Austin
About 2 hr 45 min by car from Houston
Live music every night, Texas barbecue and spring-fed swimming holes.
Why locals go
Live music and barbecue, under three hours up Highway 71.
Visiting Houston?
At 2 hr 45 min by car, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Houston for your flight home.
What to book
- Swim at Barton Springs Pool
- Live music on Red River or Rainey Street
- Barbecue tour
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in AustinDate ideas
For two
- Sunset at Mount Bonnell
- Watch the bats leave Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk
With friends
- Rainey Street bars
- Boat day on Lake Travis
When to go
Year-round, spring best.