A fall getaway to Austin that coincides with Veterans Day means there will be additional events in the area to add interest to your stay. Commemorated on November 11, 2021, locals and visitors alike enjoy a day off work while honoring enlisted and fallen veterans of the armed forces. Enjoy all the best that Austin has to offer and take part in some of these memorable activities during your Veterans Day in Austin getaway!
Veterans Day Parade
Austin’s yearly Veterans Day Parade begins at the Ann Richards / Congress Avenue Bridge before making its way through the streets to the Texas State Capitol Building. For a great view of the many parade participants, stake your claim along Congress Avenue. At the conclusion of the parade, a brief ceremony will be held at the South steps of the state Capitol.
Touring the Texas State Capitol Building
While downtown for Austin’s Veterans Day Parade, this offers a great chance to further explore the Capitol building and its surrounding well-landscaped grounds. The Texas State Capitol Building is actually one of the most oft-visited landmarks in Austin, with intricate architecture that features stately columns and natural limestone. Both self-guided and guided tours are available of the building, offering visitors insight on the building itself, as well as Texas history and legislature.
Visit the Texas Military Forces Museum
Veterans Day in Austin presents an opportune time to honor enlisted and fallen veterans by visiting the Texas Military Forces Museum. The museum boasts 45,000 square feet packed with military items, including tanks, uniforms, weapons, helicopters, aircraft, and artillery, among other memorabilia. The museum covers a full span of Texas military history, from the first militia in 1823 to present-day forces. A variety of displays and exhibits tell the storied history of the part that the Texas Military Forces held in key events such as the Texas Revolution, the Mexican War, the Battles along the Indian Frontier, the War between the States, the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, Peace Keeping Deployments, and the Global War on Terror, among others. With free admission, this is an information-rich place to stop in on your Veteran’s Day trip to Austin!
Viewing Fall Foliage in Austin
Planning to be in Austin for Veterans Day means you just may catch the end of the area’s best fall foliage season, which is generally from late October to early November. Located just 13 miles south of downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is one of the best places near Austin for leaf peeping. Though you’re just outside of the bustling city, it feels as if you’re miles away once you’ve immersed yourself in the natural beauty of the park. Onion Creek flows tranquilly through the landscape, acting as the perfect reflection pool for the surrounding limestone bluffs and storied cypress trees. The leaves of the Bald Cypress and Red Oak trees turn brilliant colors of orange, red, and yellow, creating a fantastic fall display. The Park is home to nine miles of hiking trails, and Austin’s cooler fall weather makes it an ideal time to explore. Be sure to check out Old Baldy, the park’s oldest tree that is estimated at 500 years old. Fishing, hiking, and picnicking are some of the favorite activities for enjoying the beautiful grounds of McKinney Falls State Park!
Get Active Outdoors
With temperatures dipping into the low 70s in an Austin November, the weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities without having to beat the heat. Paddle along one of Austin’s many waterways, rent bikes for the afternoon, or enjoy being surrounded by nature even while right downtown. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers ample outdoor activities, from bouldering to hiking and swimming.
Raise a Glass
Give a toast to our country’s enlisted members and fallen veterans at one of the many bars located in downtown Austin. The seven blocks of 6th Street between Congress and IH 35 are packed with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and are a top destination in Austin for grabbing a drink. A favorite bar in this area is The Roosevelt Room, where you’ll find a wide assortment of carefully crafted cocktails, along with a handful of innovative house creations, all offered in a chic industrial space.
Accommodations for Veterans Day in Austin
Still in search of accommodations for your getaway to Austin over Veterans Day? At Austin Vacation Rentals, we offer a variety of vacation accommodation options both within the city and in the scenic surrounding Hill Country. Whether you’re in search of a vacation rental right amid the city’s action or a quieter fall retreat, there are many ways to enjoy Veterans Day in Austin. Contact our friendly staff today to learn more about your Austin vacation rental options and about the best ways to spend Veterans Day in the city of Austin!
