7 things to do in Austin that will make your 'work trip' to SXSW unforgettable
Elizabeth Wood
- Austin is home to SXSW, the annual tech and culture conference that attracts thousands.
- If you're going for work, tack on a few days and enjoy some local fun.
Every year, Austin, Texas, welcomes thousands of people to South by Southwest, a conference highlighting film, music, culture, tech, and more. This year, from March 10 to 19, downtown Austin will buzz with creatives, tech enthusiasts, and entertainment lovers looking to rub shoulders with their favorite artists and business leaders.
Many companies send their employees to SXSW on business. If you're one of them, why not take the opportunity to get out and see Austin when your work day is done? Take advantage of the new "bleisure" travel trend — that's a combo of "business" and "leisure," a trend where workers are blending the two types of travel — and tack a few days onto your trip to relax.
Outside the SXSW festivities, you may find yourself on a bar crawl down 6th Street, stumbling upon the historic Maggie Mae's, or participating in the toned-down bar crawl a stone's throw away on Rainey Street. If raucous crowds aren't your idea of relaxing, then mosey over to a rodeo or head to the calm countryside for a horseback ride.
Here's a guide to some of Austin's hidden gems to help you unwind and turn your work trip into "workation." While there's public transportation in central Austin, some of these outings are on the outskirts of the city, so consider renting a car or pooling for ride shares.
Hop on a fun float with Frontera Tube Tours
Break out your floaties and join the locals for a leisurely tube float down one of Austin's rivers. Frontera Tubing, a 45-minute drive outside the city, helps Austinites and visitors beat the heat with a three-to-four-hour float down the San Marcos River.
Frontera's tubing adventures run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from March through October and cost $75 per person. Austin's average temperature in March is around 72 degrees, so tubing is a great way to cool off and sneak in a few hours of fun between work assignments.
Enjoy live music and locals at an East Austin Bar
Austin is chock-full of venues for live music and dancing, all striving to "keep Austin weird." One popular place among locals is the Sahara Lounge. The self-described "dive bar" features jazz, reggae, and Latin music.
While it's not affiliated with SXSW, the Sahara Lounge hosts several events and bands performing throughout the week. This is one of those unique spots in Austin that offers the benefits of SXSW without the badge.
Throw your hat in the ring at a rodeo
Rodeo Austin starts in March and is possibly the most Texan thing you can do to switch off from work.
Rodeos offer more than bull riding — they include live music, carnival rides, and educational exhibits that introduce people to animal husbandry and agriculture.
Rodeo Austin is a nonprofit, and in 2002, it gave $2.7 million to Texas kids through its scholarship program and other charitable initiatives. Tickets for Rodeo Austin start at $30.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine in the Texas countryside
Downtown Austin's bustling bars make it easy for visitors to overlook the region's Hill Country wineries. If you're looking for a change of pace from the chaotic festival bar crawls, Duchman Family Winery is a must-visit spot for wine lovers.
VinePair says that, because the central Texas climate is similar to the climate in parts of central Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Rhône Valley in France, you can experience the aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean without leaving the US.
The family vineyards produce a wide variety of wines, and the tasting room and patio provide a scenic view of the countryside. The winery is open to walk-ins Monday through Thursday, with reservations required from Friday to Sunday.
Enjoy a spooky spectacular bat-watching cruise on Lady Bird Lake
Austin is home to the world's largest urban bat colony of approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Several organizations offer guided boat tours to teach people about the bats as they swarm from the bridge every evening to hunt, typically between March and early November.
To catch this wonder of nature, you can book a Lone Star Riverboat cruise to the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you'll have a front-row seat to watch the bats emerge from their roosts. It's $13 for adults and free for children.
Tuck into a taco and indulge in those Tex-Mex cravings
With dishes that hearken back to the native Tejano people who lived in the Texas region pre-colonization, Tex-Mex blends traditional Mexican flavors with American ingredients.
If you're not sure where to start your foodie journey, Suerte is a standout restaurant on 6th Street with a reputation for creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Its menu features a range of classic Tex-Mex, including tacos, carnitas, and vegetarian options showcasing the culinary creativity of head chef Fermin Nunez.
Saddle up for a trail ride around the outskirts of Austin
Grab your cowboy boots for a horseback-riding tour on the outskirts of Austin.
Maverick Horseback Riding caters to every level of rider, and all tours are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the local landscape and wildlife, creating a tailor-made experience for each guest. The ranch offers trail rides for $120 to $170, depending on the individual or group riders.
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