visit orange tx

Top Things to Do in Orange

Things to do in orange.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

2. Stark Museum of Art

3. W.H. Stark House

4. Texas Travel Information Center

5. Orangefield Cormier Museum

6. Blue Elbow Swamp

7. Free State Cellars

8. First Presbyterian Church

9. Lutcher Theater

10. Orange City Lions Park

11. Life Church

12. Heritage House Museum

13. Stix Pool Hall

14. sunset grove country club, inc., 15. cotton's cay, 16. jade flower asian massage, 17. true image spa'tique, 18. innovations hair design & day spa.

19. Dragon Lady Airboats

What travellers are saying

• Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
• Texas Travel Information Center
• Stark Museum of Art
• Lutcher Theater
• W.H. Stark House
• Blue Elbow Swamp
• Orange City Lions Park

Top Things to Do in Orange, TX

Places to visit in orange.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

2. Stark Museum of Art

3. W.H. Stark House

4. Texas Travel Information Center

5. Orangefield Cormier Museum

6. Blue Elbow Swamp

7. Free State Cellars

8. First Presbyterian Church

9. Lutcher Theater

10. Orange City Lions Park

11. Life Church

12. Heritage House Museum

13. Stix Pool Hall

14. sunset grove country club, inc., 15. cotton's cay, 16. jade flower asian massage, 17. true image spa'tique, 18. innovations hair design & day spa.

19. Dragon Lady Airboats

What travellers are saying

• Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
• Texas Travel Information Center
• Stark Museum of Art
• Lutcher Theater
• W.H. Stark House
• Blue Elbow Swamp
• Orange City Lions Park

Orange, Texas

The City of Orange is located in Orange County Texas on Interstate Highway I-10, about 30 miles east of Beaumont, and near the Louisiana border. The city is a point of what is known as the " Golden Triangle " along with Port Arthur  and  Beaumont .

The city came into existence in 1836, the year Texas won its independence from Mexico.  The dredging of the harbor in 1916 enabled the construction of ships during World War I. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, World War II had a dramatic impact on the city of Orange. Almost overnight the small town of 7,000 residents became a bustling “booming” city as shipyards began building ships again. Other local industries were expanded to meet tremendous wartime demands.

The Port of Orange became a deep-water port open to the Gulf of Mexico and the world's oceans when a 25-foot channel through Sabine Lake, past Sabine Pass, and out to the Gulf of Mexico was completed. The port continues today as an integral part of the East Texas economy and business environment.

Among the industries operating today in Orange are petrochemical products, steel fabrication, shipbuilding, rubber products, paper products, and plastics.

Today, Orange offers its 19,000 citizens an array of employment, recreation and shopping opportunities.

The Orange Zip Codes are 77630-77632, and its Area Code is 409. Commercial aviation service is located at nearby Southeast Texas Regional Airport, and general aviation service is provided by Orange County Airport.

Although Orange has been severely damaged by Hurricanes Rita, Ike and Harvey in recent years, its citizens remain strong and committed to rebuilding and continuing the East Texas lifestyle!

Lodging Options in the Orange Area

Area attractions.

Orange offers residents and visitors a wide-range of attractions and things to do. From museums to entertainment districts, from historic sites to a wealth of outdoor activities, Orange has it all!

Included below are highlights of popular Orange attractions ... but there are many more. For a complete review of attractions, maps, events and more, we highly recommend a visit to the website of the Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau .

Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts

The formal 252-acregardens contain more than 300 plant species.

Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry.

The Nature Center includes a hands-on exhibit called the Nature Discovery Center, a laboratory, and three outdoor classrooms located deep in the cypress swamp. 

Website of Shangri La Botanical Gardens

W.H. Stark House

Built in 1894, the W.H. Stark House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

It is a restored, 14,000-square-foot Victorian home located on the corner between Green Avenue and Sixth Street in Orange.

Website of the W.H. Stark House

Lamar State College at Orange

Lamar State College Orange has a student body of approximately 2,700. Two-year academic programs are offered in business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, liberal arts, theater, natural science and sociology.

These academic programs lead to associate of science degrees and will transfer to four-year institutions for students seeking baccalaureate degrees. Thirty technical programs are available, leading to associate of applied science degrees, certificates of completion and institutional awards. Some of these degrees include process operating and industrial technology, instrumentation, and medical office.

It is located at 410 front Street in Orange. For more information, visit the Lamar State College Website

National Hurricane Center

Texas Media Outlets

KLTV Tyler ABC Tyler Weather KTRE-TV - Nacogdoches Weather KFDM-TV - Beaumont Weather KBTX-TV Bryan-College Station Weather

Houston Chronicle Weather WFAA Dallas Weather

Other Texas Weather Sources

TxDOT - Inclement Weather ERCOT - Weather

Orange, Texas Information & Resources

• City of Orange
• City of West Orange
• Port of Orange
• Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce
• Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Orange County in Texas
• Lutcher Theater
• Things to Do in Orange at TripAdvisor

Map Showing Location of Orange in East Texas

Interactive Map of Orange Texas (courtesy of Google)

Other East Texas Attractions

While visiting the Orange area, tourists may want to take other interesting day trips:

• Livingston - Polk County Memorial Museum, Pedigo Park, Trade Days, Locomotive No. 5, Lake Livingston, Sam Rayburn Reservoir
• Coldspring - Davy Crockett National Forest, Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Livingston, Double Lake Recreational Area
• Groveton - Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Davy  Crockett National Forest
• Crockett - Houston County Museum, Monroe-Cook House, Houston County Lake, Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari, Piney Woods Fine Arts Association
• Center - Toledo Bend Reservoir, Shelby County Museum, What-A-Melon Festival, bird watching
• Jasper - Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sandy Creek Park, Azalea Festival in March, Air Show in April, Jasper Lions Club Rodeo in May, a Fourth of July Celebration, and the Fall Festival in October. 
• Woodville - Tyler County Dogwood Festival, Festival of the Arts and the Harvest Festival. Outdoor activities abound in the nearby Martin Dies Jr. State Park and the Big Thicket National Preserve.
• Newton - Toledo Ben Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir
• Hemphill - Recreational opportunities abound in the Hemphill area, with its closeness to the Sabine National Forest, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the Trail Between the Lakes. Also popular attractions are the Sabine County Jail Museum and Vergie Speights Memorial Library. In town is the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA "Remembering Columbia" Museum
• Port Arthur - Pompeiian Villa, Sea Rim State Park, Museum of the Gulf Coast, Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park, Dutch Windmill Museum and the French House
• Beaumont - Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center, Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Crockett Street Entertainment District, McFaddin-Ward House and Museum, Texas Energy Museum, Fire Museum of Texas, Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum, St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, and the Big Thicket National Preserve
• Toledo Bend Reservoir - boating, fishing, swimming, marinas, hiking, camping, golf, resorts, restaurants

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Orange

Things to do in orange.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

2. Stark Museum of Art

3. W.H. Stark House

4. Texas Travel Information Center

5. Orangefield Cormier Museum

6. Blue Elbow Swamp

7. Free State Cellars

8. First Presbyterian Church

9. Lutcher Theater

10. Orange City Lions Park

11. Life Church

12. Heritage House Museum

13. Stix Pool Hall

14. sunset grove country club, inc., 15. cotton's cay, 16. jade flower asian massage, 17. true image spa'tique, 18. innovations hair design & day spa.

19. Dragon Lady Airboats

What travellers are saying

• Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
• Texas Travel Information Center
• Stark Museum of Art
• Lutcher Theater
• W.H. Stark House
• Blue Elbow Swamp
• Orange City Lions Park

Plan your next visit in a special way at

Orange train depot museum.

Friends of the Orange Depot

From Depot to Historic Landmark

The victorian-style building was erected in 1902 by southern pacific railroad and operated as a bustling and indispensable part of life in orange until passenger train traffic through the region diminished in the middle of the 20th century.  our organization, the friends of the orange depot, raised the funds to renovate the building and now it proudly displays its historic landmark..

Depot Day 

Join us for our annual fundraiser the first saturday of may  each year, depot day brings fun activities for the whole family, including a kiddie train, exciting rides, food vendors, dancers and musical entertainment.  inside the depot model railroad displays and tours of the historic depot are also available.  in 2024, depot day will be even more spectacular as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to all our loyal volunteers who helped us have a banner depot day.

Make your Event Extra Special

Schedule it at the historical orange train depot museum , for information & rental prices.

For an exciting look at Depot history, watch this excellent short video.

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The Best Time to Visit Orange, TX, US for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Orange for ideal weather are

February 19th to May 6th

October 1st to november 25th.

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Orange Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Orange Travel Info

Weather in orange.

Average temperatures in Orange vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel nice most of the year, excluding some hot weeks in the summer, with a very low chance of precipitation throughout the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 54th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Orange, the hottest months are August, June, and then July. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid August where highs are regularly around 93°F (33.9°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 75.4°F (24.1°C) at night.

Orange Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Orange temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Orange Perceived Temperature (F)

Orange perceived temperature (c), average orange temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Orange are January, May, and then July. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid January. For example, on the week of January 15th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early September with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of September 3rd.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Orange.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Orange (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Orange has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is October (68% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (74.5%).

Wind in Orange is usually calm . The windiest month is April, followed by March and February. April’s average wind speed of around 6 knots (6.9 MPH or 11.1 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid April where average top sustained speeds reach 13.5 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Orange.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to orange.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the United States; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Orange, TX, US is June, followed by July and May. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Orange in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall orange travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 87.4°F (30.8°C) and 67.5°F (19.7°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 2 to 3 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see moderate precipitation with 2 to 3 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Orange, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 88.7°F (31.5°C) and 67.6°F (19.8°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: approximately 3 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Orange to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 68.2°F (20.1°C) and 59.1°F (15.1°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 2 to 3 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › the United States › Orange, TX, US

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DT Jay Toia returning to UCLA despite Texas visit

The Longhorns missed on a key target in the transfer portal.

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Share All sharing options for: DT Jay Toia returning to UCLA despite Texas visit

The connections of co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Johnny Nansen aren’t enough to entirely reshape the interior defensive line for the Texas Longhorns as UCLA Bruins defensive tackle Jay Toia announced on Monday evening that he’s returning to Westwood after entering the NCAA transfer portal and visiting the Forty Acres for Saturday’s Orange-White game.

I’M BACK!! Bruin Nation! I’m Back! Im Ready to Finish what I Started! 4s Up!! - Jay Toia #DRE #DoMore pic.twitter.com/BJEQyTmNu8 — UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) April 23, 2024

According to a report out of Los Angeles, the UCLA NIL Collective was able to make a big play for Toia to retain the 6’3, 325-pounder senior.

Deshaun Foster alluded to today being the final decision for Jay Toia if he was indeed going to stay in the transfer portal. From an off record source close to The Wooden Fund, I heard UCLA has the $ to bring him back and that they think Jay wants to stay …stay tuned! — Will Decker (@WillLAFBnetwork) April 22, 2024

Nansen’s connections were enough for Texas to land former Arizona defensive tackles Tia Savea and Bill Norton, who committed on Monday, but to land another player at the position, the Longhorns won’t have that luxury as head coach Steve Sarkisian tries to land a big human to fill the last major remaining roster need.

The good news is that former TCU defensive tackle Damonic Williams is visiting Texas on Tuesday following a trip to Norman over the weekend, so there is another target the Longhorns are pursuing to make up for the miss on Toia.

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• The 2024 NFL Draft could be historic for Texas
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• Texas WR Adonai Mitchell selected with the No. 33 pick by the Indianapolis Colts
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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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Five takeaways from texas' orange-white game performance, share this article.

The Orange-White game is complete and we have several thoughts on the game. The primary takeaways revolve around the quarterback position.

Arch Manning got his first extended action at quarterback for a live viewing audience. We’ll preface the perfomance with this caveat: It was only a spring game. But there were things Manning displayed that were more than hitting wide open receivers and making easy plays.

The performance showed how much Manning has grown since last offseason. I’m not as interested in the wide open downfield throws he made as the way he manipulated the defense with his eyes, moved well in the pocket, moved to throw, ran when he needed to and consistently completed passes in short, intermediate and downfield throws. Manning is the real deal.

Quinn Ewers is still the starting quarterback. Two lackluster drives don’t necessitate giving up on the signal caller. We still would have liked to see a more locked in and sharp performance from the veteran player. Let’s look at a few takeaways from the game.

1 Ewers was set up for nonchalant day

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass while warming up ahead of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.

Prior to the game, it was common knowledge that Ewers would play around two series in the Orange-White game. He wasn’t as sharp as we would have expected and the circumstances might have led him not to show up with the optimal level of focus. We would have liked to see more fire from the Texas starter, but nothing he did on Saturday should change what you thought he was capable of before the game.

2 Texas can win with Manning, too

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a pass while warming up ahead of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.

Texas won 12 games, secured a Big 12 title and made a playoff appearance with Quinn Ewers at quarterback last season. Arch Manning’s performance indicated the Longhorns might could do some of the same things with the fellow five-star talent when he gets an opportunity. Little things like pocket presence, manipulating the defense and consistent accuracy stand out from Manning’s performance. We don’t know yet how he would perform in a real, high profile game, but what we did see indicates he has the potential to play at a high level.

Arch went 19-for-25 with 355 passing yards and three touchdowns on Saturday.

3 The Texas receiving corps is as advertised

Texas White team wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.

Some had questions about the Texas wide receiver room. If they aren’t answered, those asking the questions aren’t objective. Johntay Cook was the first to flash with a sure-handed catch on a 50-50 play against rising star cornerback Malik Muhammad. Isaiah Bond’s day included leaving backup cornerback Gavin Holmes behind with a strong start on a fade route . Earlier Bond went up and caught a contested jump ball . DeAndre Moore caught the first touchdown of the day for the mostly-first team offense. Despite the blown coverage, Moore moved like a first team receiver. Even five-star freshman Ryan Wingo looked the part adjusting on a red zone fade and cruising for another touchdown on a vertical route.

4 How much stronger is Cedric Baxter?

Texas White team running back CJ Baxter (4) is tackled by Texas Orange team defense in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.

Cedric Baxter Jr. hits like a hammer. Baxter displayed his trucking ability on Saturday and it should put Texas opponents on notice. He was a good player as a freshman, but I’m not sure we really know how high the ceiling is going to be for the five-star running back.

5 Collins and Burke are matchup problems

Texas Orange team defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) celebrates as his team runs in a touchdown off a pass interception in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.

Texas edge Ethan Burke set the tone early in the game with a tipped pass. In fairness to Ewers, the 6-foot-6 edge might be making that same play a few times in the upcoming season. Burke tipped it to a mammoth sized version of defensive tackle Alfred Collins that I’m not sure we’ve seen before. Collins took the ball to the end zone. The two players could wreck games for the Texas defense in the upcoming season.

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