Oh, Austin, TX! It is a quirky, fun city big on bats, tacos, live music, bar-b-que, and keepin’ it weird. A weekend in Austin, Texas, is the perfect solution when you need something different!
When you fully immerse yourself in the city, you will see why it consistently makes the list of top cities to visit in the United States. It has a little something for everyone!
Visiting Austin, Texas, for the weekend will allow you to visit some of the tourist hot spots and a few local favorites.
Lucky for you, we are native Texans and still call it home. That means that we visit Austin regularly and know it very well! Austin is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Texas.
So, you’re in good hands with us as you create your Austin itinerary.
This Austin weekend itinerary will have you eating some amazing breakfast tacos, enjoying finger-lickin’ good bar-b-que, checking out the live music scene, exploring some Texas history, and even seeing the Austin bats!
All of this and more explains why Austin is one of the best places to visit in Texas!
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About our Austin Itinerary
This post outlines a complete two-day Austin itinerary. If you have more time and want a three-day itinerary, keep reading for our suggestions on spending an additional day in Austin for an extended weekend!
If you stay in Texas longer, your weekend in Austin is the perfect starting point for one of our great Texas road trips!
So settle in, and let’s get started on your Austin weekend itinerary!
When to Visit Austin, Texas
Knowing when to visit Austin, Texas, can determine if you have a good time visiting Austin! Seriously!
If you are not a fan of the heat, and I mean the HEAT, you will not enjoy summer in Austin.
Texas is HOT in the summer. Temperatures hover in the 90s, but 100+ degree days are not uncommon, especially in July and August.
If this isn’t your thing, avoid Austin, Texas, in the summer.
I never like to make this decision and tell people exactly when to visit. We are all so different and prefer different seasons and temperatures.
So, instead of telling you exactly when to visit, let me tell you the pros and cons of each season and some of the Austin activities that time of year, and you can decide for yourself.
Summer in Austin, Texas (June-Aug)
As I said above, summer in Austin will be hot (and humid). Really! This is the heat where you walk outside and instantly start sweating.
When I describe Texas summers to people, I generally tell them that most native Texans are either in the water or in the air conditioning during the summer months!
That said, summer is a great time to plan a weekend in Austin, Texas, if you love water activities.
The natural swimming holes around the city are full of people and parties.
Since college is out for the summer, the town might feel a little less crowded. This means that you can usually easily get into bars and restaurants.
In addition, several outdoor concerts usually take place in the summer months. Summer in Austin can be fun if you enjoy the heat and stay hydrated.
Fall in Austin (Sep-Nov)
The fall brings cooler temperatures to Austin, Texas, which are quite welcome if you have spent the summer in Austin.
Fall temperatures in Austin, Texas, change dramatically from month to month. September generally has high temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s, October has high temperatures in the low 80s, and November has high temperatures in the low 70s.
Fall in Austin means the college (University of Texas) has reopened. The city becomes more crowded and lively, and the restaurants and bars are busier than in the summer months.
This also means that the live music scene is in full effect. Austin, Texas, is the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Music festivals are also kicking off this time of year, including the ever-popular Austin City Limits. Austin City Limits takes place in October and brings live music performances to stages all over the city.
Fall in Austin also means you can find fall festivals all over the Hill Country!
Winter in Austin (Dec-Feb)
Texas winters are generally relatively mild. Granted, there have been some years when Texas has experienced extreme cold, but this is not a regular occurrence.
Winter in Austin generally means high temperatures in the 60s and low temperatures in the 40s.
Of course, December means the city is aglow with Christmas decor and lights. There are also usually a lot of fun holiday activities to enjoy this time of year. There are usually even outdoor ice rinks!
Winter is a great time to plan indoor activities, such as visiting Austin’s museums or seeing a live performance.
Spring in Austin (Mar-May)
Planning your Austin itinerary during the spring months will allow you to enjoy the mild temperatures (70s-80s) and all some great spring festivals.
The famous music festival, South by Southwest, takes place in the spring in the capital city. This music festival overtakes the city with live music performances pretty much everywhere.
This means the city is extremely crowded, so keep that in mind if that isn’t your thing.
Spring in Austin also means that the flowers and plants are blooming, and the nature of the Texas capitol is springing back to life!
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Where to Stay in Austin
When choosing where to stay in Austin, keep in mind that Austin is a big city, so it won’t be within walking distance of everything. When choosing your hotel, we recommend staying near most of the attractions you will see. You know, the city center.
Some great areas to consider are downtown Austin near 6th Street, the Texas State Capitol, or the South Congress neighborhood. These areas have great hotel choices and are close to most attractions.
If you would like more in-depth information on where to stay in Austin, our sister site, That Texas Couple, has a complete guide that outlines the different neighborhoods.
There are loads of options to choose from in these areas. Of course, you can choose a luxury hotel or a great Airbnb. The choice is entirely yours!
Downtown Austin Hotel Choices:
Hilton Garden Inn-Downtown
The Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Austin is a reasonably priced hotel near Rainey and Sixth Street.
Fairmont Downtown
The Fairmont Downtown Austin is conveniently located next to the Austin Convention Center. This is one of our favorite hotels in the downtown area.
The Driskell Hotel
The Driskell Hotel in Austin is a beautiful historic hotel in downtown Austin, built in 1886. Not only is it in a great location, but you also get to enjoy the amenities associated with the hotel, such as afternoon tea and the popular 1886 Baker and Café.
Hotels in the South Congress Area
South Congress Hotel
The South Congress Hotel is hip, modern, and big on customer service. Six restaurants and bars are on site, as well as a cute boutique clothing store. If you want to
Getting to Austin and Getting Around During Your Austin Weekend
Getting to Austin is quite easy. Austin has an international airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
Once you arrive at the Austin airport, you can easily take a taxi, Lyft, or Uber to your accommodations. You can also hire a service or take the Austin bus line 20.
As we mentioned above, Austin is big and pretty spread out. While you can walk to most things on our list (if you are staying in the areas we recommended, downtown Austin or South Congress), you will need other transportation for some of the trip.
We highly recommend renting a car to explore Austin freely. Remember, though, that parking is limited in a big city, and you will have to pay to park.
With this in mind, you might want to rent a car for the last day of your trip and save all the driving until then.
While you will have to pay to park, there are frequently lots of parking spaces to choose from, and you can even download this app to pay for parking.
If you choose to rent a car, we suggest using Discover Cars. This is a great money-saving tool; it will search dozens of rental sites and find the best prices and terms for your trip!
Not only that, but you get to see all the fees associated with your rental. That means there will be no hidden surprises when you arrive at the rental desk!
Shop rental cars for your weekend in Austin!
Weekend in Austin Itinerary-Day 1
Day 1: Tacos, & Austin History & Culture, and Austin Bats
Breakfast Tacos
Austin (and all of Texas) loves a good breakfast taco. This cheap, hand-held morning staple is the perfect way to start your day and is a must for the Austin food scene.
Breakfast tacos combine all the great things about Mexican food with American flavors. They are the perfect combination of Tex-Mex food, celebrating the cultures of Mexico and Texas blending.
A good breakfast taco must have a delicious hot, off-the-griddle flour tortilla that is the perfect wrapper for the ingredients.
The ingredients inside will vary depending on your taste. Still, a traditional breakfast taco will contain fluffy, perfectly scrambled eggs, some breakfast meat (traditionally bacon or sausage), melty cheese, and soft, delicious potatoes.
Of course, you will see plays on these and different combinations of ingredients, but if you want a traditional breakfast taco, these are your ingredients.
Best Breakfast Tacos in Austin
For a fabulous traditional taco, we recommend hitting up Rosita al Pastor. This food truck serves up delicious breakfast tacos that will keep you coming back again and again. Heck, you won’t even care that you are eating in a parking lot, eating from a food truck, when you sink your teeth into this baby!
Another Austin staple for breakfast tacos is Veracruz All Natural. Veracruz has won numerous awards for its food, proving you can’t go wrong here.
Other Austin taco spots to try include Joe’s Bakery, Juan in a Million, and Dai Due Taqueria.
Tour the Texas Capitol
Touring the capitol building is a must for your Austin itinerary, especially if you have never toured it.
Upon arriving at the capitol building, you will probably notice the beautiful red granite, which seems rather large. Your eyes are not deceiving you; it is larger than the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., even!
You know, everything is bigger in Texas!
You can walk the outside grounds before taking a free tour of the interior of the building. Tours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 3:30 PM.
If you would rather, you can also take a self-guided tour using one of the informative pamphlets on site.
After touring the capitol, you might also tour the Governor’s Mansion, which is within walking distance since it is right across the street.
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Check Out Some Austin Museums
Austin, TX, is brimming with fabulous museums. You could spend an entire weekend there visiting museums!
Since you want to see and do other things during your time here, we will give our recommendations for a few, and then you can decide which ones (if any) you want to visit.
The Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is the largest art community in Austin, TX. Located on the University of Texas campus, it houses beautiful works of art worldwide.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum contains everything related to Texas history. Here, you can learn all about the great state of Texas, starting with Its fight for independence and continuing through modern-day historical events.
This museum is close to the capitol building, making it easy to visit after your tour. It’s a great place to learn more about local history!
Contemporary Austin Jones Center
The Contemporary Austin Jones Center showcases modern art worldwide and is a great addition to your Austin itinerary.
The museum comprises two different buildings and an outdoor sculpture garden.
Mexic-Arte Museum
The Mexic-Arte Museum allows you to explore Mexican and Latino art and culture. Its displays contain traditional and contemporary artworks, giving you the best of both worlds.
Museum of the Weird
“Keep Austin Weird” is a popular saying in this area, which is what the Museum of the Weird is trying to do. Here, you can gawk at all things weird and unusual. There is a shrunken head, strange animals, and more!
Now, that is genuinely Austin, TX, for you!
George Washington Carver Museum
The George Washington Carver Museum is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of Black Americans. It also has an extensive genealogy center for Black families that helps people track their ancestry in Texas and beyond.
Skip the Museums and Do a City Tour
If museums are not your thing, you might want to tour the city instead.
Loads of great tours in Austin will allow you to get to know the city better.
This best of Austin small group tour and this Austin bike tour are great introductions to the city. If you want to go the easier route, try this electric bike tour.
Find your perfect Austin tour here!
Grab Some Lunch in Austin, TX
You have a couple of choices for lunch on this Austin itinerary.
To continue exploring Austin’s historical aspect and taste some great food, head to the Driskell Hotel, the oldest hotel in Austin, TX, and have lunch at the 1886 Cafe and Bakery.
The Driskell is within easy walking distance to most of the above attractions.
The 1886 Cafe and Bakery serves up delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. These lighter meals are perfect since you won’t want to leave without having a piece of their sinful 1886 Chocolate Cake!
If you want to do something a little “funkier” for lunch, head down to South Congress Avenue to grab a bite.
Our South Congress recommendations include Jo’s Coffee, South Congress Cafe, and Home Slice! There are also usually food trucks in this area, including a taco stand or two! Jo’s Coffee serves up some great tacos and is a fun place for people-watching, so head there if you are having difficulty deciding.
After lunch on South Congress, don’t miss the chance to grab an ice cream from Amy’s. Trust us, it is worth the calories!
Explore South Congress Avenue (Shop or Window Shop)
A weekend in Austin would not be complete without a visit to South Congress Avenue.
We prefer the southern section of South Congress Av. as this gets you away from the chain stores and into the real South Congress.
The real South Congress is quirky and full of fun vintage boutiques, street art, restaurants, music venues, and funky shops!
The iconic South Congress stores we love include Parts & Labour, Allen’s Boots, Tesoro’s, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and Big Top Candy Shop. These shops sell fabulous Texas souvenirs, so be on the lookout.
Don’t be surprised if you run into a pop-up store or two and some local street performers in this area, too.
Be sure to snap a photo of the quirky sign of the iconic Austin Motel. What does it make you think of? LOL!
Exploring this quirky neighborhoods is one of the highlights a weekend in Austin itinerary.
Take a Picture With the Greetings from Austin Mural
While in this area, go to 1st Street to get your picture with the “Greetings from Austin” mural.
Although the address for this street art is 1720 S. 1st Street, the mural is on Annie Street.
Time for Dinner
See the information below about the Austin bats before you go to dinner.
I’m sure you spent a few hours browsing on South Congress and are probably hungry by now. So, why not eat in South Congress since you are already here?
We mentioned a few spots above at lunchtime. Other options in the area include Guero’s Taco Bar, Prim and Proper, Aba Austin, Joann’s Fine Foods, Perla’s, and Magnolia Cafe.
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See the Largest Urban Bat Colony in the World at the South Congress Bridge
Don’t miss visiting the South Congress Bridge at dusk on your weekend in Austin. You might have to do it before dinner, depending on the time of the year.
Many people gather around the South Congress Avenue Bridge from March to October. You might be wondering why?!
Well, this is where the largest urban bat colony in the world lives and sets out on its nightly feeding frenzy from downtown Austin, TX!
Join in the fun by heading to the South Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to watch the hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge.
You can sit on the grassy lawn beneath the bridge by Lady Bird Johnson Lake, stand on the South Congress Street bridge, or get the best view by getting on the water of Lady Bird Lake with this sunset bat kayak tour.
Of course, the bats are wild creatures, so there is no guarantee that you will see the bats fly or how dramatic the exit will be.
Check Out the Live Music Scene and Austin’s Nightlife
Hopefully, you aren’t too tired after today. Tonight, we will check out Austin’s nightlife, including some of the live music Austin has to offer.
As we mentioned above, Austin is the “Live Music Capital” of the world. This means there is always some sort of live music performance.
The Continental Club is an iconic institution in Austin, and it is the perfect place to be introduced to a great live music venue.
The fun décor and variety of musical acts at this Austin classic keep people returning for more.
Several bars also offer free dance lessons, so if you want to learn the Texas two-step during your weekend in Austin, consider that.
Some tried and true Texas-style honky-tonks in Austin include The Broken Spider and the White Horse.
There is always live music and a lot is happening on Austin’s famous Sixth Street (Dirty Sixth. LOL!). Sixth Street is entertainment central. I equate Sixth Street with the Texas version of Freemont or Bourbon Street as It is big on sounds, loads of people, and neon lights.
The nightlife on Sixth Street includes cool speakeasy-style bars such as Firehouse Lounge & Hostel and the Midnight Cowboy. One of our favorite Sixth Street places is Maggie Mae’s rooftop bar!
If you want a slightly calmer vibe, head to Rainey Street. Rainey Street has a slightly older, more laid-back crowd, but it is still fun. Here, you will find old houses turned into fun restaurants and bars.
Of course, you can also take a guided pub crawl while in the Texas State Capitol. This allows you to sit back, relax, and let an expert do your work.
Weekend in Austin Day 2
Day 2: Austin Outdoors: Zilker Park & Botanical Gardens, Sculpture Garden, and Mont Bonnell
Breakfast
Today, we will spend the day outdoors and exert energy, so you will want to fuel up this morning.
If you want to continue exploring Austin’s breakfast taco scene, then consider hitting up Torchy’s Tacos, Austin Java, or one of the breakfast places suggested yesterday that you missed.
If you finish breakfast tacos, you might want to check out Snooze Eatery, a spot that Austin locals love. Their sweet potato hash is delicious.
Check out Zilker Park
Zilker Park is Austin’s version of Central Park. Spread out over 350 acres, it is the perfect place to get outdoors in Austin today!
If you are visiting in the summer, you must dip in Barton Springs Pool. This super refreshing water area is a local favorite in the hot Texas summer.
However, note that Barton Springs Pool is consistently 68-70 degrees since it is a natural spring-fed pool!
Zilker Park is also home to the Zilker Botanical Gardens, a gorgeous Botanical Garden with a koi pond, an incredible rose garden, and more.
In the summer, Zilker Park also hosts several special events. Some favorites include Shakespeare in the Park, summer musicals, and summer movie screenings.
Enjoying the town lake, Lady Bird Lake is also a must. If you are up for it, Lady Bird Lake is the perfect place to try some stand-up paddle boarding!
You can also rent kayaks and paddle boats in several different areas of the lake. Biking around the lake is another favorite outdoor activity.
Please note that going around Lady Bird Lake is a 10-mile stretch, so make sure you are up for that.
Go For a Hike
There are several popular hikes in Austin to choose from. One was just mentioned: try hiking (well, walking) the 10-mile stretch around Lady Bird Lake instead of biking it.
If you want to stay close to downtown Austin, consider the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which offers great views of the city.
Another popular hike is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Start at the Barton Creek Pool mentioned above; you can hike the main trail for 7 miles if you choose!
Visit the Umlauf Sculpture Garden
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is easy to visit from Zilker Park since it is located right next door.
This beautiful museum showcases the works of Charles Umlauf and other artists.
Charles Umlauf and his wife purchased the property overlooking Barton Springs Road 1944.
After living at the home for more than 40 years, they donated their home, land, art studio, and many pieces of art to the city of Austin to be used as a source of education for the community.
A visit to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a nice, peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Check Out the LBJ Presidential Library
The LBJ Presidential Library honors President Lyndon B. Johnson, one of the United States Presidents who was not only from Texas but also from Texas Hill County (Johnson City, to be precise).
The LBJ Library is home to numerous historical documents, a replica of the Oval Office from the 60s (when Johnson served), a fabulous exhibit on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and more.
This is not your average museum, so check it out, especially if you plan a long weekend in Austin.
See the Views from Mont Bonnell
Okay, so I could have included this in the hiking section, but the view from Mont Bonnell needs a separate section.
We love the view so much that we even make it a stop on our drive from Dallas to San Antonio!
Granted, you will need a car for this, so if you are spending a long weekend in Austin and only getting a car for one day, save this one for tomorrow.
Getting to Mont Bonnell is easy. Set your GPS to “Mont Bonnell at Covert Park.” You will find parking on one side of the two-lane road you are directed to.
Take the staircase to the right of the parking lot. After climbing the 102 stairs, turn left and follow the path.
You will know when you arrive and will be greeted with gorgeous sights like the Austin skyline and Lake Austin!
Please note that there is little shade on the path and no water available, so bring sunscreen and water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
This is a fabulous place to watch the sunset over Austin, so time it just right!
End Your Night With More Nightlife or Some Ghosts
If you are ready for more, enjoy more of Austin’s fabulous nightlife. See the section from day one and explore a different area.
If you prefer something out on the town but don’t want more live music and crowds, consider taking one of the city’s ghost tours.
Austin has an intriguing and scary history. There is no better way to learn about these than a fun and interesting ghost tour.
Long Weekend in Austin-Austin 3 Day Itinerary
Day 3 in Austin-Choices, Choices
If you have 3 days in Austin, you have several choices for an extra day. You can explore more of Austin’s culture or head out into the Texas Hill Country.
Here are some of our suggestions for 3 days in Austin!
Explore Austin’s Street Art
Austin is well known for its awesome art scene. If you are like us, then we love checking out the local street art in areas we visit.
Austin is full of great murals that make the perfect places to take photos for your Instagram. You can find murals in East Austin, South Austin, and downtown.
As we mentioned above, the South Congress neighborhood has loads of murals to choose from. Here, you can not only find the “Greetings from Austin” mural but also the popular “I love you so much” and “Before I Die” walls, just to name a few.
Another fun mural spot is the section between 6th and 9th Streets. One of our favorites in this area is the “Howdy from Austin” mural.
The East Austin area also has great murals. Head to Native Hostel in East Austin to check out their murals, and look for the ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ mural while in the area (there are a couple of these).
Do an Austin Food Tour
Austin should make you feel at home if you are super into food.
Participating in a food tour is a great way to learn about the local food scene. Luckily, Austin is home to one of our favorite food tours.
Check Out the Austin Craft Beer Scene
Austin is famous for its craft beer scene. With over 65 craft breweries, craft beer lovers will feel right at home here!
Some breweries to check out include Zilker Brewing, Blue Owl Brewing, and Lazarus Brewing.
If you want an awesome experience, consider taking one of the many craft beer tours offered.
The craft pride in this city is hard to ignore.
Take a Day Trip
While Austin is awesome, the surrounding Texas Hill Country is incredible.
Here, you will find numerous small towns and some of the best waterfalls in Texas, which are just begging for you to visit.
If you rented a car for your final day, then a day trip from Austin would be the perfect way to see more of Lone Star State.
You might also take a day trip from Austin, such as this awesome Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour. This tour picks you up from your downtown hotel and takes you to explore LBJ Ranch and the fun towns of Luckenbach and Fredericksburg.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs, Texas, is about 25 minutes west of Austin. Home to the famous Hamilton Pool swimming hole, it is a great day trip from Austin in the summer.
Dripping Spring is also home to some excellent wineries, breweries, and some delicious Texas BBQ.
If you visit Dripping Springs, you must visit Salt Lick BBQ. This BYOB spot serves delicious Texas barbecue cooked over an open fire!
This is also a great area to see the bluebonnets in Texas if you visit during springtime!
Wimberley
Wimberley, Texas, is about 45 minutes south of Austin but worth visiting.
Home to a thriving artist community, the small town square area of Wimberley is a great place to start exploring. You will find art galleries, fun restaurants, and several boutique shops here.
Wimberley is home to several wineries, a great olive ranch that produces incredible olive oil, and several distilleries.
In the summer months, you won’t want to miss a chance to visit the Blue Hole or Jacob’s Well. Just note that both require an advanced reservation as they fill up in the summer.
Georgetown
Georgetown is about 35 minutes north of Austin, making it a quick and easy day trip.
The town square in Georgetown is a gorgeous area. Here, you can explore the boutique shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.
Another popular thing to do in Georgetown is to explore the Inner Space Caverns, where you can explore the underground caves.
Austin Itinerary Summary
Day 1:
- Breakfast at Veracruz All Natural
- Tour the State Capital and possibly the Governor’s Mansion
- Check Out an Austin Museum. Consider: Blanton Museum of Art, Mexic-Arte Museum, Museum of the Weird, Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Lunch at 1886 Café or a restaurant on South Congress
- Explore and shop on South Congress Av
- Dinner of your choice
- Bats at South Congress Bridge
- Experience Austin Nightlife and Live Music
Day 2:
- Breakfast at Torchy’s Tacos or Snooze Cafe
- Zilker Park
- Take a hike
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden
- LBJ Presidential Library
- Mount Bonnell
- More nightlife or a ghost tour
Day 3:
Choice of:
- Austin breweries
- Austin street art
- Day Trip into the Hill Country
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About the Author
Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Jennifer Record
Sunday 9th of July 2023
Great post! I always hear about tacos in Austin :) would love to do a taco tour..and def tour the Capitol..my fav thing to do in a Capital city
texasonly
Monday 10th of July 2023
Thanks so much! Tacos in Texas are delicious for sure!! :)