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Best of Austin

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

5 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)

    Iconic Austin coffee spot with great breakfast tacos and people-watching.

  • 2
    South Congress Avenue

    Explore unique boutiques, vintage shops, and colorful murals.

  • 3
    Congress Avenue Bridge

    Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America; best viewed at sunset.

  • 4
    Franklin Barbecue

    Be prepared to wait in line for some of the best brisket in Texas.

Day 2 · Capitol & University Exploration

  • 1
    Texas State Capitol

    Take a free tour of this impressive historic building.

  • 2
    The University of Texas at Austin

    Stroll through the beautiful campus and visit the iconic Tower.

  • 3
    Blanton Museum of Art

    Discover diverse collections including Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin'.

  • 4
    Kerbey Lane Cafe (University Blvd)

    24/7 Austin institution famous for its queso and pancakes.

Day 3 · Greenbelt & Zilker Park Adventures

  • 1
    Barton Springs Pool

    Spring-fed swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip year-round.

  • 2
    Zilker Park

    Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake or relax in the botanical gardens.

  • 3
    Veracruz All Natural (Zilker)

    Award-winning food truck serving some of the best authentic Mexican tacos.

  • 4
    Broken Spoke

    True Texas dance hall with live country music and two-step lessons.

Day 4 · East Austin Eats & Tunes

  • 1
    Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)

    Start your day with their famous migas tacos, once featured on the Food Network.

  • 2
    East 6th Street

    Explore the vibrant street art, trendy shops, and eclectic bars.

  • 3
    Contigo

    Enjoy a rustic, farm-to-table dining experience with a great patio.

  • 4
    The White Horse

    Lively East Austin honky-tonk for live music, dancing, and cheap Lone Star.

Day 5 · Nature & Views

  • 1
    Mount Bonnell

    Enjoy panoramic views of the city, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.

  • 2
    Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

    Tranquil outdoor museum showcasing the work of sculptor Charles Umlauf.

  • 3
    Terry Black's Barbecue

    Another top-tier BBQ spot for a final taste of Texas.

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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