Thinking of a 4 day trip for 2 couples to Austin TX July 4-7. Does everyone leave for the holiday or will there be any good fireworks spots on July 4th and/or good music over the next few days? Is it unbearably hot or just very hot? We are mid Atlantic based and used to heat. Just trying to use some SW miles and head someplace we have never been. Hear that the Hyatt in town has a nice pool to relax by during the day, or anyplace better? No kids with us this trip. Comments and suggestions will be appreciated.

No, not everyone leaves for the holiday. There will be plenty to do, including fireworks and music (6th St. doesn't shut down for holidays). It will be hot (very hot rather than unbearable - lower humidity than you're probably used to). Hyatt is nice, but the 4 Seasons can't be beat IMO. It's also on the lake, has great pool and great restaurant next door (The Shoreline Grill).

Thanks. I had seen mixed reviews of Four Seasons. I do not know much about Austin other than that it's supposed to be a fun getaway! Any other comments?

I echo what dfr says. It wil be HOT, and it has the potential to be unbearably hot to be outide between the hours of about noon-5pm, unless in a pool or at Barton Springs. You will not want to be anywhere near concrete during those hours.

Get up early, do you outside stuff (hike/bike trail, etc) before 11am, and carry a few 1/2 liter bottles of water (each) with you wherever you go.

I've climbed Enchanted Rock in July, but I've been at the part by 8am and off the top well before mid day. You see people just heading up at that time, no water, kids in tow. Don't know what they're thinking.

Fireworks are fun - you can walk there from the Hyatt. Don't drive or you'll sit in traffic.

Bats will be flying out nightly just after sunset - again those are right by the Hyatt and 4 Seasons.

Check out the Hotel San Jose for a more authentic austin vibe. (not sure if they have a pool tho) Across the street is the Continental Club, one of the best music venues in town. Up and down the street are cool cafés, bars and shops. If you want to do some swimming, head for Barton Springs. Also check out Deep Eddy pool. In the summer they show old movies. Fun!

I'll second the remarks to head to Barton Springs. It is a refreshingly cool spring fed pool (68 degrees year round). Just head over there and plunge right in and you'll be instantly refreshed.

Make sure you watch the bats at night as well.

Some other ideas would be to head out to the Oasis and watch the sunset there.

Near the hotel San Jose is the South Congress cafe. Upscale casual tex-mex, with very good food at affordable prices. Also check out South Lamarr for both food and music: Maria's Taco X-press, Artz Rib House & the Broken Spoke.