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 #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, and a classic Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex food scene. 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.
Whether you’re trying to escape ASAP or you’re looking to plan your travels around upcoming deals, take a look at these forthcoming flights between San Diego and Austin, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.
We've also included popular hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Austin, to get you started on planning your ideal get-away.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Flight deals to Austin
The cheapest flights between San Diego and Austin are if you leave on June 1 and return from Texas on June 3. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $117, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in May. If you fly out of San Diego on May 15 and return from Austin on May 20, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $138 roundtrip.
Top Austin hotels
To plan your accommodations, 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 AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (1900 University Ave.)
For an all-around top recommendation, consider 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.
The Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande)
Another 4.8-star option is The Hotel Ella. Rooms are currently set at $199/night.
The Kimber Modern Hotel (110 The Circle)
A pricier alternative is The Kimber Modern Hotel. The 4.8-star hotel has rooms for $322/night.
Featured Austin restaurants
If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Austin's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.
Uchi (801 S. Lamar Blvd.)
If you're looking for a local favorite, head to Uchi, which has an average of 4.9 stars out of 104 reviews on Skyscanner.
"Amazing sushi! It's up there against anything you'll have in San Francisco or New York City," wrote visitor Katie.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar (1400 S. Congress Ave.)
Another popular dining destination is Hopdoddy Burger Bar, with 4.7 stars from 127 reviews.
"Favorite burger place in town!" wrote visitor Jenna. "There's a line out the door at dinnertime for a reason. Amazing drinks, milkshakes, fries, burgers! A must visit place."
Franklin Barbecue (900 E. 11th)
Also worth considering is Franklin Barbecue, with 4.9 stars from 99 reviews.
"The line you will wait in is most certainly worth it," wrote visitor Tyson. "I recommend trying to go during the week when it is slightly less crowded."
Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.)
Finally, there's Home Slice Pizza. It has 4.7 stars from 122 reviews on Skyscanner.
"Whether you're into spinach pizza or traditional cheese, this place is funky and fun," wrote Tiffany.
Top Austin attractions
Not sure what to do in Austin, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Barton Springs Pool (2201 Barton Springs Road)
First up is the Barton Springs Pool, with 4.8 stars out of 342 reviews.
The grassy hillsides and moss-covered rocks are perfect for sunbathing. Diving boards, concession stands and restroom facilities are also available.
"A must-visit in Austin, especially in the summer," wrote visitor Nici.
Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Road)
The Zilker Metropolitan Park is another popular destination, with 4.8 stars from 269 reviews.
Check out the hiking and bike trails, picnic facilities, Zilker Botanical Garden, canoe rentals, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts and more.
Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake)
Lastly, consider checking out the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail. It has 4.9 stars from 183 reviews on Skyscanner.
"This is a wonderful body of water in the center of the city," wrote visitor Nici.
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.
