Turn off the computer and get ready to rock and roll! The Live Music Capital of the World is calling your name!

The capital of Texas is known for its incredible music, fantastic food, natural beauty, and signature sass. Whether you want a soothing getaway filled with clean eats and the wonders of nature, or a wild night out on the town filled with lots of booze and questionable decisions, Austin will deliver it all with a tip of the hat and a, “Come again, y’all!”

Your Hotel

Arguably the most important part of your stay is where to crash. Austin offers plenty of options for those who want to splurge, as well as those who want to play for less.

Save | The Austin Wyndham Garden Hotel
Located a little bit outside of downtown, but still within an easy drive of all the major hot spots, is the cozy Wyndham Garden Hotel. Close to Zilker Park and the airport, this pet-friendly hotel boasts an on-site specialty burger restaurant with musically-inspired menu options.  These digs will leave you with plenty of extra coin to spend on Austin’s massive entertainment choices.

Splurge | The W Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown, the hip W Hotel prides itself in embodying Austin’s signature eclecticism. With a restaurant serving locally sourced foods, rooftop pool, and breathtaking views of Ladybird Lake, this is Austin’s luxe choice for a pampering getaway.  Located right next door to the official Austin City Limits venue, and featuring its own on-site spa, the W is perfect for a bachelorette weekend, romantic time-out or glam headquarters for letting your hair down.  Treat yourself, we know you want to.

Sixth Street

A perfect way to shake off stress after you arrive! There’s a bar for just about any taste, whether you like fine tequila (Iron Cactus), live music (Flamingo Cantina, and pretty much anywhere on the infamous Dirty Sixth), or a mysterious speakeasy (Midnight Cowboy – but be sure you make a reservation!). Be prepared for the party to slowly leak onto the street as the night wears on, since the city closes the street to traffic on Thursday and Friday nights.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Rather than the chaos of Dirty Sixth, you may find you need a refreshing dip in a gorgeous natural pool. About an hour outside of the city is the idyllic Hamilton Pool Preserve, formed when the dome of an underwater riverbed collapsed, resulting in a series of waterfalls and gorgeous natural swimming holes. We recommend getting there as early as possible so that you can swim in the crisp, crystal clear waters with a few of the native turtles and fish before the beach fills with bathers, or you’re turned away because of long lines. If you get tired of swimming, there are plenty of hiking trails throughout the preserve.

Food Trucks

According to the city’s official website, Austin will be home to nearly 2,000 mobile food vendors by this fall! With plenty of variety and no shortage of novelty, you’ll be able to satisfy any cravings you worked up while swimming and hiking. A definite highlight is the original East Side King food truck, parked behind The Liberty and serving creative dishes with an Asian spin. You may even recognize the head chef and owner, Paul Qui, as the Top Chef Season 9 winner. Belly up to the trucks for street food Austin style, served with flair and substance.

The Bats at Congress Bridge

Before you start your wild nights in Austin, stop by Congress Bridge at dusk to witness an amazing site. Every night at sundown, the city’s 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Batsemerge to eat 10,000-20,000 pounds of insects per night! If you get there early, you can snag a spot on the hill beneath the bridge and set up camp with a buddy and a blanket. If you’re really determined, you can even rent a small boat and float beneath these super cool, endangered little guys as they fly over the sunset-painted waters.

Barton Springs

Before you leave Austin, be sure to grab a plate of migas for breakfast and then head out toBarton Springs Pool, which covers a whopping three acres and is fed by an underground spring that keeps the waters a comfortable 68-70 degrees year-round. There are grassy hills to lounge upon and a nearby educational exhibit, where you can learn all about this natural oasis of wonderful in the heart of the Texas capital city.