Austin: 24 Best Things to Do, Eat, and Explore

Austin is a city like no other. This vibrant capital of Texas effortlessly blends its rich history with a modern, eclectic vibe. Since it’s only a two-hour drive from our home to Austin, we’ve spent quite a bit of time there—either for BBQ competitions, car shows, or just to explore.

Known for its live music scene, innovative food culture, and unique local flair, the city attracts visitors from all over the country eager to experience its distinct energy. The city’s famous slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” captures the spirit of a place that thrives on creativity, individuality, and a bit of quirkiness.

Whether you’re a hard-core foodie, a coffee enthusiast, or someone looking to dive into the city’s lively arts and cultural scene, this city offers a little something for everyone. From its scenic outdoor spaces to its bustling downtown, Austin is a destination that’s as diverse as exciting.

Welcome to little California.

Get to Know Austin Before You Go

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the best time to visit Austin depends on what you want to experience. Each season offers something unique, from mild weather to cultural festivities.

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a fantastic time to visit Austin, with mild and warm weather that is perfect for exploring. It’s also when the city comes alive with the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, one of the year’s biggest cultural events. April is also the time the Lonestar Rods & Kustom Round Up car show happens. If you’re a classic car person, I highly recommend this show!
  Note: This is also the rainy season, with short but intense showers that typically last a day or two.
• Summer (June to August): Summers in Austin are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s or higher. This season is less popular with tourists due to the intense heat, but it’s a great time to enjoy indoor attractions or dip in one of the city’s many natural swimming holes.
• Fall (September to November): Fall in Austin typically doesn’t start until late October but is marked by comfortable temperatures, often with daily highs in the 70s and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. This season also features major events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and their Film Festival, drawing crowds from all over.
• Winter (December to February): The winters are mild and dry, with temperatures usually in the low to mid-60s. This is a quieter time to visit, perfect for enjoying holiday events without the peak season crowds.

The best times to visit Austin are in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the city is buzzing with events and outdoor activities. Naturally, though, each season has its charm.

How to get to Austin

Getting to Austin is easy, whether flying in or driving from nearby cities. Here are the most common ways to reach the heart of Texas:

• Flying In: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the city’s main airport. Located 8 miles southeast of downtown Austin, it’s well-connected with domestic and international flights.
• Driving from Dallas: If you’re coming from Dallas, Austin is about a 3-hour drive south on I-35. This scenic route takes you through the heart of Texas, offering a straightforward drive with plenty of rest stops and dining options.
• Driving from Houston: For those traveling from Houston, Austin is roughly a 2.5-hour drive west on US-290. This route is mostly highway, making for a smooth journey with beautiful Texas landscapes to enjoy along the way.

Whether flying into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport or driving from, getting to Austin is simple and accessible.

What to Bring to Austin

Austin is proud of its laid-back vibe and is known for the variable weather. Here’s a list of essentials to ensure you’re ready for everything from outdoor adventures to a night out on the town:

• Swimwear and Flip-Flops: Perfect for cooling off at spots like Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, or Barton Springs Pool, where you can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the sun.
• Casual Clothing: Austin is known for its relaxed dress code. Jeans, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes are ideal for exploring the city, whether strolling through South Congress or enjoying live music downtown.
• Layers: The weather in Austin can be unpredictable, especially during the spring and fall. Pack layers like light sweaters, hoodies, or a denim jacket to stay comfortable if the temperature drops or you encounter a rainy day.
• Accessories: A hat and sunglasses for sun protection, especially during the hot summer.
• Toiletries: Be sure to bring sunscreen to protect against the Texas sun, along with your usual toiletries, such as a hairbrush and any styling tools you might need. While the clothes may be casual, looking nice is still essential.
• First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have a small first aid kit on hand. Include basics like bandages, disinfectant, and insect repellent to cover any minor scrapes or bites you might encounter while enjoying the outdoors.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is vital, especially in Austin’s warm climate. A reusable water bottle is environmentally friendly and easy to refill at various water stations around the city.
  Bonus: There are plenty of places to get new stickers for your bottle!
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, whether you’re exploring the trails around the city or checking out local shops and cafes.

Where to Stay in Austin

Hotels

Lone Star Court

Located near the Domain shopping center, Lone Star Court is a boutique hotel that combines vintage charm with modern amenities. Each room features a stocked SMEG refrigerator and an oversized shower, adding a touch of luxury to your stay. The dog-friendly hotel has a food and water station for your pup when you check in!

The outdoor area is equally impressive, with a pool, several fire pits, and game areas for guests to enjoy. Despite its outdoor entries to the rooms, the hotel has elevators to access the second and third floors.

This hotel has been on my bucket list since my first visit to the Lone Star Round Up car show in 2018. I am disappointed it took so long because I can’t recommend it enough—it was such a unique experience!

Embassy Suites Round Rock

If you’re willing to stay outside the city, the Embassy Suites in Round Rock is a fantastic option, so much so that I have stayed here twice.

Located about a forty-minute drive north of Austin, this relatively new hotel is stunning on the inside. The spacious rooms can easily accommodate a family of six, making it ideal for those traveling with kids. The Round Rock area also offers plenty to do, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore Austin and its northern surroundings.

VRBOs

Skyline – Portoro

Experience Zilker living in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests. Located in the heart of South Austin; the property features an updated kitchenette, a walk-in shower, and an oversized deck with skyline views—perfect for enjoying coffee or wine.

After exploring the city, unwind in the inviting hot tub. A spiral staircase leads to the hot tub and beautiful viewing area. Pets are allowed with a fee.

Camping

McKinney Falls State Park

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature while visiting Austin, McKinney Falls State Park offers a fantastic camping experience just a short distance from South Congress. The park features 81 campsites with water, electrical hookups, and six newly-remodeled cabins for those seeking more comfort.

Amenities include restrooms, bathhouses, and a dump station, making it convenient for all campers. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys commonly seen in the area, adding a touch of wildlife to your stay.

Best Places to Eat in Austin

Coffee Shops

Summer Moon Coffee

My love for Summer Moon started at their Fort Worth location, but I’m adding it here because Austin is where it all began. They are known for roasting their beans over Texas Oak wood, which delivers a distinctive smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with their signature Moon Milk, enhancing the coffee’s oaky undertones.

Houndstooth

This coffee shop aims to be your upscale coffee roaster. Here, the focus is on the pure taste of the coffee itself, with minimal flavor options to distract from the beans’ natural profile.

The baristas are expertly trained and often host cupping classes, which offer customers a deeper dive into the coffee-tasting process.

In addition, the location we visited in the Domain was dog-friendly. I’m looking at these things as I prepare to be a dog owner soon.

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters (7 AM- 12 PM)

With a stunning location on Lake Travis, Mozart’s Coffee is a great spot to spend an entire day. Offering more than coffee, they also have events like movie nights and stand-up paddleboarding days.

On our last visit, I tried their cereal milk latte hot, and it was one of the best lattes I’ve had in a while.

Greater Goods Coffee Roasters

While not a traditional coffee shop, Greater Goods offers a unique experience with coffee classes that go beyond just brewing. My oldest and I took a latte art class here, where we learned how to create hearts, rosettes, and tulips in our cups. The baristas are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making it a memorable experience.

On My List: Civil Goat Coffee Co.

Though I haven’t made it there yet, I’ve heard excellent things about Civil Goat Coffee, especially their Cuernavaca Shop location, which features a pygmy goat named Butters.

This spot offers a unique twist along with great coffee. They serve traditional espresso drinks, but what really shines is the cold nitro coffee—which is even available in to-go bottles. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s definitely on my list for next time!

Main Meals

Gordough

If you love over-the-top donuts, Gourdoughs is the place for you. This food truck serves some of the best donuts I’ve ever had and is right up there with Hypnotic Donuts in Dallas.

Try the: Funky Monkey and if they have it the Dirts and Worms.

Homeslice Pizza

Located on South Congress, Homeslice Pizza is the perfect spot to enjoy giant, floppy New York-style pizzas with a deliciously fermented crust. It’s a great place to relax, watch the dough-tossing action, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of South Congress.

Try the: Pizza by the Slice

Lucky Robot

Just two blocks from Homeslice, Lucky Robot is Austin’s first sustainable sushi restaurant. The decor is super cute, with cherry blossoms and disco balls lining the ceiling. On cooler nights, they open the glass garage doors so you can sit on a swing and enjoy the view of Congress Avenue.

Try the R2D2 sushi with Texas Wagyu beef and the yuzu pie with the made-in-house toasted marshmallow meringue—both are mouthwatering!

Culinary Dropout

I was unaware that a larger company owned this restaurant because it fit the Austin vibes well. Its sister restaurant is one of our favorites- Flower Child.

Be warned, though—if you’re looking for a more subdued intimate gathering place, Culinary Dropout is not that. Instead, it is a bustling, loud place with an area where kids and adults can enjoy each other’s company and play different outdoor games.

My favorite part, though, is that the kitchen is visible from every angle of the restaurant—instead of walls, they have glass windows through which you can watch what the chefs and servers are doing.

Try the pretzels and beer cheese fondue. While the pretzels started out a bit dense, dipping them in the sauce made them soften to a very good consistency.

To Drink: The Piña Colada Perfecto was just that, with Havana Club aged rum, Don Q Cristal rum, pineapple, toasted coconut, and a Don Q añejo xo float.

P. Terry’s

While we love In-N-Out Burger out West, P. Terry’s is our go-to spot in the Austin or San Antonio area. This beloved burger joint serves all-natural, never-frozen beef and chicken, along with fresh-cut fries, fresh-squeezed drinks, veggie burgers, and baked goods.

Owners Patrick and Kathy Terry were inspired by Kathy’s reading of Fast Food Nation and Patrick’s nostalgia for Mack Eplen’s, a classic burger stand in Abilene, Texas. With its mid-century design and iconic teal and cream color palette, P. Terry’s truly embodies the spirit of quality, classic burger stand.

Don’t believe me? Well, their awards speak for themselves. In 2018, Southern Living called P. Terry’s the best burger chain in America.

Try the: Crispy Chicken burger. The grilled chicken breast is not my favorite, but the crispy one is a patty similar to a hamburger patty, and it is pure perfection. Also, don’t skip out on their fries. I like them better than In & Outs.

Black’s BBQ

Opened in 1932 in Lockhart, Texas, The Original Black’s BBQ started as a meat market before 2nd Generation Pitmaster Edgar Black Jr. transformed it into the iconic restaurant it is today. When we visit, we head to their Guadalupe Street location.

Try the: While their brisket is a staple, the biggest draw for my family is the beef ribs, which are “bigger than your face.”

Slab BBQ

Slab BBQ isn’t your traditional barbecue joint. Instead, they expertly bridge the taste bud gap of the Dirty South, incorporating flavors from Memphis, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Texas. This unique approach to BBQ earned them a spot on an episode of Diners, Drive-In, and Dives. One standout menu item is their

Try the: BBQ Nachos, which are generously topped with a mix of smoked brisket, pulled pork, melted cheese, jalapeños, and a tangy house-made barbecue sauce.

Sweet Treats

Amy’s Ice Cream

Since 1984, Amy’s Ice Cream has been a favorite of Austinites. Their original shop on Guadalupe Street made a name for itself with its famous Mexican vanilla flavor.

Today, you can’t miss their funky sign that truly reflects what they are doing. After all, they offer various flavors, including vegan options and adult-friendly choices for those 21 and up.

Try the: Coffee with Oreos added in. Are you even surprised I went there?

Lick Ice Cream

What I love most about Lick Honest Ice Cream is their dedication to using natural ingredients. They believe what doesn’t go into their ice creams—like artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives—is just as important as what does. We’ve been to their Lamar Union location late at night, and the staff was super friendly.

Try the: Texas Sheet Cake or Hill Country Honey from the everyday menu. They also have a seasonal menu and if you’re visiting this fall, definitely try the Coconut Pecan Coffee Cake.

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Opened in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Logan and Chelsea Green, The Yard Milkshake Bar quickly expanded to over thirty locations after their appearance on Shark Tank. While I typically avoid chains, this one is worth the stop.

Try the: Cookies and Worms shake, which features Cookies N’ Cream ice cream in a marshmallow-dipped jar, rolled in crushed Oreos, and topped with gummy worms, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a Cookies N’ Cream cookie dough pop.

Things To Do in Austin

Check out the murals

Austin’s murals are as eclectic and vibrant as its music scene. The city’s love for public art dates back to the 1970s and 80s when local artists began painting murals to reflect the city’s unique culture and creativity. Over time, murals have become integral to Austin’s identity, celebrating its history, people, and quirky personality. My favorites are those featuring people, such as the iconic “Willie for President” mural and the nostalgic “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” mural.

Original Whole Foods Market

For a true Austin experience, visit the flagship Whole Foods Market on Lamar Street. Initially opened in 1980 in a building that once housed a Goodwill, this store is larger than any other I’ve visited. It has a rooftop playground, an eating area, and a handful of eateries scattered throughout the store. You can even grab a beer and enjoy it with your neighbor, making it a fun, community-driven stop during your trip.

Visit the Peacocks at Mayfield Park

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path spot, check out Mayfield Park near Mount Bonnell. This peaceful 23-acre city park is home to free-roaming peacocks and features a charming cottage, relaxing garden, hiking trails, and picnic tables. It’s the perfect place for a quiet escape. Dr. Gutsch and his wife, Mary Mayfield Gutsch, donated the park to the city, making it a beautiful blend of history and nature.

Go Shopping at the Domain

Often considered Austin’s second downtown, The Domain offers shopping, dining, and nightlife.

You’ll find high-end stores like Apple and Burberry alongside great restaurants like Culinary Dropout and True Food Kitchen. One of my favorite bars here is Wonderbar, which always has a fun atmosphere.

On one end of The Domain is Whole Foods Market, and on the other is Lone Star Court, and apartment complexes line the outer edges—forget vacationing; this would be a great place to live!

Inner Space Caverns

Discovered by a Texas Highway Department drilling team in 1963, Inner Space Caverns opened to the public in 1966 and offers a unique underground adventure.

We took the Adventure Tour, which requires walking a mile along steep, wet, and uneven pathways—so it’s not recommended for anyone with health concerns like bad knees or heart conditions.

Many of the caves we’ve been in are cooler. Not this one! The cavern stays around 72°F with 98% humidity, making it feel like 80°F.

Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool is one of my favorite places in Austin, though I’ll give you a heads-up—it’s not uncommon to see women topless, especially in the evening. We have been together four times over the years, and this happened to us once. I was shocked!

The pool is home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and is listed as a federally protected habitat. With depths ranging from 0 to 18 feet and grassy areas to lounge on, it’s a fantastic spot to relax and cool off.

Head’s up! The pool is currently closed for maintenance due to two holes in an abandoned skimmer pipe from the 1940s, which created a safety hazard. Repairs are underway, and I’ll provide updates when the pool reopens!

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect spot for those wanting to experience the “country in the city.”

One of the most popular activities here is hiking the Homestead Trail, which starts north of Onion Creek and passes the ruins of Thomas McKinney’s residence and a historic gristmill.

But the falls are the main draw for me. After a good rain, you can enjoy the water by wading in the lower falls or swimming in the upper falls for a refreshing dip.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

Zilker Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Austin. It offers not only stunning plant life but also a great view of downtown.

One of my favorite areas is the bonsai tree section, which is always fun to explore. They also have a music area that I think every school should offer for their students (that’s the teacher in me!). With its combination of gardens, views, and interactive spots, this garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.

If you need a pick-me-up afterward, they have a cute little coffee truck, ironically named Super Cute Coffee, just off the property.

Watch the Bats Fly Out at Night

One of Austin’s most spectacular and unusual attractions is watching the Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.

Since the bridge was expanded in 1982, an estimated 1.5 million bats have called it home. Austinites weren’t thrilled initially, but the bats help control the bug population.

From mid-March to early November, they take flight around 30-60 minutes before sunset. We watched from a nearby spot, but you can also kayak or paddleboard for an up-close view of this nightly event.

Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts on Austin

Austin truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re exploring its natural beauty, indulging in its vibrant food scene, or getting a taste of its quirky culture.

From outdoor adventures at McKinney Falls and Barton Springs to indulging in over-the-top desserts and catching the nightly bat flight at the Congress Avenue Bridge, this city has endless ways to keep you entertained. So pack your bags, grab a coffee, and get ready to experience everything Austin has to offer. You won’t regret it!