Best
Time to Go
Spring is the perfect time to visit Austin. Travelers will find
plenty of things to do in Austin from March through May, including
the South by Southwest Music and Film Festival, the Texas Hill
Country Wine and Food Festival and the Austin Livestock Show and
Rodeo. Spring is also a great time weatherwise, as it's not too
hot yet.
Average Weather
The weather is ideal for visitors in early spring. Not yet humid,
March and April are dry and mild. The Hill Country is in full
bloom in April, followed by rain in May. Summer gets steamy in
Austin, and it's not uncommon for thunderstorms to be accompanied
by tornadoes here and there. Winters in Austin are mild and snow
is very rare. Fall is also a nice time to visit the Texas capital.
Transportation
If you plan on visiting Austin and its surrounding area, a car is
a good idea. Travelers who want to devote much of their visit to
Sixth Street though won't find the need for any
transportation--other than their feet. It's possible to walk from
downtown to the University of Texas, around the Capitol and
Guadelupe, but it's quite a trek.
For those visitors interested in Austin's public transportation
system, you're in luck. It's good. Capital Metropolitan
Transportation Authority includes more than 50 bus lines and a
variety of ticket prices. For a regular, one-way ticket (adult
fare), it's 50 cents. There are also three 'Dillo
routes--Congress, Lavaca and Old Pecan Street, which are free.
Keep in mind that in order to ride the bus, travelers need exact
change.
In-Season Costs
Austin's prices don't necessarily fluctuate with the seasons. It's
pretty even keel year-round. If you're planning on staying in the
heart of the action, Sixth Street, you might want to add to your
travel budget. Digs in downtown Austin are pricier, as are
restaurant prices.
Day Trips
Dallas: Dallas is about three hours north of Austin. Home of the
Cowboys, Dallas has much to offer all types of travelers and is
worth the trip.
- Houston: If you have a little time to play while you're in
Austin, head over to Houston. Just three hours east, the big
city is loaded with things to see and do.
- San Antonio: Located just 77 miles southwest of Austin, San
Antonio is a great place for a weekend getaway. If you've
never been to this Texas city and you're as close by as
Austin, it's well worth the hour-long drive. Don't miss out on
the famous River Walk and other San Antonio attractions.
