. You'll also find the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates local dinosaur habitats and is fun for kids!

McKinney Falls State Park

A sprawling state park less than 15 miles from Downtown Austin, McKinney Falls offers visitors space to camp, hike, bike, or swim in Onion Creek, which flows serenly over limestone ledges, splashing into pools.

Lake Travis

Northwest of downtown, Lake Travis is Austin’s largest lake and a longtime favorite of both locals and visitors. Common water activities like boating, water skiing, and fishing are all prevalent, but because of the immense depths at lake Travis, visitors can also SCUBA dive.

Lake Austin

Lake Austin is another reservoir created by dams along the Lower Colorado. Visitors can rent boats, including pontoons, at several area businesses. All throughout the year, you’ll see pontoons full of people, waterskiers, and boats speeding along the corridors of Lake Austin.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

This is one of Austin's most popular tourist destinations for a reason. The spring-fed swimming hole features a pool in a box canyon fed by a 45-foot waterfall surrounded by a sandy beach and giant boulders. Reservations are required and fill up fast!

eat & drink

With 200 live music venues and more than 2,000 bands & performing artists, Austin has long been considered the "Live Music Capital of the World."

Austin may be known for breakfast tacos & food trucks, but the city is also full of award winning restaurants and local gems to satisfy every craving. These are just a few of our favs!

Favorite Food Trucks: