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.
Thankfully, there are plenty of regular, relatively-inexpensive flights between Albuquerque and Austin. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked with the trendy adventurer in mind. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Flight deals to Austin
The cheapest flights between Albuquerque and Austin are if you leave on Aug. 16 and return from Texas on Aug. 19. Allegiant Air currently has tickets for $95, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in July. If you fly out of Albuquerque on July 19 and return from Austin on July 22, Allegiant Air can get you there and back for $117 roundtrip.
Top Austin hotels
To plan your accommodations, here are some of Austin’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price 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 and provides access to the best of Austin, from the Texas State Capitol and Austin Convention Center to the city’s world famous 6th Street nightlife scene.
The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (1900 University Ave.)
There's also the 4.8-star rated The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. Rooms are currently set at $129/night.
The Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande)
If you're looking to treat yourself, there's The Hotel Ella. The 4.8-star hotel has rooms for $199/night.
Featured Austin food and drink
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.
"They have amazing sushi," wrote visitor Katie. "It's up there against anything you'll have in San Fran, NYC or elsewhere."
Franklin Barbecue (900 E. 11th)
Another popular dining destination is Franklin Barbecue, with 4.9 stars from 100 reviews.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar (1400 S. Congress Ave.)
Also worth considering is the Hopdoddy Burger Bar.
"This place is popular so there may 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.
Home Slice Pizza is an independent neighborhood pizza joint serving authentic N.Y.-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. "People watch while you wait for your slice. Try the rice crispy treats."
Top Austin attractions
Austin is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.
Barton Springs Pool (2201 Barton Springs Road)
First up is Barton Springs Pool.
Barton Springs Pool is the perfect outing for those hot Texas days or even the cool ones. It maintains a comfortable 68 degrees temperature year 'round.
"A must visit within Austin, especially in the summer, " wrote visitor Nici. "You can swim laps, jump of a diving board, bring a float, and just relax in the cool water. Then lay out on the hill in the sun to warm up and repeat. "
Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Road)
Then, there's Zilker Metropolitan Park, where patrons can check out the hike and bike trails, picnic facilities, Zilker Botanical Garden , canoe rentals, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, riverboat rides on Town Lake, concerts, festivals and even a miniature train.
"It's a great place to take a break from the bustling downtown," wrote visitor Tyson.
Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake)
Finally, spend some time at Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail.
"It's a wonderful body of water in the center of the city," wrote visitor Nici. "Paddle boarding and kayak/canoeing are the most often 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.
