21 U.S. Destinations to Visit in 2021: Austin, Texas

Who’s missing live music? Let’s start planning for a trip to Austin, Texas, the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and draws visitors year-round for outdoor recreation, live entertainment, world-class museums and attractions, and an exceptional culinary scene. On any weekend you’ll find almost every imaginable genre of music being performed at the bars, cafés, and nightclubs across the many vibrant neighborhoods. Make this trip even more memorable by attending the multi-genre 2021 Austin City Limits Music Festival. Tickets usually go on sale in April, and the entertainment line-up is released shortly thereafter, with the event taking place outdoors in Zilker Park during the weekends of October 1-3 and October 8-10, 2021.

One of the largest cities in the United States, Austin has a tremendous variety of things to see and do during the festival. The downtown area, including the nearby Rainey Street Historic District and Red River Cultural District, is a must-see for any music enthusiast. Besides music venues, there are many notable restaurants and bars with indoor and outdoor areas to enjoy an afternoon or evening. To balance your trip with some local points of interest, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center are a few of the popular attractions around the city. There’s also plenty to see just outside of Austin in the beautiful Hill Country region of Texas— rent a car and find some of the hidden-gem barbecue joints, local stores, and tasting rooms.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!