Travel, hacks, and photo hotspots – The Ultimate Fan Guide to Austin

Few events capture the American spirit quite like the United States Grand Prix, where horsepower meets hospitality and racing is on a Texas-sized scale. From October 17-19, 2025, Austin will be the place to be as the Circuit of The Americas comes alive with the roar of Formula 1. The grandstands fill, the engines echo across the hills, and the city’s live music and laid-back vibe turn race weekend into something unforgettable.

The US Grand Prix isn’t just a race – it's a full-blown Austin-style celebration. Between the captivating on-track drama, the abundance of food trucks, fan zones, and concerts, there’s always something happening. One minute you’re watching cars fly through Turn 1, the next you’re catching a band downtown or watching fireworks light up the skyline. It’s fast, loud, and full of that easy Texas charm that keeps people coming back year after year.

Chill before the thrill

Here are some relaxed ways to kick off your race weekend before heading to COTA for an action-packed day:

Stroll or paddle at Lady Bird Lake: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront trails or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a gentle start to the day. The calm water and skyline views make for a refreshing and photogenic morning.

Explore south or east Austin: Wander tree-lined streets, take in colourful murals, and browse local markets. These neighbourhoods offer a taste of Austin’s culture and quirky personality, all at a leisurely pace.

Morning in a park or green space: Visit Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, or other nearby parks for a nature-filled morning. Stretch your legs, take in some greenery, and enjoy a calm outdoor start before the crowds arrive at the circuit.

If you’ve arrived a day or two early, there’s plenty to see and do in Austin without diving straight into race weekend chaos:

Cultural stops: Austin has a wealth of museums, galleries, and theatres. Explore the city’s art, history, and cultural institutions to get a sense of its rich heritage — from fine art to Texan history.

Embrace the quirky side of Austin: For something truly offbeat, wander through some of the city’s more unusual attractions such as the Cathedral of Junk, where art and creativity take unexpected forms.

Sports & recreation: Sports fans can soak up American college football culture by visiting the University of Texas campus. Even if you don’t catch a game, the atmosphere and massive stadium are worth experiencing.

Outdoor adventures: Austin’s parks and green spaces are perfect for low-energy or active pursuits. You can walk, swim, or enjoy water sports at places like Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, or Barton Creek Greenbelt. These areas offer a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors and recharge before the race weekend.

Getting there: your route to COTA

Located about 15 miles southeast of downtown Austin, COTA is best reached with some planning ahead. Traffic can be heavy on race days, so allow extra time for your journey.

Driving and rideshare: Parking is available but must be pre-booked. Expect delays when entering and leaving the venue. Rideshare services drop passengers at designated zones near the track, though you may need to walk a short distance.

Shuttles and public transport: Event shuttles usually run from downtown Austin and other key areas. They are a convenient option and help you avoid the traffic around COTA. Check your ticket information or the official USGP website for shuttle routes and times.

Walking and accessibility: The circuit grounds are large and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Accessible parking and mobility services are available, but should be arranged in advance.

Leaving the circuit: Crowds leaving COTA can cause delays after the race. Stay behind for a concert or enjoy a final lap of the Fanzone to let the traffic clear before heading out.

Inside the circuit and photo spots

COTA’s dramatic layout, steep elevation and open Texas landscape make it one of the most photogenic tracks on the F1 calendar.

Must-see corners and views: Turn 1 is one of the most iconic sights in Formula 1, with a steep climb and sharp left-hand turn that sets the tone for the lap. The esses between Turns 3 and 6 deliver high-speed action, while Turns 16 to 18 show cars sweeping through a fast triple apex. The Observation Tower provides a panoramic view of the entire circuit and is a must-visit for fans and photographers.

Top photo spots

• Turn 1 grandstand for race starts and overtakes
• The top of the Observation Tower at sunset
• Turn 19 for golden hour shots of cars and skyline
• The Grand Plaza for atmosphere and fan energy
• Walkabout areas with rolling hills for unique angles

Fanzone: The Fanzone sits at the heart of the Grand Plaza, with team appearances, driver interviews, interactive simulators, merchandise stalls and local food vendors. It is a great place to explore between sessions and take in the festival vibe.

Top fan hack: Best lighting hits just after 6.30pm when the sun drops low over the Texas hills. Visit the tower or Turn 1 for glowing evening shots. For emptier stands and cleaner photos, go during Friday practice.

After the chequered flag – Austin nights

Once the racing stops, Austin comes alive. The city’s nightlife and live music scene make it one of the most entertaining Grand Prix destinations.

Concerts and entertainment: Major international artists perform on the Germania Insurance Amphitheater stage inside COTA, with access included in your ticket. Around town, smaller venues on Sixth Street, South Congress and the Red River District keep the energy going well into the night.

Downtown Austin: Explore the city’s creative side with its murals, record shops, rooftop bars and craft breweries. South Congress Avenue is perfect for shopping and street food, while Rainey Street offers converted bungalows turned into buzzing bars.

Party down 6th Street: A vibrant array of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, 6th Street is a sure bet for a captivating dining experience! There are a number of walking food tours and bar crawls available here so you can really get a taste of Austin!

Food trucks and BBQ: When the race is over, follow the smell of barbecue into town. Austin’s food trucks serve everything from smoked brisket and tacos to fusion bites and craft desserts. Locals will tell you no visit is complete without trying Texas barbecue at least once.

Foodie fuel – what to eat and drink

Austin’s culinary scene is as bold as its racing weekend.

Brisket and barbecue: Tender, slow-cooked meat with a rich smoky flavour and spicy sauce. Whether it’s sliced brisket, ribs or pulled pork, barbecue is a must-try part of the Austin experience.

Tacos and Tex-Mex: Breakfast tacos are an Austin essential. Try them with eggs, cheese and jalapenos to start your race day right.

Craft beer: Local breweries like Austin Beerworks and Live Oak Brewing offer refreshing options after a day at the track.

Frozen margaritas: The city’s unofficial drink. Perfect for cooling down after hours in the Texas sun.

Sweet treats: Cool off with homemade ice cream or a classic slice of pecan pie.

Travel hacks and tips

Experience live music: Austin is famous for its vibrant live music scene, featuring world renowned artists and independent artists alike. If you're staying in the city for a little longer before the Grand Prix weekend, be sure to check out the Austin City Limits music festival and experience the Austin live music scene at its best!

Bring a reusable water bottle: Temperatures in Austin can get hot (yes, even in October) and it’s important to keep hydrated. There are plenty of places to refill around the city.

Embrace the unofficial siesta: Although Austin doesn’t have an official siesta hour like in some parts of South America, residents implement their own unofficial one to keep out of the midday sun’s scorching heat. You can still make the most out of your days in Austin by waking up and starting your day earlier, meaning you can explore the city in more comfortable temperatures.

Outwit the traffic: Like most major cities, Austin has the occasional traffic jam... Satellite navigation devices don’t always accurately predict the correct arrival time, so ensure you leave 15/30 minutes earlier than you think you’ll need to. If you don’t want to rely on driving, join Austin’s large cycling community and hop on a bike!

Barbecue is king: Austin is synonymous with barbecue, and with countless BBQ joints in town you will be spoiled for choice. You can even take food tours focused on this cultural staple. The famous eateries La Barbecue and Franklin Barbecue are fan favourites for this, but make sure to get there early to avoid a long wait in line!