From Boutique Retreats to Historic Elegance: Unwrapping Austin's Hotel Gems

Immerse in Nature

Austin has numerous nature trails all across the city.

The Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail is located at Lady Bird Lake (the trail can also be called the Lady Bird Lake Trail, for this reason), you’ll pass some of the best spots in Austin during your hike, from the Auditorium Shores to Zilker Park.

Another iconic hike spot is taking the 102 steps up Mt. Bonnell until you reach the full 775 feet. Be sure to go at sunset and take some selfies and photos of the scenery as this spot allows you to really see all of Austin.

You can also hike, bike or climb at the Barton Creek Greenbelt, or the locals just call it the greenbelt. You can enjoy miles of trails and if you catch this trail after a good rain, you can maybe take a dip in the water to cool off halfway!

Did I mention all these hiking spots are pet-friendly?

If trails are not your thing, you can grab a paddleboard or kayak from Texas Rowing Center at Lake Austin and head one direction to take in the hills of Austin and blue skies or the other to enjoy the city skyline.

You can even rent a boat with your own captain to take you out for sun and fun on Lake Travis or Lake Austin.

Festivals & Events

Depending on when you are wanting to visit you may want to take part in one of many local events like the famous SXSW music, film and interactive festival in March, Bat Fest in August where you can gather for a party on the South Congress Bridge, or ACL Fest in October where you can find over 150 big-named artists across all genres playing across two, 3-day weekend sets at Zilker Park. These are just a few highlighted events that happen annually.

Pro Tip: You must buy your ACL Fest tickets early when they're released in March for 3 day passes or May for 1 day passes because they typically sell out within 1 hour!

Wine or Brew Tour

Take a shuttle from Austin to venture into the Texas Hill Country for a multi-stop winery tour and tasting or join the Brew Bus for a brewery tour around Austin with a live band!

Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery

Learn the history of the company on a guided tour and vodka tasting or learn the basics of cocktail mixing with a local bartender. Be sure to book ahead online for large groups and leashed furry friends are welcome!

Mural Hopping

Austin is full of famous murals and street art. A few instagrammable sites include the "I Love So Much" wall next to Jo's Coffee on South Congress, the "Greetings from Austin" postcard, and "You're My Butter Half" on the East side.

Take a Dip

Visit Barton Springs Pool filled entirely of water from natural springs or Hamilton Pool located in the Austin hill country. You must purchase a pass for both, and you can hike/bike at Hamilton Pool!

Live Music

Austin pulses with the rhythm of live music, permeating every corner of the city. In the outdoors, under the open sky, they captivate audiences at seasonal music series and globally acclaimed festivals. Whether you venture into clubs, coffeehouses, bars, taquerias, sporting events, or concert halls, Austin's musical heartbeat resonates vibrant sounds across its numerous venues, leaving you with many choices on where to embark on your musical journey. Find the most up-to-date music scene at Visit Austin.

For the most updated list of all Austin happenings by date, visit do512.

Breakfast & Brunch

Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden located on Rainey Street offers 200+ beers on tap and 20+ sausages made in-house. Everything is bigger in Texas and they prove it; a favorite brunch cocktail is their "Man-mosa". Served in a giant mug, they pour an entire bottle of champagne and top it with OJ.

Pro Tip: Show up early, as seating is first come-first served.

If you're in Texas, you must try the tacos! TacoDeli is a more laid back and casual spot with multiple locations in Austin. My favorites include The Otto (organic refried black beans, bacon strips and avocado) and the Sirloin, Egg & Cheese.

Lunch

El Alma on Barton Springs is elevated tex-mex cuisine & cocktails in a chic setting accented by local art & a rooftop deck. This is a small, but unique spot.

Lupe Tortilla has the BEST fajitas in Texas (in my opinion). Born in Houston, and expanded to Austin, this Tex-Mex restaurant marinates their fajitas in lime juice. If you've never been, they provide you with a sample of their famous beef fajita.

Warning: Once you've tried them here, it'll ruin having fajitas anywhere else for you.

Their house margaritas were also top notch. Order the large and your margarita is served with a refill in a mini carafe.

Okay and another taco recommendation - Austin's famous Torchy's Tacos! They offer unique taco varieties, including the Trailer Park. (Fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo & cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce on a flour tortilla). Make it "trashy" and they'll remove the lettuce and add queso or make it "trashy-classy" if you want to keep the lettuce and add queso. They offer vegan and vegetarian options. Also, you must try the house margaritas here!

Dinner

Loro is a unique experience; Asian smokehouse and bar brought to you by the award-winning chefs behind Uchi and Franklin Barbecue. Reservations not available. Must show up early to get on the waitlist!

Offshoot of the famed Uchi restaurant with upscale sushi & small plates in a farmhouse-chic space called Uchiko, Japanese fare meant for sharing.

Pro Tip: Book your reservation on the first day of the month you plan to go. They book up fast and their availability is released the first day of the month for that month.

Drinks

Austin has multiple drinking spots from the elevated night life of "West" downtown (west on 6th), the famous "dirty" sixth street, the eclectic east side, and Rainey Street, where old street homes were converted into bars and restaurants.

If you like speakeasy-style bars, I recommend Garage off 5th. It's a small cocktail bar located in a parking garage. Reservations are encouraged or show up early! They change their menu quarterly and even serve zero-proof cocktails for the NA drinker.

There is also the Firehouse Lounge, secretly located within the Firehouse Hostel. Enter through the bookshelf beneath the Hostel to discover a speakeasy lounge with comfy leather booths and classic cocktails served just right.

If you're looking for a more southern experience, I recommend Handlebar on 5th Street. All bartenders sport a real mustache! There are a few arcade games on the first floor, and you can enjoy your drinks on the rooftop deck.

On 6th Street, I recommend Buckshot where they have an entire wall dedicated to shots and specialty cocktails. Captain America is my favorite, a red, white and blue layered drink. They host live bands upstairs and have a large rooftop deck.

For a unique drinking experience, swing by Pete's Dueling Piano Bar on 6th street. This place offers specialty cocktails with dueling-piano shows & singing waitstaff.