3-Day Austin Adventure: Sights, Music, and Nature

Experience the eclectic charm of Austin, where music, food, and culture collide!

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Austin, United States is a perfect blend of culture, history, food and outdoor activities. Explore the lively music scene, visit the stunning and historic capitol building and enjoy some delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. From music festivals to outdoor adventures, Austin will definitely leave you wanting more.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Sights and Bites

  • Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe, known for its famous pancakes and delicious queso.
  • Take a walk around the beautiful Lady Bird Lake, a serene spot in the midst of the city with stunning views of the skyline.
  • Head to the State Capitol building for a tour and learn about Texas history and politics.
  • Visit iconic South Congress Avenue for some shopping and photo spots, including “I love you so much” graffiti on the side of a building.
  • End the day with dinner at Franklin Barbecue, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket.
  • Hotel recommendation: The Driskill, a historic hotel with luxurious amenities and a prime location in downtown Austin.
Day 2

Music and Munchies

  • Start the day with breakfast tacos at Torchy's Tacos, a local favorite with a variety of delicious options.
  • Visit the Blanton Museum of Art, featuring a collection of modern and contemporary art, plus rotating exhibitions.
  • Take a walk around the University of Texas campus and snap some photos of the picturesque buildings.
  • Explore the vibrant music scene with a visit to the famous Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater.
  • End the day with a food tour of East Austin, sampling diverse cuisines from the city’s top chefs.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Saint Cecilia, a stylish boutique hotel with a retro vibe and a nod to Austin’s music scene.
Day 3

Outdoor Adventures

  • Start the day with brunch at the iconic South Congress Cafe, known for its eggs benedict and cinnamon roll pancakes.
  • Head to Zilker Park for a hike or a paddle boat ride on the lake, offering stunning views of the city and nature.
  • Visit the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with crystal clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim.
  • Take a walk around the historic SoCo neighborhood and discover unique shops and street art.
  • End the day with a sunset bat watching tour under the Congress Avenue Bridge, where thousands of bats emerge at dusk.
  • Hotel recommendation: The LINE Austin, a chic hotel that blends modern design with Austin’s culture and heritage.
  • With its unique blend of art, music, and outdoor adventures, Austin is a city full of surprises and unforgettable experiences. Plan your 3-day itinerary and get ready to fall in love with the live music capital of the world!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Austin by plane is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located just 5 miles outside of the city. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United all fly into this airport from various cities across the United States.

Car

Driving to Austin is a popular option, especially if you are coming from within Texas or a neighboring state. Major highways such as I-35 and US-183 connect to Austin, and there are several car rental agencies at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Austin. The closest Amtrak station is in San Marcos, about 30 miles south of Austin. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Austin.

Boat

Since Austin is located in the center of Texas, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, there are several nearby lakes and rivers that you can explore by boat, including Lake Travis and the Colorado River.

Bus

Taking a bus is a great option for getting to Austin from other major Texas cities such as Houston or Dallas. Greyhound and Megabus both operate in Austin, with a station located in the heart of downtown.

Destination

Austin

Welcome to a city known for its love of live music, breakfast tacos, and Willie Nelson. Keep Austin weird and explore all the unique experiences this place has to offer.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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