Unlocking Austin: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Beyond SXSW

NATURE

Walk the trail at Town Lake: You can walk, cycle, jog or stroll along this trail daily! You'll forget you're even in a major city.

Hike Mount Bonnell: This is more like a tall hill than a mountain, but it has some of the best views in Austin!

Zilker Park: A 361-acre park nestled in the heart of downtown, right off Lady Bird Lake. Grab a blanket, a bottle of vino, some snacks and a fun card game to entertain while you soak up the sun!

Butler Pitch & Putt: A nine-hole, seven-acre par-three Pitch & Putt just south of downtown. Such a fun activity for all ages! The food is shockingly good, too. They don't take reservations or tee times; first-come, first play!

Barton Springs Pool: Nothing better than jumping into Barton Springs on a sweltering hot day! Barton Springs charges admission from Spring Break through October 31. At all other times, admission is free!

Congress Avenue Bridge: Every evening as the sun sets, people converge on the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness Austin's downtown bat colony emerge from their dwelling beneath the bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake. This mesmerizing 45-minute display is a quintessential Austin experience not to be missed! The best view to watch it is from P6, the rooftop bar at The LINE hotel.

Pickleball: Pickleball has surged in popularity, and Austin is at the forefront of embracing this trend. At Other Racquet Club, players can enjoy more than just the game – they can indulge in a full-service bar offering a diverse array of craft beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. All skill levels welcome!

ENTERTAINMENT

ACL: Austin's most iconic venue! This is why Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World.

Antone's: Antone's has been a haven for blues music in Austin since 1975! It's a small venue with lesser-known artists, but the vibes are Austin to a T.

Esther's Follies: For more than four decades, Esther’s Follies has captivated packed houses with its blend of political satire, comedic sketches, Vegas-inspired magic and uproarious musical performances.

Texas Sports: Austin is home to the Texas Longhorns, and if you haven't experienced a sporting event, you're truly missing out! The atmosphere is electric. There's a game to suit every season, making it an unmissable part of the Austin experience.

Amy's Ice Creams: This ice cream shop takes me back to my childhood! It's an Austin staple and there are a ton of locations all over the city. I still stop in to order my favorite whenever I get the chance - Mexican Vanilla with cookie dough.

Ciscos: Hungover and need a something greasy? This iconic East Austin breakfast and lunch spot has operated in the same building since 1943. There's a reason Cisco's is still around! No reservations required, so get there early or be prepared to wait a little.

Clark's Oyster Bar: If Nancy Meyers had a restaurant concept, this would be the place. Nestled in the quaint West Austin neighborhood, this restaurant exudes chic charm and offers a selection of seafood delicacies, including a splendid raw bar, fresh fish, succulent lobster rolls, crispy shoestring fries and delightful libations. Note: Don't go here with a big group! They only have one table that seats six.

Elizabeth Street Cafe: You know that one cool friend that is always posting delicious food and artsy interiors? This restaurant is in their weekly rotation. Elizabeth St. Cafe is a charming spot offering French bites & creative Vietnamese plates.

Este: One of the hottest restaurants town! Authentic Mexican meets coastal cuisine. Order the masa-battered swordfish tacos for the best bite you'll probably have all day! Highly suggest a reservation, but if you don't, head over to Bar Toti for some drinks and light snacks while you wait.

June's All Day: If you're yearning for the ambiance of a charming Parisian café, your search ends here. June's All Day is that girl. Order the Boston Bibb! Sounds silly to recommend a salad, but it's one that I love so much that I recreate it at home all the time.

Lin's Asian Bar + Dim Sum: Adorned with vibrant red lanterns, this traditional Chinese restaurant boasts an open kitchen and an inviting dim-sum counter, inviting guests to engage with the chef as she works her culinary magic. Don't miss their more elevated sister restaurant concept, Qi! Pro tip: Gently pierce the soup dumplings with your chopsticks to let them cool and prevent them scalding your mouth.

Matt's El Rancho: I'd be shunned by my college friends if I didn't include this classic in my restaurant round-up! The patio vibes here are immaculate on a sunny day. No reservations required, so brace yourself for a wait! However, time effortlessly passes when you cozy up at the bar with a frozen margarita in hand. Order a large bob to start! Thank me later.

Paperboy: If you're looking for a healthier breakfast or brunch, look no further! This buzzy brunch spot books weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. If you miss out on a reservation, don't stress! They take a few walk-ins and there's an order-up window to grab an iced coffee while you wait.

Ski Shores: If there's one restaurant that encapsulates what it was like to spend your summers growing up in Austin, this is it. For more than 60 years, Ski Shores Cafe has stood as a legendary lakeside retreat. The food is basically an elevated kid's menu, so don't come here craving a salad! Note: It's about 30 minutes from downtown Austin.