• The Handbook of Texas Online: This encyclopedic site offers concise entries that explain who’s who, what’s what, and where’s where in Texas. It’s easy to use and has information on just about everything, from the locations of towns and counties to explanations of some of the state’s legends, plus biographical data on the many characters who left their mark on Texas history.
  • Travel Texas: The state’s official tourism website provides a good general overview of everything you want to know about the state—divided by region, city, geography, interests such as food or art, lodging types . . . you name it. Under the “Travel Tools” tab, click on “Travel Deals” to find the featured discount coupons, primarily for attractions.
  • Texas Monthly: You won’t necessarily find Austin stories on the Texas Monthly site, but the state’s best magazine—and one of the best geographically focused publications in the country—offers in-depth treatments of lots of interesting topics. And the site often highlights hot new San Antonio and Austin dining spots.
  • Drive Texas: Created by the Texas Department of Transportation, this site is devoted to traffic conditions all over the state. It’s an invaluable resource to check before you hit the road.
  • www.Austin360.com: Movie times, traffic reports, restaurant picks, homes, jobs, cars. . . . This site, sponsored in part by the Austin American-Statesman, the city’s main newspaper, is a one-stop clicking center for a variety of essentials. It’s easy to navigate, too.
  • www.AustinChronicle.com: The free weekly indie paper, the Austin Chronicle, has so many local stories, events, and dining listings that some information is only available online. The site is a bit overwhelming but very useful.
  • Austin.Eater.com: Not all cities get equal play on the national Eater.com dining sites, but the one devoted to Austin is one of the best in the country, with regular restaurant reviews and constant updates on dining news.
  • www.AustinTexas.gov: Because so many attractions, from parks to museums and theaters, fall under the City of Austin’s aegis, this website provides invaluable information to visitors.
  • www.AustinTexas.org: The website for Visit Austin, the city’s tourism bureau, is not the easiest to navigate but you’ll eventually find a great deal of useful information.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.