Austin, Texas Vacation Rentals
Explore 347 rental homes and villas in Austin, Texas for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Air Condition Homes, Pet-Friendly Homes and Best Affordable Homes. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $76 per night with homes containing as many as 13 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
Types of vacation rentals in Austin
Where to stay in Austin
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Austin Overview
Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Texas by choosing Austin as your next getaway destination. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin resonates with the strums of guitars and the soulful melodies of over 250 music venues. The city's rhythm is palpable, especially during world-renowned festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, which draw music aficionados from all corners of the globe.
Austin's allure extends beyond its music scene to its rich tapestry of history and culture. Explore the grandeur of the Texas State Capitol, or delve into the state's past at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Art enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of creativity at the Blanton Museum of Art, showcasing a diverse collection that spans from Renaissance to contemporary pieces.
The city's natural beauty is a canvas for outdoor adventures. Lady Bird Lake offers a serene waterfront experience in the heart of downtown, perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Nearby, Zilker Park is an urban oasis where you can hike, picnic, or lounge in the sun. Don't miss the chance to take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed haven that's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Austin's culinary landscape is as diverse as its music, with an array of dining options from classic Tex-Mex and succulent barbecue to innovative food trucks serving up global flavors. The burgeoning craft beer scene is a paradise for hop enthusiasts, with local breweries that welcome visitors for tours and tastings.
To truly savor the essence of Austin, consider the luxury of renting a private home, offering you a personalized and intimate experience of the city. Many of these homes come with the added indulgence of swimming pools, perfect for cooling off in the Texas heat. Pet-friendly options abound, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the fun. Whether you're seeking a cozy bungalow or a spacious estate, Austin's neighborhoods each boast their own charm, from the electric buzz of downtown nightlife to the bohemian vibes of South Congress Avenue, lined with quirky shops, eateries, and galleries.
Austin is not just a destination; it's an experience that caters to every traveler. With its harmonious blend of historical landmarks, contemporary attractions, and the natural beauty of its parks and lakes, Austin invites you to discover a city that's both captivating and endlessly entertaining.
Cultural Attractions in Austin
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant cultural epicenter that provides a myriad of experiences for those with an interest in the arts, history, and local traditions. The city's lively music scene is globally recognized, featuring live performances of various genres every night at places like the Moody Theater and Stubb's BBQ.
Art lovers will find Austin to be a treasure trove of exploration. The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas houses an impressive collection of contemporary American and Latin American art. In addition, the Contemporary Austin showcases rotating exhibitions from artists around the world.
For those interested in history, they can delve into Texas' past at the Bullock Texas State History Museum or tour the Texas State Capitol for a peek into the state's political history. The LBJ Presidential Library also offers insights into one of America's most turbulent eras.
The local customs in Austin are best experienced through its culinary scene. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is equally famous for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Food trucks are ubiquitous in Austin, serving everything from gourmet donuts to fusion tacos.
Outdoor art installations enthusiasts will not be disappointed with a visit to HOPE Outdoor Gallery or Graffiti Park at Castle Hills. These community paint parks feature ever-evolving graffiti art by local artists and visitors alike.
Lastly, immerse yourself in local culture by attending one of Austin's many annual events like South by Southwest (SXSW), an influential film, music and interactive festival or Austin City Limits Music Festival which features some of music’s biggest names over two weekends.
In summary, Austin presents a dynamic mix of art, history, music and local traditions making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts.
Family friendly activities in Austin
Austin, Texas is a city brimming with activities and attractions that are sure to delight children. A great starting point is the Thinkery, Austin's children's museum. This interactive institution promotes learning through play, offering exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity in fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
For outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers, a visit to the Austin Zoo is highly recommended. The zoo houses over 300 animals from more than 100 different species including exotic cats like jaguars, cougars, bobcats and bears. It also features a petting zoo where children can interact with goats and sheep.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers another excellent outdoor experience. It boasts nature trails and gardens teeming with native Texas plants as well as an interactive family garden where kids can delve into the natural world.
For those fascinated by history and culture, the Bullock Texas State History Museum provides three floors of exhibits detailing the story of Texas. Many of these exhibits are interactive making it an engaging destination for younger visitors.
Austin also offers numerous parks for families to enjoy. Among these is Zilker Park which is one of the city's most popular parks offering activities like paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake or riding on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train.
Lastly for some unique fun, consider exploring Inner Space Caverns where you can embark on guided tours into an underground cave system filled with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites.
With its blend of educational museums, outdoor adventures and unique experiences like cave exploration; Austin presents countless opportunities for enjoyable family travel.
Outdoor activities in Austin
Austin, Texas, is a haven for those who appreciate the great outdoors and natural beauty. The city is enveloped by nature's splendor and offers a plethora of outdoor activities.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is an essential stop. This expansive 351-acre park provides a multitude of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, and swimming in the Barton Springs Pool. The park also houses the Zilker Botanical Garden which boasts several themed gardens including a Japanese garden and rose garden.
For water enthusiasts, Lady Bird Lake is an excellent option. This reservoir on the Colorado River offers canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail that encircles the lake provides stunning views of downtown Austin.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is another treasure for nature lovers. This 7-mile stretch of public land offers hiking trails through lush greenery and limestone cliffs. It's also popular for rock climbing and swimming in its natural swimming holes.
Mount Bonnell provides breathtaking views of Lake Austin and the city skyline from its summit. It's a great place for hiking or enjoying a picnic while watching the sunset.
Just outside Austin city limits lies McKinney Falls State Park offering camping, hiking trails that wind through forests and past historical sites like an old homestead and gristmill ruins.
Lastly, about 30 miles west of downtown Austin you'll find Hamilton Pool Preserve - a natural pool that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. Surrounded by large slabs of limestone with lush ferns it looks like something out of a fairy tale.
In Austin's vicinity there are ample opportunities to connect with nature whether you're into hiking, biking or water sports or simply enjoy being outdoors amidst beautiful landscapes.
Weather in Austin
Austin, Texas is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with its weather patterns largely influenced by its geographical location in the southern United States. This results in a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year.
During the summer months of June to August, Austin experiences its highest temperatures, averaging in the mid to upper 90s Fahrenheit. This period also sees heightened humidity levels which can intensify the feeling of heat. It's also common for thunderstorms to occur during this time, contributing to Austin's annual rainfall which averages around 34 inches.
The winter season from December through February is typically mild and dry. Average high temperatures during this time are usually in the 60s while lows can drop into the 40s. Snowfall is not a common occurrence but it does happen occasionally. Despite being winter, it's generally pleasant and comfortable enough for outdoor activities.
Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons with temperatures typically ranging from mid-70s to mid-80s. The spring months from March to May are especially beautiful as wildflowers bloom across Texas Hill Country. Fall, spanning September through November, offers cooler temperatures and reduced humidity levels.
The most favorable times to visit Austin are during spring and fall when the weather conditions are optimal for outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring the city's numerous parks and gardens. However, each season in Austin presents its own unique charm providing varied perspectives of this lively city.
Transportation in Austin
Austin, Texas, is a city that can be reached through various means of transportation. The most common way to get there is by flying into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which offers numerous domestic and international flights. For those who enjoy traveling by road, Austin is well-connected by interstates and highways, making it an ideal destination for road trips. While Amtrak does not directly serve Austin, there is a bus connection from the San Antonio station to Austin for those who prefer rail travel.
Once in the city, you have several options for getting around. The Capital Metro public transit system operates numerous bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. There's also a light rail service known as the MetroRail that runs from downtown Austin to the northern suburb of Leander. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available.
If you prefer to drive yourself, car rentals are readily available at the airport and throughout the city. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Austin is also very bike-friendly with many dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. Bike rentals are available from various providers for those who wish to explore on two wheels.
In terms of walkability, downtown Austin is quite pedestrian-friendly with many attractions within walking distance of each other including restaurants, shops, and music venues. However, if you plan on exploring areas outside of downtown or visiting attractions further out like the Circuit of The Americas or Lake Travis, you'll likely need to use public transport or a car.
Overall though it's important to note that while downtown Austin has robust public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure; outside of downtown these facilities are not as comprehensive making the city fairly car-dependent overall.
In conclusion whether arriving by plane or connecting via bus from San Antonio's Amtrak station; navigating around using bus services or driving; or exploring on foot or by bike; Austin provides a variety of transportation options catering to every traveler's needs, albeit with some room for improvement in coverage and connectivity.