The quieter side of Austin puts you closer to the parks, lakes, and trails that makes Texas such a special part of the United States.
North Central Austin is the area north of Downtown, running up to Round Rock. More residential than the rest of the city, North Central has one foot in the urban sprawl and one out in the country, making it the perfect base to explore a little of everything Austin has to offer (which is much more than just the music scene, trust us).
While Austin has an incredibly well-deserved global reputation as a partying and music city, it is also a city surrounded by green spaces, rivers, and lakes on all sides. You can easily combine your cool urban experience with rewarding natural pursuits. Biking, hiking, and walking trails crisscross the city, but the north side is fantastic for those that want more than just a quick stroll or a lunchtime cycle.
Over at the Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park you can swim, fish, or kayak all day long, or just lounge under the trees with a picnic (pick up locally grown produce and homemade goodies at the Sunday farmers market at Mueller). Hit the hiking and biking trails, or let your dog run wild in the off-leash areas, at Walnut Creek Park. With Austin’s mild winters, you can plan a vacation with outdoor activities here year round.
While North Central Austin is a little quieter than the sometimes-rowdy Downtown, there are plenty of nightlife, dining, and drinking options here, too. Cocktail bars, ramen kitchens, sports bars, neon-lit driving ranges, co-op breweries… you name it, North Central’s got it. These establishments are all dotted among the low-rise streets and residential neighborhoods. Chances are you’ll be able to get a seat in one of the venues at the weekend more easily than in Downtown’s busy Sixth Street.