{"id":482437,"date":"2026-10-31T14:50:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T14:50:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/482437\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T14:50:27","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T14:50:27","slug":"the-apex-edit-where-to-eat-shop-and-explore-in-austin-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/482437\/","title":{"rendered":"THE APEX EDIT: Where to eat, shop and explore in Austin, Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re so excited to welcome you to the first-ever edition of The Apex Edit \u2013 F1 ACADEMY\u2019s brand-new travel feature and your go-to for all destination race weekends. <\/p>\n

Think of us as your virtual tour guide: we\u2019ll be dishing up the absolute best things to do during your trip, including top attractions and must-see landmarks (perfect for those Insta snaps), along with the greatest spots to enjoy a bite to eat and drink, plus everything in between. <\/p>\n

We hope you love it as much as we do, and find plenty of inspiration to fuel your escapades. Our first stop: Austin, Texas!<\/p>\n

Grab your cowgirl hats and set your OOO, \u2018cause we\u2019re heading stateside for the Circuit of the Americas weekend on October 22\u201325! If you didn\u2019t know already, Austin is the eccentric cousin of the F1 ACADEMY family, and it\u2019s safe to say we\u2019re totally obsessed with this city\u2019s mantra of \u2018keeping it weird\u2019. <\/p>\n

So, saddle up, because we’ll be spilling the deets on where to track down vintage denim and thrifted gems, the most legendary food, and the attractions you need to add to your itinerary.<\/p>\n

\"PersonalisingPersonalising your own cowboy hat is a must-have accessory for Austin<\/p>\n

Racing aside, you definitely won\u2019t be bored in Austin. This lively city is jam-packed with iconic sights, vibrant culture and more off-track activities than you\u2019ll know what to do with! And because sessions are spread out across four days, there\u2019s more than enough time to explore the area and experience what\u2019s on offer.<\/p>\n

Need a reminder of the track schedule? Head over to our official Austin page<\/a>, where you\u2019ll be able to grab the times and dates for Practice and Qualifying, along with all three F1 ACADEMY races. You can also pick up tickets to see our cars in action for Practice and Qualifying on Thursday for just $20!<\/p>\n

Attractions & LandmarksCOTALAND<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019d be utterly remiss of us if we didn\u2019t mention Austin\u2019s brand-new theme park, COTALAND, that\u2019s situated slap-bang next to \u2014\u2013 you guessed it \u2013 COTA! This epic new attraction opened in September 2026 and offers something for every age and adventure level.<\/p>\n

Covering an impressive 30 acres, this place is crammed with over 30 rides and includes everything from gentle log flumes and wacky worm coasters to high-speed thrills that will amaze even the biggest adrenaline junkie. Special mention goes to Circuit Breaker \u2013 Texas\u2019 only tilt coaster that\u2019s officially ranked a Level 5 in intensity (the highest, FYI). Reckon you\u2019re brave enough to take it on?<\/p>\n

Peter Pan Mini-Golf<\/a><\/p>\n

If you want to visit a true Austin staple, it\u2019s got to be Peter Pan Mini-Golf. This place is something of an institution and has been a firm favourite since 1948. With two 18-hole courses to choose from and massive retro statues of a T. Rex and Peter himself, it\u2019s total nostalgia all round. Located just on the corner of Barton Springs and Lamar, this spot offers laid-back fun and is a brilliant way to show off your putting skills.<\/p>\n

\"COTALANDCOTALAND is a new addition to your race weekend experience at the Circuit of the AmericasCongress Avenue Bridge (Bat Bridge)<\/a><\/p>\n

At sunset, join locals and tourists alike as they flock to Congress Avenue Bridge, also affectionately known as \u2018Bat Bridge\u2019. Here, you\u2019ll soak up magnificent views as up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take to the skies. These guys make a grand appearance every evening from mid-March until late October before migrating south for winter. It\u2019s completely free to watch and such a spectacular sight \u2013 you won\u2019t want to miss it.<\/p>\n

Barton Springs Pool<\/a><\/p>\n

When you need a break from that Texas heat, head to Zilker Park and take a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Measuring three acres in size and fed by underground natural springs, this pool has an average temperature of 68\u201370 degrees Fahrenheit (20\u201321.1 degrees Celsius) year-round! You can buy your tickets online in advance or purchase them on the day at the on-site kiosk.<\/p>\n

Activate Games, Austin<\/a><\/p>\n

Fancy getting stuck into something a bit different? You\u2019ve got to try Activate on Feathergrass Ct at The Domain. With this experience, you\u2019ll enter the game and become the player, taking on a series of high-tech, interactive rooms that\u2019ll test your physical and mental skills. Get ready to dodge lasers, master glowing grid floors, and tackle climbing walls. It\u2019s ridiculously fun and competitive and packed with action from the get-go.<\/p>\n

Lake Travis Zip Line Adventures<\/a><\/p>\n

Take a 30-minute drive to the Hill Country to find Lake Travis Zip Line Adventures. It\u2019s home to five distinct zip lines, including the longest and fastest in Texas. Things kick off with a scenic boat ride across the lake, followed by a guided hike and exhilarating zip flights! Sunset and Full Moon tours are also available for a unique dusk or under-the-stars experience.<\/p>\n

\"EnjoyEnjoy the Austin sunset over at Lake TravisStyle & Shopping<\/p>\n

Austin\u2019s style rulebook is famously relaxed, so trackside dressing is a doddle, but don\u2019t for one moment mistake that for a lack of glam! It\u2019s all about the art of the high-low mix and nailing the modern cowgirl aesthetic \u2013 we\u2019re talking paddock cool though, not cheap fancy dress. For an effortless look, pair vintage-wash denim with an oversized graphic tee, and top it off with a hat and comfortable cowboy boots. Bear in mind you\u2019ll likely rack up around 20k steps a day at COTA, so trainers or your favourite pair of walking shoes are absolutely fine too.<\/p>\n

Want to sort your track outfit and snag an authentic piece of Texan style while you\u2019re here? Head to Allens Boots<\/a>, an iconic store on South Congress offering endless rows of hand-stitched boots and stacks of hats. You\u2019ll know you\u2019re in the right place thanks to the giant red sign outside!<\/p>\n

COMPETITION: Win a one-of-a-kind pair of F1 ACADEMY custom Tecovas Annie Boots<\/a><\/p>\n

For even more Western gear, there\u2019s also the Tecovas<\/a> flagship store on South Congress along with Feathers Boutique<\/a> for curated vintage denim and pre-loved designer gems. Finally, if you love digging for budget-friendly bargains, you\u2019ve got to check out South Congress Goodwill<\/a>, where you\u2019ll find all kinds of thrifted goodies. <\/p>\n

\"AtAt Tecovas, you can personalise your own cowboy bootsTacos, BBQ & Sweet Treats<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re in Austin, eating well is mandatory \u2013 and quite frankly, we\u2019re ready to experience a slice of the foodie action!<\/p>\n

For unapologetically pink feminine energy, you\u2019ve got to head to Taquero Mucho<\/a> in Downtown Austin. This beautiful woman-owned restaurant features tasteful decor, neon signs and a floral phone booth (and yes, it\u2019s a stellar photo op!). As for the menu, even the food is pink! Here, you\u2019ll find loads of yummy taco and Tex-Mex dishes, along with a killer brunch menu (did somebody say waffles?!), topped off with a lush mocktail list. Plus, there\u2019s even a cowboy hat vending machine.<\/p>\n

For our plant-based friends, visit Revolution Vegan Kitchen<\/a> at Thicket Food Park, a legendary food truck serving up mouthwatering vegan tacos, burgers, and loaded bites. Enjoy shaded seating areas or take it to go \u2013 all for a super affordable price.<\/p>\n

Tacos not your thing? No worries, because Texas BBQ is a huge deal here and a massive part of Austin culture. With that in mind, you\u2019ll never be far from a hearty BBQ joint! Visit Franklin Barbecue<\/a> in East Austin, arguably the most famous around thanks to bucket-list dishes like their world-renowned brisket \u2013 just be prepared to queue early for the full experience. Another top option is Terry Black\u2019s<\/a> on Barton Springs Road, serving up a variety of pit-smoked meats and signature sides.<\/p>\n

Got a sweet tooth? Pick up an aesthetically pleasing boba tea, a jiggly slice of cheesecake, or an insane ice-cream creation from OMG Squee<\/a> in East Austin, or go to The Salty Donut<\/a> in South Congress and indulge in artisan treats and coffee on their chic patio.<\/p>\n

\"KeepKeep this guide handy as you explore your way around Austin’s sightsAustin\u2019s Quick Hit Insta Spots<\/p>\n

F1 ACADEMY Paddock: Our number one go-to has to be the F1 ACADEMY paddock. Swing by to catch a glimpse of the cars, take some snaps and soak up the energy first hand. There\u2019s even autograph sessions with the drivers, so keep your eyes peeled!<\/p>\n

Austin Skyline: Day or night, capturing the city skyline is a classic. Visit Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk or Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge for the best angles.<\/p>\n

Taquero Mucho: An all-pink wonderland full of photogenic moments and tasty food. The viral phone booth is the star here though \u2013 you know what to do!<\/p>\n

Greetings from Austin: This retro-esque postcard mural in South Austin is a favourite with visitors. If you haven\u2019t taken a photo here, have you even been to the city?<\/p>\n

Tau Ceti Mural: This stunning rainbow optical illusion at 2nd and Brazos is Austin\u2019s tallest piece of public art. Towering at 103 feet, this magnificent colour spectrum makes for an unforgettable shot for your feed.<\/p>\n