5-Day Adventure: Austin, Texas

Keep Austin Weird: A Colorful and Eclectic Adventure in the Heart of Texas.

22 April 2023

Austin, Texas is a vibrant and eclectic city that boasts a thriving music scene, delicious food, and a unique culture. Visitors can explore the many museums and galleries, take a stroll along Lady Bird Lake, and enjoy a night out on famous 6th Street. With a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, Austin is the perfect destination for a fun and memorable vacation.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Get Your Texan On

  • Check into Hotel San José, a boutique hotel with a minimalist design and retro charm.
  • Start your day at Juan in a Million, an iconic breakfast spot with a giant breakfast taco challenge.
  • Visit the Texas State Capitol, offers free tours and stunning architecture. Plus, the surrounding gardens are perfect for a picnic.
  • Get a taste of Austin's music scene with a live show at Stubb's BBQ, a legendary venue with great ribs and brisket.
  • End the night at The Continental Club, a classic dive bar with a history of hosting blues and rock bands.
Day 2

South Congress Stroll

  • Hit up Jo's Coffee for your caffeine fix and snap a photo with the famous "I Love You So Much" mural.
  • Browse unique shops and vintage finds on South Congress Avenue, including Allens Boots and Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds.
  • Stop in Home Slice Pizza for some New York-style pizza, or head to Hopdoddy Burger Bar for a gourmet burger.
  • Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool in the heart of Zilker Park.
  • End the day with a local brew and sunset views at The Oasis on Lake Travis, an iconic spot for outdoor dining.
Day 3

Art & Culture Crawl

  • Start the day at Easy Tiger, a bakeshop and beer garden popular for their artisanal pastries and fresh-baked bread.
  • Explore contemporary art at The Contemporary Austin Jones Center, a cutting-edge museum in a historic downtown building.
  • Visit the Mexic-Arte Museum, which showcases traditional and contemporary art from Mexico and Latino cultures.
  • Catch a show or film at the historic Paramount Theatre, built in 1915 and restored with modern amenities.
  • End the night with a cocktail and skyline views at The Roosevelt Room, a classy bar with a diverse drinks menu.
Day 4

Outdoor Adventure

  • Get up early and hike to the top of Mount Bonnell, an iconic viewpoint with panoramic views of the city and hills.
  • Explore the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a scenic 10-mile trail that winds through parks and wildlife habitats.
  • Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center, a free attraction with interactive exhibits and live animal displays.
  • Take a guided tour of the Bat Bridge, where millions of Mexican free-tailed bats make their nightly flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge.
  • Grab dinner at Uchi, a trendy Japanese restaurant with innovative dishes and an impressive sake selection.
Day 5

Historic Highlights

  • Start with brunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe, an Austin institution known for their all-day breakfast menu.
  • Visit the Texas Military Forces Museum, which tells the story of Texas military history from the 1820s to present day.
  • Tour the historic Driskill Hotel, built in 1886 and known for its Western-style architecture and luxurious amenities.
  • Check out the quirky Museum of the Weird, a collection of oddities and curiosities located on bustling Sixth Street.
  • End the trip with a nightcap at The White Horse, a honky-tonk bar with live country music and a dance floor.

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.

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Austin, the capital city of Texas, offers an authentic Texan experience on a limited budget. Explore the city's vibrant music scene, visit museums, hike up to Mount Bonnell, and indulge in delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Affordable accommodation options such as hostels, budget hotels, and camping sites are available for those on a shoestring budget.

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Experience the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Austin with your significant other. Stroll hand-in-hand through the picturesque Lady Bird Lake and enjoy a picnic with a stunning view of the Austin skyline. Indulge in the city's famous live music scene while sipping on craft beers and enjoying delicious Texas cuisine.

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Explore the lively city of Austin, known for its vibrant music scene and family-friendly activities. Take a journey through the beautiful Zilker Park, where you can rent kayaks or paddle boards, enjoy a relaxing picnic, or take a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Discover the wonders of the Austin Children's Museum, where your little ones can engage in hands-on learning experiences and interactive exhibits.

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