UPDATED 2021: 30+ Fun Things to Do on an Austin, TX Weekend Trip
At the beginning of 2019, we took our first 3-day weekend trip to Austin, TX. We posted “The Ultimate Austin, TX Weekend Itinerary” right here. And it was a hit!
But since then, we’ve become regular visitors to the state capitol and have uncovered even more amazing local gems. Click here to read our updated itinerary with even more fun ideas!
Since this is my most popular blog post of all time, you can still enjoy the original itinerary below. Here is Version 1 of The Ultimate Austin, TX Weekend Itinerary.
Day One:
Czech Stop Bakery
If you are driving from the Dallas area or anywhere north of Austin, be sure to stop on the way for some legendary pastries. West, TX is the famous home of Czech Stop—a gas station and kolache bakery. There are all sorts of baked goods for sale, including traditional kolaches, breakfast rolls, cupcakes, cheese bread, homemade whoopie pies, and more.
Lunch at La Condensa
Once you arrive in the city, treat yourself to lunch at one of the most popular Tex Mex restaurants in town. La Condensa has won awards for its food, and it is located right in the heart of the city. It’s an excellent jumping-off point for your weekend.
Jo’s Coffee
If you’re a coffee fan, grab a cup of joe from Jo’s. This iconic coffee shop is just around the corner from La Condensa and will provide you with the extra jolt of energy you need to continue your exploring.
BookPeople
Hop in the car or grab a pay-as-you-go scooter and zoom across downtown for some shopping. BookPeople is an enormous two-story book store full of whimsical decorations and handwritten staff recommendations, and it is a must-see for anyone who likes to read.
Waterloo Records
Located right across the street from BookPeople, Waterloo Records is full of old fashioned vinyls, CDs, and neat musical gadgets.
Photo Op at Whole Foods ATX Sign
After you have hunted down a few souvenirs, head across the street to the Whole Foods parking lot. The iconic rainbow ATX Sign makes a perfect photo opp.
LState Capitol Tour
After getting a taste of exploration downtown, carve out some time for the Texas State Capitol Building. This beautiful historic building was carved out of red granite in the 1880s and still stands in the heart of Austin today. Wander through statues and monuments across the 22-acre grounds, visit the House and Senate Chambers, and study the elaborate murals and portraits depicting Texas history.
Dinner at the Driskill Grill
Return to 6th Street for another peek into the past, plus some really excellent food. Dine at The Driskill Hotel surrounded by furniture and architecture from the 1800s. If high-end dining at The Driskill Grill sounds too pricey, you can also grab a more casual bite at the 1886 Café and Bakery.
Dessert at Voodoo Doughnuts
Have a late night snack at this famous donut shop on 6th Street, just a few blocks away from The Driskill. You’ll find toppings like Oreo pieces, fruit loops, bubble gum frosting, and maple bacon along with classics like chocolate with sprinkles.
Night Life on 6th Street
Listen to local bands and explore Austin’s bar scene in the live music capitol of the world.
Day Two:
Brunch at Elizabeth Street Café
Need a pick-me-up after your 6th Street adventures? Wake yourself up with coffee and brunch at Elizabeth Street Café. This Vietnamese/French fusion restaurant serves everything from spicy noodles to Nutella banana crepes, and you will want to devour it all.
Art for the People
If you turn the corner from Elizabeth Street Café and walk straight down 1st Street, you’ll find a building covered in decorative murals of butterflies. Art for the People sells posters, paintings, pottery, and more handmade goods of every kind. It’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs with authentic Austin style.
At the corner of 1st Street and Annie Street, just steps away from Art for the People, you can find the famous Greetings from Austin Postcard Mural and snap a photo.
Explore SoCo
1st Street is parallel to one of the most exciting parts of the city: South Congress Avenue. It is home to the iconic Austin Motel, plus quirky shops like South Congress Books, Yard Dog, and Lucy in Disguise. There are also plenty of restaurants and food trucks around if all the exploring makes you hungry!
Pizza at Home Slice
Looking for lunch in SoCo? Stop for some pizza at Home Slice. Be prepared for longer lines at this local favorite.
Amy’s Ice Cream
After you chow down on some lunch, polish it off with the best ice cream in the universe. Amy’s Ice Cream has funky flavors and lots of topping options.
Zilker Park & Botanical Garden
If you’ve seen enough of the urban life and you are in the mood for some fresh air, head over to Zilker Park. This dedicated green space hosts live music festivals throughout the year, and has its own beautiful botanical garden.
Dinner at Gourdough’s
Just ten minutes away from Zilker Park, you can find a full dinner menu composed almost entire of doughnuts at Gourdough’s Public House. Try a doughnut burger or skip straight to dessert and munch on donut-inspired dishes topping with fruit, Nutella, brownie batter, and more.
Bat Watching Sunset Cruise
Before the sun sets, head to the shore of Ladybird Lake for Lone Star Riverboat cruise. You’ll have a gorgeous view of the Austin skyline followed by front row seats for the flight of the Congress Bridge bats right at sunset.
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Love it! Looks like a lot of fun. ?