The Perfect Weekend Trip to Austin TX
When to Visit
Literally, there is no bad time to visit Austin. The city always has something going on, whether during the day or night. If you love being in the water, then I would recommend going during the summer months. If you aren’t a fan of the heat, then visiting during the fall and late spring months would be best.
Flying
Austin Bergstrom Airport is located just 10 minutes from downtown Austin, so this is the easiest way to access Austin. However, if you’re interested in visiting San Antonio, then San Antonio airport is about a 1 hour 15-minute drive.
Transportation
If you’re staying downtown, then honestly, there is no need to have a car to get around. There are scooters and bikes on pretty much every corner, plus there is a plethora of UBERS and Lyfts all throughout the downtown area. However, if you are exploring the outskirts of Austin, then I would suggest a rental car.
Where to Stay
Austin has numerous places to stay, spanning from Airbnbs to luxury hotels. Depending on your budget and itinerary, you will want to select the stay that works best for you.
For our visit, we stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Austin. The hotel opens up to a grand foyer with a few seating areas, a Starbucks and a bar. When you request your room, ask for one facing the city skyline. The view at night is incredible and enhances your overall stay.
Day One
- Start your day off by grabbing a bagel from Wholey Bagel. Austin has two locations, swing by the location closest to you!
- Get an early start and head over to Lady Bird Lake for some kayaking and paddle boarding! There are multiple places to rent from, but I recommend renting from Zilker Park Boat Rental. Park in the main lot and then walk down to the rental area. The process is SUPER simple. Sign the waiver, provide your ID, then grab your life jacket and paddle. The guards will help lower your kayak/boards into the water.
The cost is the same for both the paddle boards and the kayaks, so take your pick! The cost is about $18 an hour or $54 for the day. You will pay once you return your equipment, so if you’re enjoying your time on the water, there is no need to rush back. ATMs are on the grounds as well.
- Grab lunch at Terry Black’s BBQ, but let me warn you. You will be in a food coma after eating here, but IT IS SOOO WORTH IT! I am a big fan of BBQ and Terry Black’s BBQ hits the spot. If you’re not used to ordering BBQ, I recommend just getting a meat plate for the table and a handful of sides for everyone to share. We ordered the jalapeno and cheese sausage, lean brisket, pork ribs with sweet corn and potato salad. Also, since you’re in Texas, be sure to try to the banana pudding!
To add, this is a popular spot in Austin, so be prepared to stand in line. If you get there too late in the evening, more than likely they will be sold out of the popular items.
- Head back to your hotel and take a power nap! The Texas sun/heat is no joke, so unless you are used to it, I guarantee you will feel drained. Take some time to recoup before a night of going out!
- If you are into speakeasy bars, head over to the Midnight Cowboy. There is so much history within this building. If you are not familiar with the long history, grab a private room and listen to stories from your appointed mixologist. Note reservations are required for this bar.
- Walk on 6th street! This strip reminds me of a mini-Nashville. Walk up and down the street and listen to the different music, while bar hopping. There are so many bars and food spots that you cannot go wrong!
- Take a ride in one of the bike carriages. Honestly, these are just fun, especially if you get a down-to-earth biker. These typically cost about $10 a person.
Day Two
- Head over to Rainey Street and have brunch at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden. Banger’s has indoor and outdoor seating. If you sit outside, you will have front row seats to a live band. Their menu is also filled with quite a few options, however, Banger’s is known for their Manmosas! Because only in Texas can you find mimosas in pint size glasses…
Just beware that this is another popular spot in Austin, so if you are not there early, you will have a long wait time. You must go in person to add your name to their waitlist.
- Spend the rest of the afternoon walking down Rainey Street. There are so many bars on this strip that it is the perfect day drinking spot. Music will be blasting in every section, and most of the bars have outdoor seating. Some even have outdoor games for entertainment as well.
Happy Traveling!