Cheap Flights To Austin

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Cheap Flights To Austin

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
It comes as no surprise that Austin is continually rated one of the best places to visit and live. It is a cosmopolitan city with many urban offerings, yet hasn’t lost its small-town feel or off-beat vibe. Known for its thriving live music scene and “Keep Austin Weird” motto, the city embraces a lively arts community and is surrounded by the gorgeous hills, rivers and lakes of central Texas. The South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) is held here every March, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in the fall draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Austin is a progressive city, named the “Greenest” in America by MSN, and boasts an involved civic population in addition to a high-tech hub known as the Silicon Hills.

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When to Go
High Season
Late spring and fall are great times to visit Austin, due to excellent weather and an abundance of activities such as festivals.

Low Season
July through August are brutally hot in central Texas, and it’s not uncommon to experience weeks on end where temperatures surpass 100 degrees. Yet, much happens during summer, making it a good time to visit if you can brave the heat.

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Airport Information
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Distance: 11 miles from Austin’s Central Business District
Drive time: 15-30 minutes

Even Austin’s airport embraces its music culture, with live musical acts and memorabilia exhibits greeting visitors along the concourse.

The Ground Transportation Department provides information about taxis, shuttles, rental cars, buses and limousine services from the airport.

Alternative Airports
Killeen-Fort Hood (GRK) - 59 miles from Austin
San Antonio (SAT) - 67 miles from Austin

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Weather
Austin has a humid sub-tropical climate, with hot muggy summers and mild winters. With well over 300 days of sunshine a year, most rain occurs in the spring. Very rare freezing temperatures and light snow or ice occur during winter months, and cold spells are very short.

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Things to Do
Live Music
Don’t miss catching music shows in Austin, which bills itself the “Live Music Capital of the World.” With nearly 200 music venues on Sixth Street and beyond, check out local favorites like Bob Schneider or one of many touring performances that swing through town.

Austin Nightlife
When you’ve had your fill of partying on Sixth Street, head to the nearby Warehouse District for more sophisticated dining and ultra-hip lounges.

Austin For Epicures
When it comes to food, Austin has a lot to offer. For a true taste of the city, check out authentic Texas barbeque at Stubb’s downtown, or the famous Salt Lick just outside the city. For top Mexican food, choices include upscale Fonda San Miguel, funky Maria’s Taco Express, or Bill Clinton’s favorite, Guero’s.

Austin For Children
Austin caters to families as much as it does creative vanguards and cosmopolitan visitors. From the Austin Children’s Museum to the Austin Zoo, there are several activities that kids will enjoy in the state capital. In the spring, don’t miss the floral explosion at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, or take the youngsters on the Hill Country Flyer train.

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Local Attractions
Zilker Park
Austin’s Zilker Park, located in the heart of the city, spreads across 358 acres and has a playground and toy train to entertain kids. In warm weather don’t miss Barton Springs, a natural, underground spring-fed pool that stays a cool 68 degrees year-round. The Umlauf Sculpture Museum right across the street is wonderful.

Museums and Art Galleries
Austin, a noted creative hub, is rich with museums and art galleries. The Blanton is the city’s newest fine art museum, while the Austin Museum of Art, Harry Ransom Center, Mexic-Arte and DiverseArts Culture Works round out the art-lover’s experience.

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Must See Sights
Austin Bat Flight
Don’t miss the bat flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge, home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Every night at sunset from May through October, the bats leave the bridge en masse, a sight that hundreds of spectators gather to watch each evening.

SoCo (South Congress)
Just south of the river lies a stretch of Congress known as SoCo, home to numerous boutiques, vintage stores, restaurants and clubs. Start off your morning with brunch at South Congress Café, shop to your heart’s content and end the day on a sweet note at Big Top Candy Shop or the Hey Cupcake! trailer. On the First Thursday of every month, SoCo is filled with vendor booths and a party that lasts into the night.

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Insider Tips

• Known as the “third coast,” Austin is a mecca for filmmakers such as Robert Rodriguez, and it’s rare that a movie isn’t being filmed in town.
• Austin is a highly pedestrian and bike-friendly town. Thanks in part to cyclist Lance Armstrong, biking is hugely popular and bike lanes are found most everywhere. For a beautiful ride or stroll, check out the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile stretch around Lady Bird Lake. You can also rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat to take in the scenic views.
• There are many free things to do in Austin: take a tour of the State Capitol, recently restored, or the famed Austin City Limits studio, which just moved downtown from its long-time UT location.

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Getting Around
Like most cities in Texas, Austin has a passable but not extensive public transportation system. The Cap Metro bus network can get you most places around town. There is also a light rail service, but it has only one line that stretches from downtown up north to Leander. The downtown area is highly walkable, but if you plan to expand your sightseeing outside central Austin you will likely need to rent a car. Another popular option is “car sharing on demand;” check out Austin CarShare or car2go. Austin is a huge bicycling city, with several places rent bikes; go to Bicycle Austin for an extensive list.

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