The Ultimate Austin Texas Checklist
Austin Texas is my home base. Out of all the places in the world, it is where I chose to live. Some places are fun to visit for a short time, some places for a long time, but there are very few spots I would chose to live my day in and day out life. I love Austin for so many reasons. It has access to so much nature and swimming holes right in the city limits. It’s constantly evolving in it’s restaurant and coffee spaces which are incredible. It has a great art and music scene, it’s a starting point for many epic road trips, and has a sophisticated hippie cowboy culture. I decided to put together a list of must-do activities, my favorite restaurants, and local gems.
Have fun exploring :)
For Texas Culture:
Mechanical Bull Riding and drinks at Bull and Bowl
Hipster Two Stepping at The White Horse. If you don’t know how to 2-step there are tip based lessons that make the Texas Two-Step simple and fun: 7pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Authentic Texas two stepping at The Broken Spoke. This is not only an historic Texas Hall, but you can get some serious 2 stepping tips Wednesday-Sat. No experience required, beginners welcome. $10 plus cover charge. This was also Queer Eye (season 6 if you want to watch!)
Shooting range at The Range. This place is great because they are set up for newbies to walk in a try their hand at shooting a gun.
BBQ. This deserves its own section, keep reading.
Grab Tacos. A trip to Austin wouldn't be complete without Tacos. This deserves its own section too, taco shops listed below.
For Austin Culture:
Barton Springs. This is the iconic swimming hole in the city center. Fun fact is you can even do a night swim. $5 for locals $9 for out-of-towners. Free at the beginning and end of each day (5am-8am and 8pm-10pm).
Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail.
Bat Bridge on Congress. You can see multiple ways. You can watch from the bridge, watch from the grassy knoll beside the bridge, or my favorite, you can paddle board (or kayak) to the bridge and have the most incredible city and sunset views. I highly recommend: https://www.boatsandbats.com/
Visit the Capitol. Walk inside, it’s your right!
Mt. Bonnell. A short hike to an amazing viewpoint in Austin, Make sure to walk the entire trail (it’s short) to both viewpoints. See the city in the distance
Mayfield Park. A home that was donated to the city. When you get there you will understand why. It’s a beautiful place with peacocks roaming around. Best time to visit is April-July as the peacocks have their full feathers and strutting their stuff during mating season.
Zilker Park. A great place for a picnic, to take your dog, to run barefoot, and see the Austin skyline. Will be closed during ACL weekends and during Trail of Lights during the winter holidays.
The Greenbelt. With countless miles of trail and 7+ access points it’s great for secret swimming holes, hiking, biking, running, and rock climbing.
Ski-Shores. A Tradition on Lake Austin Since 1954. Great scenery on Lake Austin, good food, good drinks, and good vibes.
Shop on South Congress. You can find cowboy hats and boots, really nice Austin souvenirs, boutique clothing, and unique shops, plus amazing hotels and restaurants. This is the best shopping experience Austin has to offer. Plus is where you can snag a pic at the ‘I Love You So Much’ mural.
Best Brunch/Breakfast:
Paperboy (East Side)
Dai Due (East Side)
Proud Mary’s
Two Hands (South Congress)
Launderette (East Side)
Cafe No Se (South Congress)
Junes (South Congress)
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
Sour Duck Market (East Side)
Bird Bird Biscuit (East Side)
Foreign and Domestic. Weekend only (North of UT Campus)
Launderette (East Side)
Taco Deli (Multiple Locations)
Best Lunch:
Launderette
Joanne’s Fine Foods
Elizabeth Street Cafe
Dai Due
Ski Shores
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
De Nada Cantina
Taco Deli
Swedish Hill
Best Dinner:
Este
Foreign and Domestic
Maie Day
Intero
Joanne’s Fine Foods
Canje
Ski Shores Cafe
Grizzeldas
Launderette
Elizabeth Street Cafe
Perlas
Dai Due
Emmer and Rye
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Ezov
June's All Day
Comodor’s
Salt and Time
Carpenters Hall
De Nada Cantina
Best BBQ:
Franlkins
La Barbeque
Valentinas
Interstellar
Terry Blacks
Lamberts
KG BBQ: barbecue fused with Egyptian and Middle East flavors
Salt Lick: Not in Austin but worth the 30min-ish drive to visit a 100 year old BBQ Pit. Not the best BBQ, but it’s by far the best ambience.
Best Tacos:
Taco Deli
Veracruz All Natural
Nixta Taqueria
Best Ice Cream:
Zeds
Merry Monarch
Dolce Neve
Best Coffee:
Sour Duck Market
Bennu
Greater Goods
Civil Goat
Thunderbird
Two Hands
Best Texas Two-Step:
Hipster Two Stepping at The White Horse. If you don’t know how to 2-step there are tip based lessons that make the Texas Two-Step simple and fun: 7pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Authentic Texas two stepping at The Broken Spoke. This is not only an historic Texas Hall, but you can get some serious 2 stepping tips Thursday-Sun. No experience required, beginners welcome.
Best View Points:
Mt. Bonnell
360 Bridge Overlook
Walk on the boardwalk (park near The Oracle Building on the side of the street)
Best Swimming Holes:
Barton Springs
Barton Springs Run-Off (free)
Sculpture Falls (requires a longer hike)
Famous Instagram Spots:
I Love You So Much
You’re My Better Half
You Don’t Need No Teeth to Eat My Beef
Welcome to Austin
Mt. Bonnell
Fun day or weekend trips:
Fredericksburg: Texas wine country
Enchanted Rock State Park (need reservations. Website:https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock)
Krause Springs
Hamilton Pool (need reservations. Website: https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve)
Jacobs Well (Closed as the water is dried up