Things To Do
Austin Restaurant Recommendations
Breakfast & Coffee: - Taco Joint (any location): Our favorite breakfast tacos! - Jo's Coffee (Downtown and South Congress Locations): Great for a quick coffee while exploring the area - Mozart's: Fun spot on the water with great views of the lake and west Austin Lunch/Dinner: - Terry Black's BBQ: Excellent BBQ with room for big groups. - Matt's El Rancho: The quintessential Austin Tex-Mex place, great for groups. - Scholz Garten or Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden: Central Texas has Great German food! Scholz Garten is near the UT campus and is the oldest beer garden in the US. Banger's Sausage House is on Rainey Street and is known for the huge variety of house-made sausages and drinks on tap. Both locations are family friendly during the day.
Explore South Congress Avenue Shops and Sights
Walk up and down South Congress Avenue for quirky and upscale shopping + great places to eat + fun photo ops with murals and the Texas Capitol Building. Our favorite shopping: - Allen's Boots - King Ranch Saddle Shop - Pop-up vintage markets Food: - Amy's Ice Creams - Jo's Coffee - Home Slice Pizza - Two Hands
Visit the University of Texas at Austin Campus
Check out the six-pack, Tower, Littlefield Fountain, and views of the Texas Capitol Building! Recommended to park at Brazos or University Co-op Garages and walk to the main sites. Please note that 10/17/2026 is also a Texas Football home game. There will be no campus parking available on this date.
Take Out a Paddle Board or Kayak at Texas Rowing Center
If the weather is nice, take out a kayak or paddle board on Lady Bird Lake! Make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. This is also the place where we first met and spent many early mornings rowing with Texas Crew.
Walk the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
One of the nicest parts of downtown Austin, the trail is a great way to get outside and stretch your legs. We recommend parking at one of the following locations: Festival Beach Austin High School/Mopac Texas Rowing Center
Tour the Texas State Capitol
The Capitol is open daily for visitors. You can explore the monuments across the grounds and the inside of the building with a self guided tour.