Austin, TX
The Best Places To Stay, Dine And Play In Austin, Texas | ELLE
Take a quick stroll through the streets of Austin, Texas, and you’re guaranteed to find the city’s slogan “Keep Austin Weird” plastered across storefront windows and bumper stickers.
While the saying was first coined by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to promote small businesses, it’s since become a full-blown lifestyle for locals and visitors alike. Of course, Austin is weird in the best possible way, with an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, kitschy stores, elegant hotels, and a renowned live music scene.
The Texan capital city is also home to some of the biggest events across the USA, drawing thousands of travellers from abroad for festivals including South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and the Texas Book Festival.
Below, we compiled these hot spots in a guide to having fun—and, of course, keeping it weird—in the heart of the South. Enjoy!
What To See In Austin, Texas
Greetings From Austin Mural
Did you even go to Austin if you didn’t post about it? For a grid-worthy Instagram moment, stop by this colorful wall mural at 1720 S. 1st Street, inspired by a postcard from the 1940s. Snap a pic, then quiz yourself on whether you can ID famous Austin landmarks in the painting: Keep an eye out for the Texas State Capitol and the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Austin gets hot in more ways than one, and chances are at some point on your journey you’ll take up any offer to cool down. The locals love to swim, and when they do, they go to Barton Springs. The 900-foot-long outdoor swimming pool located in Zilker Park (where Austin City Limits is held each year) is filled with water from several underground springs. It’s an ideal place to unwind after dancing all day under the blazing Texas sun.
South of Lady Bird Lake is South Congress Avenue, a buzzy neighborhood better known as SoCo to locals. A walk through this area is mandatory for some of the best shopping, live music, and sight-seeing Austin has to offer. Snap a photo in front of the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural, catch performances at Guero’s Oak Garden, or succumb to the Western trend and buy a pair of real-deal Lucchese cowboy boots at Allens Boots (you know you want to).
Where To Eat In Austin, Texas
An umbrella-shaded, fairy light-adorned patio makes Perla’s a must-see spot, day or night. Located on South Congress, the seafood restaurant is known for its raw bar and decadent lobster rolls. We recommend stopping in during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to beat the evening crowd and cash in on deals (like oysters on a half shell for $4 USD).
You’ll find classic Tex-Mex fare and delicious cocktails at this low-key, no-frills eatery that’s been an Austin staple for 70-plus years. If you’re overwhelmed by the plethora of menu options at Matt’s El Rancho, order one of the combination plates, a Matt’s Knockout Martini (tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice in an ice-filled shaker), and the signature Bob Armstrong queso dip for the table.
If you’re looking for some of best barbecue in Texas, locals will say this is it. Owned by twin brothers and fourth-generation pitmasters, Terry Black’s serves up some mean brisket, giant beef ribs, mac and cheese, and, for the grand finale, banana pudding. Warning: Like most BBQ, this stuff is more filling than it looks.
Where To Drink In Austin, Texas
When a Soho House opens in a city, you know it’s having a moment. Although Austin has been gaining popularity for years, the latest addition to the cult chain of private members’ clubs, situated in the Music Lane shopping mall just off South Congress Avenue, has all the essentials: an elaborate wood-carved bar, a rooftop pool, and live music from local and visiting artists courtesy of its new concept, Dante’s Hi-Fi.
Located on the nightlife mecca that is Rainey Street, Clive Bar is casual yet scene-y, serving up local beer and cocktails on a sweeping outdoor patio and upper deck against the backdrop of live music.
If you’re looking for decadent craft cocktails in an opulent setting, stop by Goldie’s in the Austin Proper Hotel. Maybe it’s the sunken marble bar and velvet chairs talking, but something about it screams fancy.
Where To Stay In Austin, Texas
Situated in downtown Austin, the sophisticated Austin Proper Hotel offers a host of amenities to ensure an unforgettable stay. Boasting views of the Colorado River and within walking distance of the famous 6th street, the hotel’s prime location is perfect for exploring the city on foot. The property features multiple restaurants and bars; we recommend the Crispy Shallot Hummus at the Mediterranean-inspired The Peacock.
Additionally, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center, rooftop pool, and the indulgent full-service Verbena Spa. (The spa staff’s commitment to their clientele shows, as they offer treatments using the natural beauty brand Monastery, which prides itself on using organic and wildcrafted ingredients chosen for their ability to deliver the best results. Not to mention, the products’ scents are heavenly.)
After a night out on the town, unwind with the spa’s signature “The Gua Sha Facial” or “The Proper Massage,” leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for your next adventure.
Located at the crossroads of Lady Bird Lake and downtown, this fun and trendy hotel attracts young crowds for its poolside DJ and bustling brunch at P6. Suites feature lakeside views and a stacked mini bar. For more to snack on, stop by Veracruz All Natural for authentic tacos and queso.
A soothing retreat from the bustle of downtown, the gorgeous Miraval Austin property is nestled in the surrounding Texas hills, outfitted with sweeping rock formations and lush walking paths.
The digital, device-free resort (don’t fret: designated areas allow the use of your cell phone) promotes rest and rejuvenation via fitness and yoga sessions; pools, trails, and climbing gym courses; guided meditation classes; and a full menu of massage, facial, and body care offerings at the Life in Balance spa. Nutritious meals, including smoothies and snacks, are included in the cost of your stay, and a nightly resort credit can be applied to spa services and fee-based activities.
To make the most of the inclusive packages, get up early to attend one of the morning sessions in the Yoga Barn or Solidago buildings, then peruse the Sophia or Serenity Labyrinths before snagging a spot by the pool. Don’t forget to reserve a dinner slot at the Hilltop Crossings Kitchen—you won’t want to miss anything on the ever-changing menu.
Related
The cost of raising a child has ballooned in major cities like Austin, forcing many families to weight the choice between paying for child care or having one parent stay home full-time.
A recent analysis from SmartAsset determined the minimum income one parent needs to earn to support their partner staying at home to raise one child in all 50 states. In Texas — not just Austin — that amount is just under $75,000.
The study used the MIT Living Wage Calculator to compare the annual living wages needed for a household with two working adults and one child, and a household with one working adult, a stay-at-home parent, and one child. The study also calculated how much it would cost to raise a child with two working parents based on factors such as “food, housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation, incremental income taxes and other necessities.”
A Texas household with one working parent would need to earn $74,734 a year to support a stay-at-home partner and a child, the report found. If two parents worked in the household, necessitating some additional costs like childcare and transportation, it would require an additional $10,504 in annual income to raise their child.
SmartAsset said the cost to raise a child in Texas in a two-working-parent household adds up to $23,587. Raising a child in Central Texas, however, is slightly more expensive. A separate SmartAsset study from June 2025 determined it costs $24,118 to raise a child in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro.
In the report’s ranking of states with the highest minimum income needed to support a family with one working adult, a stay-at-home parent, and one child, Texas ranked 32nd on the list.
In other states like Massachusetts, where raising a child can cost more than $40,000 a year, the report acknowledges ways families are working to reduce any financial burdens.
“This often includes considerations around who’s going to work in the household, and whether young children will require paid daycare services while parents are occupied,” the report said. “With tradeoffs abound, many parents might seek to understand the minimum income needed to keep the family afloat while allowing the other parent to stay home to raise a young child.”
The top 10 states with the lowest minimum income threshold to support a three-person family on one income are:
- West Virginia – $68,099
- Arkansas – $68,141
- Mississippi – $70,242
- Kentucky – $70,408
- North Dakota – $70,949
- Oklahoma – $71,718
- Ohio – $72,114
- South Dakota – $72,218
- Alabama – $72,238
- Nebraska – $72,966
AUSTIN, Texas – The 2025 holiday season is here and with it comes lighting displays, parades and events.
FOX 7 Austin has gathered a list of where you can go to enjoy holiday lights and celebrate with your friends and family.
The list is arranged by county, then city.
Travis County
Austin
Austin Trail of Lights
- When: Dec. 10-23 from 6-10 p.m. each night
- Where: Zilker Park
- What: Annual event hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, trail features more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other displays and lighted tunnels; event also features live music, local food trucks, holiday vendors, and an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs Claus
- Cost: General admission ranges from $0–$8 depending on the night. ZIP passes range from $20-$35 and include early access, an exclusive entrance and a special lounge area. Platinum passes range from $85-$480 and include valet parking, early access, a shuttle, a special lounge area and drink and ride tickets.
- Website: https://austintrailoflights.org/
Zilker Holiday Tree
- When: Nov. 30–Jan. 1 from 6-10 p.m. (Drive up visitation nights: Dec. 2-6, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 24-Jan. 1)
- Where: Zilker Park
- What: The Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each with 81 multi-colored lights, totaling about 3,309 lights. The lights are hung from the Zilker Moontower, one of 17 original Austin moontowers. It has been lit almost every year since 1967 (excluding 1973)
- Website: Zilker Holiday Tree | AustinTexas.gov
Luminations
- When: Dec. 5-Jan. 3, closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
- Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- What: Guests can enjoy a canopy of twinkling lights, glowing garden paths, nightly live music, festive photo moments, and hot chocolate and churros.
- Cost: $30 for adults ($23 for members), $20 for kids age 3-12 ($13 for members), free for kids 2 and under
- Website: www.wildflower.org/luminations
Del Valle
Peppermint Parkway at COTA
- When: Now until Jan. 4, open Monday-Friday 5:30-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 3-10 p.m.
- Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
- What: Walk-thru trail with millions of twinkling lights, whimsical characters, and more, leading to a plaza filled with delicious seasonal treats, joyful rides, lively activities and more
- Cost: Admission starts at $8 per person, kids 2 and under get in free; additional costs for other events, rides and amusements
- Website: Peppermint Parkway
Lake Austin
Mozart’s 2025 Lake Austin Festival of Lights
- When: Nov. 11-Dec. 11 with showtimes at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m.; Dec. 21-Jan. 3 with showtimes at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m. (closed Christmas Day); Triple feature experience from Dec. 12-20
- Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin
- What: This year’s festival is themed “Heaven and Nature Sing,” and includes new and spectacular additions like a fire dancer waterfront battle from “The Nutcracker” and a limited-run Broadway-style Christmas concert. The Christmas village is also returning with hot chocolate and sweet treats. Millions of lights will also glow in the ever-expanding Lake Austin Nautical Light Show.
- Cost: General admission to the Holiday Village is $3; additional fees could apply for other parts of the event
- Website: www.mozartscoffee.com/pages/festival-of-lights
Pflugerville
Pfestival of Lights & Parade
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Pflugerville
- What: Family friendly activities, hot cocoa, and festive performances behind City Hall; parade from Railroad Avenue to downtown starting at 5 p.m.; Santa arrives for tree lighting and photos at 6:30 p.m.
Menorah Lighting
- When: Sunday, Dec. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Pflugerville
- What: Third annual Menorah Lighting with Chabad of Round Rock/Pflugerville
Hays County
San Marcos
Lone Star Light Show
- When: Now until Dec. 31, open Sunday-Thursday 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-11 p.m.
- Where: 6218 I-35 South frontage road, northeast of Old Bastrop Road
- What: Interactive drive-thru light show with seven immersive tunnels, an entirely LED nativity, thousands of light strands, a 50-foot-high Christmas tree and more.
- Cost: $25 general vehicle admission for weekdays; $30 general vehicle admission for weekends
- Website: www.lonestarlightshow.com
Wimberley
EmilyAnn Theatre’s Trail of Lights
- When: Now until Dec. 26, open Sunday-Thursday 6-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m. (except Dec 21-23, open from 6-10 p.m.)
- Where: EmilyAnn Theatre, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
- What: A walking trail through about 8 acres of lighted exhibits; live entertainment onstage near the yule log where guests can enjoy complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate; several special event nights throughout the run of the trail; a concession stand and an entrance store
- Cost: Free, but donations accepted as this is a fundraiser for the theatre
- Website: www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.html
Bastrop County
Bastrop
Bastrop River of Lights
- When: Now until Jan. 5, from dusk to 10 p.m. every night
- Where: 601 Chestnut Street, Bastrop
- What: Attendees can stroll the half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk and enjoy hundreds of sparkling displays in festive holiday themes
Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade
- When: Saturday, Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Bastrop
- What: More than 150 dazzling entries of floats, fire trucks, unicycles, vintage cars and even Santa himself. Event will travel south down Main Street
Bexar County
San Antonio
Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
- When: Now until Jan. 4
- Where: 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio
- What: Multiple realms of twinkling lights, festive music and whimsical displays; daily activities like Pick-A-Present, S’mores Pits and photos with Santa; weekend activities and meet-and-greets with the zoo’s mascots;
- Cost: Free for San Antonio Zoo members or with a standard admission ticket; day memberships start at $44.99; daily admissions start at $21.91; children under 3 get in free
- Website: Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
- When: Now until Jan. 11, from sundown to sunrise
- Where: San Antonio River Walk in Downtown San Antonio
- What: About 200,000 lights draped across the bald cypress trees lining the downtown portion of the River Walk
- Cost: Free
- Website: Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
Blanco County
Johnson City
Lights Spectacular 2025
- When: Now until Jan. 4, from dusk (about 5:45 p.m.) to midnight
- Where: Located at various locations throughout downtown Johnson City; Memorial Park; Pedernales Electric Coop HQ
- What: Laser show and fun lighted ornaments at courthouse; over 1 million lights on oak trees and colorful themed displays at Memorial Park and PEC HQ; interactive displays, carriage rides
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.lightsspectacular.com
Burnet County
Marble Falls
Walkway of Lights
- When: Now until Jan. 3, from 6-10 p.m. (weather permitting)
- Where: Lakeside Park & Beach, 205 Buena Vista Drive
- What: Attendees can stroll past Christmas sculptures on Marble Falls Lake and enjoy many different events, like pictures with Santa, a boat parade, movies in the park and more. Concessions will also be available such as cookies, hot chocolate and coffee
- Cost: $2 per person
- Website: Walkway of Lights
Comal County
New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch
- When: Now through Jan. 4, open Sundays through Thursdays 6-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 6-11 p.m.
- Where: 9561 I-35 North in New Braunfels, just southwest of San Marcos
- What: A drive-thru mile-long light display with over 3 million lights, a concession stand with hot chocolate, kettle corn, snacks, souvenirs and more
- Cost: $37 plus tax for a single pass per vehicle; $74 plus tax for a season pass per vehicle
- Website: www.santasranch.com
Gillespie County
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights
- When: Now until Jan. 6, nightly beginning at 5 p.m. (closed on Dec. 5 and Dec. 31)
- Where: Marktplatz in Fredericksburg
- What: Each evening will feature holiday music starting at 5 p.m., followed by a 10-minute audio presentation on the history of Fredericksburg’s German heritage at 6 p.m., then a countdown to the lighting of Marktplatz. The music will end at 6:30 p.m. following the countdown.
- Cost: Free
- Website: Visit Fredericksburg
The Source: Information in this report comes from a variety of sources, including city and county websites and event pages for individual displays.
TEXAS — Driving along State Highway 130 — the fastest highway in Texas — in the Austin area now means seeing driverless semi-trucks operate along the way.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has partnered with Cavnue, a smart road technology company, to pilot the “Smart Freight Corridor.” It’s a 21-mile highway stretch designed to “advance the future of freight mobility,” according to Cavnue’s description of the project. TxDOT and Cavnue announced this project in late 2023.
The corridor’s technology is designed to prioritize highway safety, and it’ll include sensors, cameras, radar and wireless communication systems that constantly update experts on the state of the highway: traffic, road conditions and hazards. It’s the first of its kind in the country.
“Safety is priority number one at TxDOT. The largest opportunity to reduce crashes is by improving the driver experience by broadcasting digital roadway information to on-board automated systems to help advanced and automated trucks navigate the roadway environment safely and more efficiently,” said Mike Arellano, who is the deputy district engineer at TxDOT.
The expansion comes just months after the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2807, which set a standard statewide system to permit operation of autonomous vehicles.
Running from Georgetown, through Hutto and Pflugerville down to Del Valle, an average of 57,000 vehicles daily will travel through the corridor. Those trucks will also cut carbon emissions using Cavnue’s technology by alerting the trucks to potential debris and traffic.
The project first launched in late 2024 with only a 4-mile stretch. This expansion isn’t the end, Cavnue representatives wrote online.
“This corridor has the potential to expand across key interstate routes, including I-10, I-35 and I-45, strengthening freight movement within the Texas Triangle,” they wrote.
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