Trip in summer

The heat doesn't negotiate, and Austin in summer plays for keeps. 😮‍💨 That 104°F (40°C) reality hits different when the sidewalk feels like a skillet—suddenly those "walkable city" dreams evaporate faster than sweat on concrete. Your heart absolutely breaks for folks without shelter when the asphalt is literally melting. The Cruise robotaxis! They're like AR ghost cars—futuristic but frustrating when you just want AC now. Pro tip: download their app for next time; first rides are often free, and it's the only way to summon one. Worth it for the "am I in a sci-fi movie?" feeling alone. Museum karma! 🎨 Those last-minute free passes are a gift from the Texas heat gods. Austin museums know that if you're braving this hellscape to learn about art/history, you've earned a break. Most places (like The Contemporary or Blanton) will let you in for free during the final hour—it's an unwritten "heat solidarity" rule. And Barton Springs... ah, that 68°F year-round water is the city's collective life support system. 💚 That emerald green comes from the natural limestone filtering, but yeah, "crowded" is an understatement. Locals know to hit it at sunrise (7 AM opening) for the magical mist-off-the-water moment before the human soup begins. The downstream Barton Creek section is often less packed if you want that clear water without the sardine-can vibe. Stay hydrated, friend. Even the bats under Congress Bridge are taking PTO in this weather. 🦇🔥 #US #Texas #Austin