Weekend in Austin
Description:
You've got 48 hours in Austin--don't waste a minute of it. Visit these tourist hotspots and local favorites for a realistic taste of what this capital city has to offer.
Author: Tara
Day 1 - Austin
Wake up in casual luxury at the Hotel San Jose in the hip South Congress neighborhood of Austin, otherwise referred to as SoCo. Meander up and down the boulevard, browsing the locally owned boutiques for the perfect souvenir. When lunchtime rolls around, head to Guero's, a low-key Mexican joint on the corner of South Congress and Elizabeth St. that's popular with tourists and locals alike. Everything here is good, though the fish tacos and fajitas stand out, plus you can surprise your tablemate with a serenade performed by the roaming mariachi band. After lunch, make a date with Austin Duck Adventures, a unique sightseeing experience that drives tourists around in an amphibious vehicle, visiting both the land and lake. Once you've seen the sights, head over to Stubb's Bar-B-Q for a flavorful meal of smoked meats and homemade sides, including a creamy mac and cheese. An authentic evening in Austin must include a little live music, so be sure to stop by Continental Club before hitting the sack. Located just across the street from the Hotel San Jose, Continental makes for a convenient nightcap, coupled with a little two-stepping.
1
Hotel San Jose Lounge
Location:
view in google maps1316 S Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
2
South Congress Avenue
Location:
view in google mapsSouth Congress Ave
(between Riverside and Oltorf)
Austin, TX 78704
3
Guero's Taco Bar
Location:
view in google maps1412 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Phone:
512-447-76884
Austin Duck Adventures
Location:
view in google maps1605 West Fifth St
Boarding in front of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau
Austin, TX 78703
Phone:
+1 512 477 52745
Stubb's Barbecue
Location:
view in google maps801 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone:
+512 480 83416
Continental Club
Location:
view in google maps1315 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Phone:
512-441-2444Day 2 - Austin
Now that you're a seasoned Austin tourist, ring in your second day in the capital city at Cisco's, an eastside greasy spoon with a lot of character and some well-known migas. The Tex-Mex breakfast staple--a mix of eggs, tortilla chips, cheese, spices and veggies--is one of the restaurant's specialties. Once you're energized, head downtown for a quick visit to the Texas State Capitol. The green grounds are beautiful this time of year. Continue your Texas education at the nearby Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, just south of the University of Texas campus. The interactive exhibits are fun for all ages, and surprisingly educational to boot. Lunchtime calls for comfort food Austin-style at Shady Grove. Grab a table on the patio and consider trying the chili cheese fries and a Hippie Chick sandwich--both favorites at this local haunt. If you feel so compelled, walk from Shady Grove to Zilker Park, the city's biggest public green space. Lounge around on the hillside of Barton Springs Pool, or, if you're brave, take a dip in the natural pool, but be prepared for the chilly water. After all the daytime activity, a laid-back movie sounds perfect, so take in one of the latest releases at Alamo Drafthouse, while enjoying a bucket of beers and a signature pizza.
1
Cisco's Restaurant Bakery & Bar
Location:
view in google maps1511 East Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78702
Phone:
+1 512 478 24202
Texas State Capitol
Location:
view in google maps1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
Phone:
512-463-00633
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Location:
view in google maps1800 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78705
Phone:
512-936-87464
Shady Grove
Location:
view in google maps1624 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
Phone:
+512 474 99915
Zilker Park
Location:
view in google maps2100 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746
Phone:
512-974-67006
Barton Springs Pool
Location:
view in google maps2101 Barton Springs Road
Zilker Park
Austin, TX 78704
Phone:
512-867-30807
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - South Lamar
Location:
view in google maps1120 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
Phone:
512 476 1320