The trek continues to
Austin
The Live Music Capital of the World.
Welcome to Austin, where Southern hospitality meets a fiercely independent spirit. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, ATX isn’t just a city—it’s a vibe. From gorging on world-renowned brisket to paddleboarding across Lady Bird Lake and catching an indie band in a neon-lit dive bar, Austin guarantees an unforgettable trip.
Keep Austin Weird
The State Capitol
Austin was chosen as the permanent capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839 and renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas" who led the successful colonization of the region by bringing in the "Old Three Hundred" American families from the United States to Mexican Texas in 1825. The stunning Capitol building, completed in 1888, is widely known for being taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Today, the city perfectly balances its deep historical roots with a booming tech industry, earning it the nickname "Silicon Hills." But despite the rapid growth, locals fiercely protect the eclectic, creative culture that makes Austin truly unique.
That protective spirit gave rise to the famous slogan "Keep Austin Weird," which was originally coined in 2000 by a local librarian to promote small, independent businesses over large corporations.
History & Museums
Bullock History Museum & Blanton Museum of Art
Located just a few blocks north of the Capitol, the Bullock Texas State History Museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits detailing the complex and storied history of Texas. It is the premier destination for understanding the state's cultural evolution.
Right across the street on the University of Texas campus is the Blanton Museum of Art, one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. Don't miss Ellsworth Kelly's Austin, a stunning standalone stone building with spectacular colored glass windows.
Texas General Land Office Archives
If you love history, Texas has digitized an incredible amount of its historical records and maps. You can explore the Texas General Land Office's online collection to see millions of original land grants and vintage maps dating back to the Republic era.
The Great Outdoors
Zilker Park & Barton Springs
Considered the "crown jewel" of Austin, the 350-acre Zilker Park is the city's ultimate playground. At its heart lies Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre natural swimming hole fed by underground springs.
Just steps away is Lady Bird Lake, where you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and take in the downtown skyline from the water, or walk the 10-mile (16.1 km) hike-and-bike trail that loops the shoreline.
Scenic Heights
Mount Bonnell
If you want the best vantage point in the city, climb the 102 stone stairs to the top of Covert Park at Mount Bonnell. As one of the highest points in Austin, this historic landmark provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Colorado River, the downtown skyline, and the rolling hills to the west.
It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s and remains the perfect spot to catch a spectacular Texas sunset.
The Bat City
Congress Avenue Bats
From March through October, Austin hosts roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. They roost in the crevices under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.
Every evening around sunset, crowds gather on the bridge, along the lake trails, and even on boats in the water to witness the massive colony emerge and take flight into the night sky to hunt for insects. It's an Austin experience you absolutely cannot miss.
Neighborhoods to Explore
South Congress (SoCo)
The beating heart of Austin's weirdness. Stroll down the avenue for incredible vintage shopping, iconic street art, and legendary venues like the Continental Club.
Downtown & 6th Street
The epicenter of nightlife. East 6th Street ("Dirty 6th") is famous for its rowdy bars, while the nearby Rainey Street Historic District offers a more relaxed vibe with bungalow-style bars.
Where to eat
BBQ, Tacos, and Food Trucks
Austin is globally renowned for its culinary scene, specifically its legendary brisket. People will wait hours in line at Franklin Barbecue or Terry Black's to taste it.
For breakfast (or really, any meal), breakfast tacos are mandatory. Grab some from a local favorite like Veracruz All Natural or try the legendary, massive Don Juan taco at Juan in a Million.
Don't skip the food trucks! With over 1,000 trucks parked across the city in various "food truck parks," they serve as incubators for Austin's most innovative and cutting-edge fusion cuisines.
If you're looking for an authentic dive-bar experience head to the Texas Chili Parlor. A local institution since 1976, it served as a filming location for Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, and is famous for its no-beans Texas chili--offered in three levels of heat.
Hook 'em & Verde
Texas Longhorns & Austin FC
Austin may not have NFL or MLB teams, but its sports culture is absolutely electric. The city bleeds burnt orange for the University of Texas Longhorns. Fall Saturdays at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (which seats over 100,000 fans) are a cultural institution, complete with massive tailgates and the booming sounds of the Longhorn Band.
In the professional realm, the city has rallied fiercely behind its MLS team, Austin FC. Matches at Q2 Stadium are incredibly loud, featuring a dedicated supporters' section that pounds drums and sings in Spanish and English for a full 90 minutes.
Famous Natives
While legends like Willie Nelson and Matthew McConaughey famously made Austin their home, here are a few notable faces who were actually born or raised here:
If you've got a spare day
🍷 Fredericksburg (~1 hr 30 mins) — Head into the Texas Hill Country to explore its deep German heritage, hike the massive pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock, and tour over 50 local wineries.
🍖 Lockhart (~40 mins) — Officially recognized as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," a pilgrimage here is a must for any serious carnivore.
🛶 New Braunfels & San Marcos (~45 mins) — The premier spots in Texas for floating down the river in a tube with a cooler in tow.
Watch
Population: 2020 U.S. Census.
MobTreks · a stop on the Southern trek.
No living hamsters were harmed in the production of this work.