{"id":463257,"date":"2026-10-11T22:00:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T22:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/463257\/"},"modified":"2026-10-11T22:00:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T22:00:10","slug":"formula-1-united-states-grand-prix-an-f1-fans-guide-to-austin-attractions-and-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/463257\/","title":{"rendered":"Formula 1 United States Grand Prix: An F1 fan\u2019s guide to Austin, attractions and things to do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">The United States Grand Prix is held at Circuit of The Americas, where the field climbs from the start to a wide Turn 1 with a view all the way to downtown Austin.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Beyond the track, Austin is the capital of Texas and bills itself as the Live Music Capital of the World. The Texas State Capitol stands at the top of Congress Avenue, a 16km (10-mile) trail loops around Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city, and the food runs from Central Texas barbecue to Tex-Mex.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Whatever brings you to Texas, there is plenty to fill the days around the <a class=\"text-brand-hot-red underline decoration-1 hover:decoration-[3px]\" data-f1rd-a7s-click=\"rich_text_atom_click\" data-f1rd-a7s-context=\"eyJhY3Rpb25UeXBlIjoidW5pdGVkX3N0YXRlc19ncmFuZF9wcml4X2xpbmtfY2xpY2tlZCIsImNsaWNrVGV4dCI6dHJ1ZSwicGF0aCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZvcm11bGExLmNvbS9lbi9yYWNpbmcvMjAyNi91bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzIiwicGF0aFR5cGUiOiJpbnRlcm5hbCJ9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.formula1.com\/en\/racing\/2026\/united-states\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">United States Grand Prix<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Introduction to Austin<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Race Dates \u2013 23\u201325 October 2026, with the Grand Prix held on Sunday<br \/>Time Zone \u2013 UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time)<br \/>Language \u2013 English<br \/>Currency \u2013 US dollar (USD)<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Good to Know \u2013 You can tap to pay with a contactless bank card or phone on CapMetro buses and trains, the city\u2019s public transport network.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">The legal age to buy or drink alcohol in Texas is 21, and shops, bars and restaurants may ask to see photo ID before serving you, so carry it with you when you head out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Austin is still warm in October with daytime highs of around 29C and overnight lows of around 15C. Light clothing, sun protection and an extra layer for the evenings will cover most days.<\/p>\n<p>Attractions in Austin<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Look up at the Texas State Capitol<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">At the top of Congress Avenue, the Texas State Capitol rises 92m (302ft) from the ground to the tip of the star held by the Goddess of Liberty statue on its dome. That makes it about 4.5m taller than the US Capitol in Washington, DC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Follow the Butler Trail<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops 16km (10 miles) around Lady Bird Lake, taking in the downtown skyline, parks and a boardwalk over the water. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards can be hired from outfitters along the lake. North America\u2019s largest urban bat population roosts beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge from late March until early autumn, so by race week many of the bats may already have moved on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Swim at Barton Springs Pool<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Set within Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool covers three acres and is fed by underground springs that keep the water at an average of around 20C all year. The springs are home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander and are a federally protected habitat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Catch a live set<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Musicians play everywhere from the airport terminal to grocery stores, as well as in clubs, coffee houses and concert halls. Downtown, the Red River Cultural District is home to much of the city\u2019s independent music scene, and 6th Street is another centre for live music and nightlife.<\/p>\n<p>Food and drink in Austin<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Join the queue for Central Texas barbecue<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Brisket and ribs head the menu at Austin\u2019s barbecue joints, alongside other smoked meats. At many of them you order at the counter, where the meat is sliced to order and sold by the pound, so tell the server how much you would like. The best-known places draw a line before they open, so arrive early, or look out for those that take orders for collection.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Start the day with a breakfast taco<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">The breakfast taco is one of Austin\u2019s signature dishes: a warm flour or corn tortilla folded around eggs with bacon, chorizo, potato, beans or cheese. Migas \u2013 scrambled eggs mixed with strips of fried tortilla \u2013 is a popular filling, and many taquerias and food trucks serve breakfast tacos all day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Share a bowl of queso<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Tex-Mex, a blend of Mexican and Texas-style comfort food, is found across the city, often in family-run restaurants that have been open for decades. Order queso \u2013 melted cheese dip, from the Spanish word for cheese \u2013 and it arrives with crisp tortilla chips, made for sharing around the table.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Seek out the food trucks<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Several of the city\u2019s best-known kitchens started life as food trucks and trailers, and plenty still trade from them, often parked outside breweries and bars, serving everything from barbecue to tacos. Walk up to the window, place your order and find a seat nearby: following your appetite from one truck to the next is about as Austin as an evening gets.<\/p>\n<p>Getting to Austin<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Austin-Bergstrom International Airport serves the city. Entry requirements for the United States vary by nationality, so check the US Department of State\u2019s official guidance before you travel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">CapMetro bus Route 20 starts at the airport, from a stop on the lower level just outside baggage claim, marked by a neon guitar, and runs into downtown, stopping near the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake and the University of Texas campus. Ride-hailing services also pick up at the airport.<\/p>\n<p>Getting around Austin<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Walk downtown and the lakeside<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Downtown is the most walkable part of Austin, and the Butler Trail winds through it, linking the centre with Zilker Park and the far side of Lady Bird Lake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Ride CapMetro<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">CapMetro runs bus and rail services across Austin, and you can tap to pay with a contactless bank card or phone. The operator\u2019s trip planner and apps give routes and live departure information.<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Reach the circuit<\/p>\n<p class=\"typography-module_body-s-regular__ul7F5 typography-module_md_body-m-regular__d9VRg typography-module_lg_body-l-regular__dPa5z\">Circuit of The Americas sits outside the city centre. Over the race weekend, the circuit runs shuttle buses to its main entrance from downtown Austin and from the north-east of the city, using a dedicated bus lane. Ride-hailing services use a separate drop-off point, with a free tram to the main entrance, and every car parking on site needs a pass bought in advance. Full travel information for the weekend is published on the <a class=\"text-brand-hot-red underline decoration-1 hover:decoration-[3px]\" data-f1rd-a7s-click=\"rich_text_atom_click\" data-f1rd-a7s-context=\"eyJhY3Rpb25UeXBlIjoib2ZmaWNpYWxfdW5pdGVkX3N0YXRlc19ncmFuZF9wcml4X3dlYnNpdGVfbGlua19jbGlja2VkIiwiY2xpY2tUZXh0Ijp0cnVlLCJwYXRoIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jaXJjdWl0b2Z0aGVhbWVyaWNhcy5jb20vZXZlbnQvZjEvIiwicGF0aFR5cGUiOiJleHRlcm5hbCJ9\" href=\"https:\/\/circuitoftheamericas.com\/event\/f1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">official United States Grand Prix website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The United States Grand Prix is held at Circuit of The Americas, where the field climbs from the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":463258,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[132,134,133],"class_list":["post-463257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-austin","tag-austin","tag-austin-headlines","tag-austin-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/463257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=463257"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/463257\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/463258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=463257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=463257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=463257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}