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Austin Itineraries

Austin Itineraries

Austin Texas, USA Travel Guide

Time-Based Itineraries

Regardless of whether you have a day or weeks, these arrangements structure your Austin experience. Explore options and secure your experiences on GetYourGuide.

24-Hour Layover Highlights: Begin with authentic breakfast tacos. Then, visit the Texas State Capitol for a quick tour. Stroll along South Congress Avenue (SoCo) to explore its unique shops and famous murals. Enjoy lunch from a food truck. Have dinner on Rainey Street, then watch the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge (seasonal). Conclude your day with live music on 6th Street.

Layover Activities

  • Breakfast tacos & Capitol tour
  • SoCo shops & food truck lunch
  • Rainey Street dinner & bat viewing

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Maximize a short visit with this focused itinerary.

Day 1: Downtown Austin

Explore the Capitol and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Lunch at Fareground. Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. Dinner and live music.

Activities

  • Texas State Capitol
  • Bullock Museum
  • Lady Bird Lake activities
  • Live music
Book your Austin experiences on GetYourGuide.

Day 2: South Austin

Breakfast at Bouldin Creek Cafe. Afternoon at Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. Dinner on South Congress and catch a show at The Continental Club.

Activities

  • Bouldin Creek Cafe
  • Zilker Park
  • Barton Springs Pool

Day 3: East Austin or Hill Country

Explore East Austin for brunch and breweries. Alternatively, take a day trip to Dripping Springs for wineries and breweries like Jester King.

Choices

  • East Austin brunch/breweries
  • Dripping Springs wineries
  • Jester King Brewery
  • Hill Country day trip

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Cover city core. Hill Country day trip. Outdoor adventure. Arts & Culture. Relaxed morning and departure.

Weekly Plan

  • Days 1-3: Weekend getaway
  • Day 4: Hill Country Day Trip
  • Day FIVE: Outdoor Adventure
  • The SIXTH day: Arts & Culture

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Combine the one-week itinerary with dives into specific interests. Explore more music venues, discover different neighborhoods, and visit multiple Hill Country towns.

Dives

Explore specific interests like cooking classes, extensive outdoor exploration, or multi-day extensions.

Neighborhood Discovery

Discover neighborhoods like North Loop or Clarksville for a local perspective.

Regional Extensions

Consider multi-day trips to San Antonio or Houston for a broader Texas experience.

Longer Term

For long-term stays, consider a vacation rental. Explore local farmers' markets and connect with residents through local clubs or classes.

Book diverse experiences on GetYourGuide.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Austin itinerary to your specific passions.

Historical and Heritage Focus

Visit the Texas The Seat of the state government, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, The Driskill Hotel, French Legation Museum, Elisabet Ney Museum, and LBJ Presidential Library.

Historical Sites

  • Texas The State capitol building
  • Bullock Museum
  • The Driskill Hotel
  • LBJ Presidential Library
Discover history tours on GetYourGuide.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Embark on a BBQ Trail (Franklin, La Barbecue, Terry Black's), a Taco Trail (Torchy's, Veracruz, Tacodeli), and explore Food Truck Parks. Visit craft breweries and distilleries.

Culinary Adventures

  • BBQ Trail
  • Taco Trail
  • Food Truck Parks
  • Microbreweries/distilleries

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Kayak/paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Swim at Barton Springs Pool. Hike Mount Bonnell for views. Watersports on Lake Travis. Day trip to Pedernales Falls State Park.

Nature & Thrills

  • Lady Bird Lake paddling
  • Barton Creek Greenbelt
  • Barton Springs Pool
  • Lake Travis watersports
Explore outdoor adventures on GetYourGuide.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Zilker Park (Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Zephyr train, Austin Nature & Science Center, playscape). Visit the Thinkery. Paddle boats on Lady Bird Lake. Day trip to Inner Space Cavern.

Kid-Friendly

  • Zilker Park attractions
  • The Thinkery (children's museum)
  • Paddle boats on Lady Bird Lake
  • Inner Space Cavern

Art and Architecture Emphasis

Explore the Blanton Art museum, Harry Ransom Center, Mexic-Arte Museum, and Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Admire the Texas The State capitol building architecture.

Cultural Exploration

  • Blanton Art museum
  • Harry Ransom Center
  • Umlauf Sculpture Garden
  • Capitol architecture

Spiritual and Wellness Journey

Visit local yoga studios. Find peaceful spots for meditation in nature at Zilker Park or the greenbelts. Seek healthy dining options and explore local spas.

Mind & Body

  • Yoga studios
  • Nature meditation spots
  • Healthy dining
  • Local spas

Tailor Your Trip

Historical Tours

Dive deep into Austin's past and heritage with dedicated tours.

Food Adventures

Savor local flavors on food and beverage tours.

Outdoor Escapades

Find thrilling outdoor activities or serene nature walks.

Curated Experiences

Craft your perfect Austin itinerary. Whether you are into history, food, adventure, or art, Austin has many experiences. Find and book them on GetYourGuide.

Budget-Based Plans

Austin offers ways to enjoy the city regardless of your budget.

Backpacker's Guide

Stay at hostels for affordable accommodation. Eat at food carts or cook your own meals to save. Utilize CapMetro, bike-share, and going for a walk for transportation.

Cost-Saving

  • Hostel stays
  • Food trucks/home cooking
  • Public transport/walking
  • Free attractions/music
Explore free walking tours on GetYourGuide.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Stay at mid-range hotels or An airbnb rentals. Enjoy a mix of casual and mid-range restaurants. Use ride-sharing and some public transit. Combine free activities with paid attractions.

Balanced Options

  • Mid-range hotels/Airbnbs
  • Mixed dining
  • Ride-sharing/public transit
  • Mix of free/paid activities

Luxury Experience Plan

Stay at luxury hotels. Enjoy fine dining and consider private chefs. Utilize private drivers and guided tours. Indulge in exclusive experiences and high-end shopping.

Premium Choices

  • Luxury hotels
  • Fine dining/private chefs
  • Private car services

Exclusive Experiences

  • Indulge in exclusive experiences
  • High-end shopping
  • Consider booking high-end activities

Consider booking premium experiences on GetYourGuide.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Visit Austin in the slower season (summer heat or winter cold) for better deals. Look for hotel deals. Plan meals around happy hours or food trucks for affordable options.

Smart Travel

  • Low season travel
  • Hotel deals/discounts
  • Happy hours/mobile eateries
  • Free outdoor activities

Seasonal Specialties

Austin's seasonal events and weather shape unique experiences. Plan your visit for festivals or off-season exploration.

Weather Wise

  • Summer (June-August): water activities
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): mild weather, fewer crowds
  • Festival visits: SXSW, ACL, F1 (book early)
  • Off-season: lower prices, comfortable weather

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Summer Strategy

Organize things to do outside for at dawn or dusk. Spend hottest parts of the day indoors at museums, shops, or cafes. Hydrate constantly.

Winter Strategy

Enjoy cooler, comfortable weather perfect for walking and hiking. Take advantage of lower prices and fewer tourists.

Optimal Planning

Optimize your visit based on the season. Summer heat calls for water activities, while temperate winters suit outdoor exploration. Check event calendars for festivals.
Austin Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel - MileHacker