Photo credit: @Jtype
SXSW is coming in hot! If you find yourself dreading the parties, crowds, and traffic, we’ve put together a list of ways to avoid the South By shenanigans that will be ensuing in Austin starting March 10th – 19th.
Where To Go
Fredericksburg
It’s no secret. By now, everyone knows we love Fredericksburg! Make your escape from the SX chaos and take a quick roadtrip up to the beautiful town of Fredericksburg, Texas. There’s so much to do and see while you’re there, but if you need a little inspiration here’s our Complete Guide to Fredericksburg.
Port Aransas
Looking for a weekend beach vacation? Port Aransas is about a four hour drive from Austin and has all that small beach town charm we all know and love. Port Aransas has 18 miles of beaches so even with the spring break crowd, you’ll be able to find your own little slice of paradise!
San Antonio
Located about an hour and a half south of Austin, San Antonio is the perfect distance for a day trip. Aside from the River Walk, we love the Pearl District. It has fifteen restaurants, weekly farmer’s markets, tons of shopping, and more. While you’re in San Antonio, be sure to follow our 365 Things San Antonio Instagram account to stay up to date on what’s going on during your visit! Photo credit: @stratographytx
Book A Ski Trip
Looking to get out of Texas to avoid any and all SXSW craze? It’s not too late to book a last minute ski trip! We may rarely see snow in Central Texas, but it’s not hard to find a great spot to hit the slopes. We chatted with Austin Skiers Club about the places worth a trip from Austin. Read our guide on All The Ski Spots Austinites Should Know About here!
Things To Do
Pickleball
Take a break from the partying and break a sweat with a game of pickleball. Played with paddles and a plastic ball on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net, pickleball has grown in popularity over recent years. There are several bars and restaurants with courts in Austin. Find our full list of pickleball courts around the city here.
Dirdie Birdie
Make your way to North Austin and check out The Dirdie Birdie at The Domain. The Dirdie Birdie is a putt-putt extravaganza with 12 art installations that pay tribute to Austin and its landmarks and icons like the Pennybacker bridge and the South Congress bats. It also has a full bar and restaurant.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Get your adrenaline pumping with an excursion at Lake Travis Zipline! They just opened for the season and offer both day and night adventures. This is an awesome thing to do when the weather during SXSW as the weather is perfect for a day at the lake.
Pinballz
Pinballz is a great way to get a little escape from reality. With dozens of nostalgia pinball machines, ski ball stations, air hockey tables, and arcade games, Pinballz is always a good time. They have three locations (Buda, North Austin, and Cedar Park) each with different offerings as far as food and Bev goes. The original location in North Austin is BYOB so this one is our favorite!
Explore The Trails
For those who have ran the trail and hiked The Greenbelt countless times, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hidden gems in Austin that may not be on your radar. All the trails are free and are within a 30 minute drive from downtown.
Other Things Going On
The Austin Rodeo
From Austin’s largest carnival and funnel cakes to mutton bustin’ and amazing live music, there is something for everyone. Because the attractions and big-name acts seem to grow exponentially every year, we’ve compiled this rundown of everything you need to know about the Austin Rodeo before you go.
