Here's Your Sign To Spend A Weekend in Austin, TX
I recently had my first ever trip to Austin, Texas and I sure hope it won’t be the last! Austin may be considered ‘Weird’ (especially by Texan standards) but to be honest, I found it to be quite charming.
We visited during one of the busiest weekends of the year in October during the F1
and a huge football game, and yet everyone seemed pretty chill and super nice. Austin has this laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes it easy to dive right in and enjoy every moment.
Austin offers an eclectic mix of experiences that make it an ideal weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy live music, or dive into the local food scene, Austin has something for everyone! So if you only have a weekend, here are a few of the things we did (and a few I wish we did) on my recent trip that can help you plan for yours!
What to Expect
When visiting Austin, expect a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. The locals are super friendly and don’t mind spending an extra minute chatting when checking out at the register. It’s considered a more progressive city in comparison to the rest of Texas, and a total melting pot of culture, arts and music.
Weather
The weather is often quite hot, especially to us coming from Minnesota. Averaging well above 80° even in the Fall, we totally lucked out when we visited and got some very comfortable temps. My local friends tell me fall is the best time to visit if you can.
Summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching above the hundreds. In fact, don’t be surprised to see a ton of frozen drink options everywhere you go, no matter the time of year.
Winter often tends to be sunny and mild, however in the last few years Austin has been hit by some pretty bad ice storms. To a city built for heat, they aren’t well suited to deal with this kind of weather.
Getting Around
Austin is relatively easy to get around. Downtown and popular areas like South Congress and 6th Street are very walkable. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and we had no issues getting picked up quickly. We found that just about everything we wanted to do was about a 15-20 min drive (even during a busy weekend)
We also saw a ton of e-scooters in more popular tourist areas, although it should be noted there weren’t many bike lines to use them in.
Cost
I found the prices in Austin to be pretty comparable to most cities in the US I’ve visited, and similar to Minneapolis where we live. Expect to spend around $5-$8 for coffee, around $12-$18 for cocktails and about $15 for a casual meal. I will say, that while the prices are pretty similar to food everywhere else, everything is bigger in Texas y’all! The portion sizes are much larger, you definitely get your monies worth!
Fun (and Weird!) Things to Do
Dive headfirst into Austin’s quirky side by visiting the Museum of the Weird on 6th Street. This small but unforgettable museum celebrates Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit, showcasing an eclectic mix of oddities, including shrunken heads, Bigfoot artifacts, mummies, and more.
It took us a little over a half hour to walk through, however you could spend much more time here if you were inclined to read everything.
*Note: There are narrow corridors and stairs throughout, so this exhibit is not suitable for all bodies. There are also no restrooms on sight, but it’s easy enough to find a bathroom nearby at one of the many bars/restaurants.
South Congress
South Congress Street (SoCo) is one of Austin’s most vibrant areas. Famous for it’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, live music and unique art, you could easily spend an afternoon strolling around here.
Start your stroll with coffee from Jo’s Coffee and snap a selfie in front of the ‘I Love You So Much’ mural. Then stop by the iconic Allens Boots down the street to for the perfect pair of classic Texan cowboy boots.
Uncommon Objects is just a short drive away and is quite possibly the best antique store I’ve ever seen! This treasure trove of goodies is a must for those who enjoy one-of-a-kind items.
Outdoor Adventures
The one thing that absolutely everyone told us to do, but unfortunately didn’t have time for was going to Barton Springs Pool. Located inside Zilker Park, this natural spring is about 70° year round and absolutely the perfect way to cool off in the Texas heat.
We did however make it to Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, which I get the sense is more of a hidden gem. Even our Uber driver who had lived in Austin for over a decade had never been there. With over 300 acres of land with miles of hiking trails, wildflower meadow and a little creek waterfall, you could spend an entire afternoon here.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in the heart of Austin. Surrounded by lush parks and scenic trails, this lake offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still being apart of it. If you need to beat the heat while still wanting views of downtown, this is it! Rent some kayaks or SUP and make an afternoon of it.
See the Bats!
This was hands down the thing we were looking forward to most when we planned our trip to Austin. Every evening around sunset between March - October, more than a million bats emerge from under the South Congress Bridge to feed on the mosquitos (of which there are plenty, we got absolutely eaten alive!) It’s the largest urban bat colony in the world!
There are a few options on how to see them. The free versions include either standing on top of the bridge, or from the viewing platform underneath it on either side. However, after having just done it, I would actually recommend taking either a kayak or boat tour that gets you directly under the center of the bridge.
The boats shine red lights for better viewing. This helps illuminate the bridge without startling the bats like a normal white flashlight would. Where we were standing we could still see the bats, but not as well as we could have from a boat.
Bars + Breweries
Lazarus Brewing Co. - If you’re looking for a casual spot and some local craft beer, this is the place! There is tons of seating both indoors and out to enjoy local brews. Just watch out for the grackles, they want your breakfast tacos as much as you do.
Texas Keeper Cider
This charming, off-the-beaten-path cidery located on a beautiful 20-acre ranch just outside of Austin. Driving out there felt like how I first pictured Texas, with it’s sprawling oak trees and long horn bulls out in the farmer’s field.
Enjoy a variety of unique ciders and small-batch options crafted from local apples in a beautiful setting. And don’t sleep on the food, the charcuterie board and the not-so-little city sammie was some of the best from the entire trip!
The Dead Rabbit
This beautiful, modern Irish pub was newly opened in Austin in July 2024. (Other locations include NYC and Washington DC) Walking in here feels like stepping into an art gallery you can drink in. If you’re an espresso martini girl, I recommend trying their Irish Coffee Martini, I loved it! Otherwise, you can never go wrong with a Guinness from an Irish pub
High Noon
If you’re looking for more of a laid-back retro vibe, check out High Noon. Inside a historic looking house with a stunning wrap around porch and a rubix-cube inspired ceiling, this place is my definition of rad.
Gibson Street Bar
We drove past Gibson Street on our first night and knew that we immediately needed to check it out. We were there in October, so the place was all decked out for Halloween, but the locals tell me that it's still very cool the rest of the year. If you’re there near Christmas, they also go all out for that. I love any place that gets into the festive spirit!
Where to Eat
Tiki Tatsuya
This almost feels like a rhetorical question because really, where can’t you eat in Austin? There are SO many options and everything we had was SO GOOD, I almost think you can’t go wrong.
Lou’s Eastside
During our trip, we became regulars at this chill outdoor dining spot, mainly because it was so close to our airbnb, but also because the brisket breakfast burritos were worth going back for!
They also have a fantastic happy hour with food and drink specials. Check ‘em out!
Radio Coffee Bar & Beer
When I told people I was heading to Austin, they all recommended Radio Coffee Bar. There are multiple locations, but the one in South Austin is also home to several food trucks. If you’re looking to try Migas Tacos (breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs and fried tortilla strips) this is the place to do it.
Tiki TatsuYa
I’ve been to several tiki bars in my day, but boy oh boy does this place take the cake! This is hands down the coolest tiki bar I’ve ever been to, for real. From here on out I will be comparing all other tiki bars to Tiki Tatsuya, that’s how good it is. We absolutely lucked out getting a walk-in table here because another party was a no show. I’d recommend not trying your luck however, and just get a reservation to secure a table here. You don’t want to miss it!
The Little Darlin’
If you’re looking for a classic Texan spot with awesome food and live music, The Little Darlin’ is for you. The spacious, laid-back patio is the perfect place to enjoy classic Texan fare while sippin’ on some frozen margs.
Texas BBQ
Is there anything more Texan than BBQ?
There are SO MANY bbq places to choose from, it’s probably wise to listen to the locals on what they think are the best.
Just expect to stand in long lines if you decide to go to the most popular spots like Franklin’s or Terry Black’s.
El Alma
El Alma was my husband’s favorite spot from a work trip a few years ago and he couldn’t wait to go back. After getting to experience it for myself, I understand why! Grab a spot of the rooftop patio for delicious modern Mexican and take in views of the town. We went a little overboard on the apps which were much larger than I expected!
There you have it! Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, I hope this weekend guide to Austin is helpful for ya! So pack your bags, embrace the “Keep Austin Weird” spirit, and get ready for an adventure you’ll always remember!
As Always, Happy Adventuring!
- Karen
