Enjoying a weekend away in Austin, Texas, which is known for tacos, barbeque, live music, and a love of the outdoors, is an incredible treat.
With just a few days in Austin, you’ll be able to see many different sides of the Texas capital–taco trucks, honky-tonks, trendy boutiques, natural swimming holes, and bats, to name a few. Here’s how to make the most out of your Austin long weekend getaway!
Tacos, The Capitol, South Congress, And Bats On Day 1
Tacos for breakfast are a good place to start.
There’s no way a trip to Austin could begin without breakfast tacos!
It’s very difficult to find the best in the region, but we suggest Veracruz All Natural. Juan in a Million and Tacodeli are also good backup options. Plan on getting 2-3 standard-size tacos when you go there to have a filling breakfast.
The Texas State Capitol Is Perfect For A Tour
Since you’re in Texas’s capital, visit the state capitol! You may explore the surroundings, the visitor’s center, and the legislative chambers, based on the period of the year. The gorgeous governor’s home is located across the street and open for tours if you’re interested in learning more about Texas government history.
Small Walking Tour
On vacation, you don’t want to see a government building? There’s something for everyone, so don’t be concerned.
This small-group walking tour is an excellent and well-reviewed introduction to Austin, and it includes not just great stories and advice on locating Austin’s hidden jewels, but also plenty of restaurant recommendations to help you make the most of your time here. Alternatively, if you’re wanting to see some of Austin’s most famous murals, this street art tour is a wonderful place to start.
Pay A Visit To One Of Austin’s Museums
Austin is home to a plethora of interesting museums, ranging from the regal to the bizarre.
You may not have much time to see them all throughout your visit–and spending lots of time indoors during your Austin weekend would be a waste–but we’ve included a few of them in this Austin itinerary. Following are some of the best museums in Austin:
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Mexic-Arte Museum
- Bullock Texas History Museum
Take A Walk Down The South Congress Avenue
The further north you go, the more chain stores you’ll find. National brands like Reformation and Madewell can now be found in the northern section of South Congress, demonstrating Austin’s rapid growth.
Continue heading south to reach South Congress’s landmarks: Allen’s Boots, Parts & Labour, Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds, Tesoro’s, South Congress Books, Big Top Candy Shop, and more.
Until 2017, Uncommon Objects, a popular Austin boutique that sold anything from classic antiques to the most bizarre oddities conceivable, was located on South Congress. It’s now a couple of miles away on Fortview Road, and it’s well worth the trip if you’re in the area.
Meet The Largest Global Urban Bat Colony
A few of Austin’s most renowned residents have wings! Hundreds and thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats reside beneath South Congress Bridge from March to October each year.
Watching the bats emerge to hunt at night is one of the coolest things to do in Austin on a weekend if you time it correctly!
There are various ways to observe the bats, including simply standing on South Congress Bridge, but the greatest view is from the water: we suggest this Lady Bird Lake kayaking tour to ensure you have the finest perspective.
This bike tour, on the other hand, is a fantastic choice.
Zilker Park, Museums + Outdoor Austin On Day 2
Start Your Day Off On The Lake
A vacation to Austin wouldn’t be complete without some relaxation on the water! Head to Austin’s renowned, spring-fed Barton Springs Pool this morning for a taste of a local favorite.
You didn’t get a chance to kayak last night, or do you just want to go again?
Alternatively, rent a SUP, kayak, or canoe on Lady Bird Lake for the morning and enjoy one of Austin’s favorite sports while taking in the stunning skyline views.
Take A Quick Hike
Austin, Texas’s capital, is famous because of its adoration of the environment, so it’s no wonder that it has some spectacular urban hiking!
You may appreciate the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which has beautiful sights of downtown and passes straight over Lady Bird Lake in certain spots, without having to travel far from downtown, or take a trip to Lou Neff Point in Zilker Park.
Visit A Different Museum In Austin
You might be able to fit in another museum tour before dark, depending on when you finish trekking.
Enjoy The Beauty Of The Sunset Over ATX
This isn’t a must-do on your Austin itinerary, especially since you’ve already spent the majority of the day outside, but if you have a car, consider driving over to Mount Bonnell or the 360 Bridge viewpoint to catch the sunset.
Both are extremely popular Austin views that are also very accessible. Both are barely a couple of minutes of climbing away from where you’ll park your car, so they may be classified as incredibly short “hikes.”
The Bottom Line
July and August, in particular, are scorching hot, and it’s quite feasible to come during those months and not see a single day with a high of less than 100°F.
Austin does experience a few cold snaps and rainy weeks during the winter, particularly in January and February, so planning a winter trip is a bit of a gamble–but since you might also be met with sunny skies and 65° days, a weekend break in Austin during the winter can also work out well.
