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Austin

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Weekend Getaways to Austin

Austin
photo courtesy of the Austin Convention & Visitor's Bureau
It seems like everyone knows someone who's moving to Austin. In the past decade the capital of Texas has grown steadily, attracting everyone from young urban professionals to artists and students. This rapid evolution is noticeable everywhere from the busy downtown area to trendy and pricey neighborhoods. Despite the growth, Austin has managed to maintain its mellow, small-town appeal. A perennial "Best Place to Live" winner, it's also a great place to visit, offering a range of attractions and activities. The State Capitol, the largest in the United States, and the Governor's Mansion, which is open for tours, will appeal to those interested in the political side of Austin. History buffs can head to the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. LBJ was one of the city's most famous residents. In 1982, his wife "Lady Bird" created a Wildflower Center dedicated to preserving the native plants of North America. Austin also offers recreational activities from golf to walking trails in beautiful parks. The shopping, restaurants and nightlife offer world-class appeal with a down-home Texas feel.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
GolfGolf
The Golf Club at Circle C: Situated on a gently rolling terrain surrounded by cedars and oaks, this beautifully designed 18-hole course hosts notable golf events and offers golf clinics.
Address: 7401 Hwy 45, Austin, Texas
Phone: 512 288 4297
Greens fee
Barton Creek - Fazio Canyons Golf Course: This 7,161-yard, par-72 layout course boasts the signature of Tom Fazio, the legendary golf designer, and is considered to be one of the best in Texas.
Address: 8212 Barton Creek Drive, Austin, Texas
Phone: 800-336-6157
Greens fee
GardensGardens
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Established by the former first lady and the late Helen Hayes to preserve native North American plants, this garden of wildflowers is set on 42 acres and open to the public for touring.
Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, Texas
Phone: 512-292-4100
Admission fee
Outdoor recreationOutdoor recreation
Zilker Metropolitan Park: Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination.
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas
Phone: 512-472-4914
Free
Mount Bonnell: Beautiful park looming almost 800 feet over Austin.
Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Dr, Austin, Texas
On the waterOn the water
Barton Springs Pool: Over the years, people have come to this 1,000-foot long natural limestone pool, fed by several underground springs, for everything from fishing and swimming to baptisms and beauty pageants.
Address: 2101 Barton Springs Rd, Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
Phone: 512 476 9044
Admission fee
MuseumsMuseums
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum: This famous museum explores the life and service of the former president through exhibits and memorabilia.
Address: 2313 Red River St, Austin, Texas
Phone: 512 721 0200
RestaurantsRestaurants
Gumbo's: Cajun and Creole dishes are the specialty, and the gumbo is top notch!
Address: 710 Colorado St, Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 480-8053
Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar: Fajitas, fish tacos and guacamole are house favorites but be sure to try one or more of the tequilas available at the bar.
Address: 606 Trinity St., Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 472-9240
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Austin

Austin Traveler Lists

Traveler Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
What to do in Austin
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Popularity index: #14 in Austin
PerfectEscapes.com Five-star luxury for less. Our experts review each and every hotel
BedandBreakfast.com Shop & book the largest selection of Inns, B&Bs, exclusive travel deals.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Central
Popularity index: #18 in Austin
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown
Popularity index: #26 in Austin
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Cedar Park - Lakeline
Popularity index: #8 in Austin
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-434-6835
View all travel offers for this hotel
Holiday Inn Express Austin North Central
Popularity index: #25 in Austin
HIExpress.com Book online or call 877-270-6397
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel

Recommended Reading
"Offbeat Austin? Rock On."  Washington Post (free registration required), Sep 21, 2008
Austin is as quirky a destination as ever.
"We're Austin music"  guardianunlimited.co.uk / The Guardian, Feb 23, 2008
Explore the many delights of this swinging capital during the Austin City Limits music festival.
"Access all areas"  guardianunlimited.co.uk / The Guardian, Feb 23, 2008
They don't call Austin the "Live Music Capital of the World" for nothing.
"Have Leatherface, will travel: Fans flock to sites of cult chiller"  Dallas Morning News (free registration required), Oct 19, 2003
Fans of horror films enjoy some historic filming sites near Austin.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Austin