The Best Things To Do in Austin (in our opinion!)
Fun Things to Eat!
Gourmet tacos at their finest! This is a must-have for all Austin visitors! We recommend the Democrat and Trailer Park. Don't forget to ask to see the secret menu!
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Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StGourmet tacos at their finest! This is a must-have for all Austin visitors! We recommend the Democrat and Trailer Park. Don't forget to ask to see the secret menu!
Amy's Ice Cream is an Austin-born ice cream shop with eclectic flavors and fun add-ins. Try the Mexican Vanilla!
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Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveAmy's Ice Cream is an Austin-born ice cream shop with eclectic flavors and fun add-ins. Try the Mexican Vanilla!
If you like New York style pizza slices--big and floppy--then this is the place for you! A second location can be found on South Congress--both offer a great vibe and excellent pizza.
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Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveIf you like New York style pizza slices--big and floppy--then this is the place for you! A second location can be found on South Congress--both offer a great vibe and excellent pizza.
A must-visit if you like ramen. IT IS SO GOOD. Several locations around the city but the 6th street location also has a secret bar in the back that also serves food!
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Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdA must-visit if you like ramen. IT IS SO GOOD. Several locations around the city but the 6th street location also has a secret bar in the back that also serves food!
Detroit-style pizza at its finest! Probably our favorite pizza place in the city. Somewhere between thin crust and deep dish--if you've never had it we highly recommend.
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Via 313 Pizza
10106 W 6th StDetroit-style pizza at its finest! Probably our favorite pizza place in the city. Somewhere between thin crust and deep dish--if you've never had it we highly recommend.
Soooo good. SOOOO good! Like a gourmet taqueria but better. Get the chips-n-dip (trust me), quesadilla with chorizo, and cauliflower taco. Great outdoor eating area (in fact you have to eat outdoors) and mixed drink selection. I love this place but the line can be long and reallllly slow moving.
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Nixta Taqueria
2512 E 12th StSoooo good. SOOOO good! Like a gourmet taqueria but better. Get the chips-n-dip (trust me), quesadilla with chorizo, and cauliflower taco. Great outdoor eating area (in fact you have to eat outdoors) and mixed drink selection. I love this place but the line can be long and reallllly slow moving.
If you're looking for a great brunch spot then this is it! Try to get a reservation so you can sit on the rooftop. They also have a walk-up window for coffee and pastries.
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Paperboy
1203 E 11th StIf you're looking for a great brunch spot then this is it! Try to get a reservation so you can sit on the rooftop. They also have a walk-up window for coffee and pastries.
Do you see the tacos in that photo!?! Craziness! GET THE REAL DEAL HOLYFIELD WITH BRISKET AND YOUR TRIP TO AUSTIN WILL BE COMPLETE. That's probably the only taco you'll need to order. Seriously.
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Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
308 Menchaca RdDo you see the tacos in that photo!?! Craziness! GET THE REAL DEAL HOLYFIELD WITH BRISKET AND YOUR TRIP TO AUSTIN WILL BE COMPLETE. That's probably the only taco you'll need to order. Seriously.
Fantastic, phenomenal, yummy, deliciousness, I want to go there now BBQ food truck. Outdoor seating and also a walk-up to order beer to go with your super fantastic BBQ. The frito pie is yummy but you really can't go wrong here.
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Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood AveFantastic, phenomenal, yummy, deliciousness, I want to go there now BBQ food truck. Outdoor seating and also a walk-up to order beer to go with your super fantastic BBQ. The frito pie is yummy but you really can't go wrong here.
Salt Lick is classic Texas BBQ and it is absolutely delicious. You'll find smaller locations peppered around the city, but the real deal is 40 minutes south in Driftwood. Indoor and outdoor seating are available along with their "cellar" with boozy selections. They often have live music playing in the beer garden, too! We recommend: brisket, sausage, potato salad, bread, and whatever cobbler is on the menu.
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Salt Lick Cellars
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826Salt Lick is classic Texas BBQ and it is absolutely delicious. You'll find smaller locations peppered around the city, but the real deal is 40 minutes south in Driftwood. Indoor and outdoor seating are available along with their "cellar" with boozy selections. They often have live music playing in the beer garden, too! We recommend: brisket, sausage, potato salad, bread, and whatever cobbler is on the menu.
I don't know if I'd call these donuts....maybe more an insanely over-the-top dessert concoction that is heaven in your mouth. There are several Gourdough's locations but, for the true experience, go to the original food truck on south 1st. I always get the Mama's Cake because it's a little tamer than most of the options but you really can't go wrong.
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Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts.
1503 S 1st StI don't know if I'd call these donuts....maybe more an insanely over-the-top dessert concoction that is heaven in your mouth. There are several Gourdough's locations but, for the true experience, go to the original food truck on south 1st. I always get the Mama's Cake because it's a little tamer than most of the options but you really can't go wrong.
Fun Things to Do!
Newly constructed, aside from books this place offers excellent views of the city and river. Take the elevator up to the top floor or grab a book and relax on one of the balconies. Also check out the Cookbook Cafe!
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Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StNewly constructed, aside from books this place offers excellent views of the city and river. Take the elevator up to the top floor or grab a book and relax on one of the balconies. Also check out the Cookbook Cafe!
My favorite place in all of Austin! A wonderful independent bookstore with loads of books and tons of employee recommendations. Check out to see which authors will be visiting while you're in town! And go support our local bookstore!
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BookPeople
603 N Lamar BlvdMy favorite place in all of Austin! A wonderful independent bookstore with loads of books and tons of employee recommendations. Check out to see which authors will be visiting while you're in town! And go support our local bookstore!
I know you're thinking "Whole Foods?!?". Well, it all began in Austin! The 5th street Whole Foods is also home to the corporate offices. Book People across the street used to actually be the original Whole Foods. A little slice of Whole Foods history if you're a fan. Plus it has a nice food court.
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Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdI know you're thinking "Whole Foods?!?". Well, it all began in Austin! The 5th street Whole Foods is also home to the corporate offices. Book People across the street used to actually be the original Whole Foods. A little slice of Whole Foods history if you're a fan. Plus it has a nice food court.
Drive down to SOCO (south Congress) and spend the day checking out a mix of old and new shopping. The street used to be super eclectic but rent prices have driven them out and more modern stores like Kendra Scott and Toms are moving in. A great street to meander and find Austin gifts. My favorite stores are Triple Z Threads and Paper Work. Also some fun food options there--Home Slice, Lucky Robot, Amy's Ice Cream, Jeni's Ice Cream, Torchy's to name a few.
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South Congress
Drive down to SOCO (south Congress) and spend the day checking out a mix of old and new shopping. The street used to be super eclectic but rent prices have driven them out and more modern stores like Kendra Scott and Toms are moving in. A great street to meander and find Austin gifts. My favorite stores are Triple Z Threads and Paper Work. Also some fun food options there--Home Slice, Lucky Robot, Amy's Ice Cream, Jeni's Ice Cream, Torchy's to name a few.
Such a wonderful building smack dab in the middle of Austin. Sprawling lawns make for a great walk. Catch the free guided tour which happens every 30 minutes--it's actually pretty interesting!
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Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveSuch a wonderful building smack dab in the middle of Austin. Sprawling lawns make for a great walk. Catch the free guided tour which happens every 30 minutes--it's actually pretty interesting!
Rainey Street is located near highway 35 and Cesar Chavez and is a street of cute little bungalows that have all been converted into thematic bars like the one pictured. It's a classier version of going out at night compared to dirty 6th street. Also a lot of great food trucks!
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Rainey Street
Rainey StreetRainey Street is located near highway 35 and Cesar Chavez and is a street of cute little bungalows that have all been converted into thematic bars like the one pictured. It's a classier version of going out at night compared to dirty 6th street. Also a lot of great food trucks!
We love to go see shows at the Mohawk! Great outdoor concert venue with multiple levels so you're more likely to get to actually see the show. Check out their calendar to see who's playing while you're in town!
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Mohawk Austin
912 Red River StWe love to go see shows at the Mohawk! Great outdoor concert venue with multiple levels so you're more likely to get to actually see the show. Check out their calendar to see who's playing while you're in town!
I know going to see a movie may be on the bottom of your vacation to-do list but Alamo theaters are not your typical theater! Located all over Austin they are a unique movie-going experience--one of the first theaters to offer food and drink service while you watch the movie! They also offer fun throw-back movies and movie viewing experiences. Just a great theater with a great personality. Plus there's one about a mile and half away from the guest house in a super cute area!
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mueller
1911 Aldrich StI know going to see a movie may be on the bottom of your vacation to-do list but Alamo theaters are not your typical theater! Located all over Austin they are a unique movie-going experience--one of the first theaters to offer food and drink service while you watch the movie! They also offer fun throw-back movies and movie viewing experiences. Just a great theater with a great personality. Plus there's one about a mile and half away from the guest house in a super cute area!
Lovingly referred to as "Dirty 6th Street", the strip of 6th Street in downtown Austin from I35 to about Nueces St. is packed with bars and divey food joints perfect for a drunken night out. The street gets blocked off on the weekends for the safety of pedestrians.
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East 6th Street
East 6th StreetLovingly referred to as "Dirty 6th Street", the strip of 6th Street in downtown Austin from I35 to about Nueces St. is packed with bars and divey food joints perfect for a drunken night out. The street gets blocked off on the weekends for the safety of pedestrians.
Day Trips
Waco is located about an hour and a half north of Austin and is a cute one-day trip if you want to get out of town. It is famously known for the Magnolia area developed by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper which has a nice home goods retail shop, bakery, cafe, and turfed lounging/play area. There are also some fun antique shops in Waco and it is home to Baylor University. As an added bonus, you'll pass a Buc-ee's gas station on the way there!
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Waco
Waco is located about an hour and a half north of Austin and is a cute one-day trip if you want to get out of town. It is famously known for the Magnolia area developed by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper which has a nice home goods retail shop, bakery, cafe, and turfed lounging/play area. There are also some fun antique shops in Waco and it is home to Baylor University. As an added bonus, you'll pass a Buc-ee's gas station on the way there!
San Antonio is about an hour and forty minutes south of Austin. Visit the Alamo, stroll down the riverwalk, and check out the missions. We enjoy visiting the Pearl area which has quaint shops and restaurants.
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San Antonio
San Antonio is about an hour and forty minutes south of Austin. Visit the Alamo, stroll down the riverwalk, and check out the missions. We enjoy visiting the Pearl area which has quaint shops and restaurants.
Forty minutes south of Austin, New Braunfels is an up-and-coming city. But our favorite part of it is Gruene, and old-timey area along the river with quaint shops, the famous Gruene Hall, and outdoor cafes and restaurants.
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New Braunfels
Forty minutes south of Austin, New Braunfels is an up-and-coming city. But our favorite part of it is Gruene, and old-timey area along the river with quaint shops, the famous Gruene Hall, and outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Two hours west of Austin, Fredericksburg is known for wineries, peaches, and shopping. It makes for a nice weekend getaway and the drive offers views of the Texas hill country. Stop at Enchanted Rock on the way for a bit of hiking!
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Fredericksburg
Two hours west of Austin, Fredericksburg is known for wineries, peaches, and shopping. It makes for a nice weekend getaway and the drive offers views of the Texas hill country. Stop at Enchanted Rock on the way for a bit of hiking!
Breweries
Forty minutes west of Austin you will find Jester King Brewery known for its IPAs and sprawling grounds. They have goats! They also have a pretty good food menu that's primarily pizza but also has some other options. The grounds also include a playground, stage, dozens and dozens of picnic tables, covered and uncovered seating, and a hiking path.
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Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdForty minutes west of Austin you will find Jester King Brewery known for its IPAs and sprawling grounds. They have goats! They also have a pretty good food menu that's primarily pizza but also has some other options. The grounds also include a playground, stage, dozens and dozens of picnic tables, covered and uncovered seating, and a hiking path.
Only 5 miles away, Lazarus is on a pretty fun street walking distance to Zilker Brewing and many restaurants. It just has a really great atmosphere (indoor and outdoor seating) and offers some small food options.
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Lazarus Brewing Co.
1902 E 6th StOnly 5 miles away, Lazarus is on a pretty fun street walking distance to Zilker Brewing and many restaurants. It just has a really great atmosphere (indoor and outdoor seating) and offers some small food options.
This is our favorite brewery in Austin. It's big, has excellent food trucks, great beer, lots of seating, stage, and a soccer field! Check out the Besos Ice Cream Truck while you're there!
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Meanwhile Brewing Company
3901 Promontory Point DrThis is our favorite brewery in Austin. It's big, has excellent food trucks, great beer, lots of seating, stage, and a soccer field! Check out the Besos Ice Cream Truck while you're there!
Yes, this is a pizza place (the pizza is kinda meh) but the beer selection is fantastic! It can get packed during nights and weekends--there are another two locations in south Austin that are a bit roomier. If you're going to eat there, get the pizza rolls and the brownie...OMG the brownie!
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Pinthouse Pizza
4729 Burnet RdYes, this is a pizza place (the pizza is kinda meh) but the beer selection is fantastic! It can get packed during nights and weekends--there are another two locations in south Austin that are a bit roomier. If you're going to eat there, get the pizza rolls and the brownie...OMG the brownie!
Outdoor Fun!
Visit Auditorium Shores to see a great view of the city skyline and walk along the lake. The Austin theater district is also there if you want to catch a show!
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Auditorium Shores í Town Lake Metropolitan Park
900 W Riverside DrVisit Auditorium Shores to see a great view of the city skyline and walk along the lake. The Austin theater district is also there if you want to catch a show!
Highest point in Austin that offers views of Lady Bird Lake and mansions. The hike up isn't too bad--about 100 stairs--and then a few walking paths to take in the views. You'll get a really great shot of the city skyline!
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Mount Bonnell
Highest point in Austin that offers views of Lady Bird Lake and mansions. The hike up isn't too bad--about 100 stairs--and then a few walking paths to take in the views. You'll get a really great shot of the city skyline!
This bridge is perfectly designed for bats! Head there just before dusk March to early fall to watch hundreds of bats fly out from under the bridge for the night. We recommend setting yourself up by the old Statesman newspaper building across from Yeti. You can also do boat tours that will stop under the bridge for the show.
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Congress Avenue brú
Congress AvenueThis bridge is perfectly designed for bats! Head there just before dusk March to early fall to watch hundreds of bats fly out from under the bridge for the night. We recommend setting yourself up by the old Statesman newspaper building across from Yeti. You can also do boat tours that will stop under the bridge for the show.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
1207 Barton Springs RdSuper cute. Cheap. Fun. Historic. In a fun area.
Kayak or paddle board on Lady Bird Lake (which is actually a river)! Not too pricey and you'll get an excellent view of the city while also getting some sun!
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Rowing Dock
2418 Stratford DrKayak or paddle board on Lady Bird Lake (which is actually a river)! Not too pricey and you'll get an excellent view of the city while also getting some sun!
The Zilker Park green belt has miles and miles of pathways for you to enjoy. Go for a walk or run or rent a bike or scooter to take in natural Austin. There is also a great pathway that runs along Lady Bird Lake downtown that makes for a pretty walk.
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Zilker Park
The Zilker Park green belt has miles and miles of pathways for you to enjoy. Go for a walk or run or rent a bike or scooter to take in natural Austin. There is also a great pathway that runs along Lady Bird Lake downtown that makes for a pretty walk.
Whatever the weather I highly recommend that you go swimming here! The pool is a mix of natural rock and man-made pool and the water is always 60 degrees. Refreshing in the summer and warm? in the winter!
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrWhatever the weather I highly recommend that you go swimming here! The pool is a mix of natural rock and man-made pool and the water is always 60 degrees. Refreshing in the summer and warm? in the winter!
Okay, there are a bunch of places in San Marcos and New Braunfels that offer tubing experiences during the summer but this is the one I like. It's only $15, offers locker rental for valuables, and the tube ride is only an hour long, ending at a super fun waterfall rapids drop that you can do over and over again. And the best part? You can hop on the shuttle and DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN! That's right. The price includes unlimited floating! Plus proceeds go to charity and you can't beat that. Check their website for hours (they aren't open all year round--tubing season is in the summer!). Oh and it's about a 40 minutes drive from our house.
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San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental
170 Charles Austin DriveOkay, there are a bunch of places in San Marcos and New Braunfels that offer tubing experiences during the summer but this is the one I like. It's only $15, offers locker rental for valuables, and the tube ride is only an hour long, ending at a super fun waterfall rapids drop that you can do over and over again. And the best part? You can hop on the shuttle and DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN! That's right. The price includes unlimited floating! Plus proceeds go to charity and you can't beat that. Check their website for hours (they aren't open all year round--tubing season is in the summer!). Oh and it's about a 40 minutes drive from our house.