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Best of Austin

Breakfast tacos, greenbelt swims, and honky-tonk nights with a local crowd.

10 daysLocal favorites
Trip length
3-day5-day8-day10-day
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November

Spring and fall are warm and comfortable, with marquee events like SXSW and ACL. Midsummer is very hot, often topping 100 degrees.

Day 1 · South Congress & Downtown Delights

  • 1
    Jo's Coffee (South Congress)

    Grab an 'I Love You So Much' latte and soak in the SoCo vibe.

  • 2
    South Congress Avenue

    Stroll, browse quirky shops, and admire the murals.

  • 3
    Texas State Capitol

    Take a free tour of this impressive pink granite building.

  • 4
    Contigo

    Enjoy a relaxed outdoor dinner with delicious farm-to-table fare.

Day 2 · Barton Springs & Zilker Park

  • 1
    Barton Springs Pool

    Start your day with a refreshing swim in this natural spring-fed pool.

  • 2
    Zilker Metropolitan Park

    Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, or just relax under the trees.

  • 3
    Terry's Black's Barbecue

    Savor authentic Texas barbecue (it's worth the wait!).

  • 4
    Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

    Wander through beautiful gardens displaying modern sculptures.

Day 3 · East Side Eats & Entertainment

  • 1
    Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)

    Taste some of Austin's best breakfast tacos from this famous food truck.

  • 2
    East 6th Street

    Explore the vibrant murals, unique boutiques, and coffee shops.

  • 3
    Franklin Barbecue

    If you're willing to wait, experience legendary Austin barbecue (check hours).

  • 4
    The White Horse

    Hit the dance floor for some authentic Texas honky-tonk and live music.

Day 4 · Museums & UT Campus

  • 1
    Blanton Museum of Art

    Discover a diverse collection of art, including Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin'.

  • 2
    Harry Ransom Center

    See original Gutenberg Bible and other literary treasures.

  • 3
    The University of Texas at Austin Campus

    Walk around the beautiful campus and admire the iconic Tower.

  • 4
    Kerbey Lane Cafe (University)

    Enjoy classic Austin comfort food, open 24/7.

Day 5 · Outdoor Escape & Sunset Views

  • 1
    Mount Bonnell

    Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and Lake Austin.

  • 2
    Mayfield Park and Preserve

    Wander through peacocks and beautiful cottage gardens.

  • 3
    360 Bridge Overlook

    Capture stunning photos of the iconic Pennybacker Bridge at sunset.

  • 4
    Hula Hut

    Dine on Tex-Mex with a tropical twist right on Lake Austin.

Day 6 · SoCo Shopping & Food Trucks

  • 1
    Magnolia Cafe South

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a side of Austin eccentricity.

  • 2
    Shop South Congress Avenue (round 2)

    Discover more unique boutiques and vintage finds.

  • 3
    Guero's Taco Bar

    Grab some delicious tacos and listen to live music on the outdoor patio.

  • 4
    Continental Club

    Catch a legendary live music performance in this historic venue.

Day 7 · Greenbelt & Brewery Bliss

  • 1
    Barton Creek Greenbelt (Gus Fruh Access)

    Hike, swim, or simply relax in this natural oasis. (Check water levels!)

  • 2
    Pinthouse Pizza (South Lamar)

    Enjoy craft beers and award-winning pizza after your greenbelt adventure.

  • 3
    Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

    Chill out in this expansive outdoor setting with food trucks and live music.

Day 8 · Rainey Street & Bat Watching

  • 1
    Emmer & Rye

    Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table brunch in a chic setting.

  • 2
    Rainey Street Historic District

    Explore the unique bungalow bars, each with its own character.

  • 3
    Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

    Witness the spectacular nightly flight of millions of bats (seasonal).

Day 9 · Museums & Eclectic Finds

  • 1
    Mexic-Arte Museum

    Discover contemporary and traditional Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art.

  • 2
    Waterloo Records

    Browse an incredible selection of new and used vinyl.

  • 3
    Torchy's Tacos (various locations)

    Satisfy your taco craving with unique and creative taco combinations.

  • 4
    ACL Live at The Moody Theater

    Catch a show at this iconic venue, home of Austin City Limits.

Day 10 · Relaxed Morning & Departure

  • 1
    Juan in a Million

    Enjoy a legendary 'Don Juan El Magnifico' breakfast taco in East Austin.

  • 2
    Lady Bird Lake Trail

    Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic lakeside trail.

  • 3
    Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

    Head to the airport with fond memories of Austin!

Make it your own

Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.

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