Downtown Austin is energetic and walkable, with live music spilling out of bars, rooftop patios overlooking the skyline, and great food everywhere you turn. You can catch a show on Sixth Street, grab dinner along Congress Avenue, or wander the trail by Lady Bird Lake for a breather between it all.
South Congress in Austin is a lively stretch where boutiques, name brands, iconic murals, and cozy cafés line the street with views of downtown Austin. It's the kind of place that feels unmistakably Austin — laid-back, creative, and full of life.
Spend a day (and night) exploring East Austin — great food, live music, and some of the city’s best bars all within a few blocks.
Barton Springs Pool and the nearby creek feel like a natural escape right in the middle of the city. The water is clear and cold year-round, and people come to swim, lounge in the grass, or wander along the creek for a laid-back Austin afternoon.
Lady Bird Lake Trail and Zilker Park are where Austin slows down—people walking, biking, and spreading out blankets with the skyline just across the water. The trail around Lady Bird Lake is one of Kolby and Madi's favorite places to spend their Saturday mornings.
The Texas State Capitol is a must-see in downtown Austin. Standing 308 feet tall — taller than the U.S. Capitol — and built from beautiful sunset red granite, the building and its grounds are free to explore. Tours are available inside, or you can simply walk the grounds and take in the views down Congress Avenue toward South Congress.