Things to do in Austin
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Austin next month to visit our daughter. We have never been there and would like some help. We also would like to buy tickets to Austin City Limits, how is this accomplished? What about San Antonio? Is it worth the time driving and visiting?
Thanks!

What kind of things do you like to do?
Where are you staying?

San Antonio is a little over an hour drive south of Austin. I'd say it's worth it, yes. Visit the Riverwalk, the Alamo (if that kind of thing flips your switch). Admittedly I haven't spent much time in SA, even tho I've lived here over 20 years...

ACL Tix. Tough one.
There are four steps to obtain free Austin City Limits tickets.
1. Please call the KLRU Hotline at (512) 475-9077.
2. Listen carefully to the message and find out the artist, taping date, time and which radio station(s) to listen to for the ticket distribution announcement.
3. Listen closely to that radio station one to two working days before the taping for a ticket distribution announcement. This announcement will state the location of the ticket giveaway.
4. When you hear the announcement, go immediately to the location of the distribution to pick up the tickets. Tickets go *very quickly*, sometimes within five minutes of the announced giveaway time.
http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/backstage/faqs.html

We like to go to festivals, markets, muesuems,walk/hike/bike, shopping(not in malls, but quaint stores) and of course eat and drink wine. My husband enjoys taking pictures. We are staying south of downtown Austin.
Thanks for your response!

You might consider a day trip out to hill country--out to Fredericksburg, it's nice & quaint. We always go out there once a year to see the wildflowers & eat German food. You could also go to the LBJ Ranch.

Speaking of wildflowers, there's the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center here in SW austin--it's pretty neat to walk the trails & such.

THere's always something going on in Austin so you shouldn't be without anything to do.

You can go to the Oasis to watch the sunset & have drinks overlooking the lake. Lots of music venues if you can't get in to an ACL taping.

Tede, in Austin you might like visiting the state capitol (beautiful rotunda and assembly rooms) and the Bob Bullock State History Museum (it also has an IMAX theater). In San Antonio, enjoy a Mexican dining cruise along the Riverwalk and shop at Market Square and La Villita. Try La Reve restaurant in San Antonio -- named best restaurant in Texas by Gourmet Magazine -- innovative food and wine in a relaxed setting with lots of wonderful gastronomic "surprises" in between courses.

Hi,

Just wanted to give some suggestions for Austin. Unusual shopping: Try South Congress. They have a little of everything- retro, antiques, etc. Museums- Check out Bob Bullock Museum, Capital, and my favorite Umlauf Sculpture Garden. They are all within downtown area. Walk/hike: Try Zilker Park Hike/Bike Trail (Umlauf in within Zilker.) Also go check out Mt. Bonnell It is off of Mopac (loop 1) and 2222. You get some beautiful views of Lake Austin. Check out austin360.com for more info. Enjoy, Austin it is a great City.

I'd also encourage you to visit the Capital, the University Campus/LBJ Presidential Library, & go up the on campus tower (call ahead to make a reservation).

How do you feel about BATS?

For a one-of-a-kind experience in Austin, check out the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Flight. See the following:

www.batcon.org/discover/congress.html

The bats are AWESOME! I highly suggest including them in your plans.

Tede - I agree with most of the suggestions already given. Definitely Fredricksburg. Sounds like just your thing. Lady Bird Center, Bullock Museum, Capitol. You might see what's up at the LBJ Library too.

Bats don't usually give much of a show until the summer so heading to the Congress bridge in May might be a bit of a let down.

If you are here as early as May 6th, check out "First Thursday" on S. Congress, a few blocks south of the river. Street vendors, restaurants, etc. It's fun. If you are here May 1 & 2nd, definitely the Old Pecan Street Festival on 6th Street.

Eating - In Austin, I think Castle Hill Cafe on W. 5th is THE best place. Eclectic food, excellent wine list that is probably more reasonably priced than any other restaurant in Austin. Just for wine, Malaga Tapas bar on W. 4th. And, if you want one of the best meals of your life, (and $$$$) try Hudsons on the Bend near Lake Travis. See the menu. http://hudsons.citysearch.com/

Thanks everyone for all the great information!!
I can't wait to travel to Austin. If anything else pops up in your mind, please send another message, I check this site daily.
Thanks again