Best of Austin
Breakfast tacos, greenbelt swims, and honky-tonk nights with a local crowd.
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
Open in MapsFood
Jo's Coffee (South Congress)
Iconic Austin coffee spot with great breakfast tacos and people-watching.
Shopping
South Congress Avenue
Explore unique boutiques, vintage shops, and colorful murals.
Sightseeing
Congress Avenue Bridge
Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America; best viewed at sunset.
Food
Franklin Barbecue
Be prepared to wait in line for some of the best brisket in Texas.
Day 2·Capitol & University Exploration
Open in MapsSightseeing
Texas State Capitol
Take a free tour of this impressive historic building.
Sightseeing
The University of Texas at Austin
Stroll through the beautiful campus and visit the iconic Tower.
Sightseeing
Blanton Museum of Art
Discover diverse collections including Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin'.
Food
Kerbey Lane Cafe (University Blvd)
24/7 Austin institution famous for its queso and pancakes.
Day 3·Greenbelt & Zilker Park Adventures
Open in MapsActivity
Barton Springs Pool
Spring-fed swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip year-round.
Activity
Zilker Park
Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake or relax in the botanical gardens.
Food
Veracruz All Natural (Zilker)
Award-winning food truck serving some of the best authentic Mexican tacos.
Nightlife
Broken Spoke
True Texas dance hall with live country music and two-step lessons.
Day 4·East Austin Eats & Tunes
Open in MapsFood
Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)
Start your day with their famous migas tacos, once featured on the Food Network.
Nightlife
East 6th Street
Explore the vibrant street art, trendy shops, and eclectic bars.
Food
Contigo
Enjoy a rustic, farm-to-table dining experience with a great patio.
Nightlife
The White Horse
Lively East Austin honky-tonk for live music, dancing, and cheap Lone Star.
Day 5·Nature & Views
Open in MapsSightseeing
Mount Bonnell
Enjoy panoramic views of the city, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
Sightseeing
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Tranquil outdoor museum showcasing the work of sculptor Charles Umlauf.
Food
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.