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, you can experience the absolute best of the city. Our Austin Itinerary features must-see sights, top eateries and the best bars.
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Planning the Best Weekend in Austin Itinerary
When my friends and I planned a girls weekend in Austin, we were intent on fully exploring the city. We wanted to completely immerse ourselves in the absolute best Austin experiences.
While we could have easily spent our entire Austin 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 entertainment – and we include it all in our Austin 3-Day Itinerary!
More of the Best Places To Visit on a US Weekend Getaway!
Organizing your Itinerary for Austin
As you begin to make reservations, stay organized for your vacation to Austin by using our Trip Planning Printables!
3 Days in Austin Trip Plan
Our Austin, Texas Weekend Itinerary details the best way to spend 3 days in the city. That said, travelers visiting Austin during the week can also use our guide, with just a few simple tweaks.
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 article, you will find Austin trip planner tips – like tours to take, where to stay and what to pack.
Day 1 of Your 3 Days in Austin Itinerary
Begin by stretching your legs around Lady Bird Lake, then mosey onto Rainey Street for dinner. End your night with a bang in Austin’s iconic Sixth Street entertainment district.
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.
Ambitious explorers can make the 6-mile loop on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Use Congress Avenue Bridge as a starting point and cross the river at the Longhorn Dam. 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.
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 dining district in the 2010s.
Some of the top spots are Corner Restaurant, Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, Corinne and Emmer & Rye.
East Sixth Street Austin
San Diego has the Gaslamp, Denver has LoDo, New Orleans has Bourbon and Austin has Sixth Street.
As one of the must-see places in Austin, embarking on a walk down 6th Street is essential on your Austin weekend itinerary. As the main thoroughfare through downtown Austin – it’s an iconic nightlife district.
East 6th Street – or the Dirty Sixth – hosts an incredible number of drinking establishments, many known for their cheap booze and others for legendary Austin live music.
Of course, not all of these spots 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 one single place.
The Jackalope is one of the long standing classic Dirty Sixth bars. 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, we suggest just 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.
Sixth Street During The Day
In the morning, make your way back to Sixth Street – this time for a daytime experience. While well-known as a must-see Austin nightlife spot, there is plenty to see during daylight hours, too.
First, feast on a sumptuous breakfast. For fancy eats, get Eggs Benedict at 1886 Café and Bakery located inside the landmark Driskell Hotel. If an eclectic scene is more your style, get the Chick and Waffles from 24 Diner.
Then, with a full stomach, take a walk down 6th 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, features a phenomenal dome and is a top place to visit in Austin.
In true Texan style, the Texas State Capitol Building ranks as the largest one in the United States – and it is one of the fascinating places in Austin to visit.
Start off with a free 30-minute guided tour, where your local guide will fill you in on all the important history.
Afterwards, 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 in Austin
An Austin for the weekend trip 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’s difficult to recommend for weekend visitors. It is possible to place to-go orders…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 from the Capitol.
Austin City Tour
After lunch, continue your education on an Austin Guided Walking Tour. On this small-group tour, local guides reveal off-the-beaten-path gems and share insider information on what to do in Austin.
Note: This tour includes the Texas Capitol – which is perfect if your day got off to slow start!
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 on South Congress Avenue at Jo’s Coffee for a little late afternoon pick-me-up. 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. Allens Boots is goof 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 and we were so happy to heed that advice!
You can build-your-own at Freebirds World Burrito using fresh ingredients – and the taste is simply out of this world.
Alternatively, the old-fashioned Sandy’s Hamburgers has been an institution since 1946. Just remember to save room for frozen custard!
Do your travel companions want a bit of everything? We get it, group dynamics is often a part of traveling. Head for Magnolia Café and thank us later!
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, don’t 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, the bats fly out from under the bridge in dramatic patterns as they devour insects.
Live Music in SoCo
A night of live music is a must for your weekend trip to Austin 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 to listen to incredible performers.
The Continental Club in SoCo is a destination venue. Established in 1955, the small-capacity shows are intimate – and it is authentically Austin.
The low-key live music venue in SoCo is Guero’s Oak Garden, where the outdoor stage will draw you in, and Ego’s, a fun karaoke spot.
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 I can personally tell you is a fun activity for a girls trip to Austin!
Austin City Limits
Catching a 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 Live Music Crawl 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.
Day 3 of Your Austin Weekend Itinerary
On the last day of your weekend getaway to Austin, see some beautiful nature and navigate your way through the University of Texas campus.
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, you 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 unless you have car, grab an Uber or Lyft.
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 abundant nature at Mayfield Park. The 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, consider indulging in a classic Texas tradition of breakfast tacos!
Longstanding Cisco’s 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 a lot fun as well!
University of Texas at Austin
By late morning, make your way to the University of Texas Longhorns campus – a top destination on an Austin weekend trip itinerary.
One of the largest in the United States, the university 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 another top UT campus attraction. The space details the interesting life and legacy of 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 grab some lunch. Hopfields, Via 313 Pizza and Kerby Lane Cafe are all solid choices.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool at Zilker Park
In the afternoon, cool off with a swim at the Barton Spring Pool – especially if you are planning a weekend trip in Austin for 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 and relax, spending the afternoon at Barton Springs is the perfect way to end your weekend trip itinerary in Austin!
Zilker Botanical Gardens
If it is too cold for a swim, spend the last hours of your 3 Day Austin Itinerary at the Zilker Botanical Garden.
The space is inclusive of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden and koi pond, the Pioneer Village, a rose garden, butterfly trail and a prehistoric area with a dinosaur sculpture and waterfall feature.
More Austin, Texas Things To Do
We have highlighted the best plan for a weekend in Austin, Texas. Still, there is so much more to see and do in the city!
Search for Austin Street Art
The Austin street art culture has grown in recent years – and the city is now graced with incredible murals.
Seeking out the best street art is a fun activity for your vacation in Austin. You can set off to search for them on your own – or join a highly-rated tour.
Visit Austin Museums
We highlighted some of the best cultural spots on the UT campus, but there are other intriguing museums in Austin to visit. Any of these are fantastic options for fun things to do in Austin when it rains.
The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center
Featuring exhibits and art installations by local Texas artists, The Contemporary is an Austin city center art museum.
Thinkery
Those planning an Austin Itinerary for families won’t want to miss Thinkery, a fun hands-on learning museum designed especially for kids.
Texas Toy Museum
Offering a heaping dose of nostalgia, the Texas Toy Museum is a blast from the past! The venue features toys and memorabilia from the past – 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 you can use to enhance your 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 this sweet treat.
A bit like the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, you are invited to explore all things ice cream. It’s a bit north of town, so if you don’t have a vehicle order an Uber/Lyft.
Take a Half Day Trip from Austin
While we believe there’s plenty to do in the city center to fill your Austin itinerary, there are top attractions to experience nearby, too!
Austin Salt Lick and Winery Tour
An Austin Day Trip to Texas Hill Country is a great way to explore beyond the city limits. Catch a ride on Austin’s Salt Lick and Winery Shuttle for a half day adventure of Texas wine tasting and BBQ.
Spend Time on the Water
Lake Travis and Lake Austin are two lakes northwest of the 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 captain show you the beauty of Lake Austin (more details).
An interesting way to spend time lakeside is sans clothes – and the Hippie Hollow Nude Beach is the place to do it!
Austin Food Tours
Visitors who like to get a little taste of everything might want to join a Foodie Tour where guides lead participants to their favorite Austin eats.
Hop heads – like us – can get an in-depth look at the Austin craft beer scene on a brewery bus tour that includes 12 tasting and snacks.
Weekend in Austin Itinerary Travel Tips
Ready to go to Austin? We bet you are! We have just a few last pieces of advice and then you’re off.
Where To Stay in Austin, Texas
The city offers a range of accommodations from luxury Austin hotels to dorm room hostels. Additionally, there are also holiday apartments and houses for rent on Airbnb.
Hilton Austin Hotel
On our 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.
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, it is located just steps from Sixth Street, not far from the Capitol Building and fellow travelers give it rave reviews.
Driskill Hotel Austin
The Driskill is an Austin must-see, 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.
What To Pack for Weekend Getaways to Austin
We have just a few final tips and packing hacks for your Austin trip. So grab our your FREE Packing Checklist and let’s go!
Durable Shoes
Our 3-Day Austin Itinerary involves a ton of walking! While the city’s walkability score is high, you will want to wear comfortable city walking shoes. I like these lightweight trainers, while Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes.
Weather Gear and Day Pack
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. In the summertime, make sure to pack sunscreen, a travel hat and your swimsuit!
Whether you prefer a backpack or a suitcase, you will certainly want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your everyday travel items!
Travel Camera
Filled with historic sites, quirky art and beautiful nature, Austin is an extremely photogenic city. If you are anything like us, we are certain you will be taking many pictures.
Rather than relying on your phone, we recommend upgrading to real camera. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. It is a great budget camera and the kit comes with an entire package of bundled accessories!
Start planning your USA trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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