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.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Cleveland 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. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Flight deals to Austin
The cheapest flights between Cleveland and Austin are if you leave on July 28 and return from Texas on July 30. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $107, roundtrip.
If you fly out of Cleveland on July 28 and return from Austin on Aug. 1, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $107 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.)
If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, 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.
The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (1900 University Ave.)
Another option is The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. The 4.8-star hotel has rooms for $129/night.
The AT&T Education and Conference Center offers luxury hotel amenities and full conference center facilities, including intimate meeting rooms with arena seating and smart classroom technology.
The Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande)
There's also the 4.8-star rated The Hotel Ella, which has rooms for $199/night.
Local restaurant picks
Don't miss Austin's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.
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!" wrote visitor Katie.
Franklin Barbecue (900 E. 11th)
Also worth considering is the Franklin Barbecue, with 4.9 stars from 100 reviews.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar (1400 S. Congress Ave.)
Another popular dining destination is the Hopdoddy Burger Bar, with 4.7 stars from 127 reviews.
"This place is popular so there might be a line, but it moves pretty fast and is totally worth it," wrote Wendy.
Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.)
Finally, there's Home Slice Pizza. It has 4.7 stars from 122 reviews.
"Whether you're into spinach pizza or the traditional cheese pie, this place is funky and fun," wrote Tiffany.
What to see and do in Austin
To round out your trip, Austin offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.
Barton Springs Pool (2201 Barton Springs Road)
First up is the Barton Springs Pool, with 4.8 stars from 344 reviews.
"A must-visit in Austin, especially in the summer," wrote visitor Nici.
Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Road)
Then, there's the Zilker Metropolitan Park. It has 4.8 stars from 269 reviews.
Patrons will enjoy a huge variety of activities at Zilker Park. You can check out the hiking and bike trails, picnic facilities, the Zilker Botanical Garden, canoe rentals, soccer fields 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.
"This is a wonderful body of water for paddleboarding and kayaking 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.
