Austin is the capital city of Texas and has a reputation as an exciting town with something for everyone to enjoy. Dine on the mouthwatering barbecue and Tex-Mex food, which is a delicious blend of Mexican and Texan cuisine. Known as the “The Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin provides a lively music scene, focused on country, rock, and the blues. Bike, swim, hike, and boat at the numerous lakes and parks, and don’t forget to stop by one of the many local shops to pick up some cool souvenirs as a reminder of your trip. Here are top 9 Austin vacation rentals so you can pick a place that best suits your family.
1. Downtown Austin, Texas
Begin your journey through downtown Austin with one of the many guided walking tours, where you and the family learn about Austin and Texas history, see the elegant, Victorian-style homes on the west side area, and hear from local Austin experts about the hidden gems the city contains. You’ll find live music, local craft beers, and all kinds of food on West 6th Street. If you’re looking to do some sightseeing and shopping, put on some comfortable walking shoes and visit the 2nd Street District, featuring wine bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and chic retail stores.
2. South Lamar, Austin, Texas
The South Lamar neighborhood is an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts, and as Austin has almost 300 days of sunshine, it’s almost always a great time to be outside. Jog or walk at the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile trail that showcases amazing skyline views and beautiful greenery. If your family loves the water, stop at one of the many rental locations along the trail and rent the necessary equipment for a day of paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, or sailboating. For some retreat from the sun, head to Barton Springs Pool, which is a natural spring-fed watering hole that remains at a constant temperature of 68 degrees.
3. Rainey Street, Austin, Texas
Featuring a variety of historic houses that have been converted into bungalow bars, this area has an eccentric, lively ambiance. Travel down the street and indulge your taste buds with comfort food from various food trucks, then stop by Lustre Pearl for some drinks, ping pong, and hula hooping. For a more calm atmosphere, visit Icenhauer’s to sip on local beers while sitting around the warm backyard fire pit. Rainey Street places you about a half-mile from the Museum of the Weird, which is a fun-filled place for the little ones and adults alike. This museum features thrilling shows, a gift shop like no other, and a gallery with everything from mermaids and mummies to a man-fish and almost-alive turtle boy.
4. Sixth Street, Austin, Texas
A vacation rental near Sixth Street places you within arm’s reach of a bustling scene, including restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Take your family on a food excursion, sampling antipasti and Neapolitan-style pizza at The Backspace, then treat your sweet tooth to exotic treats, such as a bacon maple bar or a chocolate cake donut covered with chocolate frosting and Coco Puffs cereal at the Voodoo Doughnut, which is open 24 hours a day. Once the kids fall asleep, head out to the Vulcan Gas Company and dance the night away to live house music.
5. South Congress, Austin, Texas
South Congress is an energetic neighborhood that’s located south of Lady Bird Lake, and this area is popular with both travelers and locals. Pick up some reasonably priced clothing, jewelry, and home decor items at Maya Star, and check out more than 4,000 leather boots available for sale at Allens Boots. Once you’ve loaded your trunk with souvenirs and are decked out in your authentic Texas-style clothing, head to the dog-friendly Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company for a brew tour and delicious handmade pizzas.
6. Red River District, Austin, Texas
There’s always something going on in the Red River District, a popular area that spans three blocks. Dine on 100 percent vegan food at Arlo’s Food Truck, which is open until 2 a.m., so you can grab a bite at almost any hour. If you want to try some Southwestern Mexican food, venture to Pelons Tex-Mex restaurant, well-known for its homemade margaritas and freshly prepared food items, such as carnitas enchiladas, beef fajitas, and crispy tacos with cheese.
7. East Austin, Texas
Known as an amazing place for art, music, and food, East Austin is an exciting place to visit. Stroll pass the Austin Public Library to see vivid Tejano-style murals on the wall. Open seven days a week, The White Horse is a great spot to listen to live music. Unless a famous artist is performing or a charity event is running, the shows are free, and the venue also allows kids to enter. If you want a quick meal while you’re exploring the neighborhood, Tacos Deliciosos earned a great reputation for homemade salsa and yummy tacos for cheap prices.
8. West Austin, Texas
Vacation Rentals in West Austin include homes with incredible views of the Colorado River blending into the West Lake Hills area. Experience fine dining at Jeffreys, which offers French-American entrees and dry-aged prime beef. For a relaxing meal, take your family to Lucy’s Fried Chicken and eat on the covered patio with a captivating view of Lake Travis. When you’re looking to cool down, beat the heat at Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in the entire state.
9. North Central Austin, Texas
North Central Austin resides above the State Capitol, and the area hosts the University of Texas campus, too. Located on the campus is the Texas Memorial Museum, where you and the family can view dinosaur fossils and ask questions to the on-site paleontologists and interns.