Visit Austin, The Live Music Capital of the World

Q: When’s the Best Time To Visit Austin?

The best time to visit Austin is in the spring or the fall. During both seasons, the temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. During the summer, there is a lot to do in the city, but the temperatures get a little too high for most people, especially if they aren’t used to the heat.

Q: Where Should I Stay in Austin?

When you’re deciding where to stay in Austin, try to figure out what you want to do while you’re there and look for lodging close to most of the attractions you want to see. While much of Austin is walkable, the city is large, and you might need to rent a car or use a rideshare app.

Q: How Much Does a Three-Day Trip to Austin Cost?

The price of a three-day trip to Austin depends on several important factors, including the price of transportation to the city, where you’re going to stay and what you want to do while you’re there. You can visit Austin on a budget and still see and do a lot, but it can get expensive, especially if you’re visiting to attend an Austin music festival .

Q: Is Austin Worth Visiting?

Austin is a city the entire family will love visiting, whether you’re searching for a fun babymoon destination or you want to spend a long weekend watching as many bands as you can. The exciting and energetic vibes of the city are sure to go home with you, so start planning your trip today.

Get ready to keep it weird in one of America’s coolest cities

Exploring ATX: What To Do in Austin, Texas

Austin Travel Guide

Whether you love the latest music or you want to go shopping for traditional Western garb, Austin is one of the only places on Earth where you can do both. Long heralded as a city where the residents like to “keep it weird,” Austin feels both like home and somewhere brand new.

To make the most of your Austin vacation, sign up for a AAA membership. As a AAA member, you can get travel help from travel agents, discounts on lodging, rental cars and much more. Become a member today to save on your perfect vacation.

TourBook^® Curated Hotels

Discover standout hotels worldwide with TourBook®. From Diamond-designated properties inspected for quality, to carefully selected international stays. Every hotel in this collection is chosen to help you enjoy a trusted and memorable experience, no matter where you travel.

Learn More

Renaissance Austin Hotel

Cruise Deals

Your Next Great Voyage Awaits

AAA has partnered with the top cruise lines in the industry to give you exclusive AAA member benefits on cruise and river cruise bookings. Get ready to set sail!

See All

Allure of the Seas5 Nights - Western CaribbeanDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 1 Sailing

Allure of the Seas7 Nights - Western CaribbeanDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 5 Sailings

Mariner of the Seas5 Nights - Western CaribbeanDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 11 Sailings

Harmony of the Seas7 Nights - Western CaribbeanDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 10 Sailings

Liberty of the Seas5 Nights - Western CaribbeanDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 9 Sailings

Regal Princess12 Nights - Southern Caribbean IslanderDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 1 Sailing

Symphony of the Seas7 Nights - Western CaribbeanDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 16 Sailings

Regal Princess7 Nights - Western Caribbean with MexicoDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 1 Sailing

Regal Princess7 Nights - Western Caribbean with Mexico HolidayDeparting from Galveston, Texas • 188.69mi | 1 Sailing

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All

ARTICLE25 Things to Do in Austin For Every Type of Traveler AAA Travel Editor, WA11/04/2024 : Finding the best things to do in Austin doesn’t have to be a tedious process; we’ve compiled the top 25 things to do so you can get packing and exploring today.

ARTICLEThe 10 Best Hiking Spots in AustinAAA Travel Editor, WA09/18/2024 : Explore the 10 best hiking spots in Austin, offering everything from peaceful nature walks to challenging trails with stunning hill country vistas.

EDITOR PICKFree Things to Do with Kids in AustinAAA Travel Editor, Laurie Sterbens04/06/2023 : Families will find lots of fun things to do in Austin, and some of the city's best attractions are free.

Editor PickBest Places for Coffee in AustinAAA Travel Editorial Team04/06/2023 : Austin is filled to the brim with coffee shops, and you may be surprised at the variety - in both venues and menus - you'll find here. Here are a few of the best places for coffee in Austin.

Editor PickVisit Film Locations in AustinAAA Travel Editor, Laurie Sterbens04/05/2023 : With music venues, great restaurants and scenic outdoor attractions, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Austin. If you're a film buff, there are even more things to see: Austin has appeared in a number of popular films, and you can still see some of the locations.

ARTICLEBest Time to Visit Austin, Texas AAA Travel Editor, WA09/17/2024 : Uncover the ideal time to visit Austin and experience its vibrant culture, lively music scene, and outdoor adventures at their finest.

ARTICLEThe 9 Best Date Night Ideas in AustinAAA Travel Editor, WA09/18/2024 : Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the 9 best date night ideas in Austin, blending romantic settings with unique local experiences.

ARTICLEThe Top 9 Attractions in Austin AAA Travel Editor, WA09/17/2024 : Discover the 9 best attractions in Austin, where history, outdoor adventure, and lively arts blend seamlessly in the heart of Texas.

ARTICLEThe 11 Best Museums in AustinAAA Travel Editor, WA09/17/2024 : Explore Austin's 11 best museums, offering fascinating exhibits that celebrate art, culture, history, and innovation.

ARTICLEThe 10 Best Views in AustinAAA Travel Editor, WA09/19/2024 : From stunning hilltop panoramas to scenic downtown spots, explore the 10 best views in Austin for awe-inspiring sights across the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about heading to Austin for vacation? The AAA travel experts have answers!

What Is Austin Most Known for?

Austin is most known for being an eclectic city. If you love live music, there’s a ton of it. If you’re a foodie, there’s a restaurant (or 10) that feels catered just for you. If you want to immerse yourself in Texas history, the capital city is one of the best places to do that. While everyone’s list of the best things to do in Austin will be different, each list will surely be surprising.

When’s the Best Time To Visit Austin?

What’s the Food Scene Like in Austin?

The food scene in Austin is truly legendary. From established barbecue spots to the newest fusion restaurants and coffeehouses, only a few other cities in the country can compete with Austin in terms of the sheer number and variety of restaurants. Whether you’re looking for the best cup of coffee or want to have a meal at a must-try establishment, running out of amazing places to eat in Austin is almost impossible.

Where Should I Stay in Austin?

What Are Must-See Attractions in Austin?

The complete list of Austin attractions would be too big to fit anywhere (except maybe Texas), so here’s a short sample of some of the things everyone who visits the city should see — and that include some off-the-beaten-path attractions:

Eat some of the world’s best ribs at Franklin BBQ.
Browse for vinyl at Waterloo Records.
Watch the bats take off from under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge .
Get back to nature at Pace Bend Park at Lake Travis or the Pedernales Falls State Park.
Catch a set from your favorite musicians at Antone's.
Grab a creative and delicious meal at The Driskill Grill.
Visit some of the locations where films have been made.

Is Three Days Enough for an Austin Trip?

Three days might be enough time for an Austin trip if you have a relatively short list of things you want to do. If you’re in town for a convention or festival, then you probably won’t have a lot of time to do anything else. But you’ll still have fun! To be able to take part in all the best Austin activities, you’ll need at least five days. In five days, you can visit historic sites, eat some of the incredible food in the city and listen to some music.

How Much Does a Three-Day Trip to Austin Cost?

Is Austin Worth Visiting?

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Explore trip canvas

Categories

Quick Links

AAA Travel

Explore AAA

Visit Austin, The Live Music Capital of the World

Exploring ATX: What To Do in Austin, Texas

TourBook® Curated Hotels

Renaissance Austin Hotel

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

The Driskill by Hyatt - The Unbound Collection

JW Marriott Austin

The LINE Hotel Austin

Fairmont Austin

Hotel Van Zandt

The Westin Austin at the Domain

Archer Hotel Austin

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

TourBook® Curated Restaurants

Vespaio Austin

Uchi Austin

wink

Lenoir

Uchiko Austin

Jack Allen's Kitchen Oak Hill

Emmer & Rye

Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Freda's Seafood Grill

Franklin BBQ

TourBook® Curated Things To Do

Texas Capitol

Bullock Texas State History Museum

LBJ Presidential Library

Congress Avenue Bridge (South Congress Bridge)

Driskill Hotel (The Driskill)

Lady Bird Lake

Barton Springs

South Congress Avenue (SoCo)

Mt. Bonnell

6th Street

Most Popular Road Trips

South Texas Road Trip

Dallas to Austin Road Trip

Lubbock to El Paso Road Trip

Route 66 - Eastern Oklahoma Road Trip

Route 66 - Western Oklahoma Road Trip

Cajun Country Road Trip

Most Popular Campgrounds

Colinas RV Park

San Marcos Springs RV Park

KRAUSE SPRINGS

Mammoth Bend RV Park

Circle R Ranch RV Resort

Reagan Ridge RV Park

San Marcos Highway RV Park

Bunk Haus RV Park

Gillens Candies + Wine

Texaska Trails RV Ranch