What To Do When Visiting Awesome Austin Nonstop on Southwest, Allegiant

Anyone in the know about Austin’s magnetic charm isn’t surprised by increased buzz concerning Texas’s vibrant state capital.

Luckily for Pittsburgh travelers, Southwest flies there nonstop six times a week, year-round, with a seasonal flight also available through Allegiant.

“From blues to rock ‘n roll, boutique hotels to world-class resorts, barbecue joints to five-star restaurants, people are talking about Austin,” said Wesley Lucas, director of communications for Visit Austin. “As the Live Music Capital of the World, the city has a soundtrack of its own — which can be heard in 250-plus live music venues any night of the week.”

Annual fests like SXSW and the Austin City Limits Music Festival also draw huge crowds. And the city boasts more than 300 days of sunshine, making it an ideal setting for outdoor activities from cycling and hiking to stand-up paddle boarding.

What’s more, the city is home to Circuit of The Americas (COTA), the location of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix race, and other prominent races include the MotoGP, the world’s premiere motorcycle championship race along with NASCAR at COTA.

“Austin consistently ranks as one of America’s best cities to visit, and we can’t agree more,” said Kimmie Hey, Public Information Office Division Manager at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

Here are Lucas’ top five recommendations for visitors:

1. Listen to Live Music

Austin’s celebrated live music scene includes hundreds of live music venues with just about every style represented. A few favorites include The Saxon Pub, Hotel Vegas, The Elephant Room and The White Horse for a little two-steppin’ fun!

 

2. Enjoy Tex-Mex & BBQ

You shouldn’t visit Austin without trying what it’s most known for — barbecue and Tex-Mex. El Arroyo, Matt’s El Rancho, Franklin Barbecue, LeRoy and Lewis and KG BBQ are some local favorites. If you don’t eat meat, don’t worry. Many iconic restaurants around town serve up a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Austin is also known for unique food trucks, found all over town.

 

 

 

3. See the Bats

In the heart of Downtown Austin sits the famous Congress Avenue Bridge, home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats – the largest urban bat colony in North America. If you’re visiting Austin between late spring and early fall, be sure to grab your spot early to experience the magnificent nightly bat watching right as the sun sets over Lady Bird Lake. For an on-the-water experience, consider taking a bat tour boat cruise with Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises. And if you really want to celebrate Austin’s unofficial mascot, consider attending Bat Fest, the biggest bat viewing party of the year.

4. Discover the Outdoors

Often recognized as one of the fittest cities in the country, Austin features an immense variety of trails to walk, hike, run or bike. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is easily accessible from a variety of hotspots, such as downtown, Riverside Drive and even Zilker Park, making it a convenient way to work off those breakfast tacos while viewing Austin’s skyline. Or explore the 800-plus acre Barton Creek Greenbelt and take a dip in the refreshing natural springs afterward. Spend a sunny afternoon on Lady Bird Lake paddle boarding or play 18 holes at one of Austin’s many scenic golf courses.

5. Explore Texas History

Texas isn’t only a great place to visit today – it has a pretty cool backstory to boot. Take a quick walk up Congress Avenue to see the Texas State Capitol (which offers free tours) and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. For a more casual history lesson, explore some of Austin’s historic districts and sites.

Before you go, know that Austin is a hot city — and not just in terms of soaring summer temps.

“It’s the place people want to be, so if you’re planning a visit, plan ahead,” said Lucas. “Spring and fall tend to be the busiest times of year with festivals, major events and perfect weather.”

She believes that if you’re staying in Austin, a rental car isn’t necessary, since rideshare and public transportation are easy to access. Yet if you plan to explore more of the Texas Hill Country, a rental car or scheduled day tour are a good idea.

At AUS, Hey said, they strive to provide an authentic Austin experience throughout the terminal. (Fun fact: AUS hosts about 1,400 live music performances a year on eight different stages.) Some may be surprised that the airport is smaller than imagined.

“We’re undergoing the largest airport expansion effort Austin has ever seen, so be prepared to arrive a little earlier than you normally would,” Hey said. “We recommend that travelers using general TSA screening arrive at least 2.5 hours before their departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.”

Lucas says that any opportunity to share their city with new visitors is an exciting one. “It’s often said that food, music and adventures are the best way to connect people, and we have plenty of those to be discovered in Austin,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming folks from the Steel City to the Live Music Capital of the World.”

Hey adds that the airport’s mission is to continue connecting Austin and Central Texas to more places around the world. “This means we work hard to provide options, amenities, and services that meet the needs of our diverse community, including our friends in Pittsburgh.”