5 Reasons to Fly to Austin This Summer

Austin is the state capital of Texas, famed internationally for its much-acclaimed music scene, but it is also a great place to venture if you have kids. Summer in Austin is long-lasting and dry, with temperatures peaking into the thirties in August making it a great destination for a summer holiday.

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Not only does it have a great music scene, but Austin also has an amazing selection of activities to do and a thriving arts community so you can always find something that can help you escape the summer heat. As a capital, Austin has all the attractions that you would expect – parks, zoos, and a collection of breath-taking museums. However, off the beaten track, you’ll come across attractions that are unique to this great city.

Here are five reasons to fly to Austin this summer:

1. Austin’s Bat Bridge

Yes, you read that correctly. Austin hosts the most amazing bat phenomena between March and October. Up to 1.5 million bats emerge nightly from their homes under Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to fly around the streets of Austin. They come out around half an hour before sunset, and the best place to watch them is from on the hill below the bridge. You can take a blanket and a picnic – the kids will love it. 

2. East Side Austin Art Tour 

You may be staying in one of the best hotels in Austin, but you need to explore the downtown too. East Side Austin Art Tour is a free walk that takes you around the city’s east side showing you the amazing graffiti and murals that Austin’s creatives have produced. The tour starts on1308 E 4th Street and ends at 1511 E 6th Street.

3. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Need to escape the heat of the city? Hamilton Pool Preserve is a delight. It’s a historic swimming hole, complete with waterfall, that has a natural abundance of native flora and fauna. Do be aware that you will need to book ahead and reserve your admission during the summer season. 

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4. Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights is a four-day music festival taking place from the 25th of July in the Red River Cultural District. Twenty venues are hosting free live music events, and there will be local food and craft vendors along the streets. You may have missed the South by Southwest music festival, but that does not mean that you have to miss out completely on Austin’s live music scene. 

5. The Cathedral of Junk & Baylor Street Art Wall

By appointment only and the price of a small donation, the Cathedral of Junk is a collection of everyday items that have been transformed into items of great beauty. You only need to devote an hour to this unique and unusual art display, but what an hour it will be.

There are so many attractions that will keep you entertained, but it is the ones that are not included in the tour guides that will give you the best memories. Austin is a thriving and diverse city that has some real hidden gems.

This is a collaborative post.