The race is the reason you're here. But Austin has enough going on that the other two days are worth planning properly — live music, real barbecue, and a city that runs late.
Where to stay in Austin
Hotels and apartments for race weekend
South Congress Avenue (SoCo) is the place to start. Independent boutiques, food trailers, and coffee shops run the length of the street from downtown to South Lamar. The Congress Avenue bridge over Lady Bird Lake has a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats — 1.5 million of them — that emerge at dusk between March and October.
For dinner, East Austin has the best concentration of food in the city — the stretch around East 6th Street and Cesar Chavez has everything from wood-fired tacos to proper cocktail bars. 6th Street itself is the live music corridor — if you haven't seen live music in Austin before, go. Even on a Tuesday night there's more going on than most cities manage on a Saturday.
Guided activities for day one
Best of Austin Driving Tour
A 2-hour overview of Austin's neighbourhoods — SoCo, East Austin, the Capitol, and the university district. Good orientation if it's your first time.
Austin Morning History Walking Tour
Ninety minutes through central Austin with a local guide — the history behind the city's growth from frontier town to tech hub.
COTA is 15 miles from downtown. On race day the roads around the circuit seize completely — do not try to drive yourself. The official shuttles run from Waterloo Park downtown and the Travis County Expo Center in northeast Austin, and drop you at the circuit entrance. Buy shuttle tickets in advance; they sell out.
The circuit has a proper big-show atmosphere — Ferris wheel, food village, and a main stage that runs concerts throughout the weekend. The Turn 1 grandstand and the hill overlooking the first few corners are both worth getting to early if your ticket allows for open seating.
Race logistics
Shuttle or rideshare from downtown. Allow 2 hours each way on race day. See the COTA getting there guide for shuttle stops, bag restrictions, and exit strategy.
If you're leaving in the afternoon, spend the morning at Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street. The queue starts before 8am and the food runs out by 1pm — get there early or accept that you'll queue. It's worth it. La Barbecue on East Cesar Chavez is a shorter wait and arguably just as good.
Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is a spring-fed outdoor swimming pool that stays at 20°C year-round — a good option for a race-weekend recovery morning. Rainey Street is the place for a final drink before your flight: a short strip of converted bungalows turned bars, calmer than 6th Street and better for a conversation.
Activities for day three
Austin BBQ & City Walking Tour
Guided tour visiting Austin's top barbecue spots with tastings. Covers the history of Texas BBQ culture alongside the food.
Private Austin Landmarks Tour — Ford Bronco
Small-group tour of Austin's neighbourhoods in an open-air Ford Bronco. Good for covering a lot of ground quickly on a departure day.
Circuit of The Americas is about 15 miles southeast of downtown Austin. Rideshare from downtown takes 20–30 minutes in normal traffic, but 60–90 minutes on race day. The official shuttle from downtown is the most reliable option.
Downtown Austin (near 6th Street and South Congress) is the most convenient — good access to the shuttle and within walking distance of most restaurants and bars. East Austin is quieter and slightly cheaper.
Live music on 6th Street, barbecue (Franklin, La Barbecue, Micklethwait), South Congress Avenue's independent shops and food trailers, Barton Springs Pool, and the Texas State Capitol building.
Yes — hotel prices triple or quadruple for race weekend. Book at least 6 months out. Airbnb can be cheaper if you're a group. Some people stay in San Marcos or Round Rock and drive in.
October in Austin is usually warm — 20–28°C — with low humidity. The occasional cold front can drop temperatures quickly. Pack a layer for evenings.
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