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Come for the Conference, Stay for Austin

The NISOD Spring Conference can be a great opportunity to combine professional development with time away. Austin offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, outdoor spaces, and cultural experiences that make it easy to extend your visit beyond the conference schedule.

To make planning even easier, attendees are encouraged to book from the conference hotel block to take advantage of special rates and stay close to conference activities in the heart of downtown Austin.

Bring Your Family

Whether you’re traveling with a partner, children, or other family members, there’s plenty to explore nearby—from parks and museums to live music and local dining. Reviewing the suggested itineraries below can help you plan a trip that balances conference participation with memorable time together in Austin.

Bring Your Team

The NISOD Spring Conference is even more powerful when experienced together. Colleagues can learn side by side, spark new ideas, and return to campus aligned and ready to act.

  • Use the registration code TEAM2026 when registering five or more participants at the same time to receive the 10% group discount.
  • Use the registration code 11TEAM2026 when registering eleven or more participants at the same time to receive the 15% group discount.

Register today to receive the best rate!

Exploring on Your Own—or Together

If you’re traveling solo, feel free to enjoy the conference your way. Whether that means exploring independently, joining group activities, or a little of both, the conference experience is what you make of it.

Many conference attendees make new connections and will explore Austin together. The Whova app is a great tool to make plans. In the discussion threads, attendees often invite others to join them for dinner, sightseeing, and group outings. You never know who you will meet!

Itineraries

Choose your adventure! Discover what Austin has to offer and make memories with family, friends, colleagues, or go on solo adventures. Explore the city between conference sessions or plan to add travel days before and after the conference if your schedule allows. Start planning your experience in and around Austin, Texas with the itineraries below.

Art & Music

Day 1 – May 23 (Saturday)

Day 2 – May 24 (Sunday)

Dinner: NISOD Awards Dinner

Or, if you’re not joining us for the NISOD Awards Dinner…

Day 3 – May 25 (Monday)

Day 1 – May 23 (Saturday)

Day 2 – May 24 (Sunday)

Dinner: NISOD Awards Dinner

Or, if you’re not joining us for the NISOD Awards Dinner…

Day 3 – May 25 (Monday) *

    *CapTex Triathalon will be taking place Monday morning, road closures may be in effect

    Day 1 – May 23 (Saturday) Classic Austin & Zilker Fun

    Day 2 – May 24 (Sunday) Museum & Downtown Fun

    Dinner: NISOD Awards Dinner

    Or, if you’re not joining us for the NISOD Awards Dinner…

    Day 3 – May 25 (Monday) SoCo (South Congress) and Lady Bird Lake Fun

    • Breakfast option: Kerby Lane on Guadalupe- Classic Austin breakfast spot- this location puts you right near campus to start the day. https://kerbeylanecafe.com/locations/university
    • Activity option- Blanton Museum of Art: Features diverse art collections, including Latin American and modern works, with a popular outdoor space. https://blantonmuseum.org/
    • Activity option: Harry Ransom Center: A humanities research center with significant holdings like the Gutenberg Bible, early photography, and literary manuscripts. https://www.hrc.utexas.edu/
    • Activity Option: LBJ Presidential Library & Museum: Explores the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. https://www.lbjlibrary.org/
    • Activity Option: Texas Science & Natural History Museum: Showcases Texas’s natural history with fossils (like the Mosasaur) and wildlife dioramas. https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/
    • Activity option: Dolph Briscoe Center for American History: Home to unique archives and artifacts related to Texas and American history. https://briscoecenter.org/
    • Activity Option: Bullock Museum: A larger, state-run museum focusing on Texas history, featuring an IMAX theater. https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
    • Lunch option: Dirty Martin’s Place- Historic campus burger joint since 1926. https://www.dirtymartins.com/
    • Lunch option: El Patio- Classic Austin Tex-Mex. https://www.elpatioaustin.com/
    • Evening activity option: Donn’s Depot- gritty, historic Austin bar in a converted railroad depot known for strong drinks and classic live country and swing music. https://donnsdepot.com/

    Other Attractions & Landmarks

    Family-Friendly Activities Outside Austin

    Water Parks and Play

    Nature & Outdoor Adventures

    Animal Encounters/Interactive Fun

    • Austin Zoo- 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin- rescue-focused zoo with lions, tigers, monkeys and more. https://austinzoo.org
    • Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (Near San Antonio) – 1.5 hours from Austin- Drive-thru safari experience. https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com
    • Dinosaur Park – Bastrop – 40 minutes from Austin. Life-size dinosaur replicas and nature trails. https://www.thedinopark.com
    • Inner Space Cavern – Georgetown – 30 minutes from Austin. Guided cave tours with prehistoric fossils, zip rides and more. https://innerspacecavern.com

    • Tickets: Book early for ACL Live and Moody Center shows.
    • Transport: Use rideshare or walk between downtown venues.
    • Weather: May averages 66°–86°F, perfect for outdoor patios.
    • When possible, make reservations.
    • Group up with other attendees in the Whova app to explore together!

    Download a print-friendly version of these Austin itineraries here.