Barton Springs is a magical spot in Austin. The pool is feed by underground springs and its average temperature is always 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming. Cost is $9 for out of towners. Closed for cleaning on Thursdays.

Mount Bonnell is a free hiking trail, within city limits. It is the highest peak in the city, at 775 feet, with great views of the city skyline, the 360 bridge, beautiful homes, and Lake Austin. The word "hike" can be taken lightly, as its really a tourist destination, with a 102-step climb. Its a great spot of picture taking!

Pro-tip: Lock your doors and hide belongings. Thieves have broken windows to steal valuables!

Not far from Mount Bonnell is Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. Mayfield includes an historic cottage, 2 acres of colorful cottage gardens with towering palm trees, and delicate water lilies, all blending in beautiful harmony. Peacocks roam freely in the park! The park is surrounded by a 21-acre natural area, with walking trails and wildlife habitat.

Starting in late March and continuing through early fall, North America's largest urban bat population calls Austin home. The bats begin to wake up and start their night flight around sunset, when the first few bats begin to trickle out from under the bridge. But after the sun sets, the show really begins, and hundreds to thousands of bats pour out and cascade east over Lady Bird Lake.

The best time to witness the bats is around sunset, but the nightly show can take place anywhere from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. It can take as long as 45 minutes for all of the bats to exit the bridge for the night.

Plan to arrive early to find parking and secure your spot.

A trip to central Texas wouldn't be complete without a Tex-Mex meal. This ain't Mexican food; Tex-Mex is its own cuisine! One of our favorite restaurants is Chuy's. There are many locations around the Austin area. We've linked the address to Chuy's on 183 (Research BLVD), but you can also visit Chuy's on North Lamar BLVD. We love both locations!

Another well known Tex Mex restaurant is Hula Hut, on Lake Austin. Close to downtown, but on the water, Hula Hut marries Tex Mex with a Hawaiian flair.

South Congress, aka "Soco", is a great place to grab a coffee or a slice of pizza, walk through shops, and people watch.

Want a group shot in front of some of the famous Austin murals? Visit Jo's Coffee to see the "I love you so much" mural and Home Slice Pizza is for the "Wille for President" mural.

If you have time during your trip to Austin, we highly recommend driving to Driftwood for BBQ. The Salt Lick is an iconic Texas BBQ joint, famous for great over the flame cowboy style cook meats, with famous sauces & rubs, in a relaxed and rustic setting.

San Antonio is about 2 hours south of Austin, via I-35. If you have a few extra days in Texas, The Riverwalk and Alamo are a fun spot of be a tourist.