Last weekend was a blast exploring a city so close to my own but so different in many ways. Austin is quirky, weird, fashionable, and a food lover’s heaven. I spent so much time researching the best places to go in order to make my weekend as fun as possible. In advance, I made sure to plan ahead for popular attractions to ensure a smooth experience. The thing about Austin is it’s so big that you will never do everything you want in just one weekend, but I’d say we did enough to leave satisfied!
If you find yourself with extra time, there are plenty of optional experiences to enhance your visit. So here’s my list of some of the most fun things to do in Austin, with many hidden treasures that you won’t find in the typical guides! I hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit as much as I did.
Krause Springs
When I was first planning different things to do in Austin, I came across Hamilton Springs. I had been wanting to check this place out… until I found they are booked 2 months in advance! However, we ended up learning about this hidden gem! Krause Springs is a gorgeous watering hole with a small waterfall over the spring.
There’s a swing for the more adventurous type, and it wasn’t crowded when we visited.
The Best Views
For a peaceful sunset, head to Pennybacker Bridge Overlook. You get an amazing view of the sun setting over the city. Before making it all the way to the top, stay one level lower. While it’s not very packed at the top, we practically had the whole section to ourselves with just as amazing of a view.
If you have extra time, explore more levels of the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook for different perspectives.
I was shocked to see how blue Lake Travis was! Escape the summer heat and get a good view with a margarita at The Oasis on Lake Travis. I’ve heard the sunset views are pretty spectacular here as well, making it totally worth the visit.
Mayfield Park is this gorgeous garden, hiking area, and a place full of peacocks. It’s the perfect place to bring food and have a picnic. Just don’t feed it to the peacocks because they are everywhere! It was so fun to get up close and personal with them.
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Shopping
There are so many good and funky shopping spots in Austin!
Many people talk about visiting SoCo, but I also recommend checking out 2nd Street District! Close to downtown off of 2nd Street is a fun, very Austin shopping area! You could seriously spend all day here!
Some highlights included Toy Joy which brought me back to my childhood days; Yummi Joy– a candy paradise with sweet treats that are simply delightful; Austin Rocks-—a very Austin store where I got these awesome heart-shaped glasses; and the iconic Jo’s Coffee.
A short walk away is Con Oli’s, an oil and vinegar tasting room where we had fun speaking to the owner. I don’t even like vinegar, but he showed me some cool combinations that I enjoyed and showed us how you can make healthy chicken and waffles. If you go there, the owner will comp two to three hours of parking, which is always a plus.
There’s also the Austin library with a rooftop view of the city, 3D printing, and a gorgeous hiking area.
After all the shopping, we went to Bar Uchi for an amazingly priced happy hour sushi and stopped by the Mexi-Arte Museum. For a more casual dining experience, you can check out places like Ramen Tatsu-Ya, which offers a laid-back vibe perfect for enjoying delicious food without the pressure of formality. When we were there, they had the Día de Los Muertos displays of famous Mexican figures.
South Congress Avenue, or SoCo, is probably the most talked about thing to do in Austin, but it’s obvious why. It reflects the Austin vibe with its quirky shops and street vendors. I loved the cute boutiques, art shops, and funky items (how cute are these dinosaur succulents below?).
Uncommon Goods, a popular vintage shop, recently moved, but there are still plenty of goodies here.
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Nearby you’ll find the Welcome to Austin sign at Roadhouse Relics nearby. There’s also a place called Cathedral of Junk—exactly as it sounds! Make sure to make a reservation, as it fills up fast. Unfortunately, we only got to see it from the outside. It’s on the list for next time.
Where to Eat in Austin
Now Gordough’s Donuts is just about the most popular food. Do not miss that—they are seriously the best donuts around. But there are also a couple of other places we really enjoyed. Austin also boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering unique and delicious beers.
Mozart’s coffee had a beautiful view of the water and had a huge selection of unique coffees. I got a butterscotch latte!
Snooze AM was the best place for brunch! They have so many different types of pancakes, and you can order a pancake flight. We got French toast, pineapple upside-down cake, and blueberry lemon. There’s usually a long wait, so I went across the street where there was a coffee truck with butter coffee.
Another special drink place was actually a speakeasy called Firehouse Lounge. Go inside the hostel, and you’ll find a bookshelf. Push it back, and you’ll find the bar. The drinks aren’t bad, but the experience was what really made it special!
Seriously, there are so many food options, and there were so many places I wanted to try but didn’t have time to. I would come to Austin again just to try the food again. Popular lunch spots like 24 Diner and Tyson’s Tacos are definitely on my list for the next visit.
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
For a quick stop, we went to Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, where we got to sample regular, goat, water buffalo, and sheep cheese to our heart’s content. They let you try whichever cheese you would like, and you get your own tasting and pairing guide. On certain days they have events where you get to sit down and try pairings. Even if there’s not an event, the experience is still worth it.
You could grab some cheeses and have a picnic at Mayfield Park.
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Attractions and Landmarks
Austin is a treasure trove of attractions and landmarks that showcase its rich history and vibrant culture. Start your journey at the Texas State Capitol, a stunning building with a magnificent rotunda and impressive architecture. Take a guided tour to delve into the history of Texas and marvel at the intricate details of this iconic structure.
Next, head to the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can witness the largest urban colony of bats in North America. As the sun sets, watch in awe as thousands of bats take flight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the evening sky.
For those who love the great outdoors, Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool are must-visit spots. Enjoy a leisurely hike around the lake, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply relax by the pool and soak up the Texas sun. And for a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Cathedral of Junk, a quirky and fascinating attraction that will leave you amazed.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin’s entertainment and nightlife scene is second to none. Take a stroll down 6th Street, the heart of Austin’s entertainment district, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant music scene. From rock and country to jazz and blues, you’ll find live music pouring out of every bar and club.
During the summer, the city comes alive with outdoor concerts and festivals, offering a perfect blend of music, food, and fun. Whether you’re dancing the night away or savoring gourmet cuisine, Austin’s nightlife has something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Austin
Austin is such a bustling city, and for that reason it was nice to relax right outside of Austin at Sonesta Bee Cave, where luxury meets the charm of Texan culture. Most things were still close by, but we got to enjoy an adult-focused retreat, hill country view, and a trolley that would take us anywhere within 5 miles of the hotel! Sonesta Bee Cave was a relaxing getaway, and we spent an entire day just enjoying the pool, lounging at the bar, and unwinding.
You can book the hotel here.
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Other Places to Stay in Austin
- The Line Hotel (Popular Pick)
- Hotel Saint Cecilia (Artsy Boutique Hotel)
- Uptown Suites Extended Stay (Budget Friendly)
- Pet-Friendly Treehouses in Austin
- Otis Hotel
- Thompson Hotel
- Hotel Van Zandt
How to Get to Austin
For the cheapest flights, I always use SkyScanner. You can find the cheapest airline and the cheapest days to travel.
Some attractions may have an extra cost, but they are worth it.
Austin Weekend Guide: FAQs
Where is the trendy part of Austin?
Austin has several trendy neighborhoods that offer unique experiences, but some areas stand out for their vibe, style, and activities.
- East Austin – one of the most buzzing areas in the city, known for its mix of old Austin charm and modern lifestyle.
- South Congress (or “SoCo”) – This neighborhood is famous for its boutique shops
- Rainey Street – This area blends historic charm with lively nightlife.
Is Austin a walkable town?
Austin’s walkability varies depending on the neighborhood, but several areas are very pedestrian-friendly. Downtown Austin is the most walkable, with a mix of hotels, restaurants, bars, and attractions all within a short distance.
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Things to Do in Austin – Final Thoughts
I love Austin because it has the thriving city life but escapes into nature. Honestly, I enjoyed every moment of my trip. Austin has one of the most gorgeous lakes in Texas, and with the hill country, you get some amazing views. To this day I tell everyone about North Door, as that was the best Shakespeare play ever! Since there are so many things to do in Austin, and even though I’ve been four times, I’m sure there are things I missed. What were your favorite things to do in Austin? I hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit.
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Some of my experiences were comped in exchange for a review. As always all opinions are my own.
Last Updated 2 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: November 22, 2017
FashNcurious
November 23, 2017Fab review girly! Looks like you had a blast. I love the Austin food scene!! Lick Ice Cream and Iron Works barbecue are a must try!!
Anuka
November 23, 2017Will def have to check these out when I go back!