Austin, Texas
Austin TX Local Guide
A neighbor's guide to Austin, Texas — from Downtown to East Austin, from the lakeside trails of Lady Bird Lake to the shops of South Congress. Explore the neighborhoods, parks, and things to do that make this city home.
Neighborhoods
Austin is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character and community.
Things to Do
From the lake to the live music, here's where locals spend their time.
Outdoors & Water
- Walk or bike the 10-mile Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake
- Swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool
- Relax on the great lawn at Zilker Park
- Explore the waterfalls at McKinney Falls State Park
Arts & Culture
- Visit the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas
- Explore the street art and murals in East Austin
- Catch a show at the historic Paramount Theatre
- Browse the galleries and shops along South Congress
Dining & Nightlife
- Eat along East Sixth Street and East 11th in East Austin
- Explore the restaurant scene on South Congress (SoCo)
- Discover live music and bars on Rainey Street
- Enjoy food trucks and BBQ across the city
Getting Around
Austin is well connected across Greater Austin and easy to navigate by car and transit.
By Car
Interstates 35 and MoPac (Loop 1) run through Austin, providing quick access to downtown, Zilker, and the rest of the metro area. US-183 and Loop 360 connect the city, while I-35 connects to San Antonio to the south and Dallas to the north. SH-130 forms a toll loop to the east for bypassing downtown traffic.
Public Transit
CapMetro (Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority) operates buses and the MetroRail commuter line connecting downtown, East Austin, and Leander, while CapMetro buses serve local routes throughout the city. The MetroRapid express bus provides faster service along key corridors, making it easier to reach downtown without driving in traffic.
Explore Austin's Local Businesses
Browse our directory of restaurants, shops, services, and more across Austin, Texas.
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