A Texas Getaway

Austin, Texas is a beautiful city with many things to do for all ages. With options from walking down 6th Street, enjoying the music atmosphere, and kayaking and canoeing, there is always something to keep you busy and having fun at the same time.

The Salt Lick

Austin is very centered on live music and BBQ. The Salt Lick is located 12 miles outside of Austin, in Driftwood, Texas. There is a large outdoor area where bands play and people hang out waiting for their tables. With tons of seating at The Salt Lick, people may wait up to 2 hours to get a table, but people are fine with waiting while listening to live music. Also, it is important to note that The Salt Lick is a BYOB only, and many family and friends come here year round to enjoy the surroundings.

Mexican Bats

Austin has a large bat population from March-November. On the Congress Avenue Bridge, each night, pending weather, over one million Mexican free-tailed bats pour out from under the bridge. Mexican bats’ wing span is anywhere from 11-13 inches, and leave the Congress Avenue bridge at approximately 35 miles an hour, but can reach up to 60 miles per hour. They usually emerge from the bridge 15 minutes before sunset, but can also be as late as 45 after the sunset. People can view them from above the bridge on the sidewalk, or by the water via kayak, canoe, or bat cruise.

6th Street

6th Street is half a mile long with over twenty dance clubs, shot bars, and live music venues. The street is closed to cars on most weekends, allowing people to walk in the streets. 6th street has many souvenir shops in between the bars. There is also the Warehouse District that is between 2nd and 5th streets that centers more on the local sounds. But up and down 6th Street is a wide range of music and bars for any taste.

Zilker Park/Town Lake

Zilker Park, also known as Town Lake, is a wonderful outdoor setting for anyone. There is a 10-mile path that goes around Town Lake, which passes Congress Avenue Bridge. Also, there is Zilker Park Boat Rentals where you can rent canoes and/or kayaks. Austin is a physically fit town and is great to meet people and to get a taste of the outdoors. Zilker Park also has athletic fields that are open to the public. If your furry pets come with you on your trip, Zilker Park has an open dog park that is next to the Town Lake, so when they need break, they can swim in the water.

Mount Bonnell

This five acre area is the highest point in Austin that overlooks the city and Town Lake, and the view is gorgeous. There is a .3 mile trail that overlooks the city, 5 picnic tables, and one picnic shelter. It is a great place for a picnic with the family, but the only downsize is the number of stairs that must be climbed in order to reach the top point.