In search of 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 number one place to live in the United States 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 nation. The list of local attractions also includes extensive theaters, museums and outdoor spaces like parks, lakes and waterways.
Whether you’re trying to depart in the near future or are looking to plan your travels around the cheapest fares, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Denver and Austin, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.
We've also included some popular hotels, restaurants and attractions in Austin to help inspire your ideal getaway. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Flight deals to Austin
Currently, the cheapest flights between Denver and Austin are if you leave on Aug. 15 and return from Texas on Aug. 20. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $62, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in September. If you fly out of Denver on Sept. 16 and return from Austin on Sept. 19, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $102, roundtrip.
Top Austin hotels
Regarding where to stay, here are some of Austin’s top-rated hotels that we selected from Skyscanner's listings, based on price and customer satisfaction.
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/night.
Located on the south side of the University of Texas at Austin campus, the AT&T Education and Conference center offers luxury hotel amenities and full conference center facilities. Guest benefits include access to the UT pool and gym facilities, in addition to the fitness room and pool on-site.
The Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande)
Another 4.8-star option is The Hotel Ella, which has rooms currently set at $199/night.
"Hotel Ella is the perfect quintessential Austin vibe. Upscale luxury with laid-back personality," wrote visitor Alice.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin South (4143 Governor's Row)
A third option is The Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin South. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $118/night.
Conveniently situated near the airport and just a short drive from downtown, this Austin-area hotel offers amenities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness facility, along with complimentary wireless internet access, a 24-hour business center and small meeting rooms.
Local restaurant picks
Austin is home to plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a few of the city's most popular restaurants, 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.
Uchi's culinary philosophy combines local, seasonal ingredients with an infinite spectrum of seafood from around the globe, inviting diners to explore their gastronomic boundaries by pairing traditional Japanese offerings with new flavors and textures.
"Amazing sushi," wrote visitor Katie. "It's up there against anything you'll have in San Francisco, NYC or elsewhere."
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! There's a line out the door at dinnertime for a reason," wrote Jenna. "Amazing drinks, milkshakes, fries [and] burgers. A must-visit place."
Franklin Barbecue (900 E. 11th)
Also worth considering is Franklin Barbecue.
"Amazing barbecue! [The] brisket and pork ribs are my favorites," wrote reviewer Terry. "It’s an Austin experience to be embraced."
Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.)
Finally, there's Home Slice Pizza, an independent neighborhood pizza joint known for its authentic, hand-tossed New York-style pizza — served by the pie or by the slice.
"Whether you're into spinach pizza or traditional cheese, this place is funky and fun," wrote Tiffany.
What to see and do in Austin
Not sure what to do in Austin, besides eat and drink? Here are a few activity recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Barton Springs Pool (2201 Barton Springs Road)
First up is Barton Springs Pool.
Known 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, visitors can enjoy a 100% natural swimming experience with no chlorine.
"A must-visit [in] Austin, especially in the summer," wrote visitor Nici. "You can swim laps, jump [off] a diving board, bring a float and just relax in the always-cool water. Then, lay out on the hill in the sun to warm up and repeat."
Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Road)
Zilker Metropolitan Park is another popular destination.
Patrons can enjoy a huge variety of activities at Zilker Park, including hiking and biking 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.
"A great place to take a break from the bustling downtown," wrote visitor Tyson. "Large open space makes this a great place to play soccer or frisbee."
Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake)
Lastly, 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. "I highly suggest biking around Lady Bird Lake. ... There are solid trails, and on either side of the lake, there are additional areas you can ride through for a longer, more scenic ride of Austin."
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.
