Austin, Texas is about a 3-hour drive from Houston, making it a perfect destination to explore by car. Austin is the capital city of Texas and famous for being “weird,” the Live Music Capital of the World, and amazing food (especially BBQ and Tex-Mex).

We are highlighting the key activities and top accommodations you should consider on your luxury vacation to Austin. If you need more information on any of these options, please feel free to contact us.

Austin Skyline
Austin Skyline
Photo Credit: Christian Horan Photography

Suggested activities in Austin, Texas

Below are some recommended activities while visiting Austin.

Austin city tours and hands-on experiences

  • Half-Day Tour of Austin – Explore the very best that Austin has to offer with a local expert guide on this tour of the city’s iconic sites, as well as its lesser-known hidden gems.
  • Hands-on Graffiti Street Art Experience – Unleash your inner artist during a hands-on graffiti art class with a notable local street artist who will tell you stories about some of the city’s iconic public art as you paint on a wall.
  • Audi Driving Experience – Satisfy your need for speed and get a taste of the legendary Circuit course behind the wheel of some of the most exclusive vehicles Audi produces.
Audi Driving Experience
Photo by Guillaume Meurice from Pexels

Beer, wine, and spirits tours

  • Austin Local Craft Brewery Tour – Experience Austin’s hip craft brewery culture during a private beer tasting excursion in the live music capital of the world!
  • Texas Wine & Spirits Tour – Sip, sample and savor the big flavors that are produced in Texas during a visit to a winery, brewery, and distillery where you can witness production, meet with the makers, and see another side of the region.
Tasting Room at The Austin Winery
Tasting Room at The Austin Winery
Photo Credit: Amadeo Garcia

Food tours

  • Texas BBQ Tour – Eat your way through central Texas with a local foodie guide who will take you on a road trip to show you the best spots to grab some of the country’s most delicious BBQ.
BBQ from Iron Works Barbecue
BBQ from Iron Works Barbecue
Photo Credit: Lisa Hause

Music and dancing experiences

  • Family-Friendly Honky Tonk Dance Experience – Kick up your heels and learn to two-step with live music and the help of a private instructor. Dance the night away under a big Texas sky after sightseeing through the town to learn about Austin’s music history.
  • Live Music Immersion – Set out on a live music crawl during which you will visit three venues that showcases Austin’s best talent. Raise a glass, get up, and dance, or just sit back and enjoy.

Outdoor activities and experiences

Bike
Photo by Philipp M from Pexels
  • Private Guided Bike Tour – Explore Austin’s natural spaces during a bike tour that will take you away from the bustle of the city and along paths that offer scenic views, public art, history, springs, and more.
  • Private Sailing Charter – Hoist a sail or sit back and take in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country during a private sailing excursion where you can customize your experience to be thrilling and hands-on, or tranquil and relaxing.
  • Sunset Bat Sightseeing Boat Tour – Watch over 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats fly from underneath Congress Street bridge as the sun sets during this family-friendly private boat cruise with a zoologist.
Colorado River from the Mount Bonnell Viewing Platform
Colorado River from the Mount Bonnell Viewing Platform

Recommended luxury accommodations in Austin, Texas

Austin city hotels

Fairmont Austin is a resort-style retreat uniquely located amid the lush greenery of Palm Park and Waller Creek and steps away from Austin’s Entertainment Districts. The newly opened 37-story luxury hotel features richly appointed guest rooms and suites with picturesque vistas of Lady Bird Lake, a dramatic cityscape, and the State Capitol.

Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin

Four Seasons Hotel Austin is located in the heart of downtown Austin, perched on the shores of Lady Bird Lake and surrounded by lush gardens. The resort-like hotel provides a convenient base for those looking to experience all the city has to offer: from upscale shopping on 2nd Street and dining on South Congress to sightseeing and outdoor pursuits on the adjacent Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail. A combination of comfort and elegance, the hotel’s 294 guest rooms and suites offer views of either the lake or Austin’s vibrant downtown cityscape.

Four Seasons Austin
Four Seasons Austin

W Austin is located in the Second Street District and next-door to the famed Austin City Limits music venue, in the center of the Live Music Capital of the World. Indulge in rock star comforts in your room with postcard views of Lady Bird Lake or the downtown skyline.

Pool and Cabanas at W Austin
Pool and Cabanas at W Austin

Austin area Hill Country resorts

Miraval Austin is located about 30 minutes from downtown Austin on 220 awe-inspiring acres, enveloped by the vast Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. It is more than a spa resort, health retreat, or luxury hotel. Miraval is a unique kind of well-being space that puts purpose and people at the core, serving as a catalyst for changing lives and celebrating individuality.

Discovery Pool at Miraval Austin

Lake Austin Spa Resort is nestled along the shores of scenic Lake Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. It is a lakeside retreat of 40 casually elegant guestrooms, offering a wealth of activities, and world-class spa facilities.

The LakeHouse Spa at Lake Austin Spa Resort

All of these hotels/resorts are part of Virtuoso, which means if you book through LBL Travel you will get extra perks and amenities. Contact us today to start planning your adventure to Austin. Or, book on-line right now to lock-in the same complimentary Virtuoso amenities.