What to Pack for a Trip to Austin?

Highlights and What to Pack for a Trip to Austin, Texas

Austin is booming, both as a place to live for the tech community and as a tourist destination worth the effort to pack for.

Millions of people visit each year. Some go for the SXSW festival, others for the music, food, and culture. Whether you visit Austin as a stand-alone trip or take it in as part of a tour of Texas, this guide is for you. You’ll find the best activities – along with an essential packing guide – on this page.

What I love best about Austin is that each visit uncovers more hidden gems.

Highlights of Austin, Texas

#1 – The Music and Bars of 6^th Street

Downtown Austin is famous for live music venues, restaurants, and bars. While SXSW is the big-name festival, this is one of many music events throughout the year. Big venues combine outdoor stages with bars. All are within walking distance, covering handful of blocks based around 6^th street.

Highlights include rooftop bars, where you can watch the action below. Weekends can see 6^th street super-crowded, with the party continuing to the early hours.

#2 – The Bats of the Congress Avenue Bridge

It is a quirk in the design of the Congress Avenue bridge which attracted bats. They live in tiny crevasses, nesting during the day.

At dusk, the bats appear, swarming over the river in spectacular swirls and patterns. This has become a major tourist attraction. People head to the bridge before dusk, getting a spot against the rail. Others gather in a park below.

While there are no guarantees that the bats will swarm every night, it is worth the wait for when they do.

#3 – The State Capitol Building

This is an active government building and a historical monument in one. You can wander the exquisitely groomed gardens, then head inside (though a security post) to see hundreds of years of Texan History.

You won’t need to travel far. Like all the attractions in Austin, it is within easy reach of the hotels of the business district and downtown.

#4 – Activities on the River

Next to the Colorado river is a green belt park which spans 3 miles. There are multiple activities on the river to enjoy during the day. You can rent a boat, or even a rubber tube and paddle yourself along. For those that prefer to stay dry, take a boat trip or the combined boat / bus called the Duck.

For more excitement paddleboards are available. You can enjoy a zip line too. When the weather gets hot in the summer months, the river is a great way to cool off.

#5 – Bars and Restaurants at Rainey Street

Cool bars, varied restaurants and a party vibe can be found in the Rainey Street district. There are food trucks – many with unique themes and food options.

A highlight of Texas, including Austin, are the barbeque joints. You can choose meats, sides and sauces and sit outside to enjoy a feast like no other.