First Visit to Austin: Everything You Need To Know

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Hey there! Welcome to Austin and the Texas Hill Country! Exploring a new city can feel a bit daunting, especially in a lively place like Austin. But don’t sweat it—I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for your first visit to Austin!

I grew up in Houston, so my family and I used to take frequent trips to Austin since it’s just a short drive away. Even now that I live in Dallas, I still make it a priority to visit this beautiful city.

Austin is like a whole different world compared to Houston and Dallas. Nestled right in the heart of the Texas hill country, it’s all about those scenic hills, expansive horizons, stunning sunsets, and plenty of lakes nestled amidst the rolling terrain.

Over the years, Austin has undergone some major changes—it’s almost like a whole new city compared to my childhood memories. But with all that change comes a bunch of new places and things to explore, which can be a bit overwhelming.

In this post, I’ll give you the lowdown on the basics of Austin, share some tips on getting around, highlight some must-visit spots, and point out some places you won’t want to miss. It won’t cover everything, but it’ll definitely give you a solid start for your first trip to Austin!

Austin History

Austin, Texas, has a colorful past shaped by a mix of cultures, events, and influential figures. Starting as a humble settlement along the Colorado River, it’s now a bustling city filled with life and energy.

Back in the day, Native American tribes like the Tonkawa and Comanche roamed the land. Then came the European settlers led by folks like Stephen F. Austin, who founded the city in 1839 and named it after himself. Austin quickly became the capital of the Republic of Texas, thanks to its prime location smack dab in the middle of the action.

As the years rolled on, Austin grew into a hub for government, commerce, and learning. The Texas State Capitol, a grand symbol of power, was completed in 1888. The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, cemented the city’s reputation as an educational hotspot.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Austin hit the big leagues with a tech boom. Companies like Dell and IBM set up shop, earning Austin the nickname “Silicon Hills.” This influx of brainpower and cash fueled growth, turning Austin into a buzzing tech hub.

With growth came people, lots of them. Austin’s population exploded, drawing in folks from all walks of life. The city’s vibe—progressive, inclusive, and oozing with creativity—attracted a diverse crowd. But with all that growth came challenges, like traffic jams and pricey housing.

Today, Austin is a lively city known for its live music, innovative tech scene, and love for the great outdoors. Sure, it’s got its fair share of hurdles, but Austin keeps on drawing folks in with its unique blend of opportunities and quality of life. Austin makes for an amazing visit!

Neighborhoods in the City

Austin is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character, history, and attractions. Here’s a detailed description of some of the major neighborhoods in Austin to visit.

Downtown Austin

• Location: Downtown Austin is the central business district and cultural heart of the city, situated along the northern banks of the Colorado River.
• Unique Features: Downtown Austin is home to iconic landmarks such as the Texas State Capitol, the historic Sixth Street entertainment district, and the bustling 2nd Street District. It offers a vibrant mix of live music venues, theaters, art galleries, upscale restaurants, and trendy bars. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic views of the skyline.

South Congress (SoCo)

• Location: South Congress is located just south of Lady Bird Lake, a short distance from Downtown Austin.
• Unique Features: SoCo exudes a quirky and eclectic vibe, with colorful murals, vintage boutiques, funky shops, and food trucks lining South Congress Avenue. The neighborhood is known for its hipster culture, live music venues, and iconic landmarks such as the Continental Club and the “I Love You So Much” mural. Visitors can enjoy browsing for unique souvenirs, savoring local cuisine, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

East Austin

• Location: East Austin is situated east of Downtown, across Interstate 35.
• Unique Features: East Austin has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, emerging as a hub of creativity, diversity, and culinary innovation. The neighborhood is characterized by its historic bungalows, street art, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. The vibrant East Sixth Street corridor offers a mix of trendy bars, art galleries, and music venues. Visitors can explore cultural attractions such as the George Washington Carver Museum and the Mexican American Cultural Center.

Clarksville

• Location: Clarksville is located just west of Downtown Austin, near the Mopac Expressway.
• Unique Features: Clarksville is one of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and quaint cottages. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along West Lynn Street and discover locally owned shops, cozy cafes, and upscale dining options. Clarksville is also home to the historic Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church and the Clarksville Community Garden.

Zilker

• Location: Zilker is situated south of Downtown Austin, adjacent to Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake.
• Unique Features: Zilker is famous for its expansive green spaces, including Zilker Park, home to the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Botanical Garden. The neighborhood offers a mix of outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and paddleboarding. Residents and visitors alike enjoy picnicking, attending concerts at the Zilker Hillside Theater, and cooling off in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool.

These are just a few of the many vibrant neighborhoods that make up the fabric of Austin. Each neighborhood offers its own unique blend of history, culture, and attractions, contributing to the city’s dynamic and diverse character.

Getting Around Austin

Austin is a busy city and on your visit,it may seem overwhelming. Luckily, Austin, offers a variety of transportation options to residents and visitors, ranging from public transit and ridesharing to cycling and walking.

Public Transit

• Capital Metro: Capital Metro is the primary public transportation provider in Austin, offering bus and commuter rail services. The bus network covers a wide area of the city, with routes serving major corridors, neighborhoods, and employment centers. Capital Metro’s MetroRail provides commuter rail service between downtown Austin and the northern suburbs, offering a convenient alternative for commuters.

Ridesharing and Taxis

• Uber and Lyft: Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Austin, providing on-demand transportation options for residents and visitors.
• Taxis: Traditional taxi services are also available in Austin, offering another option for getting around the city.

Biking

• Bike Share Programs: Austin has several bike share programs, including Austin B-cycle, which offers short-term bike rentals at stations located throughout the city. These bikes provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Austin’s neighborhoods, parks, and trails.
• Cycling Infrastructure: Austin features a growing network of bike lanes, shared-use paths, and bike-friendly streets, making it easy and safe for cyclists to navigate the city. The Lance Armstrong Bikeway and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail are popular routes for cyclists of all skill levels.

Walking

• Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Many neighborhoods in Austin, especially those in and around downtown, are designed with pedestrians in mind, featuring sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian-friendly amenities. Walking is a popular and enjoyable way to explore areas such as South Congress, Downtown, and the University of Texas campus.

Car Rentals and Car-Sharing

• Car Rental Agencies: Several car rental agencies operate in Austin, offering a range of vehicles for short-term and long-term rentals.
• Car-Sharing Services: Car-sharing services like Zipcar provide another option for individuals who need access to a vehicle on a temporary basis. Users can rent cars by the hour or by the day, with vehicles located at designated pickup points throughout the city.

Scooters and Micro-Mobility

• Electric Scooters: Electric scooter rental companies such as Lime and Bird operate in Austin, allowing users to rent scooters for short trips around the city.

• Micro-Mobility Options: In addition to scooters, Austin has seen the introduction of other micro-mobility options such as electric bicycles and electric skateboards, providing residents and visitors with even more choices for getting around the city.

Overall, Austin offers a diverse range of transportation options, catering to the needs and preferences of its residents and visitors. Whether by bus, train, bike, or on foot, navigating Austin is relatively easy and convenient, allowing individuals to explore the city’s attractions, neighborhoods, and cultural offerings with ease on your visit.

Where to Stay

The Driskill

• Location: 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
• Book Here
• A historic luxury hotel located in downtown Austin, known for its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and prime location near Sixth Street and the Texas State Capitol. Careful! It is rumored to be haunted!

South Congress Hotel

• Location: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
• Book Here
• A trendy boutique hotel situated in the heart of the vibrant South Congress Avenue district, offering modern accommodations, stylish amenities, and easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Archer Hotel Austin

• Location: 3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX 78758
• Book Here
• A chic boutique hotel located in the Domain Northside district, featuring contemporary rooms, upscale amenities, and a rooftop pool. It offers convenient access to upscale shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Austin Motel

• Location: 1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
• Book Here
• A retro-style motel located on South Congress Avenue, Austin Motel offers colorful, quirky rooms with vintage flair. It’s known for its iconic neon sign and convenient location within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Must-See Attractions

Hamilton Pool Preserve

• Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural swimming hole located about 23 miles west of Austin. It features a stunning collapsed grotto with a waterfall plunging into a jade-green pool below. Visitors can swim, hike the trails, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by lush vegetation and towering limestone cliffs.

Zilker Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt

• Zilker Park is a sprawling urban park located in the heart of Austin, offering a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty. Spanning over 350 acres, the park features open green spaces, hiking and biking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore Lady Bird Lake or take a scenic ride on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train. 

• Adjacent to Zilker Park, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 7.9-mile-long urban oasis renowned for its scenic hiking trails, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs.

Mount Bonnell

• Mount Bonnell offers panoramic views of downtown Austin and the Colorado River from its summit. Visitors can climb a series of stone steps to reach the top, where they can enjoy breathtaking vistas, picnic tables, and a peaceful setting surrounded by native vegetation.

Lady Bird Lake Trail

• Lady Bird Lake Trail is a scenic urban trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Popular for walking, jogging, and cycling, the trail offers beautiful views of the city skyline, lush parks, and the tranquil waters of the lake. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake from the water.

Texas State Capitol

• The Texas State Capitol is a magnificent building located in downtown Austin, housing the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Texas history, government, and the building’s impressive architecture. How can you not visit the Capitol while Austin?

Sixth Street

• By far the most popular spot to go. Sixth Street is a historic entertainment district in downtown Austin, known for its vibrant nightlife scene and is a must visit. Lined with bars, live music venues, restaurants, and clubs, Sixth Street comes alive after dark with a mix of locals and visitors enjoying drinks, dancing, and live music.

Rainey Street

• Rainey Street is a hip and eclectic neighborhood near downtown Austin, featuring bungalow-style bars, food trucks, and live music venues. The street’s historic homes have been converted into bars and restaurants, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere for nightlife enthusiasts. There is a lot of construction going on here, lately. The vibes are still exciting! 

East Sixth Street

• East Sixth Street is a trendy and eclectic corridor east of downtown Austin, known for its vibrant nightlife scene and diverse array of bars, lounges, and entertainment venues. Visitors can explore live music venues, craft cocktail bars, and art galleries while soaking in the energetic atmosphere of East Sixth Street.

The Continental Club

• The Continental Club is an iconic live music venue located on South Congress Avenue, known for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic lineup of performances. Visitors can enjoy a mix of blues, rock, country, and Americana music while sipping on cocktails and soaking in the historic ambiance of the venue.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

• The Bullock Texas State History Museum offers an immersive journey through the history of Texas, with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. Highlights include the “Story of Texas” exhibit and rotating special exhibitions covering various aspects of Texas culture and heritage.

Blanton Museum of Art

• The Blanton Museum of Art is the primary art museum of the University of Texas at Austin, featuring a vast collection of over 19,000 works of art from around the world. The museum showcases European paintings, American art, Latin American art, contemporary works, and a notable collection of prints and drawings.

Graffiti Park at Castle Hill

• Graffiti Park at Castle Hill, also known as the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, is an ever-changing outdoor art installation located in downtown Austin. The park features colorful graffiti and street art murals created by local and international artists, offering a unique and vibrant backdrop for photography and exploration.

Nearby Spots to Visit

Alright, if you’re up for exploring outside Austin, here are some cool spots nearby:

San Antonio

• Distance: About 80 miles southwest.
• San Antonio’s got history, culture, and vibes. Check out the famous River Walk for scenic strolls and tasty eats. Don’t miss the Alamo and the historic Spanish missions. Plus, there’s top-notch museums, theme parks like SeaWorld, and cultural events year-round.

Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country

• Distance: Roughly 70 miles west.
• Fredericksburg’s a cozy town in the Texas Hill Country, known for its German heritage and wineries. Explore Main Street for cute shops and German grub. Then hit up the Texas Wine Trail for some vino tasting and outdoor adventures in the scenic hills.

Waco

• Distance: Around 100 miles north.
• Waco’s a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. Swing by Magnolia Market at the Silos for shopping and snacks. Dive into Texas history at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. And don’t forget to enjoy the Brazos River with river cruises, kayaking, and birdwatching.

New Braunfels

• Distance: About 50 miles southwest.
• New Braunfels, nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, is a picturesque town celebrated for its scenic beauty, German heritage, and the beloved tradition of floating down the Guadalupe River. it’s a popular day trip destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation..

Georgetown

• Distance: Approximately 30 miles north.
• Georgetown’s a historic town with a lively downtown scene. Explore the Victorian-style square for shops and art. Learn about local history at the Williamson Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts will dig Lake Georgetown for boating, fishing, and hiking.

These spots offer a mix of history, nature, and fun, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway from Austin, if your visit is for a couple of days! Dallas is a little further but if you have the time, check out my top things to do in Dallas!

Enjoy your first visit to Austin, and let me know how it goes!

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