Haley & Brandon
Austin Favorites
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Winding through downtown along the water, all 10 miles of trail are well-maintained year-round, with amenities and stopping points along the way. You’ll find water fountains, foot showers, restroom facilities, shady groves, boat launches, and a pedestrian- and cyclist-only bridge that connects the trail over top of Lady Bird Lake. Oh and so many dogs <3
Barton Springs
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. Open everyday from 5 am - 10 pm, with the exception of Thursday from 9 am - 7 pm when the pool is closed for cleaning. Bring a Towel, Sunscreen, Water, Cash/Card for entry fee ($9). Not Permitted: Food, Alcohol, Tobacco, Portable Speakers, Coolers. But you can exit and re-enter Barton Springs Pool with a stamp if you would like to eat and drink during your visit.
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden is a lush, laid-back oasis where coffee, cocktails, and community converge. By day, it’s a bright and breezy café serving espresso drinks, cold brew, and more. By night, it transforms into a cozy beer garden and bar with draft beers, tequila, mezcal, and clever cocktails. Beyond drinks, Cosmic leans into food trucks (think tacos, BBQ, wings). All in all, it’s the kind of Austin hangout that feels like a laid-back backyard party: green, welcoming, and endlessly chill.
Lady Bird Lake - Paddle Board or Kayak
Grab a Paddle Board or Kayak and explore downtown Austin. The downtown stretch is closed to boat traffic which makes this the best way to explore the city and cool off on one of the sandbars along the way. Multiple options for rentals, but Texas Rowing Center is a great one!
Matt's El Rancho
One of our favorite spots in Austin, Texas! Matt's El Rancho is more than a restaurant, it is a TexMex staple across the country! Starting in 1952, the restaurant has grown in size and reputation to become a beloved gathering place for all! Please keep in mind, they do not take reservations, but they have a waitlist you can join online under opentable. We recommend the fresh-squeezed lime juice margaritas from the bar while you wait - ¡Salud! Fun Fact: Brandon took Haley here on her first trip to Austin, Texas to visit him!
Mattie's
Mattie’s at Green Pastures is a charming, historic restaurant tucked into a beautifully restored Victorian-era home in South Austin. Named after Martha “Mattie” Miner Faulk, one of the property’s original stewards, Mattie’s blends old-school Texas hospitality with thoughtful, locally sourced cuisine. The menu leans into elevated Southern fare — think fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, gumbo, and more — all made with high-quality, sustainable ingredients. Set on oak-shaded grounds with roaming peacocks, Mattie’s is where Austin’s past and present meet — warm, elegant, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Fun fact: Brandon took Haley here during her first trip to Austin, but she didn't feel good at dinner and basically watched Brandon eat his meal the whole time. Although Haley didn't eat at the restaurant, her to-go dinner was phenomenal the next day.
Rainey Street
Rainey Street is a historic district known for its unique nightlife scene, where old bungalow homes have been converted and renovated into bars, restaurants, and music venues. Check out the amazing live music, bar hop, or grab a bite at a food truck on the street!
Sammie's
Chefs Kiss! Sammie's is an upscale Italian eatery known for phenomenal pasta dishes and huge portions. By far one of the best chicken parmesan dishes we have ever had. Reservations go fast here so book early! Although we always recommend to get reservations, you can get lucky by stopping by for a seat at the bar!
Ski Shores Cafe
Ski Shores Café is a laid-back waterfront gem on Lake Austin, with roots dating back to 1954 blending nostalgic 70s-80s lakehouse vibes — wood paneling, a cozy “Captain’s Bar,” a fireplace, and a lawn with picnic tables and firepits.The menu leans into classic American fare, but also throws in some elevated touches like lobster rolls and Swedish Hill pastries. A big part of its charm is the outdoor space: a lakeside porch, grassy lawn for relaxing, and even a Grab -N- Go Hut for frozen cocktails, beach gear, and snacks. Whether you're boating in, driving by, or just looking for a chill Sunday spot, Ski Shores Café nails that Texas-lake nostalgia.
South Congress Avenue - Shopping and Dining
Check out local Austin shops, grab coffee, or a bite to eat along South Congress Ave. Some local favorites: - Jo’s Coffee, home of the famous "I love you so much" mural. - Home Slice Pizza serves oversized New York-style pies with foldable slices. - Wander the huge selection of cowboy boots and western wear at Allens Boots.
Summer Moon Coffee
For our coffee lovers - Summer Moon Coffee locations are located all around Austin, Texas. They use organically grown coffee beans that are roasted over an open flame in a one-of-a-kind, brick roaster. We are biased, but a Summer Moon coffee is the best coffee in Austin, Texas. Our favorite Summer Moon Coffee order: 1/8 (Whisper) Winter Moon Vanilla Iced Latte
Tacodeli
With multiple locations located around Austin, Tacodeli opened in Austin in 1999, but their story began long before in Mexico City. That’s where the founder, Roberto, grew up and first fell in love with the magical flavors of the taqueria. Years later, his childhood memories mixed with Austin’s friendly vibes to inspire Tacodeli’s food and the way they share it. Their mexican-inspired tacos topped with local and organic ingredients and award-winning salsas is Haley's favorite when in Austin!
Texas State Capitol
The granite Texas statehouse stands as a testament to the history of the Lone Star State. The Texas Capitol is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitols. The Capitol is open for self-touring Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, or free tours depart every 30 minutes. Worth popping and checking out!
West 6th Street
West 6th Street is bustling stretch—from Congress Avenue to MoPac— that offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and music venues, all walkable and full of that authentic Austin charm.
Veracruz All Natural
From starting out being just a food truck to fast forward to multiple brick and mortar locations with recognization in the New York Times, LA Tiems, Eater, The Chronicle, and even Food Network - Veracruz has grown to reach eyes across the nation with their all natural, authentic mexican food. Highly recommend to grab breakfast tacos at their location in The LINE hotel and walk the hiking trail along the water.