Getting to Know Austin
Not many cities can compete with Austin. It consistently ranks at the top of various "best of" lists. Austinites also tout and live by the slogan, "Keep Austin Weird'' as a way to promote its small, unique businesses. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, music lover or dedicated foodie, Austin offers something for everyone. You can spend the cooler parts of the year biking, walking or jogging the city's trails and paths, including the Greenbelt and Lady Bird Lake. On your lunch break in downtown, you can pop over to one of the unique food trucks to grab a bite, and then hit one of the microbreweries for happy hour after work.
Arts & Culture in Austin
Austin is considered the live music capital of the world. It has more than 100 live music venues scattered around town, but 6th Street is the music hotspot. You'll find way more than just country music to jam to in downtown Austin. You can also get your fill of music, theater and art shows at the University of Texas Performing Arts Center. For a fun way to learn more about the city, take a 30-minute tour through the Texas State Capitol building, a National Historic Landmark and a brilliant example of Renaissance Revival architecture.
Austin Apartments and Neighborhoods
Whether you're a young professional looking for an apartment in the walkable downtown or working parents seeking a family-friendly place to live in a quiet tree-lined community, Austin offers a wealth of rental options. Settle in the hip neighborhood known as East Austin, boasting a strong liberal youth culture. If you like Mexican food, food trucks and a booming farmer's market, this area delivers. The East Riverside Oltorf neighborhood is a bustling center of outdoor recreation, tasty eateries, concerts and sporting events. When you aren't out on Lady Bird Lake, grab some grub at Chuy's, a renowned Mexican joint, and then kick back with a concert at Auditorium Shores. The Garrison Park-South Austin area is the heart of the city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird." Historic homes, unique bars and outdoor activities beckon you while the school districts and great real estate prices keep you rooted.
Fun Things to Do in Austin: Festivals Abound!
Austin Adventures
Whether you're looking to get out on your own, exploring with the family or hanging with friends, check out these top picks for Austin adventures:
Things to Do in Austin with Kids
Your kids can get up close and personal with sea creatures at Austin Aquarium, where shark and stingray feeding is encouraged; learn about (and even hold) a snake, watch the jellyfish glow, and learn about all sorts of aquatic animals.
Standout School Districts
Austin boasts outstanding school districts, including those in the central neighborhood along Mopac Expressway, in Hyde Park and in the West and South Austin areas.
Austin Outdoors
A great city for outdoor enthusiasts, Austin offer a number of green spots for cycling, walking or picnicking. A favorite with locals is Zilker Park, where folks gather to play with their dogs, fly kites and boat. This dog-friendly city offers 15 off-leash dog parks for you and your four-legged companions to explore, plus the city also caters to bicyclists with numerous scenic bike trails, including those around Lady Bird Lake and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. In summertime, escape the heat at the San Marcos River where you can enjoy a few hours of tubing down the river.
Nightlife in Austin
Join your buddies for a beer bike pub crawl or your girlfriends for dancing in downtown Austin, where the microbreweries, rooftop bars, live-music venues, dance clubs and comedy shows combine to create a vibrant nightlife scene.
Easy Austin Getaways
For an exciting family road trip to the Gulf Coast, drive less than four hours to Galveston to visit the animals and brave the thrill rides at Moody Gardens. Port Aransas, also on the coast, is the ideal destination to sunbathe, fish or spot wildlife, including dolphins and alligators.