The Perfect Long Weekend in Austin, TX
When my friend Liz started planning a girls’ trip over Labor Day weekend, we were looking for someplace “in the middle” for friends traveling from both coasts. We landed on Austin, TX as a happy medium. Lucky for me, Austin has been on my bucket list. From the moment we arrived, I was smitten with Austin’s eclectic personality, charming neighborhoods, genuine people, Mexican food (and good food in general), warm weather and so many outdoor activities to explore!
Thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats spend their summers under the Congress Avenue Bridge. They leave at sunset each night in search of food. The entire “show” can last about 45 minutes.
4-DAY ITINERARY WEEKEND IN AUSTIN, TX
DAY 1: Arrive, check into your hotel or airbnb, grab tacos and margaritas (we went to Z’Tejas), Dinner at Juniper
DAY 2: Start the morning at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on the Colorado River (TX’s Colorado River), head to Barton Springs to see the spring and then rent a canoe and paddle around Lady Bird Lake, Lunch at Taco Deli, catch a glimpse of the bats at sunset by going to the Congress Avenue Bridge (Austin has the largest urban bat population), Dinner at Uchi
DAY 3: Breakfast at Paperboy, hike at McKinney Falls, drinks at Upstairs at Caroline’s, dinner at Caroline’s, followed by drinks and live music on Rainey Street
DAY 4: Brunch at June’s All Day and shopping on Congress Avenue for some really unique finds before heading to the airport
Canoeing in Lady Bird Lake
Where to Stay:
Airbnb - For a girls’ weekend, we loved staying in an airbnb. We stayed in the Clarksville neighborhood which seemed central to everywhere we wanted to explore. Our house had a pool which is essential for cooling off on those HOT Austin summer afternoons. To receive $55 off your first airbnb reservation, book through my Airbnb link. Neighborhoods to consider staying in: Bouldin, Downtown, Clarksville, and East Side.
LINE Hotel - As a fan of the LINE Hotel in DC, LINE Austin is tapped into Austin’s art, music, and literary scene. The hotel’s rooftop pool and stellar location on Lady Bird Lake are not to be missed.
South Congress Hotel - If we didn’t stay in an airbnb, this would have been one of my top picks. This boutique hotel is on South Congress Avenue in a great location, features daily programming and houses Cafe No Se.
Austin’s food truck scene is huge - 2,000 food trucks call Austin home.
Where to eat:
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters - If you’re looking to get outside and a causal place for breakfast, we loved sitting on the deck of Mozart’s. Ironically, there are two Colorado Rivers in the US; Mozart’s is overlooking the Colorado River in Texas.
June’s All Day - We stumbled upon this cute brunch spot on South Congress Avenue with a misting patio and views of the Capitol.
Juniper - Northern Italy is in Austin. This restaurant on the East Side has a trendy ambiance, handmade pasta cooked to order, and delicious cocktails.
Paperboy - We visited one of Paperboy’s food trailer locations in an open park. We enjoyed a yummy breakfast at picnic tables, with the company of strangers. It was the perfect way to ease into the day.
Taco Deli - There seems to be a real debate among locals about Taco Deli vs. Torchy’s. Choose your side and prepare to own your choice. We loved the tacos at Taco Deli!
Uchi - Hands down, our favorite spot of the trip. After ordering a few dishes, you’ll probably be ordering seconds. I am still dreaming about this meal.
Other recommended restaurants that we wanted to try but weren’t able to get into: Bouldin Creek Cafe, Little Darling, Launderette, Cafe No Se and Josephine House.
Where to grab drinks:
Upstairs at Caroline’s - Downtown
Rainey Street Bars - Rainey Street Historic District
I must give credit and a special mention to my friend Laura who is an Austinite and provided us with thoughtful recommendations which always passed the test of locals when we were asked about our plans.
More ideas from my friend and Austin-native who provided amazing advice for our own trip:
Take a wine tour to Fredericksburg
Go to a brewery
Shop in 2nd Street District Downtown
Tour the state capitol
Ride bikes around Lady Bird Lake
Day drink on Rainey Street (cute bars in old houses)
Hike the Greenbelt
Deep Eddy Pool
Sometimes when I visit a city, I think about if I would ever return or if I could picture myself living there. I can confidentially say that a long weekend in Austin wasn’t enough. I left wanting to get to know Austin better. I feel there’s so much more to unearth in that town.
I’ll be back, Austin. I promise.
