Things To Do
Explore Downtown & 2nd Street
Step outside the hotel and explore downtown Austin! The 2nd Street District is generally located at 200 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, just a few blocks away, and offers plenty of restaurants, shops, coffee, and places to grab a drink. It's an easy option if you have a few hours to fill and don't want to venture far from the hotel.
Lady Bird Lake
Head south toward Lady Bird Lake and access the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail near Rainey Street and Driskill Street, Austin, TX 78701. It's one of our favorite ways to see the Austin skyline and enjoy a little nature without ever really leaving downtown. Weather permitting, of course; it is January in Texas.
Texas Capitol
Take a walk up Congress Avenue to the Texas State Capitol, located at 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, where you can explore the grounds, tour the building, and learn a little Texas history while you're here. Admission and regularly scheduled guided tours are free.
Explore Sixth Street
No trip to Austin is complete without experiencing a little Sixth Street! The famous nightlife corridor has something for just about every mood: Historic (or “Dirty”) Sixth brings the classic Austin experience with live music, dive bars, dancing, and plenty of people-watching; West Sixth offers a slightly more polished mix of cocktail bars, restaurants, patios, and nightlife; and East Sixth has a more laid-back, eclectic feel with local bars, breweries, restaurants, and live music. Pick your vibe, or make a night of exploring all three!
Spend an Afternoon on South Congress
If you only have time to explore one neighborhood outside of downtown, we'd recommend South Congress (SoCo). Start near South Congress Avenue and West Mary Street, Austin, TX 78704, then browse local shops and boutiques, hunt for the perfect pair of cowboy boots, grab some coffee or a cocktail, and enjoy one of Austin's most iconic neighborhoods.
Explore Zilker Park & Barton Springs
A short drive from downtown, Zilker Metropolitan Park is located at 2207 Lou Neff Road, Austin, TX 78746 and is one of Austin's signature outdoor spaces. Take a walk, enjoy the skyline views, or stop by Barton Springs Pool at 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. Swimming in January is entirely optional, and between you and the 68-degree spring water.
Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
For an indoor option, head to the Blanton Museum of Art, located at 200 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712, on the University of Texas campus. The museum features everything from European and Latin American art to modern and contemporary works, including the incredible Austin installation by Ellsworth Kelly.
Get Your Texas History Fix
The Bullock Texas State History Museum, located at 1800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, is another great cold- or rainy-weather option and gives you the full Texas history experience, complete with three floors of exhibits and an IMAX theater.