What to See and Do in Austin

Hit Sixth Street after dark once- it's touristy, but you should see it. Then go to the East Side, where the actual good bars and food are. Rainey Street turned old houses into bars, which sounds gimmicky but works.

Zilker Park is where people who live here actually go. Barton Springs Pool, the trail around Lady Bird Lake, and outdoor movies when it's warm. Franklin Barbecue has that line everyone talks about, and people wait because it's legit. Terry Black's or La Barbecue works if you can't do the wait.

See music anywhere—Continental Club, Antone's, or walk South Congress and follow the sound. The bats under Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset are actually cool, not just something they put in brochures.

Austin's still weird enough to count, still changing sufficiently to stay interesting. Go now before it turns into everywhere else.

When to Go

March means South by Southwest—packed streets, jacked-up prices, but crazy energy if you're into that chaos. April and October are the best months: solid weather, normal hotel prices, and easier flight booking. December through February stays in the 50s and 60s, and you'll find the best flight deals then. Some outdoor stuff closes, though.

Getting There

Austin-Bergstrom sits about 8 miles southeast of downtown. It's small, so you're not walking forever between gates. Rideshares cost $25-35 downtown, or take the Airport Flyer bus if you're watching money. Austin's well-connected now. Weekday flights usually cost less, and if you're looking for cheap flights to Austin, fly midweek. Budget carriers fight over this route, especially from big cities.

So, ready to get soaked in the music world of Austin? Snag those cheap flights, devour diverse eats, and let this incredible city steal your heart.