Austin, the capital of Texas, bills itself as the Live Music Capital of the World, pairing a buzzing music and festival scene with great food and easy outdoor access.
Catch a show on a downtown stage or at a classic venue like the Continental Club, tour the Texas State Capitol (the largest in the country), and cool off in Barton Springs at Zilker Park. From spring through fall, watch up to 1.5 million bats stream out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk, and don’t leave without barbecue and a breakfast taco.
The best times to visit are September to November and March to May, when daytime temperatures sit in the 70s and 80s. Note that major events like SXSW in March and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in October spike hotel prices, so book early or aim for the quieter shoulder weeks.