Austin - Insider Guide 2026
Plan an Austin Getaway
2025-09-18 08:36:04
Mapping out your visit? Start here! First-timers and families alike can dive into Austin’s creative culture, outdoor fun and fabulous food — all in one unforgettable weekend.
FIRST-TIMERS
DAY 1: MORNING
Start your Austin adventure with breakfast tacos at Tacodeli, made with pastured eggs and warm flour tortillas. Next, marvel at the Texas State Capitol’s grand rotunda and historic monuments found throughout the grounds. Or head to The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center, where rotating exhibits spotlight modern sculpture, painting and textiles.
AFTERNOON
Recharge with a deli sandwich or crisp salad at quaint Walton’s Fancy & Staple. Then, stroll or bike the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake — or hit the water on a stand-up paddleboard, easily rented along the shore.
EVENING
More tacos, please! Taqueria De Diez serves pastor tacos rolled in paper cones and topped with guacamole. End the night at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, where live music fills the iconic outdoor amphitheater.
DAY 2: MORNING
Start with Texas pork hash and a lavender latte on Paperboy’s breezy patio. Next, join Black Austin Tours in the Six Square Black Cultural District to learn about this historically African American East Austin neighborhood. Then, explore East Austin street art. Couples love You’re My Butter Half for selfies! Colorful Selena and La Lotería honor the area’s Latino heritage. Voyage to Soulsville traces a journey of Black identity, while the Bolm Road murals represent the Govalle community.
AFTERNOON
At The Meteor, enjoy a lunch of sourdough-crust pizza or wagyu burgers. Then, hit South Congress for shopping. Score cowboy kicks at Allens Boots or delicate gold jewelry at Kendra Scott. Prints from Paper Work make artistic souvenirs. Big Top Candy Shop is packed with sweets and treats. Take a break with iced coffee from Jo’s Coffee and pose for a pic in front of the i love you so much mural.
EVENING
For dinner, head to upscale Il Brutto for thick ribbons of pappardelle with lamb ragu, served on their twinkly patio. End your weekend at The White Horse, two-stepping to live country music in true Texas style.
FAMILIES
DAY 1: MORNING
At Counter Cafe, hot cakes topped with organic blueberries make a yummy start to the day. Explore the Texas frontier at Bullock Texas State History Museum and catch IMAX flicks in its Texas Spirit Theater. Or marvel at massive prehistoric dinosaur bones at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum.
AFTERNOON
Even picky eaters will love the crispy chicken on buttery biscuits at Bird Bird Biscuit. Then, see the sights by land and lake aboard an amphibious vehicle with Austin Duck Adventures. Or test your putting skills at retro Peter Pan Mini-Golf’s two quirky courses.
EVENING
Head to The Domain for all-natural beef burgers and shakes at Hat Creek Burger Company, complete with a kids’ playground. Then, explore the mind-blowing Museum of Illusions, featuring one-of-a-kind immersive exhibits.
DAY 2: MORNING
Grab breakfast or brunch at Cherrywood Coffeehouse, where Sunday children’s shows add extra fun. Kids can explore color, movement and sound at Thinkery, a hands-on children’s museum. Nearby Mueller Lake Park has short walking trails and an interactive playscape for sliding, swinging and climbing.
AFTERNOON
Feed your crew at The Picnic food truck park with burgers, Thai dishes, tacos, gyros and more. Then, it’s all aboard the Zilker Eagle mini train in Zilker Park for a ride on the rails. Feeling the heat? Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre spring-fed pool with a diving board and plenty of space to splash.
EVENING
Before dark, visit Alliance Children’s Garden with hills, tunnels, climbing walls and sound installations for creative play. A family pack of sliced brisket and pork ribs feeds the whole family at Terry Black’s BBQ. Be sure to add the peach cobbler for dessert!
Find more fun ideas and plan your own Austin getaway at visitaustin.org/itinerary-ideas
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