Austin has long been on my list for domestic cities to visit. Finally, with open flights and a free weekend, I finally crossed it off the list. The trip was short, but confirms that Austin is the type of city I could live in and would love to return to.


The trip started with some evening flights on a Friday out to Austin.



Starting the day off with some chipotle eggs benedict.



The Texas State Capitol was the first sight of the day.



Texas State Capitol architecture.



Capitol rotunda.



Senate Chamber.



Remember the Alamo.



Supreme Court Courtroom.



Capitol building.



The Texas African American History Memorial (ironically across from a Confederate memorial) in front of the Capitol building.



The next stop was the Zilker Metropolitan Park.



After a short walk, we got a pretty good view of downtown Austin.



Austin, Texas.



Swan.



Barton Creek, a runoff of the Colorado River.



Our $22 rental car (thanks National Executive Elite status). We decided to drop the car off downtown and pickup some Lime Scooters to get around.



This was my first time using Lime Scooters, and I have to say, I'm a fan. I can see how they can likely be annoying for locals/drivers, but they're super convenient for visitors and people who just don't want to deal with driving around and parking. Simply scan the barcode on it (which uses the app to pay) and take it. When you're done, you end your trip and leave it wherever is convenient.



Downtown Austin is a pretty nice place to be. Very clean, organized and the weather was perfect.



Mural.



Austin City Hall.



Riding around Austin just exploring.



At the recommendation of a local, we visited a food truck for some Texas BBQ. Oh, and free beer.



Ribs, sausage, potato salad and beans.



After dropping the scooters off, it was time to head back to the airport. I could easily spend another couple of days in Austin, but had to be home for Sunday back in Tampa.



I was pleasantly impressed by Austin and can't wait to return. I think my next trip will be a double Austin-San Antonio trip over a long weekend, but we'll see.

Next: Guatemala