Things To Do
🥂 Bars & Nightlife
Rainey Street: Bangers Sausage & Beer, Half Step, Lucille's, The Stay Put, Electric Shuffle Speakeasies: Garage, Roosevelt Room, The Eleanor, Bar Hacienda, Here Nor There West 6th: The Ranch (home of the ranch water), Marfa Lights, Dirty Bill's, Dead Rabbit East "Dirty" 6th: Driskill Bar, Midnight Cowboy, Parkside, Casino El Camino, Maggie Mae's East "New" 6th (Across I-35): Whistlers, Mother's Ruin, Hotel Vegas, Zilker Brewing Co Other Central: Bouldin Acres, Hula Hut, Deep Eddy Cabaret, Donn's Depot
🍽️ Best Eats
BBQ: Terry Black’s, la Barbecue (food truck), Coopers, Franklin's (get in line!), County Line Tex-Mex: Matt's El Rancho, Maudie's (Lake Austin Blvd), Fresa's, Chuy's (Barton Springs) Tacos: Torchy’s (S First), Tacodeli, Juan in a Million Austin Classics: Magnolia Café & 24 Diner (24 hrs); Mattie’s & Moonshine (Southern); Home Slice, Guero's, Hopdoddy, Perla's (SoCo); Uchi/Uchiko, Lucky Robot, WuChow, Sway (Asian/Sushi); P-Terry's, Thundercloud Subs, Chi'Lantro (Takeaway) Coffee & Breakfast: Mozart’s (on the lake), Swedish Hill (bakery), Juiceland (Smoothies)
🌅 Outdoor & Scenic Spots
Lady Bird Lake & Zilker Park: Hike/Bike on the trail, Kayak/Paddleboard on the lake. Mount Bonnell & 360 Bridge Overlook: A short climb with panoramic lake & city views. Austin Bat Tours: Watch the famous bat flight from land or by BYOB boat. The Oasis: If you're up for a drive, best view of Lake Travis
🛍️ Shop & Explore
South Congress (SoCo): boutiques, live music, murals, amazing food. 2nd Street: Downtown shops & dining (Avery's faves: P6 rooftop bar, Lambert's BBQ). The Domain: North Austin upscale shopping, dining, and bar scene.
🌊 Hit the Water
Barton Springs & Deep Eddy Pools: Natural spring-fed pools perfect for cooling off. Float On: Boat rentals on Lake Austin or Lake Travis. Capital Cruises: Take a sunset boat tour or private ride - great for groups.
🎶 Other Iconic Spots
Broken Spoke Stubb’s BBQ Texas State Capitol Bob Bullock Museum Blanton Museum of Arts Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Peter Pan Mini Golf
đźš— Day Trips
Dripping Springs / Driftwood: Hill Country wineries, distilleries, and scenic spots. Fredericksburg: Known for wine tastings, german food, and charming shops. Wimberley: Swim at Blue Hole or Jacob's Well, shop local boutiques & art markets. Gruene: Historic dance hall, riverside dining, and small-town charm.