A Perfect Weekend in Austin Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com

A Perfect Weekend in Austin Itinerary

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.


   

A weekend in Austin, Texas is the perfect quick getaway! Austin is well known for live music, epic barbecue, nearby nature and a very lively bar scene. With 3 days in Austin over a long weekend, visitors can experience the absolute best of the city. Our Austin Itinerary features must-see sights, top eateries and the best Austin bars.

 

Planning the Best Weekend in Austin, TX

When my friends and I planned a Girls Weekend in Austin, we were intent on fully experiencing the city. We wanted to completely immerse ourselves in the absolute best Austin city experiences.

While we could have easily spent our entire Austin, TX weekend imbibing, we actually wanted to see more than just the inside of bars. With a rich history and abundant nature, the area offers a wide range of weekend entertainment – and we wanted to include it all in our Austin 3-Day Itinerary.

To ensure we created the best Austin, TX Itinerary for our short Austin vacation, we dug into our research and asked for tips from locals. The hard work paid off and we had an exceptional time visiting Austin. Now, I’m sharing the details of our Austin 3 Day Itinerary so that you can easily plan your vacation in Austin, TX!

 

Organizing your Austin Itinerary

As you begin to make plans and reservations, organization is key! Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Austin using our Trip Planning Printables!

Travel Planner Printables by JetSettingFools.com


 

3 Days in Austin Trip Plan

Skyline of Downtown Austin, Texas, USA

Our Austin, Texas Weekend Itinerary details the best way to spend 3 days in the city. We assume that your weekend trip to Austin will commence on Friday or Saturday afternoon and that you will stay until Sunday/Monday evening. That said, travelers visiting Austin during the week can also use our guide, with just a few tweaks.

Additionally, we know that not all weekend getaways in Austin, TX last for three days. Therefore, if you only have 24 hours in Austin or are planning a 2-Day Itinerary for Austin, we’ve got it covered! At the end of the post, we share our top planning tips for the best weekend in Austin, Texas – even if you only have one day in Austin!

 

Check out our list of the Best Places To Visit in the US on a Weekend Getaway for our top picks!Best Weekend Getaways in USA Top 22 Destinations


 

Best Austin Itinerary

Our Austin, Texas Itinerary is formatted in a day-by-day, easy-to-follow guide. It includes top attractions, restaurants and districts to visit during your weekend trip to Austin. At the end of the post, you will also find Austin trip planner tips – like how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.

 Save, Bookmark or Pin this 3-Day Austin Itinerary to plan your weekend trip to Texas!

 

Day 1 of Your 3 Days in Austin Itinerary

Ease into your Austin weekend by stretching your legs around Lady Bird Lake, then mosey into the Rainey Street Historic District for dinner and end your night with a bang at some of the bars in Austin’s iconic Sixth Street entertainment district.

Austin TX Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com

 

Lady Bird Lake Walk

Start your weekend trip to Austin along the banks of Texas’ Colorado River, which runs through the center of the city. The river pools into a reservoir, called Lady Bird Lake – or just Town Lake – to the east of the Austin city center and is lined with walking paths on both the north and south sides of the river.

In fact, ambitious travelers to Austin can make the 6-mile loop on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail using the Congress Avenue Bridge as a starting point and crossing the river at the Longhorn Dam. Or, for half the distance, cross at the I-35 frontage road bridge.

If you are getting a late start to your weekend in Austin, skip the longer walk, but at least make your way to Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park for a glimpse of Lady Bird Lake.

 

Rainey Street Historic District

From Waller Beach, it is just a short jaunt to the Rainey Street Historic District – one of the top places to visit in Austin, TX.

This quaint Austin neighborhood is characterized by historical dwellings – most of which were built prior to 1934. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1985, the residential Rainey Street was transformed into a thriving Austin dining district when many of the homes were converted into restaurants and bars in the 2010s.

Some of the top spots are Craft Pride, Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden and Emmer & Rye Austin. Or, rather than sitting down at a restaurant, dive into the Austin Food Truck culture and grab a meal from one of the popular Rainey Street food trucks.

Rainey Street District is also well known for live music. 

 

East Sixth Street Austin

San Diego has the Gaslamp, Denver has LoDo, New Orleans has Bourbon Street and Austin has Sixth Street.

As one of the must-see places in Austin with a you’ve-got-to-see-it-to-believe-it atmosphere, embarking on a walk down 6th Street is a must on your weekend trip to Austin, TX. Sixth Street is a main thoroughfare that runs through downtown Austin – and is the iconic nightlife district in the city.

East 6th Street – better known as Dirty Sixth – hosts an incredible number of drinking establishments, many known for their cheap drinks and others for legendary Austin live music. Of course, not all of the bars are drowning in youthful debauchery; there are upscale cocktail bars, beer gardens offering local Austin craft beer, and many, many live music venues.

With such a vast array of bars and styles, it is impossible to make a recommendation on a single establishment.

The Jackalope is one of the long standing classic Dirty Sixth bars. However, for cocktails in a speakeasy atmosphere, go to Midnight Cowboy (reservations required) or the Eden Cocktail Room. 

Of course, it’s not just about drinking on Sixth Street. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar provides fun entertainment, Esther Follies is a great theater for vaudeville and The Velveeta Room is good for comedy and open mic nights.

That said, when visiting Austin, TX, we suggest strolling 6th Street and popping into any place that suits your idea of a good time! 


 

Day 2 of Your 3-Day Austin Itinerary

On the second day of your Weekend in Austin Itinerary, learn about the history of the city, indulge in some classic eats and then head south to the SoCo district.

3 Day Austin Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com

 

Sixth Street During The Day

In the morning, make your way back to Sixth Street – this time for a daytime experience. While the street is well-known as a must-see Austin, TX nightlife spot, there is plenty to see during daylight hours.

First, feast on a sumptuous breakfast. For fancy breakfast eats, get Eggs Benedict at the posh 1886 Café and Bakery located inside the landmark Driskell Hotel. If an eclectic diner is more your style, get the Chick and Waffles from 24 Diner. 

Then, with a full stomach, take a walk down the street and pop into a few shops or check out the Museum of the Weird for fun souvenirs.

 

Texas Capitol: A Must-See in Austin, TX

Mid-morning, delve into the history of Austin at the Texas Capitol building. The gorgeous structure was built in 1888 and features a phenomenal dome. In true Texas fashion, the Texas State Capitol Building ranks as the largest capitol building in the United States – and it is one of the fascinating places in Austin to visit.

Start your time at the Texas Capitol with a free 30-minute guided tour, where your local guide will fill you in on all the important history. After the tour, explore more of the building and the grounds on your own; you can even pick up a helpful pamphlet at the Visitor’s Center.

 

Best Barbecue Lunch in Austin

A weekend in Austin, TX is not complete without chowing down on at least one meal of Texas barbecue! The much-touted Franklin Barbecue in East Austin is a top pick, but with wait times of up to 3 hours, it is difficult to recommend it to weekend visitors (although it is possible to place to-go orders in advance…at least 6 weeks in advance!).

Two other highly-rated downtown Austin BBQ joints are Stubb’s Bar-B-Q and Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Either one will surely satisfy a barbecue craving – and they are both about a 15 minute walk (or quick Uber/Lyft) from the Capitol.

 

Austin City Tour

After lunch, continue your education on an Austin guided walking tour. On a small-group tour, guides take participants to top locations, reveal off-the-beaten-path gems and share insider information on what to do in Austin. Reserve your spot now on the highly-rated Best of Austin Small-Group Guided Tour.

Note: The guided tour includes top sights to see in Austin – including the Texas Capitol – which is perfect if your day got off to slower start and you missed touring the Capitol on your own. 

 

Self-Guided Austin Tour

Rather than joining a tour guide, you could plan your own self-guided walking tour to the best places to visit in Austin, TX. Find information on sights at the Visitor Center – or plan an off-the-beaten-path Austin adventure using a site, like Atlas Obscura.

 

An Evening in SoCo Austin

In the early evening, head to the SoCo District – South Congress – for a little retail therapy, dinner, bats (yes, bats!) and drinks.

Start your exploration of the district on South Congress Avenue at Jo’s Coffee for a little late afternoon pick-me-up (and be sure to check out the “I love you so much” street art mural while you are there!). Then, spend time perusing the goods at some of the best Austin boutique shops – like Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds for fun costumes and props, Allens Boots for leather western gear and Big Top Candy Shop for nostalgic candy classics.

 

Dinner: Burritos or Burgers

A local assured us that eating at Freebirds was an absolute must on our weekend in Austin, Texas – and we are stoked we heeded the advice!  The build-your-own burritos at Freebirds World Burrito are made with fresh ingredients – and the taste is simply out of this world!

However, if you need a break from Southwestern fare, opt instead for a classic American meal of burgers, fries and a shake. The old-fashioned Sandy’s Hamburgers, an institution since 1946, is one of the top places to visit in Austin, Texas.

 

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Austin is plenty weird, but the quirkiest attraction is the daily flight of the South Congress Bridge bats. When you plan a trip to Austin, you won’t want to miss it!

Since 1980, a colony of 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats have resided under the bridge. From spring to autumn at sunset (which varies between 7:30 and 9:45pm), the bats fly out from under the bridge in dramatic patterns as they devour insects. The spectacle lasts about an hour and can be seen from many spots near the Congress Avenue Bridge.

 

Live Music in SoCo Austin

A night of live music is a must for your Weekend in Austin, TX Itinerary! Although you can’t go far in the Live Music Capital of the World without hearing someone singing a tune, there are a few amazing places in Austin you can go to listen to incredible performers.

The top low-key live music venues in SoCo are Guero’s Oak Garden, where the outdoor stage will draw you in, and Ego’s, a fun karaoke spot. However, The Continental Club in SoCo is a destination venue; established in 1955, the small-capacity shows are intimate – and it is authentically Austin. After a show, grab some late-night grub at the Magnolia Café.

 

Texas Two-Step Honkytonk Bar

On the other hand, if a classic Texas dance hall piques your interest, there is no better place to go two-steppin’ than Broken Spoke on South Lamar. The honkytonk bar also offers dance lessons, which is a fun activity for a Girls Weekend in Austin, Texas!

 

Austin City Limits at Moody Theater

Catching a live taping of the famed TV show, Austin City Limits, is another fantastic way to experience live music during your Austin weekend getaway. Get information from ACL on how to score tickets.

 

Austin Music Tour

If you’re interested in learning more about the live music scene, but looking to avoid packed crowds – consider adding a Austin Live Music Crawl tour to your Austin trip itinerary! Led by a music-loving guide, participants get an amazing 3-hour introduction to the Music Capital of the World. Get the details here!


 

Day 3 of Your Austin Weekend Itinerary

On the last day of your weekend getaway to Austin, TX, see some beautiful nature and navigate your way through the University of Texas campus. 

3 Days in Austin, Texas by JetSettingFools.com

 

Mount Bonnell

Start your last day in Austin with an outdoor adventure: Climb Mount Bonnell at Covert Park. To be honest, it is not as difficult as it sounds. The hill is just 775-feet-high and only takes about 100 steps to ascend to the viewing deck. At the top, however, trekkers are treated to phenomenal views of the Austin skyline, Colorado River and West Texas hills.

Mount Bonnell is just 5 miles north of 6th St Austin – and not accessible by public transport – so you will need to catch a ride (we recommend using Uber). Before heading for the hill, pick up VooDoo Donuts or stop by the Whole Foods Flagship store (both on 6th Street) and enjoy a picnic breakfast with a view from the top of Mt. Bonnell.

 

Alternative Outdoor Nature

Rather than an early climb, consider spending the morning in the abundant nature at Mayfield Park. The nature preserve features roaming peacocks, koi filled ponds and walking trails. 

 

Alternative Breakfast Idea

If an adventurous hike and the great outdoors is not how you want to start Day 3 of your Austin, TX Weekend, consider indulging in a classic Texas tradition of breakfast tacos instead. 

Longstanding Cisco’s Restaurant is famous for their delectable migas (corn tortilla with egg tacos) – just be sure to order at least one of their extraordinary biscuits, too. At Tamale House East, they make pretty good migas and the space is hip and vibrant. 

 

University Of Texas at Austin

By late morning, make your way to the University of Texas Longhorns campus – a top destination on an Austin, Texas weekend trip. The university – one of the largest in the United States – was founded in 1883. The campus is comprised of 150 university buildings – of which the UT Tower, built in 1937 and reaching 307 feet, is a central focal point.

The LBJ Presidential Library is a top UT campus attraction. The library details the interesting life and legacy of President Lyndon B Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. 

Other places to visit on the UT campus are the Texas Memorial Stadium, Blanton Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center and the nearby Bullock Texas State History Museum. 

After touring the UT Austin Campus, head north on The Drag (formally Guadalupe Street) and pick up some tacos from much raved-about Torchy’s Tacos. Before leaving the area, pop into the Spider House Café for a beer (and maybe some food truck snacks).

Top Tip: Use this link to Google Maps for site locations and walking directions.

 

Barton Springs Municipal Pool at Zilker Park Austin

In the afternoon, cool off with a swim at the Barton Spring Pool – especially if you are planning a trip to Austin, TX in the summertime.

Fed by underwater springs – and maintaining a year-round temperature of about 70 degrees – the Barton Springs Pool is an absolute Austin gem! Surrounded in lush nature and with plenty of places to spread out your towel and relax, spending the afternoon at Barton Springs is the perfect way to end your Austin weekend trip!

 

Zilker Botanical Gardens

However, if it is too cold for a swim, spend the last day of your 3 Day Austin Itinerary at the Zilker Botanical Garden. The garden is inclusive of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden and koi pond, the Pioneer Village, a rose garden, butterfly trail and a prehistoric garden with a dinosaur sculpture and waterfall feature.

Subscribe Packing Checklist by JetSettingFools.com


 

More Austin, Texas Things To Do

Austin and the Texas State Capital, USA

We have highlighted the best plan for a weekend in Austin, Texas – but there is still so much more to see and do in the city! Fellow travelers may want to squeeze in (or substitute) some of these fun things to do in Austin, Texas.

 

Search for Austin Street Art

The Austin street art culture has grown in recent years – and the city is now graced with incredible street art murals. Seeking out the best street art is a fun activity for your vacation in Austin, Texas. Visitors can set off to search for the works of art on their own – or join a highly-rated tour. Find out more!

 

Visit Austin Museums

We highlighted some of Austin’s best museums that reside on the UT campus, but there are other intriguing museums in Austin to visit. Fellow travelers may want to include one of these top museums to their Austin itinerary. 

Any of these museums are fantastic options for fun things to do in Austin when it rains (or a good substitute for travelers who prefer museums over campus wanderings). 

 

The Contemporary Austin Jones Center

Featuring exhibits and art installations by local Texas artists, The Contemporary is an Austin city center art museum. The displays rotate frequently and it is free to visit on Thursdays. 

 

Thinkery

Travelers planning an Austin Itinerary for families won’t want to miss Thinkery, a fun hands-on learning museum designed especially for kids. The interactive and engaging exhibits can entertain kids for hours! 

 

Texas Toy Museum

Offering a heaping dose of nostalgia, the Texas Toy Museum is a blast from the past! The museum features toys and memorabilia from the 1970s and 80s – including action figures and arcade with old school games. Plus, in true Austin style, they have a bar. 

 

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden

Small but mighty, the UMLAUF Garden is a spectacular place to escape the crowds, enjoy nature and admire the works of art. They offer informative pamphlets that visitors can use to enhance the visit – or simply walk to see what you find. Just don’t miss the peaceful spot above the waterfall. 

 

Mexic-Arte Museum

A small museum dedicated to Latino artworks, Mexic-Arte actually provides guided tours that help explain the stories behind the art. Additionally, the museum offers free admission on Sundays. 

 

Museum of Ice Cream

A unique Austin experience, the Museum of Ice Cream is completely dedicated to the love of ice cream. A bit like the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, visitors are invited to explore all things ice cream – and then indulge in the sweet treat at the end of the tour. The museum is a bit north of town, so it’s best to have access to a car to visit. 

 

Take A Half Day Trip from Austin

While we think there is plenty to do in the city center to fill your Austin itinerary, there are top attractions nearby that visitors can experience, too! 

 

Austin Salt Lick and Winery Tour

An Austin Day Trip out of the city to Texas Hill Country is a great way to explore beyond the Austin city limits. Catch a ride on Austin’s Salt Lick and Winery Shuttle for a half day adventure of Texas wine tasting and BBQ. Book it now!

 

Spend Time on the Water

Lake Travis and Lake Austin are two lakes northwest of Austin city center that are perfect for spending a day on the water! 

Visitors can join a sunset boat tour on Lake Travis (like this one!) or let a boat captain show you the beauty of Lake Austin (details here!). 

An interesting way to spend time lakeside is in the nude – and the Hippie Hollow Nude Beach is the place to do it! 

 

San Antonio from Austin, TX

Visitors who want to see River City can embark on a full day tour from Austin, Texas to San Antonio. Explore The Alamo and take a river cruise on this fun excursion. Find out more! 


 

More Austin Food and Craft Beer

We included top food and bar recommendations throughout our 3 Days in Austin Itinerary – but there is still so much more to eat and drink in Austin! We are highlighting some of the must-eat food recommendations. 

 

Austin Restaurants for BBQ and Tex-Mex

While there is only so much you can eat in one weekend trip to Austin, we are sharing a few more of the top restaurants in Austin, TX that you might want to include in your 3 Day Austin Itinerary. 

 

Stubb’s

Stubb’s Bar B Q Gospel Weekend Brunch in Austin is legendary…but it only happens on Sundays. The southern-style feast is highlighted by live Gospel music. If you can fit it into your Austin Itinerary, go for it!

 

Terry Black’s Barbecue

With meat and sides sold by the pound, Terry Black’s Barbecue is a family run joint that churns out some of the most famous BBQ in the state. 

 

Juan in a Million

Some of the best Tex-Mex in Austin! Authentic food, amazing prices, fast service – and unbelievably good salsa.

 

Matt’s El Rancho

An Austin institution serving up quality eats since 1952, Matt’s El Rancho features a full line up of Tex-Mex favorites – and a few unique menu items, as well. Get the brisket tacos and Mexican martini! 

 

Taquero Mucho

A favorite restaurant for an Austin Girls Trip, Taquero Mucho is completely decked out in the color pink. Fun for photo ops, the food is pretty good, too! 

 

Austin Coffee and Sweet Treats

Travelers who like good coffee and sweet treats have plenty of choices in Austin – but we are sharing the best of the best! 

 

Summermoon Coffee

Travelers in search of an excellent cup of Joe should make their way to Summermoon, where they make the best coffee in Austin, Texas! Their coffee is oak roasted – and when combined with their signature Moon Milk, it is heavenly.

 

Cosmic Coffee

It’s tough not to fall in love with a place like Cosmic Coffee. The inviting spot boasts a community atmosphere where patrons can relax and read or catch up with friends in the garden patio. In addition to the tasty coffee drinks, they have craft beer and cocktails, too! 

 

Gourdough’s Big Fat Donuts

A favorite Austin food truck, Gourdough’s doles out unique and incredible donuts. The Flying Big (a maple bacon donut) is a winner, but there are no losers at Gourdough’s! 

 

Austin Craft Beer

Austin has a buzzing craft beer scene with a few craft breweries right in the heart of the the city. Lazarus Brewing Co, Zilker Brewing and Blue Owl Brewing are three top picks!

 

Austin Food Tours 

Visitors who like to get a little taste of everything might want to join an Austin food tour – like this one! – where guides lead participants to their favorite Austin eats.

Craft beer lovers – like us! – can get an in-depth look at the Austin craft beer scene on a brewery bus tour that includes a live band on the bus. Book your spot!

 

A Perfect Austin TX Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com


 

How Long To Stay in Austin

We outlined the best Austin Weekend Itinerary in 3 fun-filled days, which we think is the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with the city. That said, we could easily plan a trip to Austin for a much longer stay – and still find plenty to do and see. 

Shorter trips – just 1 or 2 days in Austin – will be rushed, but certainly worth the experience!

 

More Austin Itineraries

We understand that not all travelers will have three days in Austin to explore. To help, we are sharing our best suggestions for an Austin One-Day Itinerary and an Austin Itinerary for 2 days.

 

Austin in A Day

If you are visiting Austin, Texas in a day, you need to have a succinct trip plan. We think an ideal Austin 1-Day Itinerary includes a little bit of everything: nature, history, music, food and drinks.

 

One Day in Austin Itinerary

In a 1-day Austin trip planner, start your day with a walk along Lady Bird Lake, then feast on a BBQ lunch, stroll down Sixth, complete a self-guided tour of the Texas Capitol and finish your day in SoCo, where you can shop, bar hop and listen to live music.

 

36 Hours in Austin

With 36 hours in Austin, Texas, you will be able to fit more Austin sightseeing into your itinerary. Although the time will go rather quickly, there is a lot that you can squeeze into your trip.

 

Itinerary for 36 Hours in Austin

Use our above tips for One Day in Austin – including Lady Bird Lake, a BBQ lunch, the Capitol and SoCo. On the second day, go to breakfast on Sixth Street in the morning and then chill out at Barton Springs before your Austin trip ends.

 

2-Day Itinerary Austin

Planning an Austin 2-Day Itinerary is much easier – but you will need to plan ahead to ensure you see all of the top sights. 

 

Austin 2-Day Itinerary

We think the best way to spend 48 hours in Austin is to use our above recommendations for 1.5 days in Austin, but instead of visiting Barton Springs after breakfast, first venture onto the UT campus. After your swim, check out the nightlife on Sixth Street.

 

Austin Itinerary 4 Days

Using our 3 Days in Austin Itinerary, it is easy to fill another day of sightseeing in Austin, TX! 

 

4 Days in Austin

Follow our outlined 3 Day Itinerary for Austin, then on the last day of your trip, spend the morning at one of the museums (or exploring the street art scene). Indulge in local Tex-Mex for lunch and then journey out of town on a half day trip to Travis Lake. 

 

Girls Weekend Austin, TX

On my Girls Weekend in Austin, TX, we were all interested in seeing as much of the city as possible. Our Girls Trip to Austin was focused on spending time together while sightseeing. 

However, if you are planning an Austin Bachelorette Party Itinerary, you will want to put your focus on the bride-to-be! To create a fun Austin bachelorette itinerary, we recommend adding a few group activities – like taking dancing lessons at Broken Spoke, taking the half-day Salt Lick and Winery Tour or booking the Brunch Bus.


 

Best Time to Visit Austin, Texas

NYE in Austin TX

For me, figuring out the best time to visit Austin, TX is based on the weather and the seasons.

Generally speaking, Austin has hot summers and mild winters. That said, it can snow in January and February (although it is typically sunny) – and temperatures can reach 100 degrees in the summertime with high humidity. Spring can be very wet, but temps stay mild.

We think the best time to go to Austin is when the weather is nice enough to be outdoors. In our opinion, the best Austin weather is in the autumn, when the sun is shining, but the temps are comfortable.

 

How To Get to Austin, Texas

Most Austin weekend visitors will arrive by plane at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which is served by numerous US airlines and also has direct international flights to Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt! Search for the best airfare and flight times on SkyScanner!

The Austin Airport is located southeast of the city center. Visitors can travel from AUS to the city by private transport (around $50 USD), taxi (around $30 USD), Uber, or bus.

 

Getting Around Austin

We do not think it is necessary to rent a car for your Austin weekend itinerary. Instead, use Uber/Lyft or rent a scooter/bicycle (which is another good way to explore the many trails around the city). 

 

How To Get Around Austin without a Car

Getting around Austin without a car can be a little challenging. While many of the places to see in Austin are walkable from downtown, some visitors would rather get a ride (especially in the blazing summer heat). The public transport system can be used for short trips – but it could be a waste of precious time if you are in Austin for a short visit.

The Hop On Hop Off Blue Line Bus is another great way to get around when spending a weekend in Austin. The open-air double-decker buses have on-board commentary, stop at most of the Austin tourist attractions listed in our itinerary and the tickets are good for 24 hours. Get the details!

 

Where to Stay in Austin, Texas

On an Austin weekend trip, the best place to stay is right in the heart of the city.

That said, choosing exactly where to stay in Austin for a weekend will depend on your budget and travel style. The city offers a range of accommodations from luxury Austin hotels to dorm room hostels. In addition to hotels in Austin, there are also holiday apartments and houses for rent.

 

Hilton Austin Hotel

On my trip to Austin, we stayed in the Hilton Austin Downtown. The location – near Sixth Street and Rainey District – was perfect and the amenities were top notch. Our weekend trip to Austin was during a time that there was not an event at the Convention Center, so room rates were affordable. Check rates and availability!

 

Aloft Austin Downtown

We love Aloft hotels! They are modern, stylish, fun and affordable compared to similar properties. While we have not stayed in the Austin Downtown Aloft Hotel, it is located just steps from Sixth Street and not far from the Capitol Building – and fellow travelers give it rave reviews. Check availability!

 

Driskill Hotel Austin

The landmark Driskill Hotel is an Austin must-see (we include it as our breakfast spot for Day 2 of our Austin Itinerary) – so why not just stay there for your weekend in Austin?! We haven’t seen the rooms, but the property is gorgeous. If you are going to splurge on your Austin weekend, this is the place to do it. Check rates!

 

Native Hostels in Austin

Travelers searching for Austin hostels will want to check out the upscale Native Hostel, where dorm beds have privacy curtains and the hostel organizes fun community events in the bar. Check it out!

 

Weekend House Rentals: Austin, TX

On a long weekend in Austin, some travelers may be more comfortable renting an apartment or house on Airbnb. We rely on Airbnb for accommodations in cities around the world – and often find that they are a better value than traditional hotels. That said, on a quick Austin weekend trip, a hotel may be more convenient. 


 

What to Pack For Weekend Getaways in Austin, TX

We have just a few final tips and packing hacks for your Austin trip! Get your FREE Packing Checklist!

 

Walking Shoes for Visiting Austin, Texas

Our 3-Day Austin Itinerary involves a ton of walking! While Austin’s walkability score is high, you will want to wear comfortable city walking shoes. I like these lightweight Columbia shoes for women, while Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes.

 

Weather Gear and Day Pack for Trip to Austin, Texas

Depending on what season you visit Austin, you will want to be prepared for the weather. If you travel to Austin in the spring, bring along a travel umbrella and packable raincoat.

And, in the summertime, make sure to pack sunscreen, a travel hat and your swimsuit! Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will certainly want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your essential, everyday travel items for your Austin trip!

 

Travel Camera for Your Weekend in Austin, TX

Filled with historic sites, quirky art and beautiful nature, Austin is an extremely photogenic city – and if you are anything like us, we are certain you will be taking many pictures. Rather than relying on your cell phone camera for pictures, we recommend upgrading to a DSLR camera. We use a Canon Rebel with everyday 18-135mm lens.  It is a great budget camera for beginners – as it comes with an entire package of bundled accessories!

 

Travel Insurance for Your Austin, Texas Itinerary

Travel insurance may cover delayed flights and lost luggage, as well as an array of other unfortunate events (like getting sick or injured on vacation). If you’re considering traveling protected, check rates and coverage on World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Austin, Texas! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Don’t Miss Other Top USA Destinations! 

Whether it’s a city break Seattle Trip, Chicago Getaway, Weekend in San Francisco, A Week in NYC, or Discovering Boston we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for a nature escape to Montana, Flagstaff AZ ,the Oregon Coast or a Cali Road Trip, we can help you plan a great getaway as well!

How about a fun weekend in Nashville or Savannah? Looking for a party destination for NYE? We’ve featured some of the best on our list of the Top Cities for New Year’s! You can find all of our USA destination guides on our USA Travel Page!

 

We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our Weekend in Austin Itinerary? What are your favorite things to do in Austin, TX? Give us your best advice in the comments below!

 

Click here for a Free Vacation Budget Planner Banner by JetSettingFools.com

 

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.

Weekend in Austin Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com