Hey Austin's Free Guide To the Best of Austin
Austin has no shortage of hidden gems, from serene lakes to lively cultural districts. Our city has an overwhelming array of things to learn, places to go, and foods to try. The City Cast Austin team put together our ultimate guide to getting the most out of life in the city that keeps things weird.
Trust us, you'll want to check out all these spots. (City Cast)
- Learn the essential rules for surviving the day-to-day life in Austin, from how to navigate football season to keeping a hand fan with you at all times.
- Uncover the scenic beauty of the trails at Pease Park and Violet Crown trail.
- Check out Resort Pass for a list of Austin hotel pools with day passes.
Lounge by the pool and enjoy an all day happy hour at Kitty Cohen’s. (Nikki DaVaugh/City Cast Austin)
- Feast on Veracruz All Natural tacos.
- Not in the mood for tacos? Austin is full of food truck parks with lots of diverse and tasty options.
- Visit some of Austin’s most popular cultural institutions like the Blanton Museum of Art, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Harry Ransom Center and more.
- Explore all of the perks your library card offers.
- Get to know our local elected leaders, like Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown
- Check out some of our favorite restaurants: Jewboy Sliders at Violet Crown Social Club, Birdie’s, Pueblo Viejo, and Austin Land and Cattle.
- For more options, listen to our episode on which local restaurants we think are Michelin Star-worthy.
- Austin’s become a reservations town, so make sure you check OpenTable and Resy before you head out.
- Here are our picks for the best frozen drinks in Austin.
- Sip on Austin's unofficial drinks: Ranch Water and Avocado Margaritas, both of which require tequila. Don’t know which brand to buy? Listen to our episode on National Tequila Day. Take a dip at a popular spot in town, Deep Eddy Pool, or try Sculpture Falls or Campbell’s Hole on Barton Creek Greenbelt. (Check the Greenbelt’s water levels before you head out.)
- Need more ways to beat the heat? Checkout these tips.
- Experience the essence of Austin’s live music scene at The Continental Club, The Elephant Room, The Gallery, and Hotel Vegas.
Barton Springs Pool is a paradise in Austin, Texas. (RoschetzkyIstockPhoto/Getty)
- Take your out-of-town guests to Barton Springs Pool before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. for free swim and less people.
- Pro tip: Leave the food, coolers, and ice chests at home. Check out other misconceptions to avoid.
- Take in a University of Texas at Austin sports event. Now that the Longhorns are in the Southeastern Conference, competition is fierce.
- Keep an eye on the City Cast Austin events calendar for fun things to do in the city.
- And if you need a break from the city, venture out to Fredericksburg, in the Texas Hill Country, and visit the area’s wineries; or head out to Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital of Texas.
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