Everything’s Bigger in Texas: A Four-Day Austin Itinerary

Grab a taco

After checking into your hotel, stop by one of Austin’s most iconic restaurants, Torchy’s Tacos, for a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex meal. While there are many locations throughout Austin, by far the most Instagrammable location is located on South Congress Avenue (SoCo, as the Austinites call it). Be sure to try their legendary queso, which even Katy Perry can’t get enough of, singing, it will “melt in your mouth, won’t let you down” (yes, this is real, she did sing about Torchy’s queso on American Idol).

Explore SoCo

Spend the rest of your afternoon walking down Austin’s best-known street, SoCo. Check out all of the quirky shops and street art this area has to offer, and definitely make sure to grab a picture at the iconic “I love you so much” graffiti wall. Maybe you’ll find the perfect pair of boots to “take home to mama" at King Ranch Saddle Shop, one of the many boot stores that line SoCo. Or, check out the flagship location of Kendra Scott Jewelry, owned by one of the wealthiest self-made women in America (and fellow Austinite) Kendra Scott. Also — not to mention — enjoy the unobstructed view of the Texas State Capitol Building the entire time you’re making your way down South Congress.

Enjoy a night on the town

If you haven’t already eaten your way through SoCo, head on over to Uchi to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sushi experience. With a rotating menu that gets updated every day, Uchi is serving up fresh takes on classic sushi tastings with unbelievably fresh flavors. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, the 10-course, chef-curated omakase is a culinary experience unlike any other and, let me tell you, it is worth every penny. Once you’ve set the chopsticks aside, it’s time to get the party started by experiencing the nightlife on Sixth Street. With live music at every turn, make sure you’re wearing your boogie shoes (or boots, if you’ve settled into the culture)!

The most important meal of the day

You haven’t truly experienced Austin without having eaten an authentic Austin-style breakfast taco. Be sure to check out Juan in a Million, which has had locals and critics alike raving over their homemade recipes since they opened shop in 1980.

Kick back & kayak

Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Lady Bird Lake and enjoy the views of Austin’s stunning skyline. On the way there, don’t forget to take in the surrounding nature of Zilker Park.

Escape the heat at Barton Springs

After so much time spent on the water, it’s finally time to jump in! Head over to the Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre pool fed from underground springs, to enjoy crystal-clear water and a lawn-space perfect for catching rays. Maybe even bring some snacks or sandwiches and enjoy a pleasant picnic in the park.

The happiest hour in Austin

After you’ve gotten your fix of nature for the day, mosey on over (like actually, it’s in walking distance) to another iconic Tex-Mex classic, Chuy’s, for their $5 Chips ‘N’ Dips Happy Hour Special. Be sure to bring a pen and paper because that creamy jalapeño sauce is definitely something to write home about.

Boot-scootin’ & BBQ

For dinner, check out Terry Black’s Barbecue for their world-famous, mouthwatering meat selection and their decedent desserts. There is always a decently long line, so plan accordingly with your tummy. Then, dance the night away at some of Austin’s best honky-tonks, including the self-proclaimed “Home of The Two Step,” The White Horse. With a full-service bar, two pool tables, a giant dance floor and whiskey on tap, The White Horse is the perfect place for first-time honky-tonkers and certified pros alike.

Wandering about Wimberley

Embrace the local charm of the Texas Hill Country by exploring Wimberley — a hidden gem located less than an hour away from Downtown Austin. With a trendy and eccentric town square lined with a plethora of antique stores, boutiques, plant shops and restaurants, Wimberley is the perfect place to escape to for an entire day. After enjoying all that the Wimberley Square has to offer, fully indulge in the Hill Country experience by taking a wine tour of several of the sprawling wineries in the area, including the Wimberley Valley Winery, Driftwood Estate Winery and Duchman Family Winery, to name a few. Before heading back to the hotel, catch a performance at the Wimberley Players or the Central Texas Theatre Academy to support the local artists of Wimberley.

Enjoy the Austin egg-sthetic

Grab a late breakfast or early lunch at Kerbey Lane, known for its vintage-diner aesthetic and for having some of the best pancakes in all of Austin (and, get this, they’re served all day). With simultaneously rotating seasonal and monthly pancake flavors, a full stack of Kerby Lane pancakes could cure depression. (I am by no means a certified doctor, so don’t take that as fact.) Insider tip: ask for your pancakes to be “swirled up” — they’ll add cinnamon swirl and glaze at no charge.

Explore some of Austin’s top museums

Have you ever wondered why people from Texas are so proud to be from there? Immerse yourself in Texas’s rich history and prideful legacy by visiting the Bullock Texas History Museum. Then, head next door to the Texas Capitol and take a tour of the beautiful grounds. Once inside, make sure to look up at the stunning architecture on the inside of the giant dome (and, for no reason besides childlike bliss, please take a twirl underneath it).

Grab a drink at the Driskill

Is your head pounding from all that history? Take a luxurious break by grabbing a drink at one of Austin’s most iconic bars, the Driskill Bar, located inside of what is rumored to be a haunted hotel. For some additional entertainment, be sure to ask your bartender for the full story as to why the Driskill Hotel is considered “haunted.” Prepare to be spooked!

Bats under the bridge

You would be doing yourself a disservice if you visited Austin and missed out on seeing the bats fly from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, or the “bat bridge.” Thus, after your time at the Driskill Bar, make sure to walk over to the bat bar at around sunset to witness this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Keep in mind, the bats can only be seen from late March to early September, so be sure to plan accordingly if this is definitely on your bucket list. Some people even bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch the bats. Whether you’re just checking it out or making a whole event out of it, seeing the bats fly out from under the bridge is truly something spectacular.

A dinner from the future

After a day full of looking back at Texas’s past, it’s time to take a glimpse into the future at the newly opened hot commodity, Space Cowboy. Located in East Austin, Space Cowboy can do no wrong. Firstly, they offer one of the most ambitious cocktail menus in all of Austin, which they execute with ease. Additionally, their menu is centered around serving innovative takes on classic Southern food. However, what sets Space Cowboy apart from other restaurants in Austin is its approach to service, as the main premise of the restaurant is to create an out-of-this-world culinary experience in which you are served by robots. You heard that right — the entire dining experience is led by robots who are responsible for bringing food and drinks to your table. This restaurant is also perfect for those who love the album Space Cowboy by Kasey Musgraves, as it conceptualizes the song in restaurant form to a tee.