Visiting family and work conferences brings me to Austin often - this is one of my favorite US cities with a wide variety of activities, especially outdoor experiences in nature and, of course, live music everywhere. Check the weather before you go! Temperatures in the 100s forced our activities on one recent trip to take place mostly in the pool during the day and on the town only after nightfall.

Places to stay

View of skyscrapers from the Austin Marriott Downtown — View from the Austin Marriott Downtown

Pick a Marriott for downtown convenient luxury equipped with rooftop pools: The JW Marriott, the Austin Marriott Downtown, the W Austin, the Austin Proper Hotel, and the Westin Austin Downtown are all similarly priced, centrally located in downtown, and have full service rooftop pools with hip bar scenes. If you appreciate a good lounge, go with the JW Marriott, which has an excellent breakfast and heavy evening hors d'oeuvres.

Historical charm: Established in 1886, The Driskill is the place to go to experience nearby attractions Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue Bridge, the Texas State Capitol Building, and convention center.

On a budget, but appreciate a cool aesthetic and good breakfast: citizenM Austin Downtown (another newer Marriott property) is very affordable and if you don’t mind a snug room, this hotel is a great deal. Everything in the room is controlled by a tablet, energy efficiency is a priority, and the breakfast buffet at $20 including specialty coffee is a steal.

The Omni Downtown Austin is another affordable option, centrally located, just a short walk to the Texas Statehouse. It feels more like a conference hotel, but has well-appointed rooms, a quaint rooftop pool, affordable breakfast option (tasty $5 breakfast tacos!) and very friendly and accommodating staff.

Another conference-style hotel that those who prefer a water view (and riverside pool) would appreciate is the Hyatt Regency, just over the bridge from downtown and near the shops and restaurants along S. Congress Ave. This is a solid option if your short stay will center around a Capital Cruise tour (see below for details on this experience).

If you want to get out of Downtown Austin for your stay, two places with more spaciousness and serenity:

Nature resort and spa: Miraval Resort and Spa (formerly Travaasa) offers unparalleled views, nature hiking and other outdoor activities, an exceptional spa, and the option of experiencing the resort as an all-inclusive experience. Adults only.

Bring the kids for the lazy river: The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa has sprawling outdoor activities, but unlike Miraval, welcomes children and families. The lazy river pool is a great option on one of Austin’s hot summer days.

Where to eat

Have a drink and appetizers at the bar at Hestia, a Michelin starred fine dining restaurant with great ambience.

For Mexican, try ATX Cocina or Nixta Taqueria pictured below - a Michelin recognized establishment (the wait can be long if you come at a popular time, but is worth it, as is the reasonably—priced tasting menu.)

Mediterranean may not be what Austin is known for, but Aba served up delicious food on our recent trip - this trendy spot with lovely indoor and outdoor seating options is a great choice.

When we return for barbecue, we plan to check out these places: Terry Black’s (had an outstanding meal at the Dallas location of this chain), La Barbecue and Michelin-starred Leroy and Lewis. Famous places that will deliver, but may require a wait: Franklin’s, Interstellar and Parish.

Things to do

Austin may be known for its festivals, live music, and barbecue, but what makes Austin attractive for nature enthusiasts is the proximity to numerous places to enjoy the outdoors. Top picks include hiking alongside Barton Creek, visiting and having lunch with a view of Lake Travis, and bat watching beneath the Congress Avenue bridge.