Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From IH-35 (Southbound): Exit 240 and follow signs for US-183 South. Turn east/left on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (go past Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At the stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From IH-35 (Northbound): Exit 231 for TX-71/290 toward Bastrop. Take exit for FM 973. Turn North/left on FM 973. Cross FM 969 and in 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Road. At the stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From Hwy 290: Turn South on Decker Ln., turn east/left on Decker Lake Rd., turn south/right on Blue Bluff Rd..
From Hwy 183 (Southbound): Turn east/left on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (pass Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd. NOTICE! Your GPS may direct you to turn east/left on Loyola, however it is closed due to construction on US-183. Use next exit for FM 969/MLK Blvd.
From Hwy 183 (Northbound): Turn east/right on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (pass Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At the stop sign turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From TX-130 Toll: Take Exit 444 toward FM 969 West (MKL Blvd. W). Turn north/right on FM 973; west/left on Decker Lake RD. At the stop sign turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
GPS: N 30.277617, W -97.611735
Austin is the capital city of Texas and an epicenter for culture, art, food and unparalleled experiences. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, this bustling metropolis always has something going on, from live music performances in small venues across the city to world-famous festivals.
The unofficial slogan, "Keep Austin Weird," is a testament to the city's uniqueness and dedication to maintaining local culture, even in a big city environment. Austin is unlike any city you've visited before, and you're sure to fall in love. Here are the five best ways to experience culture in Austin, TX.
There are several cultural districts in Austin, but the largest and most notable is the Red River Cultural District.
The Red River Cultural District is the heartbeat of downtown Austin. This 11-block stretch, located between 4th and 15th Streets, is a world-renowned cultural tourism destination for delicious foods, drinks and nightlife. Red River is also home to much of Austin's legendary live music scene, which reinforces the city's slogan — "The Live Music Capital of the World."
Visitors of this district get a unique taste of the immense diversity Austin has to offer, including honky tonk venues, dive bars and local art galleries. This lively area hosts many cultural events annually, including live music, comedy performances and film festivals like the now-famous SXSW event. Red River is also home to the twice-annual Pecan Street Festival, one of the largest and longest-running visual arts, crafts and music festivals in the nation.
The city of Austin is home to a wide range of interesting museum exhibits, showcasing everything from famous works of art to state history and interactive STEAM exhibits. Whether you're looking for something to do on a rainy day or you just love to visit museums, there's something for everyone in this exciting city.
The best museums in Austin provide a unique experience by allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's culture of diversity and inspiration. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art to explore more than 19,000 works, including Ellsworth Kelly's "Austin" — a stone building with brilliantly colored glass windows, marble panels and a totemic wood sculpture.
For modern art lovers, The Contemporary offers two distinct locations filled with world-class modern artwork and contemporary sculptures. Visitors at the Mexic-Art Museum can immerse themselves in traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino and Latin American art and culture through exhibitions of established and emerging artists.
Beyond the world of art and just a few blocks away from the state capital building, guests can visit City Hall or the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to learn the story of how Texas became Texas. For a more hands-on experience, families with children can visit the Thinkery, an indoor and outdoor children's museum that emphasizes STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
Austin is packed to the brim with talented artists doing what they love most, and one of the best ways to experience the city's culture is to see what the locals have to offer. Those seeking opportunities to take in locally made art and performances should check out some of the top art galleries and performing art venues in the city.
Catch a show with the longest-running theater company in Texas at the ZACH Theatre. The ZACH is known for creating intimate theater experiences that inspire audiences of all ages. For a performance experience with a spectacular view, visit the Long Center for Performing Arts — a venue that faces the Austin city skyline. This venue hosts a wide range of events, including performances from local arts groups like the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Austin.
Dive further into the Austin art scene by visiting the countless galleries and arts organizations spread throughout the city. One must-see venue, Canopy, houses artist studios along with a gallery space run by Austin's premier art organization, Big Medium. Another quintessentially Austin spot is the Yard Dog Gallery and shop, which showcases everything from quirky to classic, including fine art, folk art and outsider art.
While Austin has tons to offer, sometimes it's nice to take a day to spend some time outside the city limits and explore a nearby gem. Within an hour of Austin, you'll find adorable small towns with rich histories, cute downtown buildings, delicious food and unique opportunities. Here are two of the best Austin, TX, day trips:
As most foodies know, Texas is an essential destination for barbecue lovers. Those seeking the best of the best can travel just 35 minutes south of Austin to Lockhart, the official Barbecue Capital of Texas.
In Lockhart, you can indulge in some spectacular barbecue from countless flavorful joints, all vying for the chance to be declared the best in the state. The most popular options in town include Smitty's, Kreuz Market, Black's and Chisolm Trail BBQ. Make the most of your day trip by trying something from each spot and deciding for yourself which deserves the superlative title.
New Braunfels is a smaller city located about 45 minutes southeast of Austin. This charming city radiates the same creative energy as Austin, but with a rich German Texan heritage that offers a unique cultural experience. The city hosts annual festivals like the Wurstfest in November and the December Wassailfest.
One of the most popular attractions in New Braunfels is Gruene Hall. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the state's oldest continually operating dance hall. The venue hosts live music every night with music from up-and-coming musicians, with occasional surprise appearances from successful country stars like George Strait, who will perform secret sets for the small crowd.
Don't forget, the iconic Travis County Expo Center is just a 20-minute drive from the city's entertainment districts too!
As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin features live musicians almost everywhere. From the terminals of the Austin Airport to coffeehouses, bars and world-famous festivals, you can find live music just about everywhere you go in our vibrant city.
Austin is home to more than 250 live music venues of all sizes, but some of the most popular attractions for music lovers are our iconic small music venues. Must-see venues include The White Horse, Hotel Vegas, Broken Spoke, Hole in the Wall and Stubb's Bar-B-Q.
Before you can immerse yourself in the arts and culture of Austin, TX, you'll need a place to stay. Austin East KOA Holiday is the perfect option for those hoping to camp during their trip. Just 15 minutes from the bustle of downtown Austin, our top-rated facility offers Tent Sites and RV Sites. You will also find Deluxe Cabins if you prefer a glamping experience.
Start planning your next trip to the Lone Star State today by making your reservation at Austin East KOA Holiday. Give us a call, use our app or complete your reservation online to secure your ideal campsite and kickstart your Austin adventure.
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