Summer is half-way over, the kids are restless and you need a vacation. Austin is growing at the speed of light and there are benefits to living in this gorgeous city. KSA knows we don’t have to go far for an incredible Austin staycation experience. We put together a list of our favorite spots in the Austin area just for you! You'll be close to home yet feel like you're a million miles away.
KSA's Top 10 Austin Staycation Destinations:
1. The Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin. Pet-friendly.
This enchanting hotel has spacious rooms that overlook Lady Bird Lake. Bring along the kids for s’mores on the luxurious back lawn, scavenger hunts, and a stunning salt-water pool. Child-size bathrobes and complimentary baby toiletries provide them with an extra special experience. Take a short walk to the Congress Bridge to watch nightly bat flights; hit the lake via kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard rental; and take in a classic film at the Paramount Theatre. A little longer walk, or short pedi-cab ride, will get you to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, the Long Center with concerts and films on the lawn, and the shops and restaurants of South Congress.
2. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd., Cedar Creek. Pet-friendly.
This Texas Hill Country getaway is a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Austin. You’ll feel worlds away with movie nights under the stars; meet-and-greets with longhorns, miniature horses and alpacas. Summer events bring bouncy houses, tie-dye arts and crafts, flying demonstrations with birds of prey, s’mores by the fire, and glow stick dance parties. The resort itself is connected to over 18 miles of trails and the McKinney Roughs Nature Park. Spend the day hiking, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, fishing, and trapshooting. In addition to a spa and 18-hole golf course, is the Crooked River Water Park. It boasts a 1,000-foot lazy river, float-up bar, whirlpool, and two-story water slide for plenty of fun under the sun. There is something here for everyone.
3. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio.
Resort guests of all ages enjoy golf, tennis, spa treatments, a fitness center, and an onsite water park. Spend your day tanning in the lazy river and slipping down water slides. Don’t miss the 650-foot rapid river ride, children’s pools, adult pool, whirlpools, and activity pool with fountains and waterfalls. The resort also features a kids club for children ages 4-12 with fun activities, games, arts and crafts that incorporate the beautiful wildlife and history of San Antonio.
4. Hotel Eleven, 1123 E. 11th Street, Austin.
For more of a grown-up vibe, Hotel Eleven is situated in the heart of the vibrant East End District on East 11th Street. It's the perfect adult Austin staycation. This boutique hotel blends chic contemporary design with warm touches like artwork from Austin artists. The bar serves wine and locally brewed beers and guests in one of 14 rooms can enjoy the exclusive rooftop deck with 360-degree city views. It is conveniently located within walking distance to top-rated restaurants, such as Franklin Barbecue, Old Thousand, and Hillside Farmacy. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to unique bars on the east side and a quick drive to the heart of downtown. With Hotel Eleven, guests get neighborhood hospitality and vibrant city life all rolled into one.
5. Lakeway Resort and Spa, 101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway. Pets allowed under 60lbs ($100 non-refundable charge applies.)
Described as one of Austin’s most scenic destinations, the Lakeway Spa and Resort provides a rustic elegance. Enjoy cocktails at their lower level bar or dine on southern cuisine at the restaurant while overlooking panoramic views of sparkling lake Travis. Adults can unwind at the full-service spa, swim-up bar, and championship-level golf courses. Kids have their own play area with bounce houses, pingpong, air hockey, a pinball machine, arts and crafts, and more. Everyone is welcome at the three large swimming pools and whirlpool. There are lots of water-based activities on the lake to fill your weekend, from fishing to sailing to jet skiing.
6. The Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie Street, Coupland.
Eat, drink, dance, repeat. This quaint bed-and-breakfast is located 35 minutes outside of Austin in Coupland, and revolves around two things: good music and good food (Texas music and Southern homestyle cooking to be exact). Every weekend offers another chance to see talented musicians at the dance hall. Among the big names who have made their way on its stage is Dale Watson, Roger Creager, Kevin Fowler, and Bob Schneider. The restaurant is known for barbecue, but don’t overlook other comfort food classics like chicken fried steak and fried catfish. Aside from the eating and dancing, the fun of the Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall is getting to stay in a historic building built in 1904. Seven unique rooms in the inn are styled like an 1800's Wild West brothel. If you love country music, country-style food, and old-timey Texas, then this is the place for you.
7. Lake Austin Spa Resort, 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin. Pets allowed ($300 non-refundable deposit required.) Adults and children over 14 only.
Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin Spa Resort invites you to escape the hustle and bustle of life and head to their secluded retreat on the shores of Lake Austin. Embrace relaxation while enjoying all-inclusive packages complete with elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, unlimited indoor and outdoor fitness activities, and discovery programs. Whether you’re deserving of some quality pampering time, looking to reconnect with nature or desiring a guilt-free getaway, let your journey begin Lake Austin Spa Resort.
8. Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin. Pets allowed under 25lbs ($150 non-refundable deposit required.)
Relax under the care of trained masseuses, play a round of some of the best golf in the country, or experience everything the Live Music Capital of the World has to offer. The Omni provides the perfect accommodations for romantic weekends, golf getaways and memorable family vacations! Experience Austin’s world-class entertainment or stay and explore the resort’s luxurious spa, refreshing swimming pools, a miniature golf course and premier dining destinations.
9. Sage Hill Inn and Spa, 4444 W FM 150, Kyle. Adults and children over 16 only.
This place is incredibly beautiful. It sits atop a hill on 88 acres above Onion Creek, with sweeping views of the Hill Country to the West! This resort caters to adults 16 years and older, making it the ideal setting for a romantic Texas getaway. The sunsets are spectacular, and because the night sky is unimpaired by city lights, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the stars. The grounds are rich with wildlife including deer, blackbuck antelope, wild turkey, foxes, raccoons and abundant birdlife. The Sage Hill Inn & Spa is in an ideal location near Austin, right in the middle of the Hill Country Wine region, a few minutes from the Salt Lick BBQ, yet only fifteen minutes from the San Marcos Outlet Malls. You’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle but be able to drive there in no time!
10. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, San Antonio. Pets allowed under 50 lbs. (non-refundable $150 deposit applies.)
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa includes championship golf, tennis, a premier spa, a youth spa for teens, a fitness center, and a four-acre water park with several swimming pools. The kids can run wild along the man-made beach and lazy river, all nestled amid the gardens. The Camp Hyatt children’s program offers exciting games, arts and crafts, contests, nature hikes, swimming and more for kids ages 3-12. Located a short drive away from Sea World, Fiesta Texas, Morgan's Wonderland, and the DoSeum.
For more of our Austin staycation favorites, check out:
Horseshoe Bay on Lake LBJ
Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan
Archer Hotel
Fairmont Hotel
Heywood Hotel
Hotel Ella
Hotel Granduca Austin
Hotel Saint Cecilia
Hotel San José
Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin
Kimber Modern Boutique Hotel
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Lone Star Court
Renaissance Austin Hotel
South Congress Hotel
The Driskill
The Pearl Vintage Hotel
The Westin Austin Downtown
Travaasa Austin
W Austin Hotel
