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Is Austin worth visiting? For me, yes. I spent a long weekend exploring all of what Austin has to offer, and I loved how much I could do around downtown, from taking photos along the lake to finding another place to eat. Franklin's barbecue and Summer Moon coffee still stand out when I think back on my trips.
I've been back since I first wrote this guide, and that trip added a few new stops: a rooftop tiki bar, dinner on Congress Avenue, my first brewery tour, and finally seeing the bats fly out from under Congress Avenue Bridge. I've worked those in below.
If you're a nature lover, I recommend renting a car for at least a day. Looking back, the first time I ever visited Austin, I didn't rent a car and regretted it. I didn't realize how much nature was out there, and I ended up coming back to experience just that.
That mix of city and nature is what I liked most about visiting Austin, Texas. You can spend part of your trip downtown and save a day for places like Hamilton Pool or Lake Travis. These stops are spread out, though, so a long weekend won't give you time for every one of them. Pick your priorities and plan your route around them.
Is Austin worth visiting for a long weekend?
Austin suited the kind of trip I wanted: good barbecue, coffee stops, murals to photograph, nightlife, and time outside. The city is also known for live music, museums, and spring-fed swimming spots, so there's plenty to build a weekend around even if your interests are different from mine.
A few things take more planning. Hamilton Pool requires a reservation, barbecue can involve a wait, and the farther outdoor stops need transportation. Summer heat also matters if most of your plans involve walking or hiking. If swimming at a natural pool is your main reason for visiting, have a backup plan, because water access can change.
Three days gives you room for downtown, a South Austin day, and one longer outing. That's a suggested way to divide your time, not the exact route I followed. With only two days, pick the places you're most excited about and keep the driving to a minimum.
Before you go: getting around and choosing your dates
| Planning decision | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Where to base yourself | Downtown puts the Capitol, Congress Avenue, and the lake in one part of your trip. South Congress works well for shops and murals. Compare the location with the places you most want to visit. On my later trip, I stayed at the Aloft Austin Downtown at Congress Avenue and 7th Street, a short walk from the Capitol. |
| Whether to rent a car | You can plan a central-city visit around walking, transit, and rideshares. A car makes the farther nature stops much easier. Check your hotel's parking cost before booking one for the whole trip. |
| From the airport | CapMetro's airport page has current bus and trip-planning information. Compare the route with where you're staying. |
| Bike rentals | Check live availability before making a rental bike part of your plan. CapMetro Bikeshare currently advises checking its app during a phased fleet return. |
| Weather | Visit Austin's outdoor guide favors spring and fall for longer hikes. In summer, start early and leave room for an indoor afternoon. Check the forecast for your dates. |
| Reservations | Book Hamilton Pool before building a day around it. Check state-park capacity, museum opening days, and restaurant policies separately. |
Things to do in downtown Austin and around UT
Visit the Texas State Capitol
Whether you have time to check the inside of the State Capitol or not, seeing this historical building is worth the visit. And if you like free stuff, the guided tours are free.
The State Preservation Board lists tours of approximately 40 minutes, with departures Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4:15 p.m. Building hours are different from tour hours, so check the official page before you go.
Walk Up Congress Avenue
Congress Avenue gives you the classic straight-on view of the Capitol, and it's where I took some of my favorite photos when I went back. I got the empty-street shot early in the morning and my portraits in the early evening.
If you're setting up photos, keep an eye on traffic and use the crosswalks when cars are coming through.
Have Dinner at Caroline and Drinks Upstairs
Caroline is right on Congress Avenue, in the same building as the Aloft where I stayed, so it's an easy dinner stop after a downtown walk. We had tacos, pasta, and a big salad, and I took my outfit photos right out front under the Caroline sign.
Upstairs at Caroline is its rooftop bar, and we grabbed drinks up there too. It's walk-in only, so it works when you want a drink without planning ahead. Caroline's site has the hours.
Take a Stroll at the University of Texas at Austin
Take a stroll around the University of Texas and you'll feel like you're back in school again. That's exactly how I felt while I was touring.
The coolest building I visited was the Computer Science Building. If you're into cool, funky interiors and expensive chairs, you'll get why it stuck with me. Building access can change, so use UT's visitor resources to plan a campus walk and follow the rules posted at each building.
Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
I stopped by the Blanton Museum of Art, on the UT campus, and it's an easy indoor break to pair with a campus walk. You might already know its rainbow-filled windows from Ellsworth Kelly's Austin.
The Blanton is closed on Mondays and has free admission on Tuesdays. Its visit page has the latest hours, ticket prices, and special closures.
Admire Art at The Contemporary Austin
If you're up for more art, The Contemporary Austin has two spots: the Jones Center at 700 Congress Avenue, right downtown, and Laguna Gloria at 3809 West 35th Street, an art-in-nature site with a sculpture park.
Both are open Wednesday through Sunday and free on Thursdays. They aren't close to each other, so just pick the one that fits your day.
Take a Picture of Tau Ceti
I refused to leave Austin without taking a look at Tau Ceti. The artwork by Josef Kristofoletti stretches up the corner of a building at Brazos and Second Streets, and it will have you turn your head twice just by glancing at it.
To fit the whole design in one frame, go wide. I was able to catch the entirety of Tau Ceti with the wide-angle camera on my iPhone 11. Visit Austin's mural guide lists its location if you want to add it to a downtown walk.
View the Frost Bank Tower from the Congress Bridge
There are 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 Avenue Bridge. I also got the long exposure shots I'd always wanted to capture, so if you're into photography, you'll be in for a treat.
Keep your tripod and bag out of the pedestrian path. The skyline is reason enough to stop, even outside bat season.
Go Sunset Bat Watching Along the Congress Bridge
The first time I visited, it was the end of October and I missed the bats. When I went back, I finally saw them on a sunset bat tour, streaming out from under Congress Avenue Bridge, and it was so cool.
Emergence changes with the season and weather, so plan around that day's sunset instead of a fixed time. Check Austin Bat Refuge's current observations and viewing guidance, then watch from the bridge or book a boat tour if you'd rather see them from the water like I did. The bats don't always cooperate, so keep the evening flexible.
Stroll Around Lady Bird Lake
There are so many things to do around Lady Bird Lake, both paid and free. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile loop around the lake, but you don't need to do the whole thing. A shorter walk works just fine.
You can also bike the trail or rent kayaks and paddleboards to get out on the water. Check the launch spot and conditions before you book.
South Austin: murals, coffee, and time outside
Show Proof You Visited Austin at the Greetings From Austin Mural
Austin is known for its murals, and you could spend a whole day hopping from one to the next. If you only see one, make it the postcard-style Greetings From Austin mural at 1720 South First Street, on the side of Roadhouse Relics.
Visit Austin's mural tour includes the address, along with other stops you can choose from. Check parking signs nearby and keep the business entrances clear while you take photos.
If you'd rather skip the parking, a mural tour by pedicab stops here and at the i love you so much wall.
Show Your Love at the Love From Austin Mural
If you fall in love with Austin like I did, show some love by taking a picture at the Love From Austin mural. It's at 1912 South Congress Avenue, on the side of Prima Dora, so it fits easily into a South Congress outing.
I Love You So Much… More Than You Know
Alright, alright, let's hold in the tears for now. You'll find the i love you so much wall at Jo's Coffee on South Congress, 1300 South Congress Avenue, and the person you're probably viewing it with is someone you love a lot.
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.
Sip on a Summer Moon Half Moon Latte
Every time someone asks me for coffee recommendations, the first place I recommend is Summer Moon. I first tried it on a road trip across Texas, and I wish I was exaggerating, but we hit at least 12 coffee shops on that trip. Out of all of them, the one that stood out most was Summer Moon.
The original South First shop was already packed when I got there around 8:30 a.m., so go early or be ready to wait. Try a Half Moon latte to taste the Moon Milk that made me remember it. My Summer Moon Coffee review has more about that visit.
The original South First location is at 3115 South First Street. It's farther south than the Greetings From Austin mural, so check the distance before treating them as back-to-back walking stops.
Outdoor Activities at Zilker Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is an easy place to spend a slow afternoon, with open lawns, Barton Springs Pool, and the botanical garden all in one area. Events and closures can affect access, so check the park page for your dates.
Swim in a Natural Water Hole at Barton Springs Pool
Have you ever dived into an aquifer-fed pool? Barton Springs stays at an average of 68–70°F all year, so the water feels about the same whenever you visit. It's open year-round, but in winter you might be freezing your butt off, so spring and summer are the easier sell.
Nonresident adult admission is $9, though the city doesn't charge in the off-season and plans to resume fees on March 13, 2027. The pool closes for cleaning on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the pool's visitor page has the full schedule.
Be Outdoorsy at Barton Creek Greenbelt
If you want a hike, Barton Creek Greenbelt has trailheads for spots like Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, and the Flats. Water levels depend on rainfall and change quickly, so check the city's Greenbelt page before you go and don't count on a waterfall looking like someone's summer photo.
Barbecue and nights out
Devour Brisket at Franklin Barbecue
We got super lucky at Franklin's because we only waited on line for about 20 minutes. I believe we went on a weekday around 2 p.m., but I wouldn't count on that as a strategy for skipping the line.
Once we sat down and ate brisket and pulled pork, I couldn't believe what I was tasting. It was simply the best barbecue I've ever had in my life. There are still days I randomly crave Franklin's.
Franklin Barbecue currently opens Tuesday–Sunday at 11 a.m. and serves until it sells out, usually around 2 or 3 p.m. It's closed on Mondays. If eating here matters to you, make it the main event of your day, and check the restaurant's preorder information if you'd rather not wait.
Try Asian-Style Barbecue at Loro
Loro, the Asian smokehouse from Franklin's Aaron Franklin and Uchi's Tyson Cole, was one of my stops when I went back. It's a different take on Austin barbecue and an easy backup if Franklin's line or sellout timing doesn't work for your day. There are Austin locations on South Lamar and at Domain Northside.
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, quaint street, and I loved that every building was different, with a lot of them made from shipping containers. Bars come and go, so check what's open before you head over.
During my night out on Rainey, we were even handed free drinks at several bars. It made for a memorable night, but it's definitely not something to put in your travel budget.
Sip Tiki Cocktails at Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a rooftop bar seven stories up at the Austin Marriott Downtown, with tiki cocktails, island-style bites, and skyline views. My drink came in a cactus-shaped cup, which pretty much sums up the vibe. It's a fun place to start the night before heading to Rainey or Sixth Street.
Get Down and Dirty on 6th Street
Can't stop, won't stop dancing? Sixth Street, also known as Dirty Sixth, is the other big nightlife strip downtown. When I went back, I also spent a night on East Sixth, the stretch east of I-35, which has its own bar scene apart from the Dirty Sixth blocks.
Choose a bar based on what's on that night and the atmosphere you want. Check the cover charge and drink prices before you settle in for the evening.
Eat an Old Dirty Bastard at Voodoo Doughnut
The Old Dirty Bastard was my order at Voodoo Doughnut. I wasn't even planning on it, but I finished the entire doughnut in one sitting. Yes, I was jumping off the walls from a sugar high right after, but it was definitely worth every single bite.
Voodoo currently lists its Sixth Street shop at 212 East Sixth Street. Check the hours and that location's menu before counting on a late-night stop or a particular doughnut.
Other city stops to plan separately
Take a Brewery Tour With City Brew Tours
My first brewery tour was with City Brew Tours in Austin, booked through Viator as the 4-Hour Sip of Austin Brewery Tour. I took it as part of a paid collaboration with Viator. Our guide, Jeff, taught us how to taste beer and walked us through how it's made. I had so much fun on that tour! I couldn't tell you every beer we tried, but it was such an easy way to try a bunch of local beers in one go.
City Brew Tours now calls its public Austin tour the Austin Signature Brew Tour. It runs about four hours with three brewery stops and round-trip transportation, so nobody has to drive. Check current days and pricing on Viator, since the stops can change.
Share a Moment With Your Butter Half
If you're visiting Austin with friends or a significant other, share a moment with your butter half. The mural is at 2000 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in East Austin, so pair it with other East Austin plans rather than the South Congress murals. Visit Austin's mural tour lists it with other stops.
Get Funky at Wonder Bar
Wonder Bar was hands down one of the funkiest bars I visited in Austin. When I went, the rooms were Halloween themed, since they change by the season. The bartenders were extremely friendly and made us some of the coolest drinks, which we sipped out of disco balls and mini tequila handles.
Themes change, so check the current setup before expecting the same photos. Wonder Bar's Austin location is on Rock Rose Avenue near the Domain, north of downtown, so plan the trip separately from a downtown night out.
My Wonder Bar Austin review has more photos and details from that visit.
Viewpoints and outings beyond downtown
Catch Sunrise at Pennybacker Bridge
Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the 360 Bridge, is an iconic bridge you don't want to miss. I went hoping for sunrise photos, but unfortunately it was overcast when I got there, so I didn't get the pictures I'd originally wanted. The bridge was still a relaxing place to watch all the cars passing by.
This is a separate drive from downtown, so allow extra time for traffic. Visit Austin's guide describes the overlook, but follow current access and parking signs when you arrive. TxDOT's Loop 360 project at Courtyard Drive and RM 2222, near the overlook, is under construction and expected to wrap up in late 2029.
Take a Small Hike up Mount Bonnell
Want great views of the Colorado River? Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell. I expected a big trail, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. You'll walk up a flight of stairs, and that might be the hardest part. Wear shoes with grip and go at your own pace.
When I got to the top, I was a bit confused because the views didn't look like what I'd seen online. Then I turned to the left and there was the river. Back then, I hopped over the fence for a better look. For a visit now, stay on the public paths and viewing areas. Visit Austin's Mount Bonnell guide describes the 102-step approach and a rockier alternative path.
Catch Sunset at The Oasis on Lake Travis
My absolute favorite view in Austin was at The Oasis on Lake Travis. If you're looking for the best views of sunset, you'll regret not making the drive out to the lake.
The restaurant's current schedule includes Mondays. Check its hours and the sunset time for your date before you go. A meal here is an option if it fits your plans; my recommendation is about the view.
Make a Reservation for Hamilton Pool Preserve
Holy smokes! I still can't believe I made it to Hamilton Pool Preserve. I was bummed the first time I visited Austin because I didn't have time to head over. So the next time, I made sure Hamilton Pool was one of the first places I went, so I could take my time exploring. I drove out and used the panorama mode on my phone gimbal to fit the whole overhanging arc into one shot, which I wrote about in my DJI Osmo Mobile 3 review.
For a visit now, start with the Travis County reservation and conditions page. Reservations are required every day. The current reservation fee is $12 per vehicle, paid online, covering one vehicle and up to eight people. Admission is separate: $8 per adult aged 13–61, $3 for adults 62 and older, and free for children 12 and under. Bring cash for admission at the preserve.
Swimming is never guaranteed. When I last checked, swimming was paused after heavy rain, and the trail beneath the overhanging cliff was closed because of falling rocks. Those conditions change often, so book because you want to see the preserve, with swimming depending on the rules that day.
The walk down includes steep, uneven terrain. Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water.
BYOB and Enjoy a Meal at The Salt Lick in Driftwood
If you're heading out toward Driftwood anyway, The Salt Lick's Driftwood restaurant is a classic barbecue stop. It's a drive from Austin, so it works best as part of a day in that direction rather than a quick backup for Franklin's.
The official FAQ says Driftwood is BYOB and takes reservations only for groups of ten or more. The BYOB policy doesn't apply to its Round Rock location.
Sunbathe at McKinney Falls State Park
If you want a park day with room to lay out a towel, McKinney Falls is another option. It's in a different direction from the Lake Travis viewpoints, so give it its own afternoon.
Texas Parks and Wildlife currently lists admission at $6 per adult, with children 12 and under free. The park often reaches capacity, so reserve a day pass, and check its guidance on water conditions before planning to swim.
A few memories from the original guide
Some places belong in the story of my trips even when they shouldn't be stops on a current itinerary.
Graffiti Park at Castle Hill
I loved seeing how much emotion and personality artists put into the walls at the old Graffiti Park. I enjoyed the talent spray-painted all across the park, even though I cut myself tripping over spiked wire.
The original Baylor Street site has since closed for good, and the HOPE Campaign now runs a separate gallery on Dalton Lane.
Meeting Nomadic Matt at Handlebar
I heard about Handlebar because of a meetup Nomadic Matt was hosting. Although it was rainy, I'm glad I finally got to meet Matt in person.
Mr. Rogers and When You're Strange
I grew up watching Mr. Rogers and always wanted him to be my neighbor. So I guess I could say he was, for a couple of minutes while I was in Austin.
When You're Strange was another mural from my original guide, at East Sixth and Navasota Streets. Apparently Austin is known to be strange, but aren't we all? Street art changes, so I haven't included either mural as a confirmed stop in the plan below.
How to choose your Austin long-weekend stops
This is a suggested plan using the places above, with time left for meals and getting around. It isn't the exact itinerary I followed.
| Day | Choose a manageable plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Downtown | Visit the Capitol and walk Congress Avenue, add the Jones Center or a UT and Blanton stop, then head to the Congress Avenue Bridge for the bats at sunset. End with dinner at Caroline or drinks at Zanzibar. |
| Day 2: South Austin | Start with Summer Moon, choose a few South First and South Congress murals, then spend the afternoon at Zilker or Barton Springs. Loro on South Lamar works for dinner. |
| Day 3: One longer outing | Choose a Hamilton Pool reservation with a possible Driftwood meal, a Lake Travis day with a viewpoint and The Oasis, or McKinney Falls. These are alternatives, not one combined driving loop. |
If Franklin's is a priority, give it a dedicated late-morning and lunch slot and shorten that day's sightseeing. Its Monday closure matters if your long weekend includes a Monday. Museum schedules may also mean switching your days around.
For a trip without a car, use the third day for more of the central-city options instead. Wonder Bar, East Austin's Butter Half mural, and a brewery tour can be separate additions if they're priorities for you, but there's no need to cross town just to finish a list.
Final Thoughts
Austin was a place I could see myself living when I first wrote this guide. It felt small enough to get around easily but big enough that my days were packed, and the nature outside the city kept giving me reasons to come back.
If you're deciding whether to visit, start with the things you care about most. For me, the memories that stuck were the food, the photos, finally making it to Hamilton Pool, and finally seeing the bats. Give yourself room to enjoy your choices instead of trying to finish every stop in one weekend.
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