What to See & Do in Austin – 2024 United States Grand Prix

Your guide to the best off-track activities in Austin, Texas while attending the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2024.

  • The 2024 United States Grand Prix runs from October 18-20.Tickets are now on sale
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There’s a reason Austin is called the “live music capital of the world”: at practically any time of day you can hear live bands playing throughout downtown. So when you’re away from the track, make sure you take in all the city has to offer; have some time to take in a gig, eat some famous Tex-Mex or BBQ from a food truck, catch a film at the Alamo Drafthouse or go shopping on South Congress.

6th Street & Red River

What began as one small street full of rock, folk and jazz clubs has exploded into and entire city of live music centered around 6th street and Red River. Discover some of the most famous clubs in the country, and catch the next Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson (or Willie Nelson himself). South Congress also has some famous locales, such as the Continental Club, where you can hear up and coming musicians making a name for themselves. F1 photographer Jamey Price recommends his favorite spots in Austin: “Iron Cactus on 6th Street is great Tex-Mex food and then for a laugh, we almost always end up back at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. It’s a favorite of F1 mechanics, drivers and media.”

South Congress

South Austin has turned from a hip alternative to the bustle of downtown into an attraction in its own right. The street that begins at the Austin Capitol building takes on a distinctive character once you cross the river and head south, and it’s there that you’ll find boutique stores offering unique gifts and traditional Texan favorites such as cowboy boots and hats. You can also stop for a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks in the area offering everything from Indian to Mexican to Thai food, or a more upscale selection of eateries on the street itself.

University of Texas

Whether you’re a former student remembering the good old days or a tourist wanting to see something new, it’s worth visiting the UT campus. The massive campus is the home to the largest public university in the U.S. and spans miles, on which you’ll find beautiful parks, ponds, interesting architecture, tons of cafes, restaurants and bars, and of course the UT Tower, from which you can get a bird’s eye view of the city. The campus is located just north of downtown, within walking distance. More information on the attractions of UT can be found here.

Zilker Park

Nature lovers will adore Austin’s green spaces and family-friendly activities. Start at Zilker Park, which is just south of downtown and offers fantastic views of the skyline. The park has a botanical garden as well as the famous Barton Springs, a natural spring where you can cool off nearly year-round. If you’re up for an adventure, rent a canoe or kayak and head out to Barton Creek, which flows out to the Colorado River that runs through the city. Or, explore the wild area known as the Greenbelt, where you can go hiking, mountain biking or kayaking.

More Texas Travel Ideas

If you have a few extra days in your holiday itinerary, it’s worth hiring a car and taking a few day trips out of Austin to see more of what the Texas hill country has to offer. Head south on I-35 for about an hour and you’ll be in San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the Riverwalk. Head west for about two hours and you can visit Fredericksburg, Texas, a historic German settlement with a quaint downtown. The Enchanted Rock State Recreation Area features plenty for the outdoor lover, especially if you fancy a climb. Finally, Lockhart is the heart of BBQ country near Austin, and is not to be missed if you love smoked meats and the best BBQ sauces in the country.

What are your tips for things to do in Austin? Leave a comment!

7 thoughts on “What to See & Do in Austin – 2024 United States Grand Prix”

  1. Michael Fedorenko

    I was planning on staying in San Antonio and driving to COTA and parking at a shuttle lot. How will traffic be on I35? Are there other options. What are shuttle options if I stay in Austin?

    Thanks in advance,

    Mike

  2. Will there be any sponsor events downtown Austin this year (2018)? In years past streets were blocked off with plenty of things to do downtown related to F1. I think it was called F1 Fest.

  3. I heard the comedy scene is great in Austin too! Tickets to Rogan’s new Comedy Mothership club are always sold out but Brian Redban’s Sunset Strip Comedy Club still has shows that weekend.

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