Howdy!
Diving into all things Austin this week on TTS! After 3 visits to the city over the past few years, I feel like I have a decent handle on the basics - this is really a first timer’s guide to ATX, with a twinge of cool I’d say. I’ve curated the essentials and added a couple off the grid spots too! Giddy up let’s get into it!
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Some Tips
Getting Around - Austin is a driving city IMO! Only very specific areas are walkable - I’d recommend renting a car, or just be prepared to Uber to most places
Weather/Climate - Heads up that Austin can get suuuper hot and humid during the warmer months! The air quality can also be not so great - pollen and cedar run rampant throughout the region. Prepare accordingly and most importantly - hydrate!
Where to Stay - I’ve stayed in different neighborhoods every time I’ve visited, and so long as you’re within the city center, there’s a good chance you’re only 15-20 mins from most things.
Check out Clarksville, Zilker, and South Congress neighborhoods
The LINE Austin is great - they have a Veracruz Tacos (more on that later) and Alfred Coffee inside the hotel, a vv cool pool area, and it’s super close to the river trail
Things to Do
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail - A lush urban path that wraps all the way around Lady Bird Lake - such a great place for a morning coffee walk
Barton Springs Pool - One of my favorite places in the whole world!!! I desperately wish LA had something like it. A 3-acre natural spring pool with the best vibes. Plop down on one of the grassy hills with your towel and sunbathe, then dunk in the spring whenever you need to cool off. Amazing people watching and a lovely way to spend the day outside! There’s even a diving board.
Watch the bats take their night flight at Congress Ave Bridge - Courtesy of Visit Austin: Starting in late March and continuing through early fall, North America's largest urban bat population calls Austin home. The bats begin to wake up and start their night flight around sunset. The first few bats begin to trickle out from under the bridge then. After the sun sets, the show really begins, and hundreds to thousands of bats pour out and cascade East over Lady Bird Lake. The best time to witness the bats is around sunset, but the nightly show can take place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m.
Shopping on South Congress - so many cute stores and a great place to stroll! I recommend: Allen’s Boots, Noah Marion, Maufrais, and Tecovas
Uncommon Objects Flea Market - peep their IG ahead of your trip, but their monthly flea market is awesome! The store rocks too
Souvenirs - I found a few goodies at Noah Marion (mentioned above) on my most recent trip, but also recommend BookPeople or the University Co-Op at UT Austin for fun souvenirs! When I visited in 2019, I got a tshirt from the co-op that says “Alright, Alright, Alright” and it’s still one of my favorite shirts to this day
Find a rodeo - I am so serious. Do a quick Google search when you arrive and I guarantee you can find one nearby. We went to one in Dripping Springs (~30 minutes outside of town) and it was perfect
Take a hike - I am always amazed by the access to nature in Austin. Check out the Austin Greenbelt and Barton Springs areas for some cool trails, or Hamilton Pool if you’re willing to get a little further outside the city
Float the river. - BYOB ;)
Stand Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Coffee
Jo’s Coffee - perhaps Austin’s most famous coffee shop, as it’s home to the “I love you so much” mural. But great news, the coffee is also so so good!
Merit Coffee Co - there’s a few in the city! I love their branding + they sell TacoDeli breakfast tacos, so it’s a fab one-two punch for your morning
Carpenter Hotel - the cutest hotel with an excellent coffee shop. Make sure you walk around and check out the curated art + goods in the lobby! Also hear good things about their restaurant
Idlewild - damn good coffee inside a skate shop
Summer Moon - a chain in Texas, basically a step above Starbucks I’d say!
Radio Coffee & Beer - massive space great for groups! Very homey vibe and yes, they also serve beer
Little Brother Coffee & Kolaches - an easy one to hit if you’re on South Congress. And the kolaches are goood!
Mozart’s - TBH I think the coffee is just okay, but this is a real Austin institution and sits right on the lake - also a great group spot. Expect a big line on weekends!
Drinks/Going Out
Rainey Street - a street of container houses that have been converted into bars. Rainey is an absolute blast, but make sure you’re in a party mood because it can get prettttyyy rowdy! My favorites on the block - Icenhauers, Unbarlievable (a circus themed bar with a slide!), and Bangers (beers & sausages)
“Dirty 6th” - 6th Street brings just as much of the party as Rainey, but has more of a divey feel. I haven’t spent as much time here but here’s a couple recs:
Midnight Cowboy - a speakeasy with amazing cocktails, reserve in advance
Eats
Terry Black’s BBQ - you’ll have to ask the locals about their favorite BBQ as there are plenty of spots to try - but Terry Black’s always hits for me!
Veracruz Tacos - incredible breakfast tacos. You honestly can’t go wrong!
JoAnn’s Fine Foods - Tex-Mex on South Congress in an adorable diner setting, don’t miss the Austin Motel & it’s cute retro sign next door!
Este - seafood, Mexican-style in a cute bungalow. Great cocktails too!
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails - coffee, cocktails, and a solid menu. We loved the cauliflower tots!
Amy’s Ice Cream - just really good, nostalgic ice cream shop. They’re best known for their Mexican Vanilla!