The city of Austin can be found in the middle of the vast state of Texas, in America’s south. It’s full of charm, grit, and is widely regarded as the state’s most quirky city. It even boasts the slogan, ‘Keep Austin Weird’, which promotes small businesses in the area. Here are our reasons for falling in love with Texas’ state capital.
1. It’s got plenty of beautiful green spaces
Austin’s status as a bustling city needn’t limit its reputation as a place of incredible natural beauty. This part of Texas has good weather for most of the year, so it’s great to visit at any time, and it boasts such places as the Zilker Botanical Gardens, which display a range of exotic and native plants. More beautiful still is Mount Bonnell, the summit of which provides breath-taking views over Lake Austin, and you can enjoy some great hiking trails here, too.
2. Great food
Texas is the home of barbeque, and Austin has become known far and wide for its great food. Whether you’re exploring Austin’s many traditional food diners, or tasting some of the world-class cuisine at restaurants in the city, you’re sure to leave here with a satisfied stomach.
When it comes to eating BBQ, ask anyone in the city and they’ll point you to Franklin’s. You’ll probably have to queue, but it’s worth it if you’re a fan of delicious brisket. To try Austin’s famous chicken-fried steak, head to Hoover’s, and prepare for the impending food coma.
3. Some of the best museums in the world
If you’re a museum buff, Austin won’t disappoint. If you’re travelling with kids, the Austin Children’s Museum is a must. The exhibitions here are designed to entertain both kids and their parents, and there are some impressive displays that work to develop young minds, focusing on topics like science and engineering. If you’re looking to find out more about the history of Austin and wider Texas, the Bullock Museum uses original artefacts, such as a 300-year-old shipwreck, to tell the story of this charming state.
4. A city of sports fanatics
Austin is home to the University of Texas, one of the biggest public schools in the US. With this comes an American football fan base so large that you’ll be hard-pressed to walk through Austin without hearing the words ‘Texas Longhorns’ at least once. Austin’s student-heavy atmosphere is contagious, but if you’re not a fan of field sports, there are plenty of other things to get your teeth into. Take a paddle board down Lake Austin, or go swimming in the cool waters of Barton Springs Pool.
5. A thriving nightlife
Austin is a great place to explore by day, but the city really comes alive at night. You can spend an evening bar-hopping, playing the locals at a game of pool or try your hand at the bowling alley, Speakeasy. Nights here can be humid, and many of the locals frequent outdoor bars like the patio area outside of the Hotel San Jose. Here you can enjoy tasty craft beers and even sake. If you’re in the mood to dance, Barbarella is the place to go. A glitzy disco ball lights up the dance floor, which has changing themes each night of the week.
6. A great place for culture vultures
With an official motto of ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ it’s no surprise that there are countless live music venues throughout Austin. Venture down alleyways and through dimly lit doors, as you explore Austin’s underground music scene. There are some fabulous bars and lounges, which showcase the latest up and coming acts, but one of our favourites for live jazz is the cosy atmosphere of The Elephant Room.
For fantastic art, the Mexic-Arte Museum displays beautiful murals and discusses Latino iconography alongside contemporary art exhibitions. You should also try visiting the city during the SXSW festival, as this is the perfect time to discover new music, film and even comedy acts.
7. Jaw-dropping architecture
Austin is not necessarily known for its architecture, but it’s one thing you notice when exploring the city streets. Created from glass, locally-sourced granite and limestone, the Austin Convention Centre is a wonderful example of contemporary architecture.
Purpose-built, its clean lines stand out particularly at night, when the building is lit up. The pedestrian bridge along a particularly wild part of Lake Austin is a beautiful structure of reeds and native flora. Designed by Miró Rivera Architects, it’s a perfect depiction of the city’s beauty and strength.
Texas is one of the most charming states that the US has to offer, and is fantastic to explore by car. Why not use our list and start in Austin, the state capital, to kick off your next road trip.
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