If you are a fan of Formula 1 racing, you probably know that the United States GP is one of the most exciting and anticipated events on the calendar. But do you know where it takes place and what makes it so special? In this article, we will introduce you to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the state-of-the-art racing facility that hosts the US Grand Prix and other major motorsports and entertainment events.
The COTA is located in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant culture, music, and food scene. The circuit was designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, who incorporated features from some of the best tracks in the world, such as Silverstone, Hockenheim, and Istanbul. COTA has a length of 5.513 kilometers (3.426 miles) and features 20 turns, including a steep uphill run to the first corner and a long back straight with a hairpin. The track offers multiple overtaking opportunities and challenges for both drivers and engineers.
The COTA made its debut in 2012 and has since hosted nine editions of the US Grand Prix, attracting huge crowds and celebrities to witness the thrilling battles between the world’s best drivers. The circuit has also hosted other prestigious events, such as MotoGP, World Endurance Championship, IndyCar Series, and concerts by The Killers, Queen + Adam Lambert, and more.
The COTA is not only a place for racing and entertainment, but also a destination for fun and adventure, with attractions such as karting, bike night, camping, car condos, and rides. If you want to experience the ultimate racing weekend in America, you should definitely visit the COTA.
Index To Article on the United States GP 2023
- When Is the United States F1?
- The History of the United States Grand Prix
- Which F1 Teams Will be in The United States Grand Prix?
- Circuit of The Americas Layout
- Where To Watch the United States Grand Prix
- United States Grand Prix Entrance Tickets
- How To Get to the United States GP 2023 (Austin)
- Accommodation Options in Austin
- Other Activities to Enjoy in Austin
United States Grand Prix 2023 Dates – When Is the United States GP?
The 2023 United States GP is being run between the 20th and 22nd of October 2023.
| 22nd October |
| Race |
| 14:00 |
| 21st October |
| Sprint |
| 17:00 – 18:00 |
| 21st October |
| Sprint Shootout |
| 12:30 – 13:14 |
| 20th October |
| Qualifying |
| 16:00 – 17:00 |
| 20th October |
| Practice 1 |
| 12:30 – 13:30 |
The History of the United States GP
The United States Grand Prix (United States GP) is one of the oldest and most prestigious motor racing events in the world. It has been held on and off since 1908, when it was known as the American Grand Prize.
The Grand Prix later became part of the Formula One World Championship, the pinnacle of motorsport.
As of 2022, the Grand Prix has been held 51 times at ten different locations across the country, showcasing the diversity and passion of American racing culture.
The Beginnings: The Vanderbilt Cup and the American Grand Prize
The US GP traces its origins to the Vanderbilt Cup, a series of road races founded by William Kissam Vanderbilt in 1904 to promote American road racing to the world.
The Vanderbilt Cup attracted American and European competitors alike. It also faced crowd control problems, which led to spectator deaths and injuries Ultimately it was cancelled before the1907 event.
In 1908, the Automobile Club of America, sponsored the American Grand Prize. They used the new Grand Prix rules agreed upon by the international governing body of motorsport.
The first race was held in Savannah, Georgia, on a 25-mile circuit of oiled gravel. The race was won by Louis Wagner driving a Fiat, beating Victor Hémery driving a Benz by 56 seconds.
The American Grand Prize continued until 1916, with races held in
- Long Island
- Milwaukee
- Santa Monica
- San Francisco.
The race was suspended during World War I. It resumed in 1920 at Sheepshead Bay Speedway in New York.
The race faced competition from other events such as the Indianapolis 500 and the board track races. These were more popular and profitable for the drivers and promoters.
The last American Grand Prix was held in 1921 at Point Loma in San Diego, California.
The Revival: Sebring, Riverside and Watkins Glen
After a long hiatus, the United States GPP returned in 1959 as part of the Formula One World Championship. The first official United States GP was held at Sebring International Raceway in Florida, a track that was created for endurance racing.
The race was won by Bruce McLaren driving a Cooper, becoming the youngest winner in F1 history at the time.
In 1960, the United States GP moved to Riverside International Raceway in California. It failed to attract a large crowd and lost money for the organizers.
The race was then relocated to Watkins Glen International in New York in 1961. It stayed there for the next two decades.
Watkins Glen became a favorite among drivers and fans for its challenging layout and scenic surroundings.
The race saw many memorable moments and battles, such as
- Jim Clark’s dominant performances for Lotus
- Graham Hill’s triple victory for BRM
- Jackie Stewart’s maiden win for Matra
- Mario Andretti’s home triumph for Lotus
- James Hunt’s title-clinching drive for McLaren.
The Expansion: Long Beach, Las Vegas and Detroit
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Formula One expanded its presence in the US by adding more races to the calendar.
In 1976, the United States GP West was inaugurated at Long Beach in California, following the model of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The street circuit hosted some thrilling races and attracted celebrities and glamour to F1. The race was won by drivers such as Clay Regazzoni, Niki Lauda, Carlos Reutemann and Nelson Piquet.
In 1981, another street race was added to the schedule: the United States GP Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The race was held in a parking lot of a casino hotel and was criticized for its lack of atmosphere and appeal. The race was won by Alan Jones and Michele Alboreto before being dropped after 1982.
In 1982, a third US street race was introduced: the United States GP Detroit in Michigan.
The race was held on a bumpy and narrow circuit around downtown Detroit and was notorious for its high attrition rate and frequent accidents.
The race was won by drivers such as
- John Watson
- Ayrton Senna
- Nigel Mansell
- Alain Prost
The event was replaced by Phoenix in 1989.
The Decline: Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin
In 1989, United States GP moved to Phoenix in Arizona for the US GP. The race was held on a flat and featureless street circuit that failed to attract much interest.
The race was dominated by McLaren drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost before being cancelled after 1991 due to poor attendance and financial losses.
After a nine-year absence, Formula One returned to the US in 2000 with a new venue: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the home of the Indy 500.
The race was held on a modified version of the oval track that included an infield section. It drew large crowds and saw some exciting races and overtakes. Some of these included
- Michael Schumacher’s controversial win for Ferrari in 2002
- Rubens Barrichello’s emotional victory for Ferrari in 2003
- Lewis Hamilton’s maiden win for McLaren in 2007.
However, the US GP at Indianapolis also faced some controversies and challenges. The most notable was the tire fiasco in 2005 that led to only six cars starting the race. It also experienced a decline in popularity of F1 in the US.
Tied in with the rising costs of hosting the event the last US GP at Indianapolis was held in 2007 and was won by Lewis Hamilton.
United States GP – The Circuit of the Americas
In 2012, Formula One made another comeback to the US with a new track: the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
The circuit was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, who is responsible for many other modern F1 tracks including.
- Sepang
- Shanghai
- Bahrain
- Abu Dhabi
- Qatar
It featured a mix of fast and slow corners, elevation changes and a long back straight.
The track received positive reviews from drivers and fans and hosted some thrilling races and duels. Some of these included
- Lewis Hamilton’s win over Sebastian Vettel for McLaren in 2012
- Daniel Ricciardo’s podium for Red Bull in 2014
- Max Verstappen’s victory over Lewis Hamilton for Red Bull in 2022.
Which F1 Teams Will be in The United States GP?
All ten of the F1 teams will be present in Japanese GP. Everyone expects Max Verstappen to continue his dominance during the event at the Circuit of the Americas.
Most teams have already waved the white flag at Red Bull and now are concentrating on the race that really matters to them. That means they are concentrating on their pier teams that have similar results.
This means that the newly fired up Mercedes F1 team is focusing on competing with Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren (who’s upgrades seem to be adding new life to the car.)
Although after a series of own goals in 2023 Ferrari is beginning to look like it belongs at the middle of the pack.
Behind them we are seeing a fantastic battle developing between Alpine and Alpha Tauri (possible Alfa Romeo as well).
After the race In Austria and Silverstone there seems to be some life from Alex Albon and The Williams Team (time will tell.)
And then there is Haas who is the weakest team so far this year.
The United States GP Circuit – Circuit of the Americas Layout
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a world-class motorsports and entertainment venue in Texas, located near the city of Austin.
It is the only purpose-built facility in the U.S and hosts the following events.
- The Formula One United States GP
- MotoGP
- NASCAR
- IndyCar
The circuit was designed by German architect and circuit designer Hermann Tilke. Former motorcycle world champion Kevin Schwantz assisted him.
The circuit features a variety of challenging corners and elevation changes, inspired by some of the most iconic tracks in the world.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Layout
The circuit has a total length of 3.426 miles (5.514 km) and consists of 20 turns.
COTA Sector 1
The lap starts with a long straight that leads to a steep uphill climb to Turn 1. This is a tight left-hander that offers multiple racing lines and overtaking opportunities.
The drivers then enter a series of fast and flowing Esses, similar to Maggots and Becketts at Silverstone or the Esses at Suzuka.
These corners require precision and balance, as the drivers have to maintain high speed and momentum without losing grip or stability.
The esses end with Turn 9, a sharp right-hander.
This leads to a short straight and Turn 10, a fast left-hander that drops downhill.
The drivers then brake hard for Turn 11, a slow hairpin that marks the beginning of the longest straight on the circuit, measuring over 1 km in length.
This straight allows the drivers to reach speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h).
COTA Sector 2
At the end is turn 12 requiring heavy braking and another overtaking spot.
Turns 13 to 15 form a tight and technical section, similar to the Stadium section at Hockenheim or the Motodrom at Istanbul Park.
The drivers have to negotiate a series of slow corners with varying radii and cambers, while avoiding the large kerbs that can unsettle the car.
The section ends with Turn 15, a left-hander that opens up onto another straight.
Turns 16 to 18 are a unique feature of COTA: a multi-apex right-hander that resembles Turn 8 at Istanbul Park, but in reverse.
The drivers have to maintain a constant steering angle and throttle input, while coping with high lateral forces and changing elevations. The corner is one of the most demanding and spectacular on the calendar, testing both the car’s aerodynamics and the driver’s stamina.
COTA Sector 3
The final sector consists of two more corners: Turn 19, a fast left-hander that requires good traction and exit speed, and Turn 20, a slow right-hander that leads back to the main straight and the start/finish line.
The Circuit of the Americas is a challenging and rewarding track for both drivers and fans, offering a mix of speed, spectacle, and strategy. It is one of the most modern and impressive facilities in motorsport, showcasing the best of racing in America.
For a more detailed description and a turn-by-turn analysis – link
Where To Watch the Austin GP
Here is a brief description of the grandstands at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, along with their pros and cons. I will also recommend the best grandstand based on my opinion.
COTA – Main Grandstand
This grandstand has four levels: trackside bleachers, lower tier, mezzanine, and club level. It offers a great view of the grid, the pit lane, the final turn, and the start-finish straight.
You can also see the action at turn 1 from the upper levels.
The Pros of This Grandstand
- You can enjoy the pre-race atmosphere
- Watch the pit stops.
- You can feel the thrill of the start.
The Cons of This Grandstand
- It is expensive
- The grandstand is very popular and so is crowded.
- It is noisy.
- The club level also requires access to an exclusive lounge that may not be available for all ticket holders.
COTA – Turn 1 Grandstand
This grandstand is located at the top of the hill of the start-finish straight. The cars have to brake hard and turn sharply to enter the esses section.
It offers a panoramic view of the circuit, including turns 2 to 11 and 19 to 20. You can also see overtaking moves, crashes, and safety car restarts at this corner.
The Pros of This Grandstand
- You can witness some of the most exciting moments of the race
- You enjoy a wide view of the track
- You can feel the elevation change.
The Cons of This Grandstand
- It is exposed to the sun and wind.
- It is far from the main facilities.
- You may have limited visibility of some parts of the circuit.
COTA – Turn 2 Grandstand
This grandstand is located at the bottom of the hill of turn 1. This is where the cars have to regain control and speed to enter the esses section.
It offers a close-up view of the cars as they descend from turn 1 and take a sharp right-turn into turn 2.
You can also see turns 3 to 6 from this grandstand.
The Pros of This Grandstand
- You get to appreciate the driver skill
- You see the cars at their fastest
- The F car sound is awesome!
- It is a great location to watch F1 drivers battle for position.
The Cons of This Grandstand
- The grandstand is not covered so bring some cream!
- It has no big screen
- There may have limited overtaking action.
COTA – Turn 4 Grandstand
This grandstand is located in what drivers call the fastest and most exhilarating section of COTA. The cars snake left and right through a quick series of turns.
It offers a unique view of driver skill as they navigate through turns 4 to 7.
You can also see turns 8 to 11 from this grandstand.
The Pros of This Grandstand
- You can feel like you are in the center of the action
- The premiums seats have seat backs and cup holders
- You are close to action for some daring overtaking moves.
The Cons of This Grandstand
- It is not covered so, once again, bring that sun cream.
- It has no big screen
- It has limited visibility of some parts of the circuit.
COTA – Turn 6 Grandstand
This grandstand is located just after the famed esses or “S-Curves” of turns 3 to 5.
The cars head uphill through turns 6 to 8. It offers a head-on view of the cars as they approach turn 6, as well as a side view of turns 7 and 8.
You can also see turns 9 to 11 from this grandstand.
The Pros of This Grandstand
- You can witness some epic moments of the race from one spot
- The individual premium seats have seat backs and cup holders.
- Yiu can see some of COTA’s challenging corners.
The Cons of This Grandstand
- It is not covered
- It has no big screen
- You may not see much overtaking action.
COTA – Turn 15 Grandstand
This grandstand is located in the stadium section of COTA. Here you can surround yourself with some of the most avid fans in Formula 1.
It offers a stunning view of five of COTA’s most challenging corners: turns 12 to 16. You can also see turns 17 to 20 from this grandstand.
The Pros of This Grandstand
- You can watch some of the most exciting moments of the race inluding such as overtaking moves, crashes, pit stops, and podium celebrations
- The individual premium seats have seat backs and cup holders
- There is a big screen.
The Cons of This Grandstand
- It is expensive
- Being so popular means, it is more crowded.
- It is noisy.
In my opinion, the best grandstand at COTA is the Turn 15 Grandstand.
- It offers a comprehensive view of most of the circuit’s corners
- It allows you to watch some thrilling racing action
- It provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
However, this is just my opinion, and you may have different preferences and expectations. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision.
United States GP Entrance Tickets
Are you interested in buying tickets for the United States Grand Prix?
If so, you have several options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference.
You can buy tickets online from the official F1.Com website or from other authorized retailers. You can also buy tickets from resellers or other fans but be careful of scams and frauds.
There are different types of tickets available for the United States Grand Prix, such as
- General Admission
- Grandstand Seats
- Hospitality Packages
- Camping Passes
The prices vary depending on the type of ticket, the location of the seat and the day of the event.
The tickets usually go on sale several months before the Grand Prix. They tend to sell out fast, especially for popular grandstands and days. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets early and compare prices.
Some of the benefits of buying tickets for the United States Grand Prix are:
- You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of watching live motorsport. It is one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world.
- You can witness some of the best drivers and teams in F1 compete for glory.
- You can explore the circuit and its facilities. These include the fan zone, the merchandise stalls, the food and drink outlets and the entertainment shows.
- You can also take part in other activities and events. The Circuit of The Americas organizes these during the Grand Prix weekend, such as pit walks, autograph sessions, concerts and parties.
For the Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix, you can use this advertisement query to find some options:
“United States Grand Prix Tickets” Or “Circuit of The Americas GP Tickets”
Don’t miss this chance to book your tickets now!
How To Get to the United States GP 2023 (Austin GP)
If you are planning to attend the 2023 edition of the USGP, scheduled for October 20-22, you may be wondering how to get to COTA and what are the best transportation options available.
In this chapter, we will provide you with some advice and tips on how to travel to Austin and get to COTA for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2023.
Flights to the United States GP In Austin
Austin has one international airport, Bergstrom (airport code AUS).
It is a relatively small airport though, and many flights go through the two larger hubs in Texas, Houston (IAH) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).
Texas is home to Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest low-cost carrier, so there are plenty of domestic flights to the city on Grand Prix weekend.
The only current direct European connections to Austin Bergstrom are with British Airways (from London) and Lufthansa (from Frankfurt).
There are no direct flights to Austin from Asia, South America, or Africa. Most flights route via major hubs such as LA, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, or Houston.
The cheapest long haul flights land in Houston or Dallas, depending on the airline. Check connections to these cities if you are looking for good deals on flying to Austin. You can also consider driving to Austin from these cities, as they are not too far away (see below).
Domestic Flights & Driving to the United States GP (Austin GP)
All of the major US airlines service Austin, though many connect first in a bigger Texas city.
The following carriers all have flights to Austin.
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Delta,
- Southwest
- United
- Alaska Airlines
Example fares
- New York–Austin (non-stop with Southwest in 4 hours from $300)
- LA–Austin (1 stop with Delta in about 5 hours from $250-300)
- Toronto – Austin (non-stop with Air Canada in 3 hours 20 min for about $60)
Getting To the United States GP (Austin GP) By Car
Another option for getting to Austin is by car. The U.S. has a large interstate highway system, and you can drive to the city from Houston in 2.5 hours, Dallas in 3 hours, or San Antonio in 1 hour.
Why not hire a car and explore the region? Buses and trains are also available for budget-conscious fans.
How to get to Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
COTA’s location on the southeastern outskirts of Austin, close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
It has never been particularly easy to access, though the organizers did take several steps to improve transportation in 2022.
The best way to get to the track is by car (your own, a hire car or taxi) or the COTA shuttle.
Getting To COTA By Car
The Circuit of The Americas is located off the SH130 toll road.
You access this from downtown by taking I-35 south to highway 71 east.
There are around eight main parking areas next to the track and a ‘park and ride’ service is available for distant lots.
All cars parking on-site require a pre-purchased parking pass for admittance onto COTA Blvd.
Depending on your parking lot, we recommend you take the following directions to arrive efficiently on-site:
United States GP (Austin GP) – COTA Lots A, B, C, D, T
North Bound: Take TX-130 (toll) to FM 812.
- Exit at FM-812 and take a right toward COTA Blvd. (COTA entrance will be on your left.)
- For Lot T, continue past the COTA marquis / entrance and the parking lot will be on your left
South Bound: Take US-183 or TX-130 to FM-812.
- Exit at FM-812 and take a left toward COTA Blvd. (COTA entrance will be on your left.)
- For Lot T, continue past the COTA marquis / entrance and the parking lot will be on your left.
West Bound: Take Hwy 71 to TX-21 to FM-812.
- Follow signs for COTA. (COTA entrance will be on your right.)
East Bound: Take US 290 (E) to Hwy 71 to FM-973 or SH-130 to FM-812. Follow signs for COTA.
COTA Lots E, F, G, H, K, R
North Bound: Take TX-130 (toll) to FM 812.
- Exit at FM-812 and take a right toward COTA Blvd. (COTA entrance will be on your left.)
- For Lot R, continue past the COTA marquis / entrance and the parking lot will be on your right.
South Bound: Take US-183 or TX-130 to FM-812.
- Exit at FM-812 and take a left toward COTA Blvd. (COTA entrance will be on your left.)
- For Lot R, continue past the COTA marquis / entrance and the parking lot will be on your right.
West Bound: Take Hwy 71 to TX-21 to FM-812. Follow signs for COTA. (COTA entrance will be on your right.)
East Bound: Take US 290 (E) to Hwy 71 to FM-973 or SH-130 to FM-812. Follow signs for COTA.
United States GP (Austin GP) – COTA Lots L, M and N
North Bound: Take TX-130 (toll) to FM 812. Exit at FM-812
- Take a right toward COTA Blvd. (COTA entrance will be on your left.)
- For Lot N, continue past the COTA marquis / entrance and the parking lot will be on your left.
South Bound: Take US-183 or TX-130 to FM-812.
- Exit at FM-812 and take a left toward COTA Blvd. (COTA entrance will be on your left.)
- For Lot N, continue past the COTA marquis / entrance and the parking lot will be on your left.
West Bound: Take Hwy 71 to TX-21 to FM-812. Follow signs for COTA. (COTA entrance will be on your right.)
East Bound: Take US 290 (E) to Hwy 71 to FM-973 or SH-130 to FM-812. Follow signs for COTA.
Be Careful Of Traffic Conditions
When making plans, be aware that Austin traffic is notorious most times of the year, but especially during major events such as F1.
Getting to the track from downtown can take up to two hours! Plan accordingly and don’t forget to purchase parking passes for the track if you do take your own vehicle.
Travel To the United States GP (Austin GP) By Shuttle Bus
From downtown Austin, the COTA shuttle service is the best way to get to the track on major race weekends.
Shuttles depart from downtown and several other points in the city and will drop fans near the circuit entrance.
The shuttle service is convenient, affordable, and reliable, as it avoids traffic congestion and parking hassles. You can purchase shuttle passes online or at the shuttle stops.
Travel to United States GP (Austin GP) By Rideshare
Rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, etc. will operate out of COTA’s McAngus Lot.
A complimentary tram will be available to transport guests from McAngus Lot to the Ticketmaster Box Office near the Grand Plaza.
To ensure a successful transit experience, rideshare vehicles will not be permitted on COTA Blvd during racing weekends.
Travel to United States GP (Austin GP) By Bike
Interested in riding your bike to the track?
Biking is a healthy, eco-friendly, and fun way to get to COTA, but make sure you are prepared for the weather, distance, and terrain.
Accommodation Options in Austin for COTA GP
Austin is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
The city has plenty of accommodation options at all price ranges, from budget-friendly motels to luxury hotels.
Whether you want to stay close to the track, the airport, or the downtown area, you will find something that suits your needs and preferences.
In this chapter, we will provide you with some advice and tips on where to stay in Austin for the COTA GP.
Where To Stay Near Circuit Of The Americas
COTA is located on the southeastern outskirts of Austin, close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
If you want to stay near the track and avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles, you may consider booking a hotel near the airport.
However, be aware that these hotels tend to be expensive and fully booked during Grand Prix weekend, so you may need to reserve your room well in advance.
Some of the hotels near the airport and COTA are:
Hyatt Place Austin Airport
This hotel is just a short walk from the terminal and only 15 minutes’ drive from the track.
It features a swimming pool and fitness center, as well as a complimentary airport shuttle. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and sofa beds.
Hilton Austin Airport
This hotel is right next to the Hyatt Place, and also offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
It boasts gourmet dining options, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center. The rooms are elegant and cozy, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and work desks.
Quality Inn & Suites Airport
This hotel is a more budget-friendly option, located about 10 minutes’ drive from both the airport and COTA.
It offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a free airport shuttle.
The rooms are simple but clean, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges.
Where To Stay In Downtown Austin
If you want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and culture of Austin, you may prefer staying in the downtown area.
You will find plenty of attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues.
Downtown Austin is also well serviced by public transportation, including the COTA shuttle service that departs from Waterloo Park and takes you to the track on major race weekends.
Some of the hotels in downtown Austin are:
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
This hotel is one of the closest to Waterloo Park, as well as across the road from another major city landmark, the Capitol Building.
It is a mid-priced option that offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a free breakfast. The rooms are modern and bright, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and mini-fridges.
The Driskill
This hotel is a historic landmark that dates back to 1886.
It is located in the heart of downtown Austin, close to many attractions such as Sixth Street, Lady Bird Lake, and the Texas State History Museum.
It is a luxury option that features elegant decor, fine dining options, a spa, a fitness center, and a bar. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and bathrobes.
Firehouse Hostel
This hostel is a budget-friendly option that offers dorms and private rooms in a former fire station.
It is located near Sixth Street and Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can watch the famous bat colony at sunset.
It features a cozy lounge area with books and games, a shared kitchenette with free coffee and tea, and a hidden speakeasy bar. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with free Wi-Fi.
Where To Stay For VIP Hospitality
To experience Formula 1 from the best seats in the house with VIP hospitality packages such as Paddock Club or F1 Experiences Packages a premium hotel is for you.
Some of these hotels are:
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
This hotel is located on the banks of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and the water.
It is a five-star option that features a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.
The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and marble bathrooms.
Fairmont Austin
This hotel is located next to the Austin Convention Center and the Rainey Street Historic District in downtown Austin.
It is a four-star option that features a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options. The rooms are sophisticated and cozy, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and minibars.
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
This hotel is located in the trendy Rainey Street Historic District in downtown Austin. It offers easy access to many bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
It is a four-star option that features a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. The rooms are chic and stylish, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and yoga mats.
Summary
Whether you choose to stay near the track, the airport, or the downtown area, you will find something that suits your needs and preferences.
Austin is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, which takes place at the Circuit of The Americas in October.
Other Activities to Enjoy in Austin
Apart from the F1 GP, there are many other things to do in Austin, the capital of Texas and the live music capital of the world.
Austin is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone. It offers
- Outdoor adventures
- Cultural attractions
- Historic landmarks
- Culinary delights.
- entertainment,
You will find it in Austin. In this chapter, we will provide you with some suggestions on what to do in Austin during your visit.
Outdoor Activities
With more than 300 days of sunny skies, it’s no surprise Austinites are found outdoors, along with many of Austin’s top activities.
Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy in Austin:
Zilker Metropolitan Park
This beloved park spans more than 350 acres and shelters some of the city’s most popular attractions.
It includes the following
- Zilker Botanical Gardens
- Barton Springs Pool
- The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
- The Austin Nature and Science Center.
You can also enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and playing in this park.
Lady Bird Lake
This lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River that runs through the heart of Austin.
It is a scenic spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also walk or bike along the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. They circle the lake and offer views of the downtown skyline and the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Mount Bonnell
This is the highest point in Austin at 775 feet above sea level.
It offers panoramic views of the city, the lake, and the surrounding hills. You can reach the summit by climbing 102 steps or driving up a winding road. There is also a picnic area and a pavilion at the top.
Cultural Attractions
Austin is a cultural hub that boasts a rich and diverse artistic scene.
You can find museums, galleries, theaters, festivals, and live music venues all over the city. Here are some of the best cultural attractions you can visit in Austin
Bullock Texas State History Museum
This museum tells the story of Texas through three floors of interactive exhibits, artifacts, films, and events.
You can learn about the state’s history, culture, geography, politics, and people. You can also watch an IMAX movie or a live show at the museum’s theater.
Blanton Museum of Art
This museum is located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. It houses one of the largest collections of art in Central Texas.
You can admire works by European masters, Latin American artists, contemporary creators, and more. You can also explore the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden and plaza.
Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
This is a state-of-the-art music venue hosts concerts by local and national acts.
It also is the venue where the as well as tapings of the iconic PBS show “Austin City Limits” are filmed.
You can catch a live show or take a backstage tour of this legendary venue.
Historic Landmarks
Austin is a city with a rich and colorful history that dates back to its founding in 1839.
You can discover some of the city’s historic landmarks that showcase its past and present. Here are some of the best historic landmarks you can visit in Austin:
Texas State Capitol
This is the seat of the state government and one of the most recognizable buildings in Austin. It stands proud (and taller than the U.S. Capitol) in the center of downtown.
It features a distinctive pink granite exterior, a towering dome, and ornate interiors. You can take a free guided tour or explore on your own.
The Driskill
This is a historic hotel that dates back to 1886. It was built by cattle baron Jesse Driskill and has hosted many famous guests over the years. These have included presidents, celebrities, and musicians.
It features elegant decor, fine dining options, a spa, a fitness center, and a bar. You can stay overnight or just admire its architecture.
Congress Avenue Bridge
This is a bridge that spans Lady Bird Lake and connects downtown with South Congress Avenue.
It is famous for being home to one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America. Every evening from March to November, you can watch more than one million free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset.
Summary
Don’t just come for the COTA F1 weekend, stay a while, and enjoy the many attractions of Austin.
Austin is a city that has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, from historic landmarks to culinary delights.
Whether you are looking for nature, art, history, or entertainment, you will find it in Austin. Have a great time in Austin and enjoy the race!
