Mistakes Tourists Make While Visiting Austin

Austin, Texas, has extended appealed to travelers thanks to its dwell music scene, award-winning dining places and unique attractions. In new yrs, it’s also turn out to be a best desired destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Though locals welcome the influx of tourists, they also cannot assistance but observe what visitors get improper all through their stays in the funds city. We asked people who live in Austin to share the various fake pas they’ve noticed.

From lacking out on the lake scene to deciding upon the erroneous place for tacos, listed here are 16 problems travelers usually make even though checking out Austin ― and some information for keeping away from these problems for the duration of your travels.

“If you pay a visit to Austin in the summer time, prepare for 100 diploma times with humidity. … The greatest months to appear are Oct by April if you want to avoid individuals incredibly hot times. There are approaches to love the warmth if you do pick the summertime months ― be exterior in the mornings and evenings, slip in a single of our bodies of h2o in the daytime, and lean into the foods scene as they are all air conditioned and several have neat systems on the patios!” ― Erin Ruoff, blogger at Hi Charming

“While Torchy’s Tacos was born right here in Austin, the town has so lots of extra dining establishments and food stuff vehicles that make remarkable tacos. A several of my particular favorites are Cuantos, Discada, Veracruz, Nixta Taqueria and Paprika.” ― Jane Ko, blogger at A Flavor of Koko

“I wish that vacationers knew to find out some of the exclusive Austin taco vehicles, but most persons just go to Torchy’s! Certain, Torchy’s has tasty tacos and queso, but it is a nationwide cafe chain at this level. Most locals will stage you to El Primo, Cuantos Tacos or Discada for some of the ideal tacos in Austin.” ― Kelsey Kennedy, blogger at So Much Existence

“One error is taking a photograph by the ‘I Really like You So Much’ signal. Alright, I know it is legendary, but there are so lots of other murals.” ― Rachel Thornton, blogger at Austin Foodsta

“Don’t just just take a photograph in entrance of the ‘I Appreciate You So Much’ Jo’s Coffee mural or the Roadhouse Relics ‘Welcome to Austin’ mural. Do a tiny Googling and you’ll locate some extraordinary murals to leap in on! We have terrific artists to share all over downtown and over and above.” ― Ruoff

“Don’t only go to 6th Avenue! Of course, 6th Avenue is enjoyable but there are other locations all over city or a handful of blocks absent to discover like West 6th, Rainey Street, 4th Street, East 6th and more.” ― DJ Hella Yella, DJ and nightlife coordinator

“One blunder folks make is wondering the Austin bash scene is exclusively 6th Street, which caters well to the ‘just turned 21 crowd’ and people hunting to have a rowdy evening. If you are seeking anything a small less raucous, head to East Austin for a Williamsburg really feel. It’s culturally numerous and prides itself on supporting neighborhood corporations and artistic expression. Love a cocktail at Kitty Cohen’s, or capture a drag show on Sundays at Volstead. Show up hungry as the food items on the east side is excellent!” ― Larissa Lampitelli, trend designer

“Think Austin tourism is only South Congress to the Capitol? Assume once again. Head west for a splash. Hire a boat on Lake Austin or Lake Travis ― escape the warmth and bounce right into some of the most wonderful lakes! They are rock-bottom, so no awful, muddy lakes below. The drinking water is chilly 12 months-round, which makes for a perfect exercise for summer time visits. They also are making up their personal exceptional foods scenes so really do not just take in downtown ― discover the full town if you can. And if Zilker Park is far too hectic, go off the beaten path for great climbing and concealed waterfalls. Pack a lunch from one particular of our neighborhood marketplaces and check out the ridiculous quantity of trails we have.” ― Ruoff

“Don’t skip out on paddleboarding for work out at Barton Springs, pups provided. Soon after exercising, indulge in an remarkable spa working day at Lake Austin Spa Vacation resort or the wonderful, soulful Miraval vacation resort.” ― Jo Placencio, blogger at Peace Enjoy Glam

“Don’t only go to during SXSW or Austin Town Limitations.To thoroughly expertise Austin you require to go to not all through a significant pageant weekend.” ― DJ Hella Yella

“A error holidaymakers make is sporting all Western attire and anticipating to trip a horse.” ― Thornton

“Austinites are mainly everyday dressers, nonetheless we still seem fashionably pulled with each other. We are a laid-back metropolis: informal chic satisfies amazing Western with a sprint of hipster alongside with denim and graphic tees. Do not get me wrong, we have particular situations and lavish activities the place you’ll see gorgeous robes and tuxedos. However, really do not be shocked if you see luxurious ensembles paired with denims and boots. … We love getting Texans!” ― Michelle Washington, Television set model pro and fashion stylist

“Standing in line for Franklin’s Barbecue is a error. Franklin’s is good, but there’s improved BBQ you can get in city with a shorter wait time like the historic Sam’s Bar-B-Que.” ― DJ Hella Yella

“The meals vehicles have arguably the ideal foodstuff in Austin. Try LeRoy and Lewis for BBQ, Dee Dee for Thai foodstuff and Rosita’s for tacos.” ― Thornton

“Always carry swimming apparel. Austin and the surrounding areas have so several unbelievable watering holes (swim, cling, examine) and they each individual are a minor various from the other. And with 11 months out of the year staying heat enough to swim, there’s under no circumstances not a time to do it.” ― Travis Hallmark, photographer

“I advocate not remaining any place that is not in city or quite central (i.e., Round Rock or Buda). Site visitors will get you, and you will not get a whole lot of the local Austin that will make Austin Austin.” ― Shelby Sorrel, social media strategist and blogger

“Don’t keep where by you have to consider I-35 to go everywhere. Visitors in Austin is bad. Prevent I-35 as much as attainable.” ― DJ Hella Yella

“The selection-just one slip-up I see visitors creating is lacking out on going to and searching on South Congress. Shop at locally owned retailers and boutiques like Texas staple clothing Allens Boots.” ― Placencio

“One of the largest faults I see travellers make is expecting to waltz into a warm-ticket Saturday dinner restaurant unannounced. The Austin food scene is Hot proper now! If you want to go to a well-liked position like Sammie’s, Hestia or Suerte, make your reservation a thirty day period in progress.” ― Kennedy

“Make a reservation months in progress for Hamilton Pool.” ― Thornton

“Eating at The Oasis can be a slip-up. It has a great watch, but the locals know this place is overhyped and the meals just is not that terrific.” ― Thornton

“If you like cheesy but enjoyment, head to The Oasis for killer lake views. If you want to steer clear of the tourist vibes, try another lake cafe ― same sights, considerably less insane, much better food stuff. Try out Shack 512, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, Oasis Texas Brewing or County Line rather. Believe in me, The Oasis watch is great. The food stuff, not so considerably.” ― Ruoff

“Don’t go to Barton Springs on the weekend, if you can enable it. It is totally packed on a Saturday, but nearly empty on a weekday morning.” ― Kennedy

“Tourists make the mistake of sporting far too quite a few levels (or not sufficient) alternatively of carrying objects for weather readiness. Austin has fluctuating temperature. We may perhaps start off with a amazing morning by noon, the local climate could variety from pouring rain to blazing sun.” ― Washington

“When you arrive in the town, check with locals for coffee, booze, tacos and BBQ. There are a lot of lists on the web, but people who live here know the places past the attractions.” ― Hallmark

“Avoid the big-box evaluate web pages and discover the local foodstuff bloggers in town ― follower figures really do not matter here. They are your key to the ideal food stuff in Austin. They’ll convey to you the place to go, when to go, who’s popping in and what to stay away from.” ― Ruoff

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and size.