Austin is a city full of culture and history.
It’s no wonder it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas.
From its downtown district to its eclectic neighborhoods, Austin has something for everyone.
History buffs will love exploring the city’s rich past, while foodies can enjoy some of the best restaurants in the country.
Austin’s music scene is legendary – after all it is known as the live music capital of the world!
And if you’re looking for a little adventure, Austin has it too!
So if you’re looking for a fun and affordable vacation destination, be sure to add Austin to your list!
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Weekend in Austin Itinerary
Austin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas.
There is so much to do and see in Austin, you could easily spend a week or more exploring everything the city has to offer.
From world-class museums and stunning architecture to great restaurants and nightlife, Austin has a diverse range of attractions.
Start by checking out some of the top tourist attractions listed below, and then get creative and explore beyond the typical tourist traps!
Read More: 25 Famous Quotes about Austin, Texas
Day 1 in Austin
Spend the day exploring the many iconic attractions in Austin, including the Texas state capitol building, the Sixth Street district, and the lakefront trail.
Texas State Capitol
Completed in 1888, the Texas Capitol building is an imposing structure that dominates downtown Austin.
It’s one of the most iconic buildings in all of Texas, and it’s also one of the most photographed!
Visitors are welcome to tour the building and grounds.
South Congress District
Also known as SoCo, this district is full of restaurants, shops, and bars.
South Congress Avenue attractions include the eclectic shops on the eastern end of the district and The Continental Club on the western end.
Places to eat in SoCo include Guero’s Taco Bar, Maudie’s Tex-Mex, and Franklin BBQ.
South Congress Avenue is also a great place to spend the day people watching!
You’ll find lots of hipsters wearing funky sunglasses, vintage t-shirts, and equally quirky haircuts.
This is one of the most fun places to visit on your Weekend in Austin Itinerary.
Evening Bat flight
Every evening, in a ritual known as “the Austin bat flight,” Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to begin their nightly hunt for insects.
Thousands of bats take to the sky just before sundown and then return about 45 minutes later when the last few stragglers finally join the crowd.
It’s quite a spectacle – be sure to add to your list while visiting Austin, Texas!
Also Read: 14 Amazing Things to do in Austin at night
Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake is a great way to work off all the food and drinks you’ll be enjoying on your Weekend in Austin Itinerary.
Lady Bird Lake has been touted as one of the best urban hikes/walks in America, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
You can rent a kayak or enjoy stand-up paddle boarding or get a good workout on a bike at the many rental shops along the trail.
Austin skyline views from the Mopac Bridge are also amazing – especially at night!
Live Music and nightlife
Did you know that Austin is nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World”?
It’s true!
The city has a vibrant and ever-changing music scene that ranges from country to blues to punk.
There are legendary music venues like Stubbs and The Mohawk, as well as a ton of smaller venues that are great for catching up-and-coming bands.
If live music isn’t your thing, don’t worry – Austin has plenty of other nightlife options to keep you entertained!
Also Read: Most Romantic Things to do in Austin for Couples
Day 2 of Austin Itinerary
Spend your second day exploring the city’s many surrounding neighborhoods.
There are plenty of great attractions to discover both inside and just outside of Austin, including some amazing free tourist attractions!
Museums in Austin
Austin has an amazing variety of museums that cater to all interests.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, and the Blanton Museum of Art are all great options if you’re looking for a cultural experience.
If you want something a bit more quirky, head over to the Texas Prison Museum or The Thinkery Children’s museum.
Blanton Museum of Art
Located on the University of Texas campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is one of the most renowned art museums in the US.
The space houses European masterworks as well as a large collection of Latin American pieces.
Texas Prison Museum
This museum provides an educational and entertaining look at life behind bars.
It has everything from actual prison cells to replicas of a gas chamber and electric chair!
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Located about 10 minutes from downtown Austin, this is a great place to go if you’re looking for some gorgeous outdoor sculptures.
Entry to the park is free, but there’s a small fee for entrance to the museum itself.
Thinkery Children’s Museum
Located in downtown Austin, this museum is great for both kids and adults.
It’s a hands-on way to learn about the sciences, complete with lots of interactive exhibits.
Bullock History Museum
If you’re a history buff, this is the museum for you!
The museum has several exhibits dedicated to Texas history.
It’s located on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol, so it’s also a great place to stop by before or after exploring downtown Austin.
LBJ Presidential Library
This attraction offers an interesting look at President Lyndon B. Johnson and his time in office.
You’ll find plenty of interactive exhibits and interesting historical documents.
We recommend picking one museum and checking it out while visiting Austin.
Zilker Park
Austin’s Zilker Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
There are tons of great picnic spots, hiking trails, and fun activities for kids.
You can also take advantage of the free Zilker Botanical Garden!
Barton Springs Pool
Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a natural pool fed by underground springs.
It’s a great way to cool off on hot days and get up close to some local wildlife.
Optional: East Austin
East Austin is home to Austin’s largest cultural district.
There are tons of great restaurants, bars, and other attractions in this area.
On Sunday afternoon you should check out the famous Tamale House East for some delicious local cuisine.
Optional: South Austin
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, South Austin is the place to be!
There are lots of fantastic taco stands and taquerias in this part of town.
Stop by Tacos Guerrero on South First Street for some great al pastor tacos!
360 Bridge
Located at the famous 360 bridge, this lookout point offers stunning views of downtown Austin and the Colorado River.
If you want to take a few Instagram-worthy photos of the city, this is the place to do it!
The 360 bridge is one of many bridges in Austin that have great skyline views.
The Sixth Street District
This famous entertainment district is known for its unique mix of businesses, including restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as shops.
Explore the area on foot with a stroll down 6th Street or take a guided tour to find out more about Austin’s history and culture.
Rainey Street
Rainey Street is known for its beautiful homes and upscale bars.
The area is an eclectic mix of businesses from dive bars to rooftop bars with a view overlooking Austin.
Parking can be a bit difficult here but it’s definitely worth the effort!
Mount Bonnell
For incredible views of Austin, make your way to Mount Bonnell.
There are steps as well as a hiking trail leading up the mount, which is of moderate difficulty level.
This is a great place to go if you’re looking for beautiful views of sunset or sunrise!
Day 3 in Austin
On your last day in town, take a tour to explore the city’s highlights!
Austin Duck Adventures is a great way to see all of Austin’s fascinating landmarks.
These amphibious land/sea vehicles transform from a duck tour boat into a truck and take you around the city at 100 miles per hour!
Another option is using E-bikes on an electric bike tour.
Pedal on down to the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, or discover local neighborhoods like Clarksville and South Congress by bike!
And if you want a kayak tour, head out with Lone Star Riverboat.
Here is a little information on all the tours.
Austin Duck Adventures
These tours take you around Austin in a unique way – on land and water!
The amphibious vehicles are designed to withstand even the worst Texas weather, so you can be sure that they will get you to all of the city’s best attractions.
Electric Bike Tours
If you get tired of walking around, use E-bikes to get around quickly!
Electric bike tours are the best way to cover a lot of ground, while also being environmentally friendly.
You’ll have fun exploring all that Austin has to offer without breaking too much of a sweat in the Texas heat!
Lone Star Riverboat
If you want a kayak tour, head out with Lone Star Riverboat.
These tours explore Lady Bird Lake and the surrounding area from a different perspective!
You can use single or double kayaks to enjoy views of the skyline, bridge, and more.
Street Art tour
You’ll find some great street art all over Austin.
Several street art tours take you to some of the best examples of graffiti, murals, and other kinds of artwork within Austin City Limits.
One of our favorite murals is the Greetings from Austin postcard located on South 1st Street – it is one of the most popular Instagram spots in the city.
Optional Day 3 in Austin
On your last day of Austin weekend itinerary, explore the beautiful Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin!
Rent a car at the Austin Bergstrom international airport or anywhere in the city and explore a natural swimming hole or the gorgeous bluebonnet drives on your long weekend.
Hamilton Pool Swimming Hole
If you want to cool down in a natural swimming hole, Hamilton Pool is the ideal location.
This historic pool is shaped by an underground spring and surrounded by plenty of greenery making it a truly refreshing escape from city life!
We recommend adding it to your Weekend in Austin itinerary for outdoor lovers.
Bluebonnet Drives
In the spring, Texas Hill Country turns from green to blue as fields of bluebonnets bloom!
These beautiful flowers are native to Texas and available for everyone to enjoy.
Bluebonnet drives take you through small towns like Lampasas and Burnet, where you can snap a few pictures of the amazing scenery!
Be sure to add a road trip to your weekend in Austin itinerary if planning a trip from March through April end.
Be sure to add some time to see the bluebonnets on your Austin spring itinerary.
Also Read: 21 Best Road Trips from Austin, Texas
McKinney Falls State Park
If you’re interested in waterfalls, McKinney Falls State Park is where to go.
Hike through the park to find multiple waterfalls throughout the property amongst greenery and trees.
And of course, don’t forget your swimsuit! The pools at McKinney Falls are another great way to stay cool on a hot Texas day.
Austin is a city full of surprises.
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Austin offers a unique cultural experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
From its famous music scene to its thriving arts community, there is something for everyone looking to visit Austin.
We hope you liked our Weekend in Austin Itinerary.