Most people wait all year for those two weeks of vacation. This is when they can unwind and relax and have a little fun with the family. Of course the hard part about a 2-week vacation is
deciding where to go and what to do when you get there. And this can feel like a job in and of itself. With so many awesome destinations in the world, how can you choose the best one? And
how can you decide on the activities you’ll partake in once you get there? (Your family can’t even decide on a restaurant or movie without some kind of drama!)
Relax! We’re about to make your life a lot easier by sharing a fantastic destination right here in America. Austin, Texas is one of the most popular destinations in the country and for good
reason: there’s just so much to see and do. While you’re there, we definitely think you should consider swimming with dolphins.
Keep reading to find out more!
Did you know that Austin boasts more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the country or world? This city has been the incubator of sorts for some of the best musicians that have ever lived. Janis Joplin and Stevie Ray Vaughan both got their start in Austin, as did the Dixie Chicks and more artists.
In addition to being a hotspot for great music, Austin is also known for its quirky and laid-back vibe. In Austin, weird and wacky are a way of life and the motto here is “Keep Austin Weird.” It sure can be fun to visit and do some people watching.
Apart from catching a concert and people-watching, there is so much else to see and do. Austin gets about 300 days a year of pure sunshine, so if you like outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty here. Kayaking, hiking and horseback riding are just some of the things you and your family can enjoy while visiting. There are also plenty of museums, green parks and fantastic boutique shops to enjoy as well.
And you absolutely MUST take a day trip to nearby San Antonio to visit SeaWorld’s Discovery Point to swim with the dolphins!
SeaWorld’s Discovery Point is a very special place. You might even call it magical. The facility boasts an expansive Dolphin Lagoon that is home to some incredibly playful bottlenose dolphins!
There are a variety of ways visitors can experience these awesome sea creatures. Near the lagoon are sand-swept shores where you and your family can sit and view dolphin antics. There is also an underwater viewing area where you can get a really cool perspective of dolphins swimming around their natural habitat.
But if you want a real thrill then we highly recommend you sign up for one of Discovery Point’s in-water dolphin programs:
Inside of the Dolphin Lagoon is a special shallow area used for the in-water program. This special and unique dolphin interaction offers visitors a chance to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these wondrous creatures.
Program attendees will first change into their swimsuits as well as the wetsuits the park provides. You’ll then take part in a short orientation where you’ll learn all about dolphin behavior and communication. There will be a Q&A afterward to ask any questions you may have. Once you ask all your questions, you will be ready for your swim with dolphins near Austin Texas program.
And then comes the moment when you’ll slip into the water and finally meet your new dolphin pals. Having experienced this program ourselves, we can tell you that when you first meet the dolphins, you’ll want to laugh and cry at the same time. The moment is quite magical and you’ll find it hard to believe it’s actually happening!
You and your dolphin friend will have a chance to get to know one another and interact. You can hug and pet the dolphin and also feed them. But the best part of the interaction comes at the end when you get a chance to experience a dorsal fin tow. Hand on tight as your dolphin friend pulls you fast around the shallow end of the pool! It’s a completely exhilarating moment.
If you’ll be traveling with small children or people who are not good swimmers or comfortable in the water, you may wonder if there is a dolphin program for you. Yes, there is! The In-Water Dolphin Beach Interaction takes place in water that is only 20 inches deep, so everyone in your party will feel comfortable and safe.
Now just because there is less water does NOT mean there will be less fun! You’ll still have a thrilling experience and will get to learn all about dolphin behavior and communication and ask whatever questions you may have. And you’ll also be able to feed and pet these magical animals. While the water is not deep enough for a dorsal fin tow, the trainers will be sure your dolphins entertain you with their antics!
At this point we should definitely recommend you plan on spending an entire day – if not two – at Discovery Point because there are a ton of awesome animal programs to enjoy. Here are a couple of other ones we think you and your family will love:
Beluga whales are awesome! They look and act a bit like dolphins but are entirely unique. And speaking of unique, this in-water beluga program is also unique, being one of the only immersive programs of its kind in the entire world!
For this program you will also be provided a wetsuit to wear over your bathing suit and partake in a short orientation to learn about these curious animals. After a Q&A where you can ask any questions you may have, you’ll hop on a shuttle and be taken over to Beluga Bay to meet the whales! You’ll get about 20 minutes to spend in the water feeding, rubbing and petting the whales as they splash about you. This is an incredibly memorable experience as you can imagine!
Sea lions have been called the ‘puppies of the sea’ and when you meet one in-person, you’ll know exactly why: they’re charming, adorable and funny! Those sweet little brown eyes are so expressive and you’ll have a hard time not giggling your head off when one swims right up to you and bobs up and down, begging to be petted. This is really a special thing to experience and we highly encourage you to sign up.
During all of these programs, there will be a professional photographer snapping photos of your interaction. These photos will be available for purchase at the end of your program. What a great way to remember your time at Discovery Point!
SeaWorld’s Discovery Point is located in San Antonio, Texas, which is just an hour and a half away from Austin. This makes it a great choice for a fun day trip!
You have three basic travel options for getting to and from Discovery Point:
If you and your family are flying into Austin, you may want to consider renting a car at the airport. The great thing about rental cars is, you can come and go as you please and not stick to tight schedules because you have to catch a bus.
And speaking of bus:
Greyhound will get you to San Antonio for around $14 one way. If you’re on a tight budget, this may be the best way to go.
You also have the option of hiring an Uber or Lyft car to take you to Discovery Point and back. As of this writing, a Lyft ride from Austin to San Antonio was between $200 and $300. If you have multiple adults splitting this cost, it may not be a bad way to go.
Austin, Texas has no shortage of wonderful accommodations to fit all budgets. Here are a few we are personal fans of:
A four-star rated property, the Fairmont Austin is conveniently located in the heart of it all. The lavishly appointed rooms and suites offer guests lovely views of Lady Bird Lake, the State Capital, and a dazzling cityscape.
In addition to world-class luxury and comfort, the property also boasts exceptional dining options and an award-winning spa. Oh, there’s even a rooftop pool, which is the largest in Austin. For those travelers with a healthy budget, this landmark hotel offers every comfort and appointment required for a remarkable vacation experience.
101 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 600-2000
Another great hotel located in the heart of it all, ARRIVE Austin is a quaint boutique hotel that offers guests distinctive design and artwork and a relaxing environment to unwind. Guest rooms are bright and airy and appointed with plush robes and fine bed linens. oh, and in addition to these amenities, the hotel also offers room service. Everyone loves being on holiday and ordering up some food. Whether it’s having breakfast in bed before heading out for a busy day of sightseeing, or ordering a late-night pizza when you all realize you’re STILL hungry, room service is incredibly fun and even more convenient. Oh, and this hotel will even send up cocktails!
1813 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (737) 242-8080
For those families who are on a budget, there is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The hotel is clean and comfortable and is a great place to rest in between your adventures.
Rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and work desks plus coffee makers, microwaves and minifridges to warm up some late night snacks. What’s really great is that children 19 and under stay free with an adult. There is also a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, free parking and free breakfast each morning to power you up for the day! All-in-all, this standard hotel is a great option for those in search of a clean and comfortable room at very reasonable prices.
805 Neches St
Austin, TX 78701
Phone (512) 474-8600
While we definitely think you should make it a priority to visit Discovery Point in San Antonio to swim with the dolphins and other sea creatures, there are also plenty of cool and fun activities right in Austin:
Got a foodie or two in your group? Austin is known for its restaurant scene and you can take advantage during this great walking food tour. Explore the city’s culture and history through your stomach sampling a variety of delectable foods. From BBQ brisket to Italian cannoli and Austin-style breakfast tacos, you’ll be happy – and very full – after this tour!
412 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 910-5240
Austin has a lot of interesting history. You can either go to a museum to learn more about it or go a different route. A haunted walking tour gives you almost a behind-the-scenes perspective on Austin’s past. Hear spine-tingling tales during this walking tour. Maybe you’ll even catch something… otherworldly on your camera!
Want to eat (and drink) your heart out but without all the walking? Take a shuttle into Texas Hill Country to experience some of the best tasting wines and BBQ in the area. The great thing about a shuttle tour is you don’t have to worry, you can have a safe ride and enjoy yourself.
4311 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78745
Phone: 512-962-8636
One of Austin’s biggest landmarks is the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. LBJ was the 36th President of the United States and the library is located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. The library is open every day from 9-5 except on major holidays.
2313 Red River St
Austin, TX 78705
Phone: (512) 721-0200
So far you’ve learned about a great city to visit right here in the US, and you now know a few hotel options and wonderful activities in the area. All that’s really left to talk about is the RIGHT time to visit Austin.
There is always a right and wrong time to visit any location. You don’t want to be somewhere when it’s too hot, too cold, when prices are sky-high and there are throngs of tourists.
So with all of this in mind, when exactly is the ideal time to visit the great city of Austin? Weatherwise, the best time to go is between the months of September and November or between March and May, when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. The climate is just mild and enjoyable.
The winter months are also an excellent time to travel to Texas. Temperatures will generally be in the 60s, so you may need a jacket in the evening hours, but it’s still a great time to be in Austin.
Summertime can be a real beast in Austin and in Texas in general. Temps often climb into the 90s and things can get very sticky. Sometimes the temperature will even surpass 100 degrees in the summers!
Despite these hot temps and humidity, summer sees the most visitors to Austin. This is probably because so many kids get summer vacations off, and so it makes the only time families can travel. And because of this, the city is more crowded and you’ll end up paying higher prices for accommodations.
The moral of the story is, if you can avoid visiting Austin during summer, you’ll have the best time possible!
We’ve shared some of the great activities Austin has to offer, but there are still plenty of events we haven’t covered. Austin is known for throwing some great festivals. Their famous Austin City Limits Music Festival is usually held in the fall when the weather is ideal.
If you’d like to plan your trip around a festival, this link will allow you to view the activities calendar to get an idea of the events waiting for you and your family.
We really hope this article has given you plenty of things to think about when planning your next vacation. But we want to be sure we give you everything we can think of to plan an exceptional vacation getaway in Austin, Texas. Below you’ll find a few links that may help you begin to plan your next holiday:
Discovery Point in San Antonio
For most of us, that 2-week vacation only comes around once a year. For this reason, you want to do everything you can to ensure you and your family have a memorable vacation that creates even stronger bonds between you all. You simply can’t go wrong with a trip to Austin, Texas. And for memories you will have for a lifetime, don’t forget to take a day trip to nearby San Antonio to swim with the dolphin at Discovery Point!
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