Things To Do
Austin & Dripping Springs | Food, Drinks, & Things to do (Google Maps Guide)
Google Maps guide with all our favorite spots for food, drinks, and things to do around Dripping Springs & Austin. Use the tags to sort by category....and yes, there are plenty of Texas BBQ recommendations included đź¤
Tillie's
Located within the Camp Lucy resort, Tillie’s offers elevated, farm-to-table American cuisine in a stunningly repurposed 19th-century building. It’s a popular Hill Country destination known for its seasonal menu, craft cocktails, and a relaxed indoor-outdoor atmosphere that’s perfect for brunch or dinner. Pro-tip: It is a local favorite, so reservations are highly recommended.
The Salt Lick BBQ
The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood is an iconic Texas Hill Country destination famous for its massive, limestone-built open barbecue pit and rustic, communal atmosphere. Founded in 1967, it has grown from a small family stand into a sprawling "meat eater's paradise" known for its scenic views and traditional live-oak smoking methods. BYOB: The original Driftwood location is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own coolers of beer or wine. Salt Lick Cellars: Located right next door, this on-site winery offers Texas wines and sangria to pair with your meal.
Jester King Brewery
Jester King Brewery is a world-renowned farmhouse brewery and kitchen set on a sprawling 165-acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Between exploring the nature trails and visiting the herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats, guests can enjoy a menu centered around wood-fired pizzas and great local beer.
Barton Springs Pool
Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin: Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Mozart's Coffee Roasters is an iconic, long-standing Austin coffee destination (est. 1993) located on the shores of Lake Austin, known for its scenic waterfront patio, in-house roasted coffee, and Bavarian-style pastries. It offers a vibrant, European-style cafe atmosphere with daily live music, extensive outdoor seating, and popular holiday light shows. This was also the spot for Julia and Chris’ first date!
P6 at the LINE Austin
P6 is a scenic rooftop lounge located on the sixth floor of The LINE Austin in downtown, offering panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Avenue bridge. Transformed from a 1960s parking garage, it features a Mediterranean-influenced menu of small plates and signature cocktails, often cited as a top spot for viewing the city's famous bat flights at sunset. Reservations are highly recommended.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is a popular 5.36-acre city park in Austin, Texas, renowned for its 775-foot limestone cliff offering panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and the downtown skyline. Famous for sunset views, it features over 100 stairs leading to the summit and has been a tourist attraction since the 1850s. The “hike” itself takes less than 5 minutes to get to the top, so it’s a quick activity to get a great view of Lake Austin (close to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters).
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail & Lady Bird Lake Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) is a scenic 10-mile loop in downtown Austin, featuring crushed granite paths, water views, and skyline vistas. It is open to pedestrians and cyclists, offering easy access, shade, and popular spots like the boardwalk and Stevie Ray Vaughan statue.
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue, known as "SoCo," is a premier, walkable shopping district in Austin, Texas, blending historic character with modern luxury. Located south of Lady Bird Lake, it features iconic cowboy boot shops, boutique clothing, unique gifts, murals, and numerous restaurants, with vibrant nightlife at spots like the Continental Club.
Comedy Mothership
The Comedy Mothership is a premier stand-up comedy club in downtown Austin. Housed in the historic Ritz Theater on 6th Street, the venue was renovated to serve as a world-class destination for both established headliners and emerging local talent. This is our favorite spot for a good laugh. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Texas Capitol
Visiting the Texas State Capitol is a free, scenic walk in downtown Austin. The granite building, a proud symbol of the Lone Star State, is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most distinguished state capitols. Free, guided tours. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 9:30-3:30 p.m.; Sun. noon-3:30 p.m.