Spring-fed pools, barbecue and a million bats at sunset. Here's what Austin is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.
Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Spring and autumn are perfect, with warm days and wildflowers in April. July and August are very hot, so plan pool time and indoor afternoons. Hotel prices jump during big events like SXSW in March and the Formula 1 race in autumn.
A huge natural pool fed by springs that stays around 20°C all year.
Up to 1.5 million bats fly out at dusk, March to October.
A hands-on children's museum for under-11s.
Wide lawns, a miniature train and kayaks on Lady Bird Lake.
Texas history with a shipwreck and an IMAX cinema.
A swimming hole under a collapsed cave. Book well ahead.
Yes, especially for families who like the outdoors and good food. It's relaxed and friendly, though you'll want a car to get around.
Four to six nights, or pair it with San Antonio, about 90 minutes away, for a Texas road trip.
Most British passport holders, children included, apply for an ESTA online before they fly rather than a visa. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
Yes, British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow, so it's easier than many US cities to reach.
Put Austin on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.