3 Days in Austin Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Austin, TX

Planning to spend a weekend in Austin? Be sure to read this 3 days in Austin itinerary for all the top picks on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and tons more helpful tips!

If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway, you can’t do much better than Austin. The city has so much to offer – quirky sights, amazing food, lively nightlife, and an eclectic culture. Spending a weekend in Austin will make you experience the best of the city and discover why it’s become such a popular destination in recent years. 

I’ve been to Austin 3 times now, and I’m always discovering something new there. It’s the perfect destination for any kind of trip – my last visit here was for a girls’ weekend, and my first two times were actually on a solo trip!

It’s a city that seems to take the best of New Orleans, Portland, and Nashville – some of my all-time favorite places – and turned it into one amazing city.

The city’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” so you know there are going to be some eccentric attractions. There’s even a Museum of the Weird here, and one of the city’s main draws are its bats. Yes, that’s right – Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world.

It’s also the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” and every night you’ll see dozens of musical acts take the stage at the many venues around the city. The city also hosts a number of world-famous music and film festivals, most notably South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits.

Austin is also known for its amazing food – BBQ and tacos, yes, but also a diverse array of international cuisine. You’ll find everything from food trucks to fine dining, something for everyone. One of my favorite things to do here is to eat my way around the city, and trust me, I eat *very* well each time.

And that’s not all – there’s tons of vibrant murals, interesting museums and historical attractions, unique shops, and much, much more. Spending 3 days in Austin is just enough time to see what makes it so special, to experience some of its weirdness, and enjoy some of that delicious food.

Here’s the perfect 3 day Austin itinerary, with the best things to do, see, and eat, where to stay, and other helpful tips!

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A few things to know before your weekend in Austin…

• Summers are HOT: Texas is known for their brutally hot summers, and it’s not uncommon for Austin to see highs in the 100s in July and August. It gets quite humid as well. Honestly, I think it’s much better to visit in the spring or fall, when the days are pleasantly warm but not too hot. But if you decide to come during the summer, there’s plenty going on in the city, and you can cool off at one of its swimming holes and/or nearby lakes.

• Pay attention to when the major events are: Most notably, South by Southwest (March) and Austin City Limits (October) are the two most popular festivals in the city. Unless you’re traveling specifically to attend one of these events, I’d avoid traveling to Austin during these dates, as there are increased crowds and flight and accommodation prices skyrocket.

• …and travel right before or after them to save a bit of $$: One thing I noticed was that flight and accommodation prices tend to drop quite a bit right before and after the major events. My first 2 times in Austin, I happened to visit the week before SXSW and everything was so cheap – I even snagged a $150 RT flight. My most recent visit was about 2 weeks after Austin City Limits, and everything was super affordable as well.

• You don’t necessarily need a car: You’ll find a lot of people say that Austin is spread out and you need a car. Downtown Austin, as well as the neighborhoods are pretty walkable. While, yes, the neighborhoods are pretty far from one another, you can easily take an Uber or Lyft in between them. I didn’t find the fares to be too expensive as well – most of them were around $10. Just time them correctly and plan efficiently so that you aren’t paying too much.

• A note about Franklin’s BBQ: I didn’t include Franklin’s BBQ on this 3 day Austin itinerary. Yes, it’s amazing and I think it’s worth going to at least once in your life – it’s just that it’s a half day affair, and it’s not worth it when you only have limited time trying to see Austin in 3 days. There’s already plenty to do! If you absolutely *need* to go, I’d do it on the first day and then cut out the afternoon activities.
  
• Texas is dry until noon on Sundays: Just FYI if you’re wanting to go for a boozy brunch.

Where to Stay in Austin

You’ll find tons of accommodation options in Austin, with many properties boasting a unique experience and cool vibe. You’ll find everything from fun and quirky boutique hotels, historic luxury hotels, vintage-chic motels, and everything in between.

I recommend staying either in the Downtown/Sixth Street area, or on South Congress. This will put you close to many of the attractions on this Austin 3 day itinerary, for maximum convenience. 

Downtown/Sixth Street: By staying in the downtown area, you’ll be in the middle of all the action. There’s a rich history, and a buzzing atmosphere. You’ll be close to some of the top sights in the city, and plenty of dining and nightlife options.

Some recommendations below:

• Canopy by Hilton Downtown: This is a new(ish) concept from Hilton that has a younger, more hip vibe. We really enjoyed staying here! There’s an awesome rooftop pool, free bike rentals, and super comfy beds.
• The Driskill Hotel: This is Austin’s oldest hotel, as well as one of its best luxury hotels. It’s got stunning historic architecture, newly renovated rooms, and unparalleled hospitality. (It’s also said to be haunted!)
• The LINE Austin: This trendy boutique hotel is located right near the South Congress Bridge, so you can catch an awesome view of the bats! There’s comfortable rooms with plush bedding, modern amenities, and a cool rooftop. 

South Congress (SoCo): One of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, the SoCo neighborhood has a quirky, distinctly Austin vibe. There’s plenty of cool shops, colorful murals, and some of Austin’s best restaurants and bars. It’s also home to some of the best boutique hotels in the city.

Some recommended options:

• South Congress Hotel: Known as one of the best boutique properties in the city, the South Congress Hotel has chic rooms, a rooftop pool, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• The Austin Motel: This retro-chic boutique motel is an iconic Austin landmark, with funky decor, a lovely pool area and swim club, and trendy atmosphere. This is the perfect place to stay for an Austin girls trip!
• Hotel San Jose: This luxury property features bungalow-style rooms, nestled in a lush garden that’s an oasis away from the bustling South Congress Ave. 

The Perfect 3 Days in Austin Itinerary

DAY 1 (Downtown Austin Highlights)

The first day of your three days in Austin is a busy one! You’ll explore some of the top attractions in downtown Austin, including the Texas State Capitol. Visit a museum or two, check out some murals, and see the iconic Sixth Street during the day (don’t worry, you’ll be back later to experience the nightlife that it’s famous for). Then, end the day with a gorgeous sunset from Mount Bonnell. Now, let’s get to it!

Breakfast tacos at Veracruz All Natural

There are a number of iconic foods that you must try during your 3 days in Austin – tacos being one of them, or specifically breakfast tacos.

One of the best taco spots in Austin is Veracruz All Natural. They have all sorts of tacos on the menu, from the traditional to modern, but they are especially known for their Migas tacos. If you’ve never heard of a Migas taco, they are an Austin specialty, and come with tortilla chips mixed in the egg.

We ordered a variety of tacos, but all of us agreed that the Migas was the best one (and wish I ordered more of them!).

Be sure to pick up an agua fresca too, which is especially refreshing on a warm day. Know that they are HUGE though!

Texas State Capitol

After breakfast, it’s time to dive into some history at the Texas State Capitol. It’s actually the tallest Capitol building in the US – and yes, that includes the US Capitol building in DC – and is quite a sight to behold.

It’s quite impressive, with its massive dome and pinkish color, which is due to the fact that it’s made almost entirely of “Sunset Red” granite and marble. Definitely walk through the grounds to admire it up close!

There are also free guided tours available. The tour is pretty short (30 minutes), but you’ll get to visit the legislative chambers, see historical artifacts, and learn more about Texas history. 

Blanton Museum of Art

Next up, head over to the University of Texas campus, which is home to some of the city’s best museums. We chose to visit the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin’s largest art museum. 

I was always intrigued by seeing photos of the white stone building with rainbow windows. This is actually a work of art itself, not just the museum building (it’s actually separate from the main museum building), and I absolutely LOVED it!

Designed by Ellsworth Kelly, “Austin” was envisioned to be a site of joy and contemplation, basically a sanctuary filled with color and light. The rainbow stained glass windows are absolutely stunning here, especially on a sunny day. I especially loved seeing the colorful rays of light stream through the windows, and how they created rainbow colored motifs on the floor.

The main museum is also worth checking out as well, with a large collection of mostly American and Latin American contemporary art, although there are a few Renaissance and Baroque paintings as well.

Alternate option: Bullock Texas State History Museum

If art’s not your thing, another option is to visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum. This immersive museum has 3 floors of exhibits that tell the story of Texas, from the Native Americans, colonization, through the 21st century.

They also hold special effects shows in the Texas Spirit Theater, which is Austin’s leading IMAX theater.

You’re My Butter Half mural

Up next, head over to one of Austin’s most popular murals! Austin is known for its street art, there’s plenty of amazing murals all around the city (I’ll point out the best ones to check out during your weekend in Austin). 

Chances are you’ve seen pictures of the You’re My Butter Half mural floating around, as it’s all over Instagram! It’s designed by local artist John Rockwell, and is so adorable. It’s perfect for taking pictures with your special someone, but it was perfect for snapping some photos with me and my girlfriends (we were accidentally matching, too).

There’s even a little stand here so you can take your own self-portraits!

It’s a little bit out of the way from the other sights on this 3 day Austin itinerary, but if you’re going to make a stop, I suggest you do it after the Blanton (or Bullock) Museum, as it’s kinda in the same direction. And if you’re short on time, feel free to skip it,

Stop for lunch

After a busy morning of exploring, it’s time for lunch! I’ve got two options for you:

Option 1 – Taquero Mucho: This cute spot is located close to the rest of the stops of the day. It’s an especially fun spot to dine at if you’re on a girls trip! The theme is pink here, and *everything* here is pink, from the decor, drinks, and even the tortillas.

There’s lots of photo-worthy corners, and the details are top notch. You’ll find a menu full of Mexican-inspired cuisine (I ordered the enmoladas and they were tasty), and fun cocktails that come in the cutest containers. I had the Anti-bitch juice, which was a frosé served in a plastic pouch.

Option 2 – Nixta Taqueria: This spot is located fairly close to the You’re My Butter Half mural, and is another good option for lunch! I’m of the belief that you can’t have too many tacos in Austin (which is why I recommend multiple taco spots on this Austin 3 day itinerary), and Nixta has some of the best!

Nixta combines traditional techniques with contemporary ingredients, resulting in some one-of-a-kind flavor combinations. The duck confit tacos are a must here, which is their spin on the more traditional pork carnitas. 

Afternoon: Downtown Austin + Sixth Street 

Wherever you end up for lunch, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring more highlights of downtown Austin. This includes Sixth Street, which is known for its nightlife (which you’ll partake in on day 2), but it’s also got some gems that are worth exploring during the day.

There’s plenty to do and see in this area, from colorful murals, interesting museums, art galleries, boutiques, and more.

Here are some of the things to check out:

Tau Ceti mural: This might just have been my favorite mural in the city, simply because of its sheer scale. Designed by Josef Kristo Foletti, it features a gradient of rainbow colors that towers over 100 feet high. You’ll definitely need a wide angle lens to photograph this one (you can also use the panoramic mode on your phone).

Museum of the Weird: Austin’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” so of course they have a museum dedicated to everything odd, freaky, and bizarre. You’ll find exhibits about mummies, mermaids, Bigfoot, shrunken heads, and other freaks of nature. 

Mexi-Arte Museum: Immerse yourself in Austin’s rich Latino culture at this museum, which focuses on Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art. It’s relatively small, but it packs a lot of punch and everything is so vibrant here. When I went, there was a cool Dia de los Muertos exhibit!

Historic 6th Street Mural: This giant mural plays tribute to Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” It’s got bold typography and color blocking, with little icons that showcase the best of the city and Texas. It’s MASSIVE – you literally can’t miss it. Be careful though, as it’s located on a busy street.

The Driskill Hotel: This is Austin’s oldest and one of its most beautiful hotels. It’s also said to be one of the most haunted spots in the city! Stop by to check out the gorgeous lobby, with marble floors and stained-glass dome. You can also grab a drink at the bar or sit down for afternoon tea.

Drinks at Here Nor There

Time to grab some cocktails at a secret speakeasy! Here Nor There is one of the most unique bars that I’ve ever been to, and I highly recommend stopping by at some point during your 3 days in Austin.

Reservations are an absolute must here, and you can go to their website to see exactly what you need to do. We were luckily able to snag a last-minute reservation, but we went on a Monday – for a busier weekend date, I’d book at least a few days in advance.

I don’t want to give away too much, as I think the fun is in experiencing it for yourself, but it really is *such* a unique spot!

Sunset at Mount Bonnell

Next, climb up to the summit of Mount Bonnell to catch some beautiful sunset views! Okay, it’s not exactly that big of a mountain – you’ll climb up 100 steps to get to the top – but at nearly 800 feet high, it’s the highest point in Austin.

From here, you’ll catch epic views of the Austin skyline, the Colorado River, and the West Texas hills, bathed in gorgeous golden light.

Mount Bonnell is located about 6 miles outside of downtown Austin, so if you don’t have a car, you’ll have to take an Uber or Lyft. Thankfully, it was pretty easy to get a car to and from there!

Tip: when you get to the top of the stairs, go right. This is where you’ll get the best, unobstructed views that you see in all the Instagram photos. We went left, and while the views were still nice, there was fencing and some buildings in front of it.

Dinner at Patrizi’s/the Vortex

This wasn’t originally on our itinerary, but craving pasta, and a Google search led us to Patrizi’s, located at the Vortex. Here, you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine and pasta dishes, using fresh pasta made to order – sold from a food truck!

The Vortex itself is such a cool venue that we had no idea about until we visited. It’s got red and blue lighting, along with string lights, for a quirky, whimsical vibe. In addition to housing Patrizi’s, it’s also a performance venue, hosting original non-traditional theater works, along with community events.

If you’re thirsty, head over to the Butterfly Bar, which has a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails. It’s called the “Butterfly Bar” because it’s actually home to a nationally certified butterfly sanctuary! Pretty cool, right?

Experience Austin’s live music scene

End your first of 3 days in Austin by experiencing some of the live music that the city is famous for! Hey, it’s called the “live music capital of the world,” so you’ve gotta see some live music at least once during your weekend in Austin.

In fact, the first time I came to Austin, I came for a concert! The venue no longer exists, but was housed in a trailer, and it was such a uniquely Austin experience.  

On any given night, over 75 musical acts play at one of the concert halls, music clubs, and honky tonks located all around the city, so you’ll have no problem finding something! And if you want to experience all of the best spots in the city in one night, you can book this live music crawl.

Otherwise, here are some of the most iconic live music venues in the city:

• The Continental Club: Located in SoCo, this is one of Austin’s legendary music clubs, and has played host to many emerging local acts, as well as world-famous musicians. You’ll find a variety of acts on the calendar – from rock, country, jazz, blues, and beyond.  I came here on my second visit to Austin and it was such a good time!
  
• Stubb’s: One of the most popular BBQ spots in the city also hosts live music acts. Over the years, many famous acts have taken the stage here, from Wilco, Death Cab for Cute, the Killers, and more.
  
• Emo’s: Emo’s got its start as a punk rock venue, and is now the place to go to see up-and-coming alternative bands.
  
• The Broken Spoke: This is one of the iconic honky tonks in the city. It’s been designated a historical landmark (and has a Texas Historical Market inside to prove it), and has hosted country legends such as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. They offer dance lessons from Wednesdays through Saturday nights as well.  

DAY 2 (Murals + South Congress)

The second day of your Austin 3 day itinerary is mostly spent on South Congress (or “SoCo”), one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. This is my absolute favorite neighborhood in Austin, thanks to its eclectic vibe and quirky charm. Afterwards, try to catch a glimpse of Austin’s famous bats, and enjoy a night of revelry on Sixth Street!

Coffee + Breakfast at Jo’s Coffee

Start off your day with some caffeine from Jo’s Coffee, which is famous for their Iced Turbo, a sweet and creamy hazelnut-flavored coffee drink. I find it to be really sweet, though! If you want something not as sweet, I recommend the Belgium Bomber, which is a blend of the Iced Turbo with cold brew.

You can also fuel up with some breakfast tacos – the migas tacos and potato tacos are quite tasty here! They sometimes run out though, so be sure to get here early.

Jo’s is also famous for its “I love you so much” mural, which has become quite iconic. It’s perfect for cute pics with your special someone, a group of girlfriends, your family, or even just you! There’s often a line, but it moves pretty quick and everyone is super patient and nice.

Explore SoCo

And now, time to explore SoCo! Honestly, my favorite thing is just waking up and down the streets to see what gems there are, because there’s tons of cool shops, vibrant murals, and lots to eat and drink. If you love vintage shopping, you’ll especially love it here because there are so many awesome vintage shops!

But, if you’re looking for the best of what it has to offer, here’s some of my favorite stops:

Allen’s Boots: You’re in Texas, so you’ve gotta shop for some cowboy boots, of course! There’s over 10,000 pairs of boots on sale here, and you’ll find boots in every single style, color, and price point, from $50 to $1000+. In addition to boots, they sell a variety of Western wear and accessories, from belts, buckles, jackets, leather accessories, and more.

It’s soooo fun to come here and try on different styles of boots – they have some really fun and over-the-top styles! We ended up having to come twice on my last Austin trip because we couldn’t decide what pair we wanted. There’s literally so many and it’s so hard to choose that perfect pair!

Murals: There are soooo many amazing murals that line South Congress. It’s such a vibrant area for street art, and you’ll find tons of murals as you walk down the street.

In addition to the I Love You So Much mural that you stopped at earlier, here are some of my favorites:

• Love from Austin (1912 S. Congress Ave)
• Legendary Moments/SoCo mural (Vinny’s BBQ / 1800 S Congress AVe)
• Willie for President (STAG Provisions / 1423 S Congress Ave)
• TV Colors (Bird’s Barbershop / 1902 S Congress Ave)
• The Salty Donut (2000 S Congress Ave)

Austin Motel: One of the most popular accommodations in the city, as well as a South Congress landmark. Snap a photo of the sign outside, and see what the letter board says! If you wish, you can also stop for brunch here at Joann’s Fine Foods.

Big Top Candy Shop: My friend introduced me to this shop my first time in Austin, and now I’m obsessed with their Italian soda. It’s an old-school candy shop with vintage signs and circus memorabilia. There’s tons of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s fun to look at, too!

Parts & Labor: If you’re looking for some fun Austin gifts and souvenirs, this is the place to go! Everything here is designed by local artists and makers, and you’ll find one-of-a-kind T-shirts, art prints, postcards, magnets, jewelry, tote bags, and more. 

Where to Eat in SoCo

Hungry for lunch? There’s tons of delicious places to eat along SoCo. I make a few recommendations below, but if you want to try the best of the neighborhood, book this SoCo walking food tour, which visits some of these spots + more!

Torchy’s Tacos: Torchy’s is an Austin institution – you can’t go to Austin and *not* get tacos here. These days, you can get Torchy’s all around the city, but their flagship location is on South Congress. 

You’ll find all kinds of tacos on the menu here, but my absolute favorite is the fried avocado. Also try the Trailer Park, with fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, salsa, cheese, and poblano sauce. And absolutely do not leave without trying the queso – it is the best!

Home Slice Pizza: If you’re in the mood for pizza, stop at Home Slice for some New York-style pizza! They have tons of options for toppings, and have both red and white sauce varieties.  

Amy’s Ice Creams: Another one of the must-try spots in Austin! There are a number of locations around the city, including one in SoCo. They’re known for their Mexican vanilla ice cream, but have a variety of inventive flavors.

Guero’s Taco Bar: Another one of Austin’s best taco joints, this funky joint serves up delicious TexMex, and has a patio with live music. Apparently, this was Bill Clinton’s favorite spot!

Hopdoddy Burger Bar: These days, you’ll find Hopdoddy’s all over the country (including one near me here in Orange County), but it all started in Austin! They have creative gourmet burgers and delicious shakes (which are a must!).

Greetings from Austin mural

After exploring the highlights of SoCo, hop over a few blocks to South First Street, where you’ll find the iconic Greetings from Austin mural. If you only stop at one mural during your 3 days in Austin, make it this one – it’s the quintessential photo op!

Designed by Todd Sanders, the owner of Roadhouse Relics, a gallery of neon art, the mural has stood here since 1998 and got a refresh in 2013. The postcard-style mural has colorful vintage letters, emblazoned with various scenes from the city. 

It’s one of the most popular murals in the city, so there might be a line – although there was no one here when we were there.

Also don’t miss the mural right across from it – a super pretty floral mural with “you belong with the wildflowers,” a lyric from a Tom Petty song.

Donuts from Gourdough’s 

Also on First Street is Gourdough’s Big Fat Donuts, which as the name implies, is known for their *giant* donuts. 

If there’s one thing I have dreams about from Austin, it’s these giant donuts. They have tons of donuts on their menu, with over-the-top toppings such as grilled bacon, fried chicken. Every time I come, I always have trouble choosing because there are so many drool-worthy ones!

My favorite is the Miss Strawberry Shortcake, which has cream cheese frosting with fresh-cut strawberries. We also got the Black Out, with chocolate icing, brownie batter filling, brownie bites, and chocolate chips – so decadent!

As I mentioned earlier, the donuts here are HUGE, so you may want to consider sharing, especially if you had a big lunch, or have big dinner plans.

Watch the bats from the South Congress Bridge

Austin is full of quirky attractions (the city’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird” after all), but perhaps the strangest of them all may be its bats that live under the South Congress Bridge. Over 1.5 million bats (yes, you read that right) live under the bridge, making it the largest urban bat colony in the world. 

If you’re visiting Austin between March and November, this is a must-see! Every night at dusk, the bats fly out in unison towards the east as they go hunting for their food. It’s such a unique sight – nature is cool, y’all.

Be sure to get to the bridge at least 30 minutes before sunset, so you can stake out a spot, and because you never know when the bats will come out. For us, they came out 20 minutes or so after the sun actually set – we weren’t sure if they’d come out or if we should give up, but glad we stayed!

Hundreds of people gather at the South Congress Bridge to see if they can catch a glimpse of the bats flying out. Do note that it’s nature, and it can be predictable – it can either be a spectacle with dark clouds of bats, or a quick show with only a few bats at a time.

In our case, it was the latter, and it was kinda anti-climactic. It happened so quick, and it looked like a little wispy plume of smoke off in the distance – you kinda have to squint at the picture to be able to see them. It was still worth seeing, but next time, I’d probably book a sunset bat watching kayaking tour so I can be on the water and a bit closer to the bats (yes, even though I hate kayaking lol).

Another option is to head to P6 at the Line Hotel. This rooftop bar has a perfect view of the bridge and the bats, so you can enjoy the view with a cocktail in hand!

Dinner at Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Time for dinner! I had one of my favorite meals in Austin at Kemuri Tatsu-ya, which also has one of the most unique dining concepts I’ve ever encountered and I recommend it to everyone. They combine a Texas smokehouse with Japanese izakaya-style dining, creating some one-of-a-kind dishes.

Think – brisket with serrano limon miso BBQ sauce (that you can turn into a bento with rice, nori, Japanese pickles, and guacamole), chili cheese takoyaki, tsukemen (dipping ramen) with brisket and smoked jalapeno, and cornbread taiyaki.

It’s fusion at its finest, and everything just works together perfectly! We ordered so many things here because we wanted to try everything, and really enjoyed everything we had.

The cocktails are also creative as well, and some of them come in a ceramic Maneki-neko (lucky cat) container!

Party on Sixth Street at night

You’ve already seen Sixth Street during the day – now it’s time to partake in the nightlife that the area is known for! 

Sixth Street is often compared to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Broadway in Nashville, and the Gaslamp District in San Diego. It’s known as “Dirty Sixth” for a reason, with an incredible amount of drinking establishments and revelers looking to have a good time.

Even if you think it’s not your thing, it’s one of those things you’ve got to experience once. And in between the dingy dive bars and cheap well drinks, you can find classy cocktail lounges, beer gardens offering local craft beer, and live music venues. Which, thankfully, is much more my scene.

A few recommended spots:

• Whisler’s: I came here on my last Austin trip to have drinks with a friend, and really loved the atmosphere! It’s got a rustic chic vibe, with a spacious patio, live music, and excellent cocktails. 
• Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar: You can’t go wrong with a dueling piano bar for a fun time! I stumbled upon this spot on my first trip to Austin, and it was so lively and such a good time,
• Midnight Cowboy: If you’re looking for a secret speakeasy, head here. Just make sure you make reservations in advance.
• The Jackalope: This is one of the iconic bars on Dirty Sixth. It’s got a quirky atmosphere with a giant jackalope sculpture, cheap cocktails, and satisfying grub to go along with it.

DAY 3 (Get out into nature)

On the last day of your weekend in Austin, spend some time outdoors! There’s plenty of nature right in the middle of the city, with Lady Bird Lake, the Colorado River, and beautiful urban parks. You’ll also get to indulge in some of the BBQ that the city is known for!

Lady Bird Lake

Texas’s Colorado River (FYI, it’s not the same one at the Grand Canyon) runs through the center of Austin, and pools into a reservoir known as Lady Bird Lake. It’s an absolute must to enjoy the lake on your Austin 3 day itinerary!

The 10 mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail runs along the lake, and is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. You likely won’t have time to do the full 10 miles (you are trying to see Austin in 3 days after all!), but taking a nice stroll along the path is a nice way to start your morning. 

Biking is also popular here, and one great way to experience the lake is with a 2-hour sightseeing bike tour.

Or, you can get out on the water! There are many water recreation opportunities on the lake, from kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, and more. If you want to get out on the water, you can take a self-guided kayak tour or stand-up paddle boarding tour.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll catch some pretty views of the Austin skyline and the vibrant blue waters sparkling under the Texas sun.

Lunch at Barton Springs Picnic

After your morning on the water, it’s time for some lunch! Head over the Barton Springs Picnic, which is located near your afternoon activities. Austin is known for its food trucks, and you’ll find some local favorites at this iconic food truck park.

You’ll find a variety of trucks here selling all kinds of food, from burgers, tacos, gelato, BBQ, and more. I got some Thai food and it was yummy. My friend got a fried chicken cone, and another got a gyro, and everyone really enjoyed their food!

Zilker Park

Next, head over to Zilker Park, Austin’s version of Central Park. The park spans over 350 acres and boasts a number of attractions. It also hosts some special events throughout the year, including the Austin City Limits festival.

It’s worth a visit at any time of year, but especially beautiful in spring when everything is green and blooming, and there’s butterflies flying around.

Definitely check out the Botanical Garden, which has a number of themed gardens, including a beautiful Japanese garden. Another highlight at Zilker Park is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, a peaceful 6-acre garden that features over 50 works of Charles Umlauf and other contemporary sculptors.

Barton Springs

While Barton Springs is technically on the grounds of Zilker Park, I wanted to highlight it as a special stop as it’s one of the top attractions in the city. For a refreshing dip, head to the Barton Springs Municipal Pool, a swimming hole fed by underground springs.

It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon, and the water temperature stays at a perfect 68-70 degrees all year round. You can go for a swim here (there’s even a diving board and lifeguards), or you can just relax at the springs and enjoy an afternoon of day drinking.

If you don’t want to get in the water, I recommend walking along the creek instead, which is what we did. There are a number of walking paths that run on the side of the creek. From here, there are some pretty views, and the turquoise water just sparkles in the sun!

Do note that there are toxic algae blooms in the water here, so it’s not recommended for swimming (go to the pool instead). Instead, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to get out on the water.

BBQ at Terry Black’s

After enjoying the afternoon on the water, it’s time for some BBQ! No Austin itinerary is complete without trying BBQ at least once. And, good news – one of the best BBQ spots in the city is located right near Barton Springs!

Franklin’s may be the most popular BBQ spot in Austin, but it always has long lines and things often sell out. Instead, I recommend heading to Terry Black’s BBQ, which is *almost* as good – but without the 4-hour wait!

There’s a mural here saying “brisket is king,” and it’s definitely the thing to order here. It’s soooo tender, and almost melts in your mouth. The meat is smoked low and slow, and has the perfect smoky flavor. We loved the sides here as well – we almost couldn’t choose, but we ended up ordering some mac and cheese, creamed corn, and banana cream pie for dessert. 

Rainey Street

To end the day (and your weekend in Austin), head over to Rainey Street, another one of the iconic nightlife districts in the city. 

It’s a super cute neighborhood too, full of historic bungalows that were mostly built before 1934. It’s actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

These bungalows have been converted into cocktail bars and restaurants, which are much more laid-back and catering to an older crowd than the establishments on Sixth Street. If you want to experience Austin’s nightlife and escape the madness of Sixth Street, head here instead (although I still think you should experience Sixth Street at least once)!

Sadly, I never made it to Rainey Street (too much partying earlier on this 3 day Austin itinerary!), but everyone always says it’s a good time! If you go, I hear that some of the best spots are the Container Bar (a bar situated inside shipping containers), Parlor Room (a trendy lounge with craft cocktails and fun decor), and Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden (a beer garden with over 100 beers on tap).

Logistics for Planning Your 3 Day Austin Itinerary

When to Visit Austin

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Austin is an ideal year-round destination. There isn’t really a *bad* time to visit Austin, but do know that the summers here get super HOT, with highs often in the 100s, with humidity. If possible, I’d avoid visiting in the summer, but if you do come in the summer, there are plenty of watering holes to cool off at.

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit, with the city seeing perfect temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Do note that spring and fall are the most popular times to visit, and you may see flight and accommodation prices go up accordingly. Also know that some of the city’s most popular festivals take place during this time, most notably South by Southwest (March) and Austin City Limited (October).

My last trip to Austin was in late October, and we experienced picture perfect weather the entire time! Highs were in the 70s and it was super pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and enjoying the outdoor spaces.

Austin is an ideal winter destination, as the city sees mild temperatures that rarely fall below 50 degrees. However, do know that it does sometimes get cold in the winter, and the city does experience snow on occasion. 

The weather can also be unpredictable – my first time in Austin was at the end of February, and it was a super perfect, sunny 70 degrees. However, the locals told me that they had a big snowstorm just the week before. So, you just never know!

Getting to Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas, located right in the middle of the state. 

Most visitors will fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin. The airport recently added a second terminal, which means more direct flights to more cities across the US and a few international destinations.

From the airport, there are a few ways to get into the city center:

Uber/Lyft: Ride share services are readily available around town, and are the easiest way to get downtown. The trip usually takes less than 20 minutes (without traffic), and the fare is around $20, but may be more with surge pricing.

Capital Metro Bus: If you want to save a bit of cash, consider taking the bus! You can take the Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside bus, which runs every 15 minutes from the airport to downtown. Head to the neon guitar to find the bus stop at the airport. The trip takes about 45 minutes, and the fare is only $1.25. I actually ended up taking the bus to the airport because I had some extra time, and it wasn’t bad at all!

Rental car: Some people choose to rent a car for their time in Austin, for maximum flexibility, although I don’t think a car is necessary. If you do decide to rent a car, I recommend booking on rentalcars.com, which allows you to compare prices from the top car rental companies and offers a price match guarantee.

Getting Around in Austin

Walking: Downtown Austin and the city’s neighborhoods are pretty walkable, making it easy to get around on foot. I always find myself walking a lot in Austin, and definitely get my steps in! However, the neighborhoods are pretty spread apart, so you won’t be able to rely on just walking alone. Which brings us to…

Uber/Lyft: For everywhere we couldn’t get to on foot, we took Uber/Lyft. Cars are fairly easy to find, and fares rarely cost more than $10. Ride sharing is a relatively new development in Austin, and there’s still a bit of controversy surrounding it. It might not always be available – you might have to have a backup plan for getting around.

Public transit: My first two times in Austin were before ride sharing even existed in the city. So, I mostly got around using public transit. The city has a network of buses operated by Capital Metro (CapMetro) that can get you to almost anywhere you need to go. A one-way fare is $1.25, or you can buy a day pass for $2.50.

Driving/Rental car: Some people will say that the best way to get around Austin is via rental car. However, I don’t think it’s necessary, as you can easily get around by walking and using ride shares. Traffic and parking can also be annoying, and hotels have expensive overnight parking rates.

If you do rent a car, I recommend booking one on rentalcars.com, which allows you to compare prices from the top car rental companies and offers a price match guarantee.

Scooters/Bikes: These alternative means of transportation are also popular ways to get around the city. You’ll find scooters all around town, mostly from Bird (Lime and Wheels also operate in Austin). 

Biking is also another fun way to get around the city. There are bike shares operated by Cap Metro, the city’s public transit operator. You can find 70 bike stations all around the city, making it a super convenient option.

A fun way to see the city is also to sign up for a sightseeing bike tour, which will also take you around to some of the top sights in the city!

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