Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Steph
Austin, Texas is a popular weekend destination and it was easy for me to see why. For a second, I even thought I’d like to call this city home, but I would melt in the summer heat. Austin has fabulous restaurants, fun bars and live music venues, and unique outdoor activities. I’ve been lucky enough to visit on multiple occasions – with girlfriends, with my mom and her best friend, and with my husband.
Austin is the capital of Texas and the 5th largest city in the state. It’s also one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country. Many tech companies have been setting up shop there and with the colleges and festivals, it’s drawing younger crowds. It’s a perfect blend of classic cowboy, aspiring musicians, and creative tech minds.
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 to Austin, Texas
We found flights into Houston, Texas, for half the price of Austin when I visited with my girlfriends in the spring. It’s only about a two-hour drive through the 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.
The city is also on Interstate 35, so it’s a direct shot from many major cities if you’re road-tripping. This is an excellent starting or ending point for a Texas Hill Country road trip as well.
Getting around Austin
Once you are there, Austin is extremely walkable. We racked up our step count. There are many neighborhoods to explore. They also offer bike rentals throughout the city. They are easy to use and easy to find. We used Lyft for all of our nighttime activities. Even if you drive yourself to Austin for the weekend, I would park your car away and leave it.
Places to stay for a Weekend in Austin, Texas
Picking the perfect place to stay during your weekend in Austin depends on how many people you’re traveling with. A vacation rental is nice with a group because you can stock the fridge with snacks and drinks and enjoy the communal space to hang out. If you have a small group or are just traveling as a couple, there are great hotels to choose from.
We stayed in the area where this VRBO is located, and it was quiet but convenient. Having the smell of Terry Black’s BBQ wafting in the open windows was magical (even for a vegetarian). For something a little closer to Rainey Street and the downtown action, try something like this adorable rental property.
For hotels, I would either stay downtown or on South Congress. Here are a few suggestions based on our trips and hotel brands we love:
- For a stunning rooftop pool near Rainey Street, stay here
- For an excellent and affordable downtown spot, stay here
- For an essential “Keep Austin Weird” hipster vibe, stay here (or at least stop in for frozen rose)
- For a little zen to unwind between fun activities, stay here
Austin, Texas Weather
In April, the temperatures ranged from 80 during the day to mid-60s at night. It was very comfortable, and the flowers were blooming. This is my ideal time to visit.
The summers are hot. Winters are mild with highs into the 60s and 70s, but the nights are cold. Fall is another excellent time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and lots of warm sunshine.
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. Layers are always a good idea in the milder months, so you can hang out after dark without getting cold. Cowboy hat optional, but encouraged.
My Favorite Places for a Weekend in Austin
Rainey Street
Located near downtown, you will find these few blocks packed with fun places to hang out. 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
There is a rooftop seating area with good views of the skyline and the park. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. It’s especially great for vegetarians or anyone with food allergies. We had a group of three and split a bunch of smaller apps. The cocktails were excellent and worth the trip alone.
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).
South Congress
There are many incredible places to shop, eat, and drink along South Congress. We loved the Little Larry’s at Hopdoddy Burger Bar (just trust me) and June’s has a great happy hour. Bring your camera because the murals and art will give you great photo backdrops.
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.
Cisco’s Restaurant
This Tex-Mex restaurant was excellent. We just happened upon it when heading to the next place on the list (they are conveniently located next to one another). It’s a retro diner atmosphere and the menu is extensive. Our group of four ordered all kinds of goodies and it helped us prepare for a night of dancing and music.
The White Horse
This little honky-tonk is exactly the type of place I was hoping to find in Austin. Being further away from 6th, the crowd was more my speed, and the music was fun. Drinks are cheap, but there is often a cover charge. It’s worth it to check this spot out.
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.
Gruene
Just 45 miles south of Austin, you will find this adorable little “town” of Gruene, located within the border of New Braunfels, TX. This historic district is fun to explore, whether you enjoy antique shopping or catch live music at one of the oldest dance halls in Texas. It’s an easy day trip and a fun way to explore a little more Texas history.
Final Thoughts
A few weekend trips to Austin, Texas, were only enough to scratch the surface. I can’t wait to go back because there is so much food I haven’t tried yet, and we didn’t even get a chance to swim in Barton Springs or kayak on Lady Bird Lake. I’m already making a list for our next trip.
Let me know if you have any questions or places I missed in the comments below.
Pin this for later:
Leave a Reply