Things To Do
South Congress
This vibrant neighborhood is a must-stroll for visitors and a popular hangout for locals. South Congress oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin’s yesteryear in its boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues. Our favorite restaurants include: Enoteca, Vespaio, Cafe No Se, Home Slice Pizza. Don't forget to check out the infamous "I love you so much" mural on the side of Jo's Coffee!
Second Street District
2ND Street District is Austin’s best mix of local retail, restaurants, living and entertainment. It’s a vibrant area offering walkable downtown shopping, dining and enjoyment. This area is a short walk from the recommended hotels mentioned under our “Travel” tab.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
The iconic trail around Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin has over 4.4 million visits every year. Locals flock to this Austin treasure. It is a great place to escape and enjoy the beautiful nature of Austin, Texas. The full hike-and-bike trail is 10 miles but shorter loops are available and can be walked in less than one hour. You can also paddle board with SUP ATX, which is also located on the trail.
Breweries
* Lazarus Brewing Company: Relax on the patio at East Austin’s 10 barrel brewery, pairing your craft brews with tasty street-style tacos. * Austin Beerworks: A true staple of the Austin brewing scene and their weekend tasting hours feel more like a backyard barbecue than a bar. * Adelbert’s: You can find hand-crafted Belgian-styled ales along with a dog and family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of patio games. * Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.: Check it out for a little live music, along with crave-worthy pizza and craft beers.
Blanton Museum of Art
Sheltered on the University of Texas at Austin campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is a must-see for any art enthusiast. Considered as one of the largest university art museums in the country and home to more than 18,000 works of art – ranging from Renaissance and baroque pieces by renowned artists such as Rubens and Poussin to a sizeable collection of contemporary Latin American art.
The State Capitol
Standing stoically in the heart of central Austin is Texas's legislative center, the State Capitol. Opened in 1888, this pink-granite landmark stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Many visitors say it's the most impressive state legislative building they've ever seen, but they also warn it can be crowded at times. If you want to learn a bit of Texas history without having to pay an entrance fee, you can't beat a visit to the capitol building, according to past travelers.
LBJ Presedential Library
While the thought of visiting a presidential library may sound like a bore, this one is an exception. Dedicated to the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson's library houses all the expected artifacts – including presidential papers – as well as several quirkier exhibits that are just as interesting as the president himself. From presidential holiday cards to photographs chronicling the civil rights era and an LBJ robot, this museum uses all types of mediums to narrate the president's life and political career.
Restaurant Recommendations
* Enoteca: 1610 South Congress. A lovely, casual local Italian restaurant in the heart of a favorite shopping area * Franklin Barbecue: 900 E. 11th Street. Best. Barbecue. Period. * Hula Hut: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. A good location to enjoy Lake Austin. * Kerby Lane Cafe: 3704 Kerby Lane. Breakfast all day- an Austin icon. * Launderette: 2115 Holly St. A personal foodie favorite- don't miss the hamburger or the Breakfast of Champions beverage. * Uchi: 801 S Lamar. Sushi at its best! * Red Ash: 303 Colorado St #200. Craft Italian fare, from wood-fired specialties to housemade pasta, plus wine in rustic-modern digs.
Live Music
A trip to the "Live Music Capital of the World" wouldn't be complete without discovering some of Austin's up-and-coming talent. Visit the Red River Entertainment District for some of Austin’s best music institutions. We recommend Stubb’s, Mohawk, and Cheer Up Charlie’s in the area.
Esther's Follies
For 35+ years, the cast at Esther's Follies has kept audiences rolling in the aisles with everything from improv shows to magic tricks. Visitors and locals alike say it's a must-see and the shows are never a disappointment.
Rainey Street
The Rainey Street District in Austin, Texas is a residential-turned-commercial row boasting bars in remodeled bungalows, upscale eateries and food trucks galore. The street is filled with fun bars, great food, and live music.
Secret Bars
* Garage Bar: 503 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701. This is one of our favorite places to bring guests who are visiting. Garage Bar is literally a cocktail bar located in a parking garage. Listen to vinyl records while sipping on some fancy cocktails. The Indian Paintbrush is a crowd pleaser that has won awards in past years. * Firehouse Lounge: 605 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701. We’re a sucker for a speakeasy and this cocktail bar lets you enter in through a hidden entrance, a sliding bookcase! What could be more fun than that?! Many of their cocktails are stellar, but lately, we have been into the Gold Rush. * Midnight Cowboy: 313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701. Intimate reservations-only lounge known for its hip speakeasy vibe & old-school cocktail menu. * Bar Illegal: 609 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701. Mexican beer, plus mezcal flights & cocktails, in an intimate bar in a rustic-chic stone shack.