Music, cowboys, and fruit bats are just 3 of the highlights of a trip to the Texas State Capitol. Austin is widely regarded as one of the coolest cities in America. Famous as the home of live music show, Austin City Limits, it has a rich nightlife, largely centered around the live music bars of 6th Street. It's also known for its colony of fruit bats which reside under the bridge. Get your Texan adventure off to the right start with a centrally located Austin vacation rental in the heart of the city.
Book an Austin vacation rental in the heart of Downtown and you'll have the best of the city right on your doorstep. Learn about Texas history at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which tells the story of Texas through interactive exhibits, shows, and IMAX movies. If the streets get too hot, follow the locals to the cool, spring-fed waters of Barton Springs, a huge natural outdoor swimming pool. Try to time your visit with one of Austin's many music festivals, like Austin City Limits at Zilker Park in September, a highlight of the city's social calendar.
If you like music, you'll love Austin. Internationally renowned as the live music capital of the world, you can expect to spend vast amounts of your time here listening to live music in bars. But life in Austin doesn't have to only mean beers and a banging bass. You can also go for a paddle on the Lady Bird Lake, or take in a museum or two. As the sun sets, venture down to South Congress Bridge and watch as the city's urban colony of Mexican fruit bats swoop out for their nightly tour. It's an exhilarating experience.
Austin is a year-round destination. But of course, this is Texas, so it can get hot, hot, hot. In the summer, the average temperature is 90 degrees, and with high humidity and the chance of showers, it's probably the time to avoid. The best times to visit the Texas capital is fall and spring, when blue skies and sunshine are a-plenty, and the temperature is a comfortable 75 degrees. This is also when the main festivals are held and Austin vacation rentals can get snapped up in advance.
Perched on the edge of Texas Hill Country, Austin lies between Dallas and San Antonio. There are plenty of ways to escape the city heat for a walk. Head up to Mount Bonnell for the best views of Austin and the Colorado River. If you want to get back to nature, drive 11 miles south to McKinney Falls State Park. Centered around the park's eponymous waterfalls, there are several scenic hiking trails. It's a magnet for the region's wildlife fans, as white-tailed deer, armadillo, and mockingbirds are all found here.
Fly into Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS), the closest airport, located 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from the city center.
If you'd rather travel by train, the main station is Austin Station. You can get around Austin by jumping on the metro at Downtown Station, Plaza Saltillo Station or Zilker Zephyr Station.
Kids of all ages will love the fun and exciting attractions in Austin. Vacation homes are available near places like the Austin Zoo, a conservation zoo with train tours and global wildlife species in a sanctuary, and the Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, a serene natural space with walking trails and free-roaming peacocks. Kids will also enjoy the Austin Nature & Science Center, an interactive natural science museum with fossils, dinosaur tracks, and other fascinating exhibits.
Austin has plenty of romantic places to explore during a couple’s trip. Vacation rentals are available near locations like Zilker Botanical Gardens, a huge garden with vibrant flowers, glistening ponds, and nature trails, and the Blanton Museum of Art, an art museum with work spanning from Renaissance to American modern. You may also enjoy the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, an exhibition of the artist’s works in an outdoor gallery of bronze sculptures.
Whether you want a cozy escape for you and your honey or somewhere roomy to fit friends and family, you'll find some top vacation rentals in and around Austin. Here are a couple we think you'll like:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Austin vacation rental for you.
Punching above its weight when it comes to charm and character, a tiny house vacation rental in Austin offers a front-row seat to big adventure. Disconnect all your tech and switch your focus to Mother Nature at one of these pocket-sized stays:
Get far away from the busyness of everyday life at one of our weekend getaways in or near Austin. Whether you'd like to hang out with buddies or spend quality time with the family, there'll be something to suit your needs. These top-rated options are hard to beat:
Studio apartments are a simple yet stylish choice, ideally suited for traveling couples or solo adventurers. Spend your days familiarizing yourself with your surroundings and your nights relaxing in your comfy hideaway. These vacation properties in or near Austin are guaranteed to please:
From chic studio apartments to spacious homes, Vrbo has your mini break sorted. Here are some of our top picks in and around Austin:
Whether spent in a cabin, a cottage or a treehouse, a romantic weekend getaway is an excellent way to say "I love you." Whisk your sweetie away for a couple of relaxing days at one of these sought-after escapes in or near Austin:
If you're in search of somewhere to reconnect with the family this vacation, why not a place with a little glitz and glamour? These mansions for rent in or near Austin will fit your entire gang while doing it in style:
Big groups mean big-time fun. They also mean finding someplace that'll effortlessly fit your crew. Check out our large group vacation rentals in or around Austin and get everyone together under the same roof:
Nothing screams fun and frivolity like a pool does. Dig out your flamingo floatie and browse these rental houses in or near Austin that feature this must-have amenity:
Curious what the weather's like in Austin? It has a humid subtropical climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 75 ºF to 95 ºF. If you're after more inspiration on places to stay in this epic destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to scroll through our entire range of Austin vacation rentals.
You'll always have more fun sharing wonderful times with the ones you love the most. Whether you're organizing a family reunion or catching up with good friends, we'll have a large vacation rental that suits you. These are two of our best in and around Austin:
When it's time to explore, there are lots of family-friendly attractions in the area to keep everyone happy. Sixth Street, South Congress Avenue and Barton Springs Pool should be at the top of your to-do list.