Drive into Austin if you have a chance. Several highways--like the 183 and 290--enter Austin from different directions. This allows you to get a great view of some of the major landmarks of the city. Take a look at Pennybacker Bridge and the Moonlight Tower in Zilker Park. If you prefer to fly, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just out of the city and can be easily accessed through public transportation.
Choose a few musical events to attend. Austin is well-known for its connection to music. It's home to some major festivals year round, including the ACL Music Festival. That festival attracts thousands of people over a three-day period. Outdoor concerts abound because of the optimal weather conditions. The Austin City Limits Music Festival features a lot of local bands.
Enjoy the outdoors. While Austin is a large, cosmopolitan city, it also offers easy access to cycling, biking and hiking within short distance of the main streets. Barton Creek Greenbelt is easily accessible by foot or public transportation. It offers about eight miles of trails that are great for hiking, bird watching and even mountain biking. For those who prefer water activities, the Colorado River is a great destination for kayaking. The three local lakes (Lady Bird, Austin and Walter E. Long) are great for less ambitious pursuits like swimming.
Check the official Austin’s Website to find out what events are currently going on in the city. You'll find it in our Resources section. You can also order a free visitor's guide and book an appointment with a local tour guide.
Visit during one of the unique festivals held in Austin. Halloween is especially popular because of its traditional haunted forest activities held in local parks. Yet, few visitors are aware that Austin holds a carnival celebration each February, a huge celebration of Cinco de Mayo and an impressive outdoor festival known as Eeyore's Birthday Party.
Stop by the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, over Lady Bird Lake, to get a close-up view of the world's largest urban concentration of bats. The bats leave their hideouts at dusk, causing the sky to completely darken for a few minutes. The event attracts thousands of tourists. Arrive early for a good viewing spot. If the bridge is too busy, consider boarding one of the many boats that cross the river at nighttime. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the bats leave the city in winter and only come back in late February.
Visit the Texas Memorial Museum for a clear view into the natural past of the city. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, not far away, is an impressive building showcasing the history of Texas through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind presentations. Blanton Museum of Art, located inside the University of Texas at Austin, is a great stop for those wishing to see European and American art, especially in the form of classical paintings.
