SXSW, Austin City Limits, the Texas State Capitol, amazing live music… there’s so much to see and do when you’re in Austin.
Austin has so many local hotels and businesses worth visiting while you’re in town, it can be difficult to decide on a good itinerary, especially for a shorter trip where you’re hoping to do some sightseeing between business meetings (or SXSW events, for those in town for the annual conference). That’s why TPG and Capital One Business are teaming up to give business owners everything they need to know to make the most of their next trip, from where to stay and eat to how to take advantage of the Capital One Venture X Business card to enhance your experience.
how to get there
It’s easier than ever to get to Austin thanks to the continued expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The airport recently announced a multi-million dollar expansion That will add 32 gates in the coming years, and several airlines have added direct flights from domestic and international cities.
Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the two US airlines with the most flight options in and out of AUS (Delta recently added several new routes and has made Austin a “focus city”), but you won’t be short of options from any of the major US airlines.
Tip for TPG Business Owners: Use Capital One Business Travel
With so many options, you may be wondering how to choose the best flights. For Capital One Business customers, the Capital One Business Travel The platform can make it easy to compare your options while also getting access to benefits like price alerts, 24/7 support, and more.
Capital One Venture X Business Cardholders also earn 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and receive a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, a statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry every four years (up to $120), and access to Capital One Lounge and Landing select Priority Pass™ locations and lounges (for eligible cardholders; after registration).
where to stay
Austin has no shortage of fantastic hotels to choose from, but be sure to check them out. Austin Hotel (owned by Marriott Design Hotels). It is centrally located on Second Street in downtown Austin, which is a hot spot for local restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment.
The hotel itself is a great base for any trip to Austin, with something for every type of traveler. With four unique dining venues, all featuring locally sourced menu items, it’s a foodie’s dream. Wellness-focused travelers can enjoy the Verbena Spa, the state-of-the-art fitness center (with personal training available upon request), wellness classes, and even a recovery room equipped with a sauna and cold pool. You’ll also have access to a full calendar of events ranging from afternoon tea to live music.
One of our favorite amenities? You can reserve a private cabana at the rooftop pool. From Thursday to Saturday nights, live DJ sets play on the pool terrace.
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Other TPG-recommended hotels in Austin include:
- Hotel Van Zandt: A hotel in the Rainey Street district where you can borrow an in-room record player and a curated selection of vinyl records.
- Austin Motel: An iconic Austin mainstay on South Congress Avenue with a quirky, casual vibe.
- Miraval Austin: A wellness-focused resort with a luxurious spa away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin, which can be booked with World of Hyatt points.
- The Driskill: A supposedly haunted hotel that is one of the oldest lodging options in Austin, perfect for those seeking thrills and a story to accompany their stay.
TPG Business Owner Tip: Capital One Premier Collection Enhances Your Stay
For Capital One Business customers, Austin Proper and Hotel Van Zandt are part of the Premier Collection, which means access to exclusive benefits when booking through Capital One Business Travel, such as a $100 experience credit to use during your stay; daily complimentary breakfast for two; free wireless internet connection; and room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out when available.
And no matter which hotel you book, you can earn 10 miles for every dollar spent with your Capital One Venture X Business card when booking through Capital One Business Travel.
where to eat and drink
Austin is home to amazing locally owned coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and food activities that are worth your attention while you’re in town.
Be sure to hit Praxis Coffee Roasters (has a location on the east side and south side), where you can get coffee sourced directly from farms around the world. You must try the Honey Lavender Latte – it uses local honey and organic lavender. Jo’s Coffee Sur Congress It’s also a great option for those in downtown Austin, and Summer Moon is a unique Austin-based chain with multiple locations.
There are literally too many fantastic restaurants to list them all here, but one of TPG’s favorites is definitely Odd Duck. Serving an eclectic and delicious dinner menu that pays homage to the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit with entrees like braised goat pizza and antelope tataki. Be sure to save room for dessert, so you can try the Oatmeal Ice Cream Pie—Odd Duck’s take on the classic Southern cold dessert.
Other places we recommend include:
- sitia Southeast Asian spot with a menu inspired by the matriarchies of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, is near and dear to my heart.
- LeRoy and Lewis It’s great if you’re looking for a fresh take on Texas barbecue. He even sources his meats from local butchers.
- jeffrey’s It’s a locally owned steakhouse that people rave about.
After a meal, hit small victory in downtown Austin for intimate cocktails and conversation, or The Roosevelt Room for an exclusive atmosphere. If you’re looking for a more traditional honky tonk vibe, check out The white horse.
If you’re in the mood for a tasting experience, try Antonelli Cheese. You can sign up for a guided tasting of a full meal of artisanal cheeses expertly blended for the perfect bite. It has a full online events calendar where you can sign up for a standard tasting or a special event; Just be sure to book early as spaces fill up quickly!
Things to do
Of course, there’s more to the city than just food and drink.
At TPG, we love finding shops and activities that give you a real sense of a destination and the opportunity to take home souvenirs that really speak to the local vibe.
Taking this into account, you should check Maufrais hat barwhere you can customize your own cowboy hat. While this is definitely an investment piece, Maufrais gives you the opportunity to work directly with artisans to get the perfect fit and accessories to make a truly unique hat to take home.
For a more in-depth look at Austin’s art scene, be sure to stop by. Art for the People Gallery. This art gallery features local artists and rotating exhibitions, and you can even take home select prints and artwork from the gallery store.
If you feel like getting out of the city and enjoying the outdoors, we recommend Barkin’ Springs. It’s a free, dog-friendly alternative to the popular Barton Springs Pool. Barkin’ Springs is downstream from its well-known neighbor, but you can enter without paying an entrance fee.
This is just a small selection of TPG’s favorite spots, but there really is something for everyone in Austin:
- Tourists can visit the Texas State Capitol in Austin for sightseeing tours.
- South Congress Avenue and South First Street are full of local shops worth visiting.
- There are tons of walking and biking trails within your reach, including the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
- We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the live music scene, given Austin’s title as the Live Music Capital of the World.
And of course, if you’re in town during one of Austin’s iconic annual events, like SXSW (normally takes place during the second week of March each year) or the Austin city limits music festival (held over two weekends every October), you have to check them out. For small business owners, SXSW can be an especially impactful conference where you can network, attend conference sessions relevant to your business, and learn about local Austin businesses, all in one place.
TPG Business Owner Tip: Use Venture X Business to Earn Double Miles
When you’re following all of TPG’s recommendations in Austin, the Capital One Venture X Business The card makes earning rewards simple by earning 2 unlimited miles per dollar spent on all your purchases, anywhere. It’s a great way to earn rewards when buying souvenirs, shopping locally, and booking all the experiences that will make your trip great (especially those purchases that don’t usually earn additional rewards with other cards).
The card includes many valuable benefits that make it easy to offset the affordable $395 annual fee (see rates and fees), such as a $300 annual credit and high earning rates on hotels, rental cars, vacation rentals, and flights booked through Capital One Business Travel; access to the airport VIP lounge; 10,000 anniversary miles each year you have the card; and much more.
