Took us an hour to exit the highway and get to UT campus for a student tour 2 years ago. Probably 2 miles total.

We almost always stay in a hotel near the Caesar Chavez exit off 35. It’s close to the Capitol & not that far of an uber to most of where you’ll want to hang out.

The north side of Austin has a lot of “new” stuff, but it’s all franchise/chain stuff you can get anywhere. North side is better if you’re hanging at UT.

Downtown San Marcos is also a lot of fun.

My goal is to retire in Hill Country b/w San Marcos & New Braunfels.