SOUTH CONGRESS

An iconic Austin boulevard full of shops and good food. Grab some Amy’s Ice Creams, get a pic at the famous "I love you so much sign," or grab a drink at the South Congress Hotel Lobby Bar!

LADYBIRD LAKE + THE BUTLER HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL

Zilker Park Boat Rentals/Rowing Dock: Rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards.

MOUNT BONNELL/COVERT PARK

Ascend 106 stone stairs to get to the summit where you can see panoramic views of Austin.

SELF GUIDED MURAL TOUR

⁠Take a self-guided mural tour around town

TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

Visit the Texas State Capitol.

⁠WILDFLOWER CENTER

The Botanic Garden of Texas. Become a member or visit as a non-members. Currently reservation only right now.

ZILKER PARK & BOTANICAL GARDEN

The most loved park in Austin! Play disc golf, ride the miniature Zephyr train, fly a kite, play sand volleyball, access the Greenbelt, and take a dip in Barton Springs Pool.

6TH STREET

‣ East 6th: The rowdier side, younger crowd, a lot of live music, very tame during the day, but at night turns into the epicenter of bachelor/ette parties.

Pro-tip: Wanderlust Wine Co. sits on the edge of 6th (with a second location in East Austin now) - it's a wine-on-tap room where you can grab a glass and taste anything you want. AND they have the best hidden-gem Italian food truck out back (The Heel of The Boot) which is a must try with the wine.

‣ West 6th: Known for having more upscale options, young professional type crowd, has great Sunday Funday options!

Pro-tip: Kung Fu Saloon is great for Sundays and Greenlight Social has boozy capri sun that is a MUST!

‣ East 6th: *new* On the other side of I-35 now lives a slew of modern bars, restaurant happy hours, and breweries that have all popped up within the last few years - a great part of the street for safe walking and finding late night food trucks.

Pro-tip: Whisler's has delicious cocktails, a Mezcal rooftop bar, and great outdoor tables for big groups & board games!

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RAINEY STREET

Outdoor bars and restaurants, five minute cab ride to downtown, dining options

Pro-tip: Sunday morning at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden - enjoy a MANosa and get a bottle of champagne and a splash of OJ in a glass beer mug!

THE DOMAIN

Originally just your typical outdoor-shopping mall, The Domain now contains an entire street of bars called Rock Rose. Kung Fu Saloon has another location here (with arcade games!), and a fan favorite is Wonder Bar - where you can "spin the wheel" for a surprise shot or even a free T-shirt!

BBQ

‣ Franklin Barbecue; 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Pro-tip: Bring a chair, a cooler of beer, and get in line three hours before opening because they serve until they run out!

‣ la Barbecue; 2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

‣ Terry Black’s; 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

‣ The Salt Lick; 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619

‣ The Switch; 166 Hargraves Dr Suite G-100, Austin, TX 78737

‣ Cooper's BBQ

‣ SLAB BBQ *featured on Diners, Drive Ins & Dives!*

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COFFEE

‣ Epoch; Multiple locations available

‣ Halycon; Multiple locations available *roast marshmallows and make S'mores here!*

​‣ Mozart’s; 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

‣ Summer Moon; Multiple locations *an Austin classic!*

‣ Merit Coffee; Multiple locations

‣ Codependent Cocktails & Coffee; 301 West Ave Suite 110, Austin, TX 78701

‣ Flat Track

TACOS

‣ ⁠Juan in a Million; 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Breakfast or lunch, closes at 3

‣ Torchy’s Tacos; Multiple locations *must-try queso for your out-of-state guests!*

‣ Vera Cruz All Natural Tacos; Multiple locations

‣ Taquero Mucho *perfect for a bridal brunch - everything is pink!*

‣ Papalote

OTHER

‣ Hillside Farmacy; 1209 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

‣ Hula Hut on Lake Austin; 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

‣ Le Vacher; 136 Drifting Wind Run, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

‣ Magnolia Cafe; 1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 *an Austin classic!*

‣ Mattie’s; 811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704 *Victorian home offering Southern food for brunch & peacocks on property*

‣ The Oasis on Lake Travis; 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732

‣ Thicket Food Park; 7800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745 *food truck park!*

‣ Via 313; Multiple locations available *authentic Detroit-style pizza - IT'S A MUST!*

‣ Il Brutto; East 6th *Happy hour even on Saturdays - with half priced bottles of wine!*

‣ Suerte; East 6th

‣ Ramen Tatsu-Ya; Multiple locations

‣ Home Slice Pizza; Multiple locations *an Austin classic!*

‣ Aba; South Congress (Music Lane)

(Credit: Ashley Nicole, visit her website for more Austin recs!)