Please tell me that you’ve considered visiting Austin Texas at least once in your life? And if so, Spring Break is right around the corner, so you want to plan a long weekend getaway trip. You’re stuck choosing between certain cities, you’re also on a budget and you don’t want to leave a dent in your wallet by the end of a trip. Think no more. Visiting Austin Texas is a no brainer if you’re looking for a trip that will balance out city vibes with some of the best barbecue in the country. There are also a ton of natural, breathtaking nature spots to visit while enjoying warm weather all year around.
What I loved most about visiting Austin Texas was how compact the city is for the amount of activities it offers. Rent a Lime Bike and get from one the beginning to the end of downtown in no more than 15 minutes. Then, simply experience night life in Austin by bar hopping from Rainey Street to 6th Street.
If you’re a nature lover, there is no doubt that you should rent a car for at least a day. There are so many places to see outside of downtown Austin that are definitely worth the drive. The first time I considered visiting Austin Texas, I look back and regret not renting out a car because of all the nature spots I missed out on. Thankfully, I did not make that mistake the second time around and was able to experience all the unique nature spots held in Austin. So whether you’re a local or you’re visiting Austin for a couple days, here are some of the best things to do in Austin Texas to fulfill your bucket list travels.
1. Catch Sunrise at Pennybacker Bridge
Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the 360 Bridge, is about a 20 minute drive out of the city. It is right around the corner of University of Texas and is an iconic bridge that you should not miss. Make sure that you head over to Pennybacker before rush hour because man, traffic can take you a while to get there. Especially if you’re going for the first time, you want to give yourself extra time to find parking and to set up your camera to take your shots.
Unfortunately, I hit overcast twice when I got to Pennybacker Bridge, so I didn’t get the sunrise pictures that I had originally wanted. But the bridge is also a relaxing spot to view all the cars passing by, and to get an awesome view of downtown Austin.
2. Take a Small Hike up Mount Bonnell
Getting the best view of the Colorado River is right up your alley by hiking up to the top of Mount Bonnell. When I initially got to the top, I expected to hike up a big trail. But even if you haven’t worked out in months, getting to the top is no problem. You’re going to have to walk up a flight of stairs, but that’s pretty much the hardest part. The trail shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes to get to the top, so no need to bring hiking and camping gear.
When I got to the top, I was a bit confused because I looked around and my view did not look like what I saw online. But if you turn to the left, you’re going to be able to see the views of the Colorado River. The only issue is that you can only see the view behind a fence. However, like many, I hopped over the fence as I was then able to admire the views on top of Mount Bonnell. The best views usually require you to break the rules, doesn’t it?
It’s amazing being able to see the beautiful, million dollar homes across the river. I stayed on top on Mount Bonnell chatting with an Austin local for about half an hour before coming back down. It’s an absolutely beautiful view that is worth the hiking up the trail, even if you only have a couple of minutes. If you’re visiting Austin Texas you didn’t go up to Mount Bonnell, did you really visit Austin?
3. Catch Sunset at The Oasis on Lake Travis
My absolute favorite view in Austin Texas was the view caught at The Oasis Restaurant on Lake Travis. Unfortunately, because of overcast, I wasn’t able to catch sunset at Lake Travis. Strike two! Regardless, the views are absolutely insane as you could enjoy a nice meal at The Oasis Restaurant.
When I was visiting Austin Texas, I took a drive up to Lake Travis twice in hopes to catch the sunset. And even though I didn’t both times, I still enjoyed the second visit just as much as the first.
Note: The Oasis Restaurant is closed on Mondays if you are trying to get a meal, but the patio is still open for the views.
Drum Roll Please… my favorite placed visited in Austin Texas…
4. Swimming in Hamilton Pool Preserve
Holy smokes! I still can’t believe I made it to Hamilton Pool Preserve. I was bummed the first time I was visiting Austin Texas because I didn’t have time to head over to Hamilton Pool Preserve. So during my second trip, I made sure that I came a few days earlier in order to experience the fullness of Hamilton Pool.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural swimming pool preserve. The preserve was created when a river collapsed thousands of years ago. But now, it is known to be one of Austin’s main attraction spots all year around. Bring your bathing suit and take a swim from the natural waters. The body of water stays pretty leveled throughout the year so even in case of drought, the pool doesn’t get too affected.
Note: Book your tickets about 1-2 months before visiting. They are very strict and require every visitor to have a ticket or else you cannot get in. No acceptions. Reservations can be found online for $11 paid with a credit card. Parking is also a mandatory $15 in cash to enter. Credit cards are not accepted when paying for parking.
Note: Only one vehicle is allowed with each reservation. Max reservation for one party is 8 people.
5. Take a Stroll at the University of Texas in Austin
The University of Texas is the biggest University in Austin Texas that holds 50,000+ students. Take a stroll around the University and feel like you’re back in school again. While I was touring around the school, I felt like a like I was back in school!
The coolest building is probably the Computer Science Building. If you’re into cool, funky interiors and expensive chairs, take a quick stroll inside.
6. Visit the Texas State Capitol
Whether you have time to check out the inside of the State Capitol or you just glance at it from afar, this historical building is worth the visit. What’s best if you like free stuff, like me, is the free, quick 30-minute tours of the State Capitol.
Hours of Operation of the State Capitol Tour
Monday – Friday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Saturday: 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Sunday: 12PM – 3:30PM
7. View the Frost Bank Tower from the Congress Bridge
There are probably a bunch of hidden pockets of the city to view the Frost Bank Tower, but I had success getting great views of the tower from the Congress Bridge. I got the long exposure shots I’ve wanted to catch at night until my camera stopped working for some reason.
Fun Fact: The Frost Bank Tower was the first high-rise tower to ever be built in the United States after the attack of 9/11 in New York City.
8. Rent a Lime Bike and bike across the Congress Bridge
If you glance at the length of Congress Bridge and are dreading walking across it, rent a Lime Bike. The ride will condense a ten minute walk to a two minute bike ride. I did both of renting out a lime bike and walked across the bridge and of course, I liked walking across the bridge more only because I love walking. Also, of course I wanted to up my steps on my Fitbit. But needless to say, the views of the entrance of the city are just breathtaking. I loved seeing the light reflections bounce off the water transition over to the unending roads leading downtown. It provides completely different vibes when visiting Austin Texas, as you get the city vibe balance with its nature routes.
From March to October, Congress Bridge is infamous for bat watching in season. Unfortunately, because I was visiting Austin Texas at the end of October, I had just missed the bats. But if you are lucky, you will see hundreds of people line across Congress Bridge waiting to watch bats fly across the sky.
The best time to catch the bats is during sunset anywhere between 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM. And just in case you come late, you’re in luck because it takes about 45 minutes for all the bats to exit the bridge. Parking is very difficult around the area so if you can walk over or rent a Lime Bike over to the bridge, that would be ideal.
9. Smile and Skip Around Lady Bird Lake
There are so many things to do around Lady Bird Lake, both paid and free. Of course, I’m attracted more towards the free things, unless there’s a really good experience I can get for a reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a to bike, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trails are over 10 miles long and will get your heart pumped for the rest of the day. Or you can rent kayaks, canoes, rowing shells and dragon boards on the lake. If the weather is nice, totally go on a River Cruise and enjoy rocking around the river over a nice lunch or dinner. You can check cruise times at Lone Star River Boat or at Capitol Cruises.
Another place where you can catch the migrating bats is over at Lady Bird Lake. From Lady Bird, you actually get a nice view of the Congress Bridge, which may give you better shots over sunset.
10. Admire Art at The Contemporary Museum in Austin
The Contemporary Austin has two locations that showcase art through education and collections. The first location is located downtown at the historic Jones Center on Congress Ave. The second location is located at Laguna Gloria, an art-in-nature site that includes some landmarks, such as the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, Driscoll Villa, the Art School at Laguna, and the Moody Pavilions.
11. View Through Blanton’s Museum of Art
You can find Austin’s primary art collection at the Blanton Museum of Art. Blanton’s art museum showcases art from artists of all ages, and holds some of country’s most outstanding art collections in all of Austin. Blanton is unique and does a great job at attracting visitors as you’re probably familiar with it’s rainbow filled, window designed art.
12. Strategize Getting Into Graffiti Park at Castle Hill
If you are not a natural risk taker, I don’t advise on doing this. But if you want to take your chances, peek into Grafitti Park. This is hands down the coolest park I’ve ever visited, as every single part of the park is covered in unique graffiti from such talented artists.
Unfortunately, the park is now closed and is covered in wired fences. But if you don’t mind taking photos outside of the gate or simply admiring the art from afar, swing by and take a look.
You can see such emotion and personality from the different work of art and replications of heroes on these walls. I simply enjoyed the talent that was spray painted all over the park, even though I cut myself tripping over spiked wire. It was all worth getting dirty from head to toe by the end of my time at Graffiti Park.
13. Be Outdoorsy at Barton Creek Greenbelt
Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of the more popular spots in Austin during the summer. They have activities you can participate at the Sculpture Falls, Flats, and Twin Falls. If you’re an outdoorsy person, any of these spots within Barton Creek will have you experience jumping into one of Austin’s most well known waterfalls, or just having a huge gathering with a bunch of your friends.
14. Swim in a Natural Water Hole at Barton Springs Pool
Have you ever dived into an aquifer fed pool? What does this even mean? One popular, earth focused tourist attraction is taking a dive into Barton Springs Pool. The water temperature in this hole stays pretty stagnant all year around at around 68 degrees. Obviously during the winter, you don’t want to be swimming in the pool because you’ll be freezing your butt off, but it’s the perfect place to be during the spring and summer.
15. Sunbath at McKinney Falls State Park
A ton of outdoor activities to check off your bucket list, eh? If it’s way too crowded at Barton Creek and you want some personal space and not get splashed on by random strangers, check out McKinney Falls State Park. You still get the waterfall effect and potentially get enough room for you to lay out your towel and bath in the sun.
Also, don’t forget to bring some cash because there is an entry of $5 to enter the park.
16. Devour Brisket at Franklin’s BBQ
If you have some time to spare, waiting on line at Franklin’s BBQ is worth every minute. The line probably starts before the time you set your alarm in the morning, as they serve the absolute best BBQ in Austin, Texas.
People have told me that they waited around 2 hours just to get inside. Yes, the lines are always super long and they pretty much serve food until they are absolutely out, which typically is around 3 – 4PM. But if you don’t mind catching sunrise in the morning on line, then you’re in luck! On average, I hear that people wait about 4 hours on line to get their food!
When I went to Franklin’s, we got super lucky because we only waited on line for about 20 minutes. I believe I went on a weekday around 2PM. And once we sat down and ate brisket and pulled pork, it was hands down the best barbecue I’ve ever had in my life. No joke. There are days where I’d randomly crave Franklin’s BBQ because of how rich and promising the tastes were.
17. Outdoor Activities at Zilker Park
Zikler Park, located south of Austin offers a ton of activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, and kayaking with a ton of open space. There’s even a botanical garden that you may want to consider checking out. And of course if you visit during the spring, you’ll be able to see the start of the flowers blooming.
18. Go Bar Hopping on Rainey Street
Rainey Street is one of the cutest streets I’ve ever visited in a city. It’s a short, cute little quaint street that is full of outdoor food trucks, bars, and picturesque spots everywhere. In the most recent years, a lot of people have been hosting their bachelorette parties in Austin, Texas. As we all know, many host their last, single life bangers over in Las Vegas, but because of the growth of the booming city in Austin, you’ll often start seeing groups of girls all over Rainey.
I’d also like to say that Rainey Street is full of young professionals. Rainey Street is known for the close proximity of bars and food trucks as you can probably walk across the street with your eyes closed and know exactly where you’re going.
The one unique thing I love about Rainey Street is that every building is different. You’ll even be able to see a handful of container buildings. Crazy, right? Go Green! And if you want to actually go inside one of these containers, grab a quick drink at the Container Bar and start mingling with the crowd.
19. Get Down and Dirty on 6th Street
Can’t stop, won’t stop dancing? You’re in luck because 6th Street, also known as Dirty Sixth, provides just that for you. Drinks are super cheap across most bars and gladly if you’re on a budget, it will almost be impossible to spend hundreds of dollars by the end of the night.
The benefits of going out in 6th Street as a girl is that you’ll get in most places for free. Plus, there’s even a good chance that you’ll get drinks for free! And as I’ve mentioned earlier, I love free things. When I went out on 6th street, me and my girlfriend didn’t even have to scout out and were given a lot of free drinks across many bars. But if you’re with guys, sorry boys, the chance of you getting free drinks is not as likely.
Also note that 6th Street is full of college students so if you’re looking for an older, young adult crowd, Rainey Street is your better bet. The one interesting thing about Austin nightlife is that these people party on Sunday night as if it’s a Friday or Saturday. Plus, the college students seemed to get down and dirtier then me and my fellow New Yorkers. I was merely surprised, but in the best way possible. New Yorkers, gotta step up our game!
20. Show Proof that You Visited Austin at the Welcome to Austin Mural
Austin is known for all their beautiful murals painted by some of the best artists around. And even though you can spend all day hopping over mural to mural, the most popular mural is the Welcome to Austin Mural. It’s right around a corner on 1st Street and you’ll most likely have a spot to park your car on the street.
>> Exact Location: 1720 S 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704-4250
21. Share a moment with your Butter Half
If you’re visiting Austin with a significant other or your friends, consider sharing this moment with your butter half. Break some bread at one of Austin’s more infamous murals and spread some butter on your relationship.
22. Show your Love, From Austin Mural
Yes! Another mural indeed. I mean, since you fell in love with Austin, show some love by taking a picture at the Love From Austin Mural. Austin is full of so many murals, but all have a different personality to them. This mural is definitely a must-go-to see, as it’s only a few minutes away from the Butter Half mural.
23. I Love You a Lot… More Than You Know
Alright, alright let’s hold in the tears for now. Yes, the person you’re probably viewing this mural with is someone you love a lot, but let’s save the crying for later. Or, if you’re into solo traveling like me, I hope this mural is a friendly reminder to love yourself a bit more than you do.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is that visiting Austin Texas without checking out the I love you so much mural is almost like a sin.
24. Take a Picture of Tau Ceti, Austin’s Tallest Public Artwork
I refused to leave Austin without taking a look at Tau Ceti. Austin’s Tallest Public Artwork is on the corner of Brazos and Second Street, designed by artist, Josef Kristofoletti. This artwork will have you turn your head twice just by glancing at it, as it is stretches up 10 floors high in the middle of downtown Austin.
Note: If you want to take a picture of the entire design on the same corner of the artwork, you need a wide angle lens. There is no way that you will be able to take it just off a regular iPhone. But thanks to iPhone’s advanced technology, I was able to catch the fullness of Tau Ceti with the iPhone 11.
25. Show the World When You’re Strange… Actually, Aren’t I Always Strange?
I guess Austin wants to showcase that they want to showcase how strange some of their locals are. Which I totally respect because I’m just as strange. Probably one of the most strangest people I know. But take pride in who you are… when you’re strange!
26. Thank Mr. Rogers for Completing Your Childhood
Growing up, I grew up watching Mr. Rogers for as long as I could remember. I’ve always wanted Mr. Rogers to be my neighbor, so I guess I could say he was for just a couple of minutes while I was in Austin.
27. Sip on a Summer Moon Half Moon Latte
Back in early January, I was visiting Austin Texas during my road trip across the entire state. I wish I was over-exaggerating but during our 4-day road trip, we hit at least 12ish coffee shops. And out of the 12ish coffee shops, the one that stood out the most was Summer Moon Coffee. Summer Moon Coffee is the biggest privately owned coffee shop franchise in all of Texas. They have 20 locations scattered all over Texas and are known for their infamous Moon Milk. Without trying their Moon Milk, did you really get the fullSummer Moon Coffee experience?
>> Read More: Check out my Summer Moon Coffee Review
28. BYOB and Enjoy a Delicious Meal at Salt Lick BBQ
Craving even more barbecue? Well you’re in luck in case the lines are way too long at Franklins BBQ. If you don’t mind driving, Salt Lick BBQ is about half an hour drive out of downtown. They only accept cash, but if you’re trying to have a grand ole time, it’s also BYOB! Enjoy awesome country music on their patio as you’re enjoying a barbecue feast!
Note: if you’re visiting the location in Driftwood, Texas, you can secure your spot by booking a reservation online!
29. Get Funky at Wonder Bar
Walk into room full of emojis and drink out of disco bar cocktails. Wonder Bar, the most popping bar full of emojis coming out to life is located north of downtown Austin. It’s right by the Domain Mall, and is the funkiest bar you’ve probably ever gone to. Enjoy a drink while swinging on bananas, and always be on top of their seasonal room changes.
When I visited Wonder Bar, the decorated room was Halloween themed, as it changes depending on season. The bartenders were extremely friendly and made us some of the coolest drinks that we sipped on out of disco balls or mini tequila handles.
Exact Location: 11500 Rock Rose Ave Suite D, Austin, TX 78758
Wonder Bar is not a staple when visiting Austin Texas. But if you’re down to get funky for a couple of hours, take the drive out! I had just missed the Wonder Bar on Halloween, but can only imagine how “lit” it was!
>> RELATED POST: New Instagrammable Bar in Austin, The Wonder Bar
30. Get drinks at Handlebar in Downtown Austin
Time to get funky and weird at a mustache bar in downtown Austin. As Handlebar likes to call themselves “Adult Wonderland”, they are known for those loving to jam out while enjoying some of the best, local craft beverages.
You Thirsty? Good!
Happy Hour is served Monday to Saturday from 3PM – 8PM, and all day Sunday. Who doesn’t like happy hour priced drinks all day Sunday?
I heard out about Handle Bar because of the meetup that Nomadic Matt was hosting. Through the worst rain storm I’ve experienced in my life, finally got the chance to meet Matt!
Exact Location: 121 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
31. Eat a Dirty Bastard at Voodoo Doughnut
These intricate doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut will have you buying dozens of doughnuts just being from the way they look. I was super tempted to buy at least half a dozen of doughnuts, but then I realize that because I was by myself, that wasn’t good for my health.
The taste of the Old Dirty Bastard fit perfectly with its taste. I wasn’t even planning on it, but I finished eating the entire doughnut in one sitting. Yes, I was jumping off the walls from a sugar high immediately after, but was definitely worth every single bite.
Hope you were able to pinpoint a couple of things to do when visiting Austin Texas. I did my best to provide a variety of things to do, all ranging from visiting murals, nature-y spots, historical landmarks, coffee, bars, and the higher like. Downtown Austin is small enough where you do not have to rent out a car and you can walk or Lime everywhere you go. Rent a car for a day and see some of the beautiful landscapes the outskirts of downtown Austin Texas offers.
If you ask me, yes, you can complete these all in a long weekend trip. The list look like a lot, but as long as you’re planning out your route, I promise you will be able to complete all 30 best things to do while visiting Austin Texas for a long weekend.
