Looking for a trending new city to explore? Consider Austin, Texas, one of the fastest growing large cities in the country and U.S. News & World Report's No. 1 place to live in the U.S. for the past two years running.
The self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" is home to many students, artists and musicians, along with a booming tech industry. Despite its growth, Austin seeks to maintain its eccentric local vibe, with plenty of independent businesses and a strong commitment to the local environment.
Austin hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and boasts more music venues per capita than any other city in the U.S. The list of local attractions also includes extensive theaters, museums and outdoor spaces like parks, lakes and waterways.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Detroit to Austin in the next few months, and the prices aren't too shabby.
So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list.
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Flight deals to Austin
Currently, the cheapest flights between Detroit and Austin are if you leave on March 11 and return from Texas on March 14. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $79, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in May. If you fly out of Detroit on May 9 and return from Austin on May 12, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $110 roundtrip.
Top Austin hotels
Regarding where to stay, here are some of Austin’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.
The Driskill – in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt (604 Brazos St.)
For an all-around top recommendation, consider The Driskill - in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The hotel has a 4.5-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $129.
A landmark in downtown Austin, this legendary hotel was built in 1886 as the showplace for cattle baron Jesse Lincoln Driskill and has since become synonymous with traditional Texas hospitality.
The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (1900 University Ave.)
A second option is The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. The hotel has a 4.8-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $129.
Located on the south side of the University of Texas campus, the AT&T Education and Conference center offers luxury hotel amenities and full conference center facilities, including intimate meeting rooms with arena seating smart classroom technology.
The Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande)
A pricer alternative is The Hotel Ella. The 4.8-star hotel has rooms for $199/night.
Top picks for dining and drinking
Austin has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
Uchi (801 S. Lamar Blvd.)
One of Austin's most popular restaurants is Uchi, which has an average of 4.9 stars out of 104 reviews on Skyscanner.
The restaurant combines local seasonal ingredients with an infinite spectrum of seafood from around the globe. Uchi invites diners to explore their gastronomic boundaries by pairing traditional Japanese offerings with new and refreshing flavors and textures.
"Amazing sushi," wrote visitor Katie. "It's up there against anything you'll have in San Francisco, New York City or elsewhere."
Hopdoddy Burger Bar (1400 S. Congress Ave.)
Another popular dining destination is Hopdoddy Burger Bar, with 4.7 stars from 127 reviews.
"This place is popular so there may be a line but it moves pretty fast and is totally worth it," wrote reviewer Wendy.
Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.)
Finally, there's Home Slice Pizza.
Home Slice Pizza is an independent neighborhood pizza joint serving authentic New York-style pizza by the pie or by the slice.
"Whether you're into spinach pizza or the traditional cheese, this place is funky and fun," wrote Tiffany.
Featured local attractions
Not sure what to do in Austin, besides eat and drink? Here are a couple of recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Barton Springs Pool (2201 Barton Springs Road)
First up is Barton Springs Pool.
As one of Austin's finest attractions, Barton Springs Pool is the perfect outing for those hot Texas days or even the cool ones. Maintaining a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit year round, you will enjoy a 100 percent natural swimming experience with no chlorine.
Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake)
Finally, spend some time at Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail.
"A wonderful body of water in the center of the city," wrote visitor Nici. "Paddleboarding and kayaking are the most popular activities around Lady Bird Lake and I do suggest trying them at least once."
This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
