US · city
Austin, TX
United States
Live music, BBQ, food trucks, "keep Austin weird" — tech meets Texas
Mar-May and Oct-Nov: 65-85°F, ideal. Summer brutally hot (95-105°F). SXSW (March) and ACL festival (Oct) drive peak hotel rates.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Chase Ultimate Rewards
via Southwest Rapid Rewards
+ $30 taxes
Chase UR → Southwest LGA-AUS direct
American AAdvantage
+ $20 taxes
AA economy JFK-AUS
Business / First
American AAdvantage
+ $20 taxes
AA business via DFW
Cash equivalent: economy ~$280 · business ~$1,100 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin
Hyatt
Cat 5 — heart of downtown, walk to Sixth Street.
Hyatt Regency Austin
Hyatt
Cat 4 — lakeside on Lady Bird Lake.
The Driskill
Hyatt
Cat 6 Unbound — historic 1886 downtown.
Fairmont Austin
Marriott Bonvoy
Standard category — downtown convention area.
What to see & do
Sixth Street
8 blocks of bars + live music. Dirty Sixth (touristy) vs Rainey/East Sixth (locals).
Lady Bird Lake
10-mile hike & bike trail; kayak, SUP rentals. City skyline reflections at dusk.
Texas State Capitol
1888 building taller than US Capitol. Free tours; massive grounds for walking.
Franklin Barbecue
Iconic brisket. Open until sold out (~1pm). Line forms early morning.
South Congress (SoCo)
Indie shops, food trucks, Hotel San Jose, Allens Boots, "I love you so much" wall.
Barton Springs Pool
3-acre natural spring-fed pool at 68°F year-round. Local oasis in Zilker Park.
Monthly weather
| Month | Low | High | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 62°F | |
| Feb | 47°F | 67°F | |
| Mar | 54°F | 73°F | |
| Apr | 61°F | 80°F | |
| May | 68°F | 86°F | |
| Jun | 73°F | 92°F | |
| Jul | 75°F | 96°F | |
| Aug | 75°F | 97°F | |
| Sep | 70°F | 90°F | |
| Oct | 60°F | 81°F | |
| Nov | 50°F | 70°F | |
| Dec | 43°F | 62°F |
Best cards for this trip
Plan your Austin, TX trip
Get a full flight + hotel + card strategy personalized to you