Austin, the capital of Texas, was selected by Money Magazine in 2006 as the Number 1 Best Big City in "Best Places to Live". Hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters are the norm for Austin. A popular tourist area, known for their music and lively night life, you'll find plenty to do on your visit.

Year Round Vacation Ideas in Austin

Sixth Street, Austin's best known street and the entertainment center for the city, features annual festivals such as the Pecan Street Festival and Halloween Night. An historical area with buildings dating back to the late 1800's, Sixth Street is now home to upscale restaurants, pubs, cafes, art galleries, antique shops, eclectic shops, live entertainment and music of all genres. Read more about a Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street on our November Vacation Ideas page.

Many interesting stories follow The Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. Considered one of the world's finest hotels and a Texas landmark, the Romanesque style hotel was built by Col. Jesse Driskill, a cattle baron who invested his fortune in his dream of a magnificent hotel, only to lose it in a poker game to his brother-in-law within a year after opening. Stories of Driskill's spirit haunting the hotel, as well as other ghostly activity, continue to this day. The hotel was a favorite of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, as they enjoyed their first date in the Driskill Dining Room. Hotel located at 604 Brazos Street. 800-252-9367 or 512-474-5911.

Interested in the paranormal? Well, there's plenty of mystery and intrigue in Austin. The Austin Ghost Tours offers you a look at the unknown in and around Austin. Ask about their Haunted History Walking Tour, the Haunted Sixth Street Tour, or the Ghosts of Austin Downtown Walking Tour. All sure to hold your interest. Call 512-853-9826. And, if it's Haunted Houses you're interested in, take a look at our Haunted Vacation Ideas page for some scary spots around the country.

For some great exercise and to do a little people watching, visit Lady Bird Lake for a 10 mile hike and bike trail on the waterfront. Named after our former First Lady who helped bring about the beautification of this recreational area adjacent to Zilker Park.

Nearby Red Bud Isle is the perfect spot to take your pet, an off leash dog park where you can enjoy hiking the trails, and in the summertime, swimming and fishing.

A popular year round tradition in Austin is First Thursday along South Congress Avenue. A street party for all ages and a great way to get acquainted with Austin. Local stores, galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants stay open late the first Thursday of each month. Street vendors are on hand to display their crafts. Live music, street performers, and plenty of food add to the festivities.

Take the time to visit the Tower @ The University of Texas. This 307 foot tall landmark, recently reopened after lengthy renovations, will give you spectacular views of the campus and the Austin area. Call for schedule and reservations 877-475-6633.

See more Austin Free Vacation Ideas

Spring Vacation Ideas in Austin

The Live Music Capital of the world hosts the South By Southwest Music Festival and Convention for the record industry and unsigned artists. Every night of the convention, live music on over 80 stages featuring unsigned, up and coming bands. In their 23rd year, an estimated 1,800 musical acts will be presented. March 12 - 21, 2010. For information, call 512-467-7979. Read what one author has to say about the live music in Downtown Austin.

Read more about the 12th annual Austin Reggae Festival in downtown Austin April 17 and 18, 2010 on our April page.

Visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, with more than 20 gardens and meadows, is always a pleasant experience, especially in spring time when the flowers are at their peak. 4801 La Crosse Ave. Call for upcoming events 512-232-0100.

Summer Vacation Ideas in Austin

A good family place to visit - Deep Eddy Pool, Texas' oldest swimming pool, an historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently renovated Bath House. Enjoy sporting events and summertime Splash Party Movie Nights. Located south of Lake Austin Blvd. At 401 Deep Eddy Ave.

The Austin Zoo is great for the younger set. It's a rescue zoo that provides sanctuary to displaced and neglected animals. Small, but does worthwhile services in protecting the animals. There's a train ride the kids will like and animals for the children to pet and feed. A learning experience as you read about each animal as you travel through the zoo. Bring your picnic basket, drinking water, and comfortable shoes. 10807 Rawhide Trail. 512-288-1490.

See more happenings on our July 4th Vacation Ideas page.

Fall Vacation Ideas in Austin

Enjoy three days of music and art at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on October 8 - 10, 2010 at Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road. Crowds of about 65,000 per day will come together for the 5th Annual Festival with 130 bands on 8 stages. Entertainment will include Rock, Country, Folk, Hip-hop, Reggae, Bluegrass, Indie, and Americana. Arts and crafts vendors, plenty of food and drink, and fun for all ages.

Winter Vacation Ideas in Austin

Austin's wildest party, the 33rd. annual Brazilian-style Mardi Gras, Carnaval Brasileiro, will be celebrated this year on February 5, 2011. Festive costumes, great samba music, spirited atmosphere with non-stop dancing all evening. Palmer Events Center, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. Such a popular yearly event, plans are being made to bring Carnaval Brasileiro to Portland, OR.

Did You Know?

Austin is a bike-friendly city, so grab your gear and head out for the great outdoors and explore all that Austin has to offer.

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