Looking for something fun and scenic to do while you're in Austin? The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is a local favorite for walking, jogging, biking, or just soaking in the views.
This lush, urban trail runs right along the water and offers beautiful sights of downtown Austin, charming neighborhoods, and nature. All in one loop. The full trail is about 10 miles, but you can hop on or off anywhere and make it as long or short as you’d like.
It’s a perfect way to stretch your legs, enjoy the city, and maybe even spot a paddleboarder or two!
Kyle and Adrianna’s Favorite Places to Dine in Austin
If you choose to extend your stay and explore Austin, here are some of our favorite local spots to enjoy! (Click on the names to visit their websites.)
🍽 Date Nights / Nice Dinners
We recommend making reservations in advance!
Lin Asian Bar – Modern Chinese
Must-haves: Xiao Long Bao dumplings, Dan Dan noodles
Ember Kitchen – Latin American-inspired cuisine
Clark’s Oyster Bar – Seafood
Must-have: Crudo plate
Elizabeth Street Café – French-Vietnamese fusion
Must-haves: Shrimp rice rolls, Beignets
Canje – Modern Caribbean flavors
The Clay Pit – Upscale Indian cuisine
🍔 Quick & Casual Eats
Swedish Hill Bakery – Pastries, breakfast, and sandwiches
Super Thai – Classic Thai dishes
Velvet Taco – Global taco flavors
(We love the Tikka Masala taco!)
Tumble 22 – Nashville hot chicken
Lou's – Backyard casual with burgers & chicken
(We like the salads the best!)
Snarf's Sandwiches – Toasted deli sandwiches
Pool Burger – Burgers, tiki drinks, and retro vibes
All Day Pizza – Neapolitan-style pies
Soup Peddler – Smoothies, soups, and sandwiches
Better Half / Hold Out Brewing – All-day menu with great patio
Local Foods – Fresh salads, sandwiches & local bites
🍷 Bars & Wine Spots
Rosie’s Wine Bar – Natural wines & cozy vibes
Nickel City – Dive bar with top-tier cocktails
(Known for their frozen coffee cocktails!)
LoLo – Casual wine bar with outdoor seating
Howard’s Bar & Club – Retro cocktail lounge
El Cockfight – Speakeasy-style bar with a rooftop downtown
(Has an adult teeter totter on the roof! Usually live music as well)
Deep Eddy Cabaret – Austin’s iconic dive bar
Codependent – Coffee by day, cocktails by night
The Tavern – Historic bar with sports and snacks
Gibson Street Bar – Chill neighborhood bar
Peet’s Piano Bar – Classic piano bar with great live music
🍖 Famous Austin Restaurants We Love
Terry Black’s BBQ – Legendary Texas BBQ
Matt’s El Rancho – Tex-Mex institution
Scholz Garten – Beer garden & German eats
Home Slice Pizza – Classic NY-style pizza
☕️ Coffee & Matcha Spots
Desnudo Coffee – Coffee truck with amazing drinks
Merit Coffee – Local roasts, strong espresso
Swedish Hill – Also a great coffee stop
Jo’s Coffee (South Congress) – Snap a pic with the “I love you so much” mural
Alfred Coffee – Chic coffee shop inside The Line Hotel
Neighbourhood Cafe – Aesthetic & chill
Intelligentsia Coffee – Stylish & specialty brews
Better Half – Great coffee and cocktails
Nate’s Baked Goods – Coffee + incredible pastries
Mañana – Cute café
🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Spots
24 Diner – All-day breakfast classics
Better Half / Hold Out Brewing – Brunch and beyond (see above)
Snooze – Pancakes, eggs, and brunch cocktails
Taco Joint – Solid breakfast tacos
Proud Mary – Aussie brunch & coffee
Paperboy – Elevated, seasonal brunch
The Salty Donut – Gourmet donuts & lattes
Kerbey Lane Cafe – Austin breakfast staple
Crepe Crazy – Delicious crepes made by a Deaf-owned team
Casper Fermentables – Savory bagels, kombucha, and more
Joann’s Fine Foods – Retro vibes, Tex-Mex brunch
Two Hands – Australian café with a focus on healthy eats
Phoebe’s Diner – Diner classics with a Southern twist
🌙 Late Night Bites
Pepe’s Tacos – Great birria tacos out of a food truck
Favorite Pizza – Easy and delicious slice (No website, but available locally!)
Looking for a laid-back way to enjoy the outdoors? Check out Butler Pitch & Putt a local Austin gem that’s part golf, part hangout spot. This casual, 9-hole par-3 course is located right near downtown and Lady Bird Lake, making it easy to drop in for a quick game (no tee time needed!).
You don’t need to be a golf pro to play, just grab a club (you can rent one there), grab a drink from the clubhouse bar, and enjoy a fun round with skyline views. It’s walkable, social, and one of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Austin.
Whether you’re a first-time golfer or just looking for a relaxing activity, this is a super fun stop for all skill levels.
Hop aboard a classic paddlewheel boat for a relaxing cruise on Lady Bird Lake! The Lone Star Riverboat offers scenic views of downtown Austin, fun commentary about the city, and a laid-back way to enjoy the water.
Great for sunset rides, skyline photos, or just unwinding, plus it’s conveniently located downtown. A perfect way to take in Austin from a new angle!
Shopping in Austin
If you’re looking to shop while you’re in town, start with South Congress (SoCo)—a vibrant, walkable street full of unique boutiques, local brands, vintage shops, and Austin staples like Allen’s Boots and Kendra Scott. It’s the perfect mix of quirky and cool, with great food and photo ops along the way.
For more upscale shopping, head to The Domain. It’s a bit north of downtown, but offers high-end stores like Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, and Apple, along with great restaurants and bars.
While you're in town, take some time to explore the Texas State Capitol one of Austin’s most iconic landmarks.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Capitol is not only beautiful to see (it’s even taller than the U.S. Capitol!) but also rich in history. Free guided and self-guided tours are available daily, making it an easy and educational stop during your visit.
While you're in the area, take a stroll down Congress Ave a lively street full of great spots to eat or grab a coffee!
Nestled within Austin’s beautiful Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a beloved natural spring-fed pool that stays a refreshing 68-70°F year-round. It’s perfect for swimming, relaxing, or cooling off on a sunny day.
Surrounded by lush green space, it’s a great spot to read, lay, people-watch, or just soak up the Austin vibe. Whether you want to swim laps or float with friends, Barton Springs is a true Austin fav.
Entry is $5-$10
Black Swan Yoga is a donation-based, heated yoga studio with several Austin locations. They offer a range of classes from beginner-friendly flows to power vinyasa and restorative chill sessions.
Classes are affordable with suggested donations (around $5–$15). BSY is known for its welcoming community vibe and accessibility for all levels.
Located at the Circuit of The Americas, COTA Karting offers high-speed outdoor kart racing on a 15-turn track, with karts reaching up to 55 mph. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced racers alike.
Ages: 16+ with valid driver’s license
Price: Around $35 for a 10-minute race
Equipment: Helmets and gear provided
Extras: Zipline rides available for added fun, mini-golfing
Great for an adrenaline-filled outing near Austin’s famous racetrack!
*Is about 30 minutes outside of the city*
Other Great Things to Do in Austin!
Live Music Capital of the World — Keep an eye out for amazing shows happening around the city every night.
University of Texas at Austin — A world-renowned university with a beautiful campus to explore.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake — Multiple rental spots nearby for a fun day on the water.
Comedy Scene — Austin has tons of comedy clubs, including spots where Joe Rogan has performed. Check show schedules and grab tickets in advance!
Zilker Park — A huge green space perfect for picnics, games, and stunning city skyline views.
Peter Pan Mini Golf — A quirky, classic Austin mini golf experience.
6th Street Bars — Explore the lively nightlife across West 6th, Dirty 6th, and East 6th districts.
Pease District Park — A great spot for outdoor fun and relaxation.