If you’re planning on flying to Austin this summer, you’re in for a real treat! Austin, Texas is the live music capital of the world. It has more than 250 live music venues spread throughout the city, and you don’t have to worry about running out of things to do.
At Valley International Airport, we are pleased to have Southwest Airlines with us – especially as the only airport in the Rio Grande Valley that flies with Southwest. With Southwest, you can fly non-stop to Austin for your next adventure. Today, we will list 12 of the best activities to do in Austin this summer when you fly with VIA at Harlingen.
1. Take In The Live Music
If you arrive in Austin by flying, your initial taste of live music takes place the moment you get off the plane. Live music happens in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
You can also enjoy live music at restaurants and bars, concert halls, and even grocery stores. If you hit the town at night, live music pours out onto the streets from the bars and clubs found all over the city.
2. Learn to Dance the Texas Two Step
If you’re looking to dance and learn the Texas Two Step, there are multiple spots around town that dance the Texas Two Step, including the White Horse and Poodies Roadhouse.
3. Look through the shops and restaurants on South Congress
This area of Austin is filled with boutique shops, night clubs, and a fair share of restaurants.
Enjoy a drink at Hotel San Jose, treat yourself to a burger at Hopdoddy, and do not miss Amy’s Ice Cream.
4. Go paddle boarding or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River. This body of water is located in the heart of Austin. You can rent out paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks from Zilker Metropolitan Park , and spend hours cruising up and down Lady Bird Lake. This is the ideal activity for those hotter, sunnier days in Austin.
Additionally, there is a ten mile trail near Lady Bird Lake known as the Hike-and-Bike Trail, great for an afternoon stroll, jog, or bicycle ride.
5. Experience Franklin Barbecue
This restaurant has been rated by a few established travel sources (Bon Appetit as well as others) as the best barbecue in the country. Many people wait in line as early as 7am for their famous brisket and ribs!
6. Stop By The Famous Swimming Holes of Austin
Cool off in one of Austin’s well-known swimming holes this summer. In town, you can find Barton Springs Pool, located in Zilker Metropolitan Park. This wide, natural pool has a diving board and more than enough space for you to hang out in the sun.
7. Appreciate the View from Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin at 775 feet! Drive up to this small park to get a view worth seeing over the entire city.
8. Pop in for a drink at the Driskill Hotel and Bar
The Driskill Hotel is an historic landmark in Austin. Built in 1886, this hotel includes a bar that is a common spot to go and pop in for a drink while enjoying some live music.
9. Watch Bats Fly Into The Sky From Under The South Congress Bridge
Each night, more than one million bats fly out from under the South Congress Bridge and into the sky.
The bats make an appearance from early on in March to early November (in the wintertime they are in Mexico). The best months to see the bats are in late July and August, when the adults and the babies fly up to the sky.
10. Bar Hop
Austin has various neighborhoods known for their late night scenes.
Sixth Street has a similar feel to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. It is a street solely for pedestrians throughout the late hours of the night. Rainey Street is also home to many popular bars, and together, these streets boast about 88 bars!
With that variety, you’ll find a bar perfect for college students, after work drinks, birthday celebrations, and everything in between.
11. Visit The State Capitol Building
Austin is the capital of Texas and the Capitol Building is the largest in the USA. You have options to either take a self-guided tour or a tour with your traveling buddies of the Capitol Building. Tours are completely free and offered daily outside of major holidays. Make sure to try and hear your echo in the Rotunda!
12. LBJ Presidential Library
If you are interested in learning more about the rich history of Austin, this is a guaranteed must-see. Time travel back to the 1960’s and discover the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Adventure Awaits In Austin – Book Your Flight at Valley International Airport Today
Now that you have a couple ideas up your sleeve on things you can do in Austin, it’s time to book your flight and have fun exploring the city of Austin this summer!
Our team at Valley International Airport wants to make sure your traveling experience is not only fun, but safe! Face masks are required when boarding on the plane. With Southwest Airlines, remember that baggage claim is located downstairs and gate 5 and 6 are upstairs
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