Austin is the heart and soul of Texas, with a dazzling array of talent that includes blues, jazz, folk and alternative rock musicians. Historic landmarks dotting the landscape include the State Capitol, University of Texas Tower and the Governor’s Mansion.
This hip neighbourhood, which runs along South Congress Avenue from Johanna Street to Gibson Street, is home to a quirky collection of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, antique shops and music venues.
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Lady Bird Hike and Trail
Explore this thriving recreational area in the heart of Austin, steps from the Hotel property. The 10-mile (16-kilometre) urban path winds around Lady Bird Lake and through a vibrant mix of lush parks, cultural attractions and gathering spaces.
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Live Music
Feel the energy of a live show just about 24/7. Home to the most live music venues per capita nationwide, it’s no wonder Austin’s been dubbed “the Live Music Capital of the World.”
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Texas Capitol
Savor Texas history: the imposing Capitol Building, built in 1888, is the tallest capitol building in the nation and offers a commanding view of the Colorado River from one of Austin’s highest points.
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University of Texas
Cheer on the Longhorns, tour the campus collections, museums and exhibits or take in the magnificent view from the recently remodeled observation deck of the famous UT Tower.
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Congress Bridge Bats
Watch an astonishing aerial display as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats (the largest colony in North America) swoop out from their roosts beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.
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South-by-Southwest Festival
Discover the very best of indie culture at the renowned SXSW, a hybrid festival that showcases 1,800 bands on 80 stages plus all that’s new and now in the worlds of film and interactive.
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Texas BBQ
Experience the perfect combination of food and fun with Texas BBQ, Austin-style. A variety of local restaurants serve up legendary dishes with a side of music and authentic Texas hospitality.
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Austin City Limits Music Festival
Watch a music legend live or discover the next big thing at the world-famous ACL Music Festival. More than 100 bands converge on Austin’s Zilker Park over three days and eight stages.
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Zilker Park & Barton Springs
Fly a kite, explore the 22-acre (nine-hectare) botanical garden or go for a swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs pool – it’s no surprise Zilker Park is considered “Austin’s best-loved park.”
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Texas Performing Arts
Take in a Broadway musical or expand your cultural horizons with diverse theatre and dance programming year round. Texas Performing Arts has been one of the most important contributors to cultural life in Central Texas since 1981.
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The Broken Spoke
Kick up your heels at Austin’s most definitive dance hall. Serving up live country music five nights a week – along with the city’s best chicken-fried steak – the Broken Spoke is a must for visitors wanting to experience authentic Texas two-steppin’.
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Food Trailer Tour
Get your fill of Austin’s thriving food scene with a visit to one of the city’s many food cart parks. From sandwiches and tacos to cupcakes and coffee, the trailers have something for all tastes, and something new to discover in every neighbourhood.
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Kayaking and Canoeing
Soak up Austin’s 300 days of sunshine on Lady Bird Lake, home to some of the best kayaking and canoeing in town. Calm waters and numerous picturesque inlets provide hours of lake-filled fun in the heart of downtown Austin.
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Bob Bullock Museum
Step into the pages of Texas’ storied past at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, featuring special effects shows and three storeys of eye-popping exhibits, from a full-sized 1940 AT-6 Texan airplane to the Capitol’s original Goddess of Liberty statue.
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Austin Children’s Museum
Play away the day at the Austin Children’s Museum in downtown Austin. Educational and fun activities for children (and adults!) include a unique Austin Kiddie Limits music set, a Funstruction Zone and interactive art experiences.
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South Congress
Embrace the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” vibe with a visit to eclectic South Congress, known to locals as SoCo. This shopping and entertainment district features funky shops, live music venues, laid-back dining and unparalleled people watching.
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Whole Foods Market
Indulge your inner foodie with a visit to the 80,000-square-foot (7,432-square-metre) headquarters of Whole Foods Market. Founded in Austin in 1980, the company’s flagship store features 5 restaurants, over 1,800 wines, 600 varieties of cheese and a gelato counter with 20+ different flavours daily.
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Texas Wine Trail
Sniff, swirl and sip your way through Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country, home to more than 30 wineries, each offering distinctive varietals and scenic views of rolling green hills and vibrant wildflowers.
