Welcome to Austin, Texas!

Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World^®, but it also has a rich history and culture, an extensive food scene, beautiful weather for outdoor activities and a variety of shopping opportunities. Here are some suggestions to get you started around town:

What's Nearby?

1. CONGRESS CORRIDOR
   This neighborhood runs from Lady Bird Lake up to the Texas State Capital Building and includes the JW Marriott Austin. Look for the CC symbol to indicate activities not more than a short walk from the Annual Congress!
2. DOWNTOWN
   Walk across Congress Avenue from the JW Marriott Austin for a couple blocks to find yourself surrounded by local, fun, virbrant shopping areas, restaurants and entertainment all with an Austin spirit.
3. SIXTH STREET DISTRICT
   This lively neighborhood is just a couple of blocks away from the JW Marriott Austin putting shopping, eating and entertainment all within a short walk of where you are staying. Look for the 6th Street symbol to indicate activities in this neighborhood.

Live Music

1. The Elephant Room
   If jazz music is more your style, only a block away from the JW Marriott Austin you find the intimate and cozy basement that is home to the Elephant Room.
2. Speakeasy
   Enjoy a prohibition era vibe with local acts, a vintage bowling alley, and a roof top terrace for beautiful views of the city only a couple of blocks north of the JW Marriott Austin.
3. The Parish
   The genre varies here depending on the night, so head over if you are looking for some variety and a great evening out.
4. The Continental Club
   This historic landmark of Austin has been rocking since 1955. Head down to the South Congress Entertainment District for some rootsy American, country, and singer-songwriter rock and roll.
5. The Saxon Pub
   Home of the next big thing, the Saxon Pub provides an intimate environment to listen to up and coming artists and a spot where film and music celebrities have been known to hang out on any given night.
6. The Broken Spoke
   This is the place to go if you are looking for a traditional Texas Dance Hall experience complete with two-steppin' and full of local acts.

Barbecue

1. Cooper's
   You don't have to go far for good barbecue. Cooper's is on the same block as the JW Marriott Austin and serves delcious smoked brisket, pulled pork and spicy sausage.
2. Lambert's
   Want some live music to go with that barbecue? Take just a short walk from JW Marriot Austin to this delcious joint housed in an old general store.
3. Franklin
   This place has collected so many awards, been voted in nearly every “best of,” and created an industry around waiting in line for the day’s meat. It’s all warranted. Be sure to try their perfectly smoked brisket.
4. La Barbecue
   You can find this food truck off Cesar Chavez. While all of the brisket, pulled pork, and sausage are all amazing, the real stand out star here is the beef ribs.
5. Freedmen's
   Don't have time to wait in line for barbecue? Don't worry. Head up to Freedman's and be sure to try their pork ribs.

Restaurants (Besides Barbecue)

1. Café Blue
   If you love seafood, look no further. They offer fresh seafood made to order and fresh shucked oysters year round, and it is only a short walk from the JW Marriott Austin.
2. Parkside
   Indulge at this farm-to-table restaurant serving up classic American dishes including juicy steaks and oyster platters.
3. Moonshine Bar and Grill
   A short walk over to a cluster of 1850s homes will find you one of the best date nights in Austin. Their delicious menu takes a playful approach to classic American home cooking.
4. Iron Cactus
   This Austin original offers a unique take on traditional Mexican dishes spun with bold Texas flavors. Plus, the downtown location has a lovely rooftop patio.
5. Texas Chili Parlor
   Don't miss out on some good Texas style chili. This little joint offers a variety of delicious and spicy bowls of chili the way Texas chili is meant to be.

Shopping

1. 2nd Street District
   This trendy area is full of local boutiques with their own unique offerings, including ModCloth's flagship store. You may not recognize all of the brands, but they are definitely worth the stop.
2. The Hatbox
   Visit this modern haberdashery to find that cowboy hat, bowler, or fedora that you have always been dreaming of.
3. Lucky Lizard Curious and Gifts
   Bring home a piece of Austin's weirdness from Big Foot action figures to cat lady board games.
4. The Market District
   Explore the original Whole Foods as well as a variety of other signature independant retailers, including The Book People, By George, Emeralds, and more.
5. Allen's Boots
   You can't visit Texas and not shop for a pair of boots! This shop down in SoCo has you covered.
6. The Domain
   Explore 700,000 square feet of shopping with a mix of both national brands, independant designers, and local boutiques.

Outdoor Activities

1. Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
   Ten miles of trails border Lady Bird Lake providing a beautiful setting for runners, walkers and cyclists in downtown Austin. The ACPF Fun Run will also be at this location, so maybe take some time to scout out the trail in advance!
2. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
   Enjoy some time on the water and rent a Stand Up Paddle Board from SupATX at the Texas Rowing Center. If you are a beginner, just ask for the free quick lesson to get you started.
3. Barton Springs Pool
   Head over to Zilker's Park to take a dip in the pool fed by a natural underground spring. Thanks to the spring the water remains about 70 degrees all year round, creating lovely swimming conditions.
4. Go Underground
   Take some time to explore the caves off the Barton Creek Greenbelt on your own or schedule an off-trail caving tour with Inner Space to explore the caves around Georgetown.

Attractions

1. Mexic-Arte Museum
   Explore traditional and contempary art and culture from Mexico and Latin America.
2. Blanton Museum of Art
   Take in a variety of fine art, including modern and contemporary American and Latin American, Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings.
3. The Bullock Museum
   Delve into the Story of Texas from the shipwreck of the La Belle all the way through to the Space Age, and visit the Austin City Limits theatre.
4. George Washington Carver Musem, Cultural and Geneology Center
   Learn about Austin's African-American heritage through the various galleries and exhibitions housed at the museum.
5. The Cathedral of Junk
   If you want to explore the more eccentric side of Austin, try to arrange an appointment to tour the Catherdal of Junk built in one man's back yard.