Austin has been on my list of places to visit for a while. It came up on a shortlist for a girl’s trip last Spring and I jumped at the chance. It’s a weird corner of Texas and I absolutely fell in love. We spent a weekend there in April eating and drinking our way around. There are a ton of outdoor activities, amazing tacos and great entertainment.
I put together this guide to help you make the most of your weekend in Austin, Texas. I’m already counting down the days until I can return and eat breakfast tacos again.
The Basics for a Weekend in Austin, Texas
Getting there
We found flights into Houston, Texas for half the price of Austin. It’s only about a two hour drive through Texas hill country. We rented a car and drove there stopping to see Bluebells and a winery along the way. You can fly directly into Austin, so definitely check that out first. Just know there are options nearby if you strike out.
Getting around
Once you are there, Austin is extremely walkable. We racked up our step count. There are a lot of different neighborhoods to explore. They also have bike rentals available all over the city. They are easy to use and easy to find. We used Lyft for all of our nighttime activities.
Places to stay
We used AirBnB and it was the perfect situation for our trip. There were tons of options. You can use this link for a discount if you’ve never tried it before. If you are more of a hotel person, I’ve heard amazing things about this hotel and it’s in an awesome location.
Weather
In April, the temperatures ranged from 80 during the day to mid 60’s at night. It was very comfortable and the flowers were blooming. The summers are quite a bit warmer.
What to Pack
The city is pretty low key. You can get away with a casual wardrobe almost everywhere in the city. Make sure you pack for the heat if you are going in the summer. Cowboy hat optional.
My Favorite Places for a Weekend in Austin
Rainey Street
Located near downtown, you will find these few blocks of fun. There is an entire section of this street with old houses transformed into bars and restaurants. It feels like going to a block party with a whole bunch of strangers and having the best food and drinks. You’ll find food trucks of every variety, a craft beer bar with hundreds of options and great people watching.
El Alma
This was our first meal upon arrival and it really set the bar high for the rest of our weekend. We ordered a lot of small plates to share and a round or two of cocktails. There is a rooftop seating area with good views. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. It’s especially great for vegetarians or anyone with food allergies.
Terry Black’s BBQ
As a vegetarian, I didn’t think I would try any sort of BBQ but the line around the block and the smell wafting into our backyard changed my mind. We waited in line at the end of the day for my girlfriend’s to get some famous BBQ. We ordered a feast and took it home in giant bags. I ate my weight in mac & cheese and other side dishes, but I had one tiny bite of a rib. This is a fourth generation family run spot and worth a spot on your list.
Jo’s Coffee
We came for the coffee, we stayed for the breakfast tacos. There are a few locations, so you will be close to one and you should head there for breakfast. Here is where you will find one of the famous instagram shots as well (South Congress location).
Lazarus Brewing Co
We walked down East 6th Street in search of a patio that would provider us with cold beverages. After checking for gluten free options for one of my girlfriends and striking out, we found this place and it was perfect. Beers were good and the patio was amazing. The neighborhood had tons to offer as well.
And a little outside of town…
Hill Country for Texas Bluebonnets
In the Spring, the bluebonnets fill fields outside of Austin. We drove through the hill country and took in the colorful hillsides. There are so many great little towns in Texas Hill Country and we were even able to track down a winery. Definitely worth a trip if it’s the right time of year.
Final Thoughts
A weekend in Austin, Texas was just scratching the surface for me. I can’t wait to go back because there is so much food I have not enjoyed yet and we didn’t even get a chance to swim at Barton Springs.
Let me know if you have any questions or places I missed in the comments below.
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