Travel to Austin

Travel to Austin

The city of Austin is situated in the heart of Texas, on the banks of the Colorado River, and has been the capital of the state since the 19th century. Austin is surrounded by green hills and large lakes and is also renowned for its live music scene. Its a vibrant and diverse city that prides itself as being an alternative to conservative Texas, and it also boasts a large student population.

Transportation to Austin

Austin Bergstrom International Airport, located just eight miles from the city, is connected to over 30 destinations across the US. The airport is also well-connected to downtown Austin, with taxis, buses, shuttles and limousines vying for passengers.

Those travelling to Austin overland can reach the city by both bus and train. Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains connect Austin with other major cities across the country, with the railway running from San Antonio to Chicago in the north. Greyhound operates an excellent schedule of buses, which interlink almost every city in the US.

Motorists can reach Austin alongthe major interstate highway, IH-35, which serves Austin after running through Dallas from the north and San Antonio to the south. If youre travelling from the east or west, the city can be reached along the 290 and I-10.

What to see

The relaxed perspective on life here has long been a major draw for tourists, who visit Austin to enjoy the friendly, laid-back atmosphere. The city centre is famed for Zilker Park and the Barton Springs Pool, a wonderfully natural recreation area in the heart of the city. One of the more unusual tourist attractions is the huge bat colony under the Austin Congress Avenue Bridge. The bats emerge every evening, filling the skies as they search for food.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a popular attraction for those interested in flora and fauna, with several nature trails available for exploration. This attraction is also very popular with children.The University of Texas also has some beautiful walks, but isusually visited for its museums including the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. The Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History is also located here, while other popular museums across the city include the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas Childrens Museum.

Daytrips

Tourist attractions situated close to Austin include Austin Zoo, which is located southwest of downtown Austin and is distinctive in that visitors are able to get up close to several of the animals. The Highland Lakes is a remarkable chain of lakes to the northeast of Austin that was created from 1950 to 1970, when dams were built on the Texas Colorado River.

Another nearby attraction is the Jourdan Bachman Pioneer Farm, which gives an authentic insight into life in 19th century Texas. Texas Hill Country is also within driving distance, located to the west and southwest of the city, and noted for its excellent hiking and rock climbing.

Activities and leisure

Zilker Park is one of Austin's most popular leisure areas and the parklands offer miles of hiking trails and pathways around Barton Springs. The Barton Springs are consistently cool year-round and provide a pleasant respite from the summer heat. Cool springs feed water into the pools, and bathers can enjoy the waters throughout the year. Its also possible to rent a boat in Zilker Park and spend the day rowing along the river.

Mount Bonnell is the highest point in the area, standing at 785 feet. There are many hiking trails on the slopes and cyclists are also well-catered for in the area. Spectacular views of Austin await those who make it to the summit; a particularly pleasant outing on a fine summers day.

Safety issues

Austin is generally regarded as a safe city and is well-policed, especially in the 6th Street area at night-time. However, its best to only carry small amounts of cash, as credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and are easier to replace.

Flooding can be severe in certain parts of the city after heavy rainfall and its advised that you seek local information should you experience one of these downpours; avoid areas that have been hit, due to the dangers posed by rapid moving water. In the event of a medical emergency, the local services will provide treatment, but the costs of medical assistance are high therefore its highly recommended that adequate travel insurance be purchased in advance of arrival.