Things to eat, see and do in Austin, Texas

The wildflowers are in bloom and the weather’s warming up: spring is the perfect time for a Texas getaway. Here are some fresh ways to explore one little town that's getting serious buzz.

What to do: Yes, there are bands to see and barbecue to eat in Austin, but to get into the swing of spring, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and surround yourself with hundreds of Texas plant species. You can wander colorful trails, take guided garden tours and nature drawing classes, or forage for native edibles like prickly pear and Texas persimmon. Tuesday Twilights With a Twist pair  the gardens with music, cocktails and the sunset.

For the music Austin is famous for—indie and country—look for longtime favorites like The Little Longhorn Saloon and Hole in the Wall. Or, take the Austin Live Music Crawl to seek out lesser-known venues and catch a few shows with a local music guide.

If you need to get out of the sun, visit the Blanton Museum of Art, with works from ancient greek pottery to abstract expressionism. But if you’re in the mood to bask in the heat—and get your heart racing—head to NLand Surf Park for a clinic or group surfing session on the 14-acre inland surf lagoon. A taproom overlooking the action provides tasty post-surf rewards.

Where to stay: The historic Driskill Hotel in town; for tennis during your stay, visit Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas Lake & Hill Country.

Tennis-and-wine weekends, a dedicated doubles weekend, summer camps for kids and USTA red-clay tournaments are available. In New Braunfels, the acclaimed John Newcombe Tennis Ranch offers a range of adult getaways, including court time, meals, accommodations and entertainment.