We’ve put together the ultimate action-packed itinerary for a weekend in Austin because this Southern hotspot has a little bit of everything and its sights are the subject of many a top list. This guide will take you to all of the must-see tourist attractions as well as some famous local secrets. The best part is that it all fits into two days of pure Texas fun. We’re digging into the best Austin has to offer, from buzzy live music bars to deep dives into state history to finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone barbeque, and we’re arranging your days for you to boot.

So bookmark this Austin itinerary and bring it with you when you travel to the South since organizing a trip has never been easier!

Do you want to see more of Texas? The greatest way to see the vast Lone Star State is by automobile, and Austin serves as a jumping-off point or drive-through destination for many of the best road trips in Texas.

When to Visit Austin

There are advantages and disadvantages to visiting Austin at any time of year, but there is no doubt that there will be enough activities to fill your weekend in Austin. Here’s a rundown of what to expect in terms of weather and activities during each season.

Austin in the summer

What is the best way to describe summertime in Austin? In a single word, it’s scorching. Temperatures are frequently in the 90s, but days with temperatures above 100 degrees are not uncommon. Summer, on the other hand, is when the city comes to life, with a plethora of ways to stay cool. During the summer, natural swimming holes, outdoor concert series, and Lake Travis kayaking are all best appreciated.

Austin in the Fall

Back-to-school season is in full swing in this college town, which means the restaurants and bars will be packed with students and the music scene will be hopping.
A weekend in Austin in the autumn allows you to attend one of the city’s famed music festivals, which are among the best in the country. The Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place in October and has attracted headliners such as Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, and Coldplay in previous years. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and horseback rides abound this time of year!

Austin in the winter

Although Texas has a milder winter than the rest of the country, Austin can nevertheless experience cold spells. Visitors can enjoy a little cool with outings to a rooftop ice skating rink or, during the holiday season, a promenade under Christmas light displays.

Austin in the springtime

When the weather is nice and there are activities all around the city, spring is a great time to visit Austin. Every March, the well-known South By Southwest music, film, and interactive media festival takes place.

Where Should You Stay in Austin?

From sophisticated flats to comfortable and secluded locations, there is a myriad of distinct venues that offer top-notch comfort. Isn’t that amazing?

We’ve compiled a list of a few locations worth checking out below, and if you’d like to see more, including hotels, see our guide to where to stay in Austin or our list of the finest Airbnbs in Austin.

A selected list of those locations can be found at the link above. Still, for the top three spots, here’s a simple answer:

• You can stroll to most sites from a modern apartment, which is located in the middle of Austin.
• The small and functional apartments are located near South Congress and Lady Bird Lake, so you’ll be close to the action while resting in peace. It’s fantastic.
• Unique and modern apartment in East Austin, within walking distance of 6th Street, Downtown, and numerous restaurants.

How Did We Put This Austin Weekend Guide Together?

First, we’ll go over our ideal 2-day Austin itinerary, complete with suggestions for things to do, see, and eat. However, if you just have three days in Austin, such as for a long weekend, you should read our suggestions for things to do on the final day of your vacation. Enjoy!

Day 1 of the Austin Weekend Itinerary

It’s time to immerse yourself in Austin’s history and culture on your first day. Austin is the capital of Texas, the state’s second-largest city, and one of the country’s fastest growing metropolitan areas! Day one will be spent visiting the highlights of the dozens of museums and educational sites in the area. After all, no weekend in Austin is complete without a visit to the State Capitol, the Texas State Cemetery, and the Bullock History Museum (just to name a few). A visit of the city’s beautiful graffiti walls and galleries, such as the Contemporary Austin Jones Center and the Mexic-Arte Museum, will provide insight into Austin’s art culture. You can also include some unusual attractions, such as the Museum of the Strange.

Photograph the Graffiti Walls in Austin

A tour of the city’s graffiti walls is next on the Austin schedule. Austin is recognized for its street art, which can be found just about anyplace there’s enough room to draw. One of the most popular–a cursive scrawling of the words “I love you very much” on the wall of Jo’s Coffee–can be started shortly after breakfast. It was actually written more than a decade ago by the owner’s partner. It’s very cute! There’s no shortage of street art in Austin, from North to South to Downtown, so enter a few coordinates into your phone or simply go around and see what you can.

Fuel up With Some Breakfast Tacos

You can’t skip the most essential meal because you have a busy day ahead of you. Set aside the usual scrambled eggs and bacon in favor of the far yummier and more appropriate morning tacos, as Austin is known for its mouthwatering TexMex. Jo’s Coffee, located in the heart of downtown Austin, is a treasured Austin institution. They serve strong coffee and delicious, meaty food starting at 7 a.m., kicking off your morning and leaving you full and ready to take on some traveling. We propose a migas taco with eggs, cheese, tortilla strips, peppers, and onions, as well as their signature Turbo, a “sweet, creamy, cold coffee drink” with a delicious blend of chocolate and hazelnut.

Visit the State Capitol

The State Capitol is a must-see attraction for anybody visiting Austin. This stunning red granite structure houses the state administration and features some of the city’s most stunning architecture. Tours are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. If you prefer to travel at your own leisure, you can take a self-guided tour using their educational leaflet. Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the grounds surrounding the building, which include a number of historic structures, monuments, and lovely groomed lawns ideal for picnicking. There are a lot of well-known Austin food trucks parked in the vicinity, so you can grab a bite to eat on the grass! For those who prefer sit-down restaurants, Texas Chili Parlor is right next door, serving authentic TexMex and other spicy Southern cuisines.

Take a museum tour

We could spend an entire weekend in Austin simply going to museums, but we’ll only recommend a handful for the sake of allowing time for other things to do. The Contemporary Austin Jones Center consists of two museums that exhibit contemporary art from around the world. Keep an eye out for an outdoor sculpture garden, captivating exhibitions, and a variety of special events. Meanwhile, the Mexic-Arte Museum features classic and contemporary displays of Mexican and Latino art and culture. Try the Museum of the Weird for something a little more unusual, as it lives up to the city’s motto of “Keep Austin Weird.” There are all kinds of unusual things there, from shrunken heads to strange animals. The Blanton Museum of Art houses world-class works of art from Europe and Latin America. Finally, history fans will like the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where they can learn about local culture as well as many aspects of Texas history, including the Civil War, Restoration, the oil boom, and even more.

Iron Cactus serves dinner and drinks

Hopefully, you haven’t grown tired of Mexican cuisine yet, because that is what Austin is known for. Iron Cactus serves typical south of the border fare and more than 75 different tequilas, so you can rest assured that their menu will keep you going long into happy hour. Even better, the restaurant has a perspective of downtown Austin, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city lights when they turn on after dusk.

Day 2 of the Austin Weekend Itinerary

This day is for sunshine, outdoor activities, and a good boost of adrenaline after a more psychologically challenging first day. Start with a stroll through Zilker Park, then shop, eat, and enjoy the lively environment in the artsy SoCo neighborhood before dressing up for dinner and drinks. If you still have energy left, end your trip in Austin with a bang by visiting the rough-and-tumble Sixth Street, which hosts a plethora of events.

Snooze Eatery serves delicious breakfast

This lovely bistro is well-liked and always packed. For early morning nourishment or a leisurely brunch, they concentrate in nutritious and substantial selections. Don’t forget to try their house blend coffee with a sweet potato hash, a stack of peanut butter cup pancakes, or a breakfast pot pie. Yum!

Visit the Zilker Park

Who says you can’t have fun in the sun in Zilker Park? Its cooler, sunnier counterpart–Zilker Park–is located in Austin. Zilker Park, which covers more than 350 acres, provides something for everyone. Take a plunge in Barton Springs Pool, a naturally cool swimming hole that remains the same temperature all year. Take a stroll through the beautiful Zilker Botanical Gardens, which include a rose garden, koi ponds, and even a prehistoric area that recreates the environment of dinosaurs that formerly roamed the area. Attend a performance at the Zilker Hillside Theater, which holds a variety of concerts, summer musicals, and Shakespeare in the Park on a regular basis.

Take a walk and make a pit stop at SoCo

Take a walk and take a few stops. SoCo South Congress Avenue is one of Austin’s trendiest neighborhoods, with a plethora of boutique vintage shops, legendary restaurants, and street entertainers competing for your attention. We recommend taking a stroll and stopping along the way because there are so many interesting locations to see. It’s easy–just keep walking and stopping at every location that catches your eye. Magnolia Cafe and Torchy’s Tacos are two of Austin’s top eateries, and they’re just next door to one other. While Magnolia Cafe serves delicious down-home food, Torchy’s Tacos serves consumers even more TexMex. SoCo is a must-see among Austin’s weekend activities.

Enjoy Dinner at Barley Swine

Relax and unwind at the end of the day with an experience that allows you to sit back, relax, and be completely taken care of. All you have to do now is put on your best suit or dress on. Award-winning chefs create fantastic farm-to-table meals at Barley Swine, which delight the palette while simultaneously supporting local farmers. And, based on the glowing evaluations, a night here will make your Austin weekend unforgettable. Do you want to travel as a couple? This place is perfect for a date night, and it even made our list of the top romantic things to do in Austin. But, whether you’re dining with a spouse or not, the dining experience at Barley Swine is unrivaled, with a menu that includes everything from melt-in-your-mouth prime rib to pecan chocolate brittle cookies. It’s a terrific opportunity to get away from TexMex and street food (both of which are virtually gourmet meals in Austin) and sample some of the city’s most daring culinary creations.

Sixth Street is a great place to drink and shake your leg

One of the benefits of visiting Austin over the weekend is that the party scene will be in full flow. A visit to the (in)famous Sixth Street is a necessity if you’re willing to get down and dirty with the locals. When college students and fun-loving Austinites want to have a good time, they head to this busy bar street. Almost every restaurant on Sixth comes alive at night with neon lights, large customers, and noisy bands jamming. In fact, Austin is known as the World’s Live Music Capital!

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