East Austin
East Austin gives off an unmistakable “Keep Austin Weird” vibe that creatives and artists can’t get enough of. The neighborhood’s transformation from a sleepy residential area into one of Austin’s trendiest districts is visible everywhere you turn. Once empty lots are now overflowing with colorful murals, stylish boutiques, craft breweries, and eclectic mom-and-pop eateries. Spend an afternoon hopping from the hip coffee shops to galleries showcasing local artwork. In the evening, catch a live show at iconic venues like Hole in the Wall. Plus, the East Austin culinary scene is booming with diverse flavors. From Tex-Mex staples at Veracruz All Natural to inventive fusion fare at Kemuri Tatsu-ya, your tastebuds will be doing a happy dance.
South Congress (SoCo)
SoCo brings the vintage, funky charm that gives Austin its signature quirky character. This iconic neighborhood is packed with one-of-a-kind specialty shops, music joints blaring blues and rock tunes, and food trucks galore. Stop by the iconic “I love you so much” mural off South Congress Ave for the ultimate Austin photo op. Then stroll down the street and dive into stylish boutiques selling everything from cowboy boots and vinyl records to hilarious novelty gifts. When you’re ready for a break, grab a picnic table under the string lights at Güero’s Taco Bar and indulge in the famous fish tacos and frozen margaritas. For dessert, skip the line at Hey Cupcake for a delightfully messy treat.
Rainey Street
This hip and happening nightlife district is where Austin comes to party. Rainey Street is lined with lively bars and restaurants housed within the neighborhood’s former bungalow homes, lending it a refreshingly unique atmosphere unlike any other bar scene. Start your night at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, a laidback watering hole dishing up gourmet sausages and over 200 beer selections from around the world. When it’s time to let loose, join the throngs of revelers at Container Bar—an outdoor bar made entirely from shipping containers. Or check out Craft Pride, a massive LGBTQ+ bar famous for its beers and events ranging from drag shows to cabana parties. With so many venues to hop between, your group will be thankful you booked Party Buses Austin’s transportation!
Sixth Street
Bright neon lights, honky tonk bars, and rambunctious crowds of music lovers—this is Sixth Street, Austin’s iconic party hub. Here you’ll find a seemingly endless stretch of western dancehalls, dives, lounges, and live music venues blasting out everything from twangy country to heavy metal. Party hoppers particularly flock to the East Sixth Street area, where the nightlife is concentrated within two blocks. Take your pick from iconic haunts like the Continental Club, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, The White Horse, and more. Is your liver already screaming for mercy? Not to worry, Sixth is also where to find cheap late-night eats like food truck chalupas and pizza by the slice to keep the good times rolling.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
For a refreshing break from Austin’s bustling urban areas, head outdoors to Barton Creek Greenbelt, an oasis of natural beauty just minutes away from downtown. Spanning 12.68 miles, the Greenbelt offers endless opportunities for hiking, swimming, picnicking, and other outdoor recreation. One of the coolest spots is the iconic Sculpture Falls, often topping lists of the best places for swimming near Austin. The turquoise green waters are perfect for cooling off on a hot Texas day. For epic hiking, the Trail to Hill of Life leads hikers along rocky cliffs with views overlooking the greenbelt. Regular guided hikes are also available for visitors looking to learn about local flora and fauna from expert naturalists.
West Sixth Street
When Austin was just a tiny town in the 1800s, West Sixth Street was at the heart of its development as a business and entertainment district. Today, as one of Austin’s hottest nightlife stretches, “West 6th” remains a showcase of historic landmarks intermixed with new trendy bars and restaurants. Among the historic buildings, the Driskill Hotel is a standout Romanesque-style architectural gem originally built in 1886 as a showplace hotel. For outdoor entertainment, catch a movie under the stars at The Battlefield or cheer on the Austin FC at the Q2 Stadium. And for the foodies in your group, hop between James Beard-awarded drink menus and creative farm-to-table fare ranging from sushi and French cuisine to down-home Texan barbecue.
Hyde Park
Just north of the University of Texas campus sits the gorgeous tree-lined streets and historic homes of Hyde Park. Austin’s first suburb was founded in 1891 and still maintains a “small town” ambiance with cozy shops, buzzy restaurants, and architectural gems around every turn. Take a stroll along Duval Street to discover some of Austin’s best-kept secrets, like the quirky Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata. Join locals brunching and lingering over coffee at beloved cafes like Antonelli’s Cheesehouse and Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery. For retail therapy, you’ll find indie bookstores, vintage clothing boutiques, antique home goods stores, and plenty of independent art galleries. As for dining, don’t sleep on standout restaurants like Julio’s for upscale Tex-Mex and Asti for delicious pizza and pasta.
Mueller Community
This modern, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood brings creative urban living to an entirely new level in Austin. Built upon the foundations of the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the Mueller Community combines residential homes with retail, parks, trails, and event spaces. The development practices what it preaches with sustainable features like community gardens and green spaces around every corner. Stroll along Berkman Drive, the Mueller neighborhood’s “Main Street,” to discover local favorites like home goods boutique Moss or the dog-friendly JuiceLand outpost with smoothies and juice blends. Another highlight is The Thinkery: the outstanding children’s museum will delight kids of all ages with interactive science and technology exhibits. For festivals and events, head to Mueller Lake Park, a 30-acre green space hosting outdoor concerts, food truck rallies, and more year-round.
Book a Bus With Us
What’s the best way to experience all of Austin’s vibrant neighborhoods, events, and attractions without stressing over driving directions or navigating chaotic city traffic? You guessed it—a private charter bus rental from Party Buses Austin! We offer transportation services all over the Austin metro area, making getting around easy for groups of all sizes. Whether you need a compact minibus for touring East Austin’s mural scene or a full-sized motorcoach to shuttle your sports team to a game, we’ve got you covered. All of our buses are stocked with premium amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, TVs, and more to keep your group comfortable. Don’t leave your Austin trip to chance—call 512-375-4204 now to book reliable group transportation with Party Buses Austin.