Things To Do

Activities

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Spring is the perfect time for a visit to this historic botanic garden! All the flowers will be in full bloom, and it is really beautiful and zen. Note that unfortunately the café is under construction for a remodel.

Barton Springs Pool

This is a must-do in Austin! The city's beautiful spring-fed swimming pool stays 68 degrees yearround, and it's a refreshing treat in the warm months.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Head over to the Congress Avenue Bridge between 7:30 to 9:45 p.m to see thousands of bats fly out from underneath. My mom was skeptical at first (to her, they were just flying "rats"), but one time we happened to be walking by as it happened, and what do you know? She LOVED it! They're really pretty cool.

Sculpture Falls

This is where the two of us had our first "date" and where Zoe and Mila first met in June 2020! This is just one of many trails on the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Highly recommend if you're looking for some outdoors time! Bring a swimsuit in case you want to take a dip.

The Little Longhorn Saloon

On Sundays, they host an Austin tradition called "Chicken Shit Bingo." Yes, you heard me right. Tons of people gather with their outdoor chairs and buy tickets for bingo, then they wait until the chicken answers nature's call, hoping the place they choose to take care of business happens to be on the square that matches the number they hold in their hands. Despite the name, this is, in fact, a child-friendly event.

Bars & Coffeeshops

The Continental Club

You can't leave Austin without checking out some live music! This historic music venue on the lively South Congress Avenue hosts shows every night. Inside, it's got a dive bar feel, very casual.

Radio Coffee & Beer

This place is synonymous with Austin in my mind, and it was my dad's favorite, too. He couldn't make a trip here without a Radio stop. It's our favorite coffeeshop and features the best tacos in Austin at the truck outside, Veracruz!

Cosmic Saltillo

This is the second location of a quintissentially Austin bar that is one of our favorites in Austin, but this one is closer to your hotels! Coffee, beer, cocktails and tacos. What more could you want? I would avoid if it's really hot, though. Not much shade.

Mozart's Coffee Roasters

Really pretty lakefront views, good coffee and a large assortment of pastries. Can't go wrong.

Whisler’s

If you're looking for really good cocktails and good vibes, check this place out. On the weekends, there's a mezcaleria speakeasy upstairs! If you're staying at ARRIVE Hotel, this is walkable.

Restaurants

Suerte

Our favorite restaurant in Austin. It's a little on the expensive side, but in our opinion, an incredible value for the price. The food is unreal. You MUST get the suadero (brisket tacos)! But everything there is good. My dad loved it, too. We went there at least three times with him. Also walkable from ARRIVE!

Nixta Taqueria

Recognized by Michelin and the New York Times, this taqueria on the East side will blow your mind. They use super fresh local ingredients, and it shows! They don't take reservations, but the line usually moves pretty quickly.

Bufalina Pizza

Besides Homeslice for New York-style, this is the best pizza in Austin imo! It's Neopolitan-style where it's wood-fired and slightly charred. Mmmmm, making me hungry just thinking about it!

L'Oca d'Oro

Really good Italian. It's on the expensive side, but worth it if you like authentic, homemade Italian. GET THE TIRAMISU. It's served in a cereal bowl filled all the way to the top. Need I say more?

Intero

Best Italian restaurant in Austin, and one of our favorites in the city! Highly recommend. Get. The. Brown. Butter. Cake. 'Nuff said.

la Barbecue

Really good BBQ in East Austin but requires some planning. The lines tend to be really long, so I recommend pre-ordering online at least a day before! Terry Black's is also solid if you need something more impromptu. Note that la Barbecue is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mum Foods Smokehouse And Delicatessen

Definitely not kosher, but Jewish deli-style BBQ. I feel like this is something really unique to Austin and worth a trip. They also do a really good (greasy) breakfast. Burnt End Latke Benedict, anyone? My dad gave two thumbs' up when he visited.