Austin is the capital of Texas, home to the flagship University of Texas at Austin, and the live music capital of the world.
Austin is home to many industries: universities and seminaries, the state government, the music industry (including the long-running PBS-TV concert series Austin City Limits, and the ACL and SXSW music festivals), high technology (AMD, Dell, Silicon Labs, etc.); and a range of other businesses and agriculture. Austin is a “clean air city” — no-smoking ordinances govern all public places, buildings, and restaurants.
It will be hot, bright, and most likely dry while you are here! Dress light, bring sunscreen and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
Local Restaurants
Austin has a wide range of restaurants, many world-renowned, and many within walking distance of the Hilton Austin.
Downtown:
Koriente, Asian fusion, on 7th near Red River
Easy Tiger, sausage and beer hall, 709 E 6th St
Wink, American, 1014 N Lamar Blvd
Cafe Crepe, French, breakfast and brunch, 200 San Jacinto Blvd
Whole Foods Market, 525 Lamar
Chez Nous, French, 510 Neches St
Malaga Tapas & Bar, Spanish, 440 W 2nd St
G’Raj Mahal, Indian, 91 Red River Street
La Traviata, Italian, 314 Congress Ave
Roaring Fork, American, 701 Congress Ave
Banger’s, sausage, 79 Rainey St.
El Naranjo, Mexican, 85 Rainey St.
Close to Campus:
The Clay Pit, Indian, fairly close to campus, 1601 Guadalupe St
Teji’s, Indian, very close to campus, 2100 B Guadalupe St
Einstein Brothers Bagels, 2404 Guadalupe St
Coco’s Cafe, Asian, 1910 Guadalupe St
In addition to restaurants, Austin is famous for its food trucks. There are a few on 7th west of Congress, then a few on 5th east of Congress. More can be found on East 6th st. and behind various bars downtown.
Attractions
The Austin website will have all the details on events and activities to enjoy during your visit. You can also check out our list below for a few ideas.
Relax and cool off at Austin’s famous Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre pool fed from underwater springs, where the average temperature is a refreshing 70 degrees. Located just south of downtown at 2201 Barton Springs Rd., Barton Springs is a nice place to enjoy the sunny Texas weather. Entrance is $3 per adult, and the pool is closed on Thursdays.
Another option for those with a car is Hamilton Pool Preserve, just outside of Austin in Dripping Springs. Entrance to the preserve is $10, cash or check only.
A closer option is to rent a kayak, canoe or paddle board at Lady Bird Lake (also called Town Lake), just south of downtown.
To get out of the heat, check out the Blanton Museum on campus, a renowned fine arts museum.
Austin is famous for its bats! Look for the Congress Street bats around dusk.