Looking for a vibrant, music-filled summer adventure? Head to Austin, Texas! Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin shines brightest in the summer with outdoor concerts, food truck feasts, swimming holes, and lively festivals. Whether you're cooling off in Barton Springs or two-stepping under the stars, Austin delivers endless summer fun.
Summer in Austin (June through August) means hot, sunny days and lively nights. It’s perfect for music festivals, swimming, and experiencing Austin’s outdoor culture—just plan for early mornings, late evenings, and plenty of water to beat the midday heat.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Austin is accessible via I-35, US-183, and TX-71, about 3 hours from Dallas and 1.5 hours from San Antonio.
- By Air: Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), located about 15 minutes from downtown Austin.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak’s Texas Eagle line stops in Austin, and Greyhound and Megabus also serve the city.
Where to Stay
- The Driskill Hotel – Historic luxury hotel in the heart of downtown, perfect for a classic Austin experience.
- Hotel ZaZa Austin – Boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, trendy vibe, and prime location near nightlife.
- Carpenter Hotel – Hip, laid-back option near Zilker Park, perfect for creatives and outdoor lovers.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Swim at Barton Springs Pool – If you want to cool off in Austin’s iconic spring-fed pool in Zilker Park.
- Catch live music on South Congress – Soak up local tunes at iconic venues like the Continental Club.
- Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake – Enjoy water sports with skyline views right in downtown Austin.
- Visit the Texas State Capitol – Tour the historic pink granite building and stroll the shady grounds.
- Watch the Congress Avenue Bridge bats – At sunset, see 1.5 million bats take flight—one of Austin’s most unique sights.
Unique Activities and Dining
⮕ Shop Fresh and Local at Texas Farmers’ Market
Farm-to-table starts here with vibrant produce, artisan goods, and community flair
Texas Farmer's Market has been voted as Austin's favorite farmer's market by the Austin Chronicle for more than five years and counting, hosted each Wednesday and Sunday adjacent to the Browning Hangar at Mueller Central. The nonprofit market showcases a plethora of fresh artisan food and produce vendors, selling seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and specialty baked and pantry goods. Regular vendors include Bouldin Food Forest, Chickamaw Organic Farm, Pure Luck Dairy, Texas Hill Country Olive Company, and Austin Honey. A wide variety of special artisan goods are also sold, ranging from craft kombuchas and tonics to soy candles, leather goods, and sterling silver jewelry. Each week, the best of Austin's food truck scene is showcased at the event, serving up a variety of international cuisine options.
Texas Farmer's Market, 4209 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722, Phone: 512-953-7959
⮕ Taste Downtown Sophistication at Caroline Restaurant
Modern American classics, breezy patio dining, and all-day energy in the city’s heart
Caroline Restaurant is a hip all-day spot opened in 2017, serving up dine-in breakfast, lunch, and dinner specialties and to-go offerings. Hand-selected coffee blends are served up from Austin favorites Legendary Roaster, including Mexican-style iced coffees, Bulletproof Coffees, and golden milk lattes. At breakfast, diners can choose from superfood smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, or plates like huevos rancheros and sweet corn cake Benedicts. Cauliflower chorizo tacos, all-natural turkey burgers, and classics like chicken schnitzel take center stage at lunch, complemented by a selection of health-conscious salads and quinoa bowls. At dinner, diners can choose from selections like green chili and chicken enchiladas, Delmonico steaks, and prime cheeseburgers. Extensive drink menus feature craft margaritas, local draft beers, and a fine West Coast wine list.
Caroline Restaurant, 621 Congress Ave Suite 101, Austin, TX 78701, Phone: 512-982-6766
⮕ Dive into Flavor at Malibu Poke
Custom bowls, sushi-grade freshness, and Texas-style innovation in every bite
Malibu Poke is a casual concept restaurant from the owner of Dallas' hyped TJ's Seafood Market and Grill, co-owned by brothers Eric and Ben Kusin, known for their appearance on ABC's series Shark Tank. The restaurant, which is helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Jon Alexis, is known for its build-your-own poke bowls, which pair ingredients like ahi tuna, Atlantic salmon, cooked shrimp, and hamachi with selections like brown or cauliflower rice, kale, seaweed, and wasabi ponzu sauce. Specialty bowls include the Coconut Curry Hamachi, which is topped with Asian pear and mint, or the Tropical Chimichurri Shrimp, a Whole30-approved selection.
Malibu Poke , 211 Walter Seaholm Dr LR 115, Austin, TX 78703, Phone: 512-609-8510
⮕ Savor Southern Elegance at Lenoir
Globally inspired, locally rooted prix fixe dining in a cozy garden setting
Lenoir is one of Austin's most romantic dining destinations, helmed by married duo Jessica Maher and Todd Duplechan. The seasonally-focused restaurant specializes in what it classes as "hot weather food," which features minimal preparation and lighter ingredients geared toward cooking in hot weather conditions. Three-course prix fixe menus highlight field, land, and sea selections, including favorites like blue corn hushpuppies, antelope Andouille-stuffed quail, and whole roasted fish with goan crab curry. Wine selections are available to complement all tasting menus for an additional fee. A beautiful outdoor wine garden serves up a curated wine and beer list, complemented by shareable dips, cheeses, and charcuteries.
Lenoir, 1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, Phone: 512-215-9778
For Younger Couples
⮕ End the Night Sweetly at Nightcap
Decadent desserts, craft cocktails, and sultry vibes made for late-evening indulgence
Nightcap is a hip Old West Austin dessert bar and cocktail joint, opened in 2015 by Christin Rowan. Pop-heavy soundtracks play all throughout the night at the venue, which is lit by candlelight and features decor elements sourced from Dick Clark + Associates. New American fare is served up from the restaurant's bar, crafted by executive chef Matthew Goodrick, known for his work at Xiao Bao Bisciscuit in Charleston, as well as Fig and Boeufhaus as well as Entente in Chicago. Selections include grilled whole fish with summer squash and meyer lemon, housemade pretzels with whipped herb butter, and signature wagyu burgers with special sauce and housemade pickles. Delicious dessert offerings include the corn hub - corn pudding, corn cake, caramel corn, popcorn ice cream, and coffee ice cream affogatos.
Nightcap, 1401 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703, Phone: 512-628-0144
⮕ Elevate Your Palate at ATX Cocina
Modern Mexican fare, house-ground masa, and architectural style in every plate
ATX Cocina is a 100% gluten-free destination for modern Mexican fare, opened in 2017 by former Philadelphia Eagles star Nick Foles. The upscale Mexican restaurant produces all of its masa in house, sourcing heirloom corn produced on small family farms throughout Mexico. Delicious entree options include barbacoa beef short ribs, chili-roasted chicken with white mole sauce, duck carnitas tacos with citrus mojo, and coal-roasted prawns with salsa diablo. Classics like smoked refritos empanadas and lengua quesadillas are also served, along with unique vegetarian specialties like hibiscus falafel tacos with sunflower butter and pickled carrots. An unfathomable number of tequila and mezcal selections are also offered, prepared in signature cocktails or served by the shot.
ATX Cocina, 110 San Antonio St Suite 170, Austin, TX 78701, Phone: 512-263-2322
Where to Eat
- Franklin Barbecue – If you crave world-famous brisket, be ready to line up early for this legendary spot.
- Home Slice Pizza – Beloved SoCo pizzeria serving New York-style pies perfect for a casual bite.
- Veracruz All Natural – Famous for their fresh, flavorful breakfast tacos and smoothies—ideal for hot summer mornings.
If you are interested in local events:
- Blues on the Green (June–August) – Free outdoor concert series at Zilker Park featuring local musicians.
- Bat Fest (August) – Celebrate Austin’s bat colony with music, food, and fun on Congress Avenue Bridge.
- Paramount Summer Classic Film Series (June–August) – Watch beloved movies in the beautifully historic Paramount Theatre.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Austin, Texas:
- Dripping Springs (30 min) – Visit breweries, wineries, and scenic Hamilton Pool Preserve for a refreshing swim.
- Lake Travis (30 min) – Rent a boat, swim at public beaches, or zip-line over the lake’s clear waters.
- Round Rock (25–30 min) – Shop, dine, or cool off at Rock'N River Waterpark.
- McKinney Falls State Park (20–25 min) – Hike trails and swim under waterfalls in a serene natural setting close to town.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt (10–20 min) – Hike, bike, or swim in Austin’s lush urban wilderness right in the city limits.
- Bee Cave (25–30 min) – Explore Hill Country Galleria shops and nearby hiking trails with Hill Country views.
- Cedar Park (30 min) – Catch a concert or hockey game at H-E-B Center, or explore Brushy Creek parks.
- Pflugerville (20–25 min) – Spend the day at Lake Pflugerville kayaking or paddleboarding in a relaxed setting.
- Manor (25–30 min) – Zip across nature trails at Zip Lost Pines or enjoy a relaxing country drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What makes Austin one of the trendiest cities in the United States?
- Austin is one of the United States' trendiest major cities, noted for its unique fusion cuisine offerings, hip live music venues, artisan maker studios, and annual events such as the music and innovation-focused South By Southwest festival.
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What is special about Taco Flats in Austin?
- You can pay homage to a slice of Austin history at Taco Flats, named in honor of the historic live music venue of the same name that closed in the 1980s.
Plan Your Trip