Last edit by: aztimm
All about Austin, Texas
Threads that focus on Austin Specifics:
- AUS-Bergstrom International Airport
- Overnight parking
- Flyertalk Hilton Forum thread on Austin properties
- Marriott-family Hotels in Austin
- Things to see and do in Austin
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All about Austin, TX [master thread]
#31
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tæt på Dyrehaven
Programs: SK Gold
Posts: 303
I am hoping to play some tennis during an upcoming trip to Austin. Everything I have found so far in the downtown area seems to require a club membership. Can anyone recommend any public courts or clubs that permit guests to play? TIA for any input.
#34
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Delta PM/MM, Marriott TE, IHG Platinum
Posts: 481
A full day in AUSTIN - what to do to get a feel for the city? Recommendations
Hi. The family and I will have a full day in AUS this week enroute to eclipse destination.
Goal is to get a feel for the city and bop around like tourists for the day, low key like!
I’m envisioning something like heading into the city or cultural center of some sort, parking the rental car and walking around for half a day exploring shops and stopping for lunch, unique treats, BBQ for dinner, etc. First time there and I know nothing
Me, Mrs K7, and two tween kids in tow.
Probably will be on Thursday that we are there.
Would appreciate any recommendations, or suggestions of where to start exploration from or places to go?
Goal is to get a feel for the city and bop around like tourists for the day, low key like!
I’m envisioning something like heading into the city or cultural center of some sort, parking the rental car and walking around for half a day exploring shops and stopping for lunch, unique treats, BBQ for dinner, etc. First time there and I know nothing
Me, Mrs K7, and two tween kids in tow.
Probably will be on Thursday that we are there.
Would appreciate any recommendations, or suggestions of where to start exploration from or places to go?
#35
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,654
South Congress is good for Shopping and Restaurants close to downtown. I'd start there. You can street park and walk around. From there, you can drive downtown and see the Capitol and the UT campus.
#36
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Midwest
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, BonVoy Gold, BW Diamond, RR Premium
Posts: 402
This. Plus the bats under the bridge at Lady Bird Lake. Late March is the start of bat season, but it's likely too early? Austintexas dot org is a good tourist site. Keep in mind that "low key" and "Austin" do not go together! :-) Also keep in mind that "traffic" and "Austin" do.
#37
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Delta PM/MM, Marriott TE, IHG Platinum
Posts: 481
awesome. thank you. Is there a particular cross street/area I should target to park on South Congress?
#38
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Delta PM/MM, Marriott TE, IHG Platinum
Posts: 481
This. Plus the bats under the bridge at Lady Bird Lake. Late March is the start of bat season, but it's likely too early? Austintexas dot org is a good tourist site. Keep in mind that "low key" and "Austin" do not go together! :-) Also keep in mind that "traffic" and "Austin" do.
I am hopeful the bats will be “in season”.
#39
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,654
I usually go to the south end near the Kendra Scott store and walk down from there. Typically pretty easy to find free parking in the neighborhood a couple blocks off of the street.
#40
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,497
Where are you coming from? How long will you be in the city?
I'd normally suggest visiting Barton Springs, but Thursdays are cleaning days... It is open 5am to 9am, then officially 6pm to 10pm. If they finish cleaning / refilling earlier they will re-open as early as 4-5pm. There is no charge to visit during those times.
If it is any other day, there is no charge from 5am to 8am, and from 6pm to 10pm. You could arrive at 7:55am and stay as long as you'd like (many people do that). Otherwise normal fees apply.
If you want something cultural, definitely visit the State Capitol building; there are tours and/or you can wander around on your own. If you want to visit the dome, you'll need to contact your representative in advance.
The LBJ Library is also worth a cultural visit. It isn't cheap, but it is exceptional.
You could walk around Town Lake / Ladybird Lake. There is a nice path that goes most of the way around (and you'd be very close to Barton Springs at one point). There are a few places where you can rent kayaks and/or SUPs, if you're into getting on the water.
Whenever I'm in town, I usually end up eating at Le Cafe Crepe, and have never been disappointed. Some people might suggest Hula Hut (it would be a very healthy walk, or you could get a ride); I've been there a few times and it is fine (nice location on the lake).
If you want bats, I've had much better luck viewing them from McNiel in Round Rock; they come out from under the I-35 bridge. But it is way out in suburbia, with really nothing of major interest nearby (downtown Round Rock is about 2 miles away, which has some restaurants, and I'd highly recommend Round Rock Donuts.)
I'd normally suggest visiting Barton Springs, but Thursdays are cleaning days... It is open 5am to 9am, then officially 6pm to 10pm. If they finish cleaning / refilling earlier they will re-open as early as 4-5pm. There is no charge to visit during those times.
If it is any other day, there is no charge from 5am to 8am, and from 6pm to 10pm. You could arrive at 7:55am and stay as long as you'd like (many people do that). Otherwise normal fees apply.
If you want something cultural, definitely visit the State Capitol building; there are tours and/or you can wander around on your own. If you want to visit the dome, you'll need to contact your representative in advance.
The LBJ Library is also worth a cultural visit. It isn't cheap, but it is exceptional.
You could walk around Town Lake / Ladybird Lake. There is a nice path that goes most of the way around (and you'd be very close to Barton Springs at one point). There are a few places where you can rent kayaks and/or SUPs, if you're into getting on the water.
Whenever I'm in town, I usually end up eating at Le Cafe Crepe, and have never been disappointed. Some people might suggest Hula Hut (it would be a very healthy walk, or you could get a ride); I've been there a few times and it is fine (nice location on the lake).
If you want bats, I've had much better luck viewing them from McNiel in Round Rock; they come out from under the I-35 bridge. But it is way out in suburbia, with really nothing of major interest nearby (downtown Round Rock is about 2 miles away, which has some restaurants, and I'd highly recommend Round Rock Donuts.)
#41
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,654
Also, the city just held a press conference and stated that all rental cars at the airport are completely sold out April 8-9th and to give yourselves extra time.
Not sure when you're arriving/departing but something to keep in mind.
Not sure when you're arriving/departing but something to keep in mind.
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
Posts: 27,686
Yesterday:
aba (lettuce entertain you) and that area - Jeni’s ice cream, amy’s ice cream, shops…
drive to Texas longhorns compound
boat evening tour with bats under the bridge - bonus views of Egrets and Baby ducks in the Colorado river
cane’s fast food for chicken tenders
aba (lettuce entertain you) and that area - Jeni’s ice cream, amy’s ice cream, shops…
drive to Texas longhorns compound
boat evening tour with bats under the bridge - bonus views of Egrets and Baby ducks in the Colorado river
cane’s fast food for chicken tenders