Austin isn’t a huge city, but it’s packed with things to do. If you’re up for the adventure, this 22-mile road trip is the best way to experience Bat City in one day. Get a good night’s sleep and rev up the excitement! This exhilarating itinerary is full of gorgeous nature, scrumptious food and, of course, live music.
You can glance at the map below, or you can click here for more detailed directions.
- Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the 1886 Cafe.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr Begin your Austin road trip with a scrumptious breakfast at one of the city’s most gorgeous buildings: The Driskill Hotel. Near the hotel’s grandiose lobby sits the 1886 Cafe, a stunning restaurant and bakery that’s full of delicious eats. Whether you order a flaky pastry or a savory omelette, you’ll leave feeling satisfied and ready for the day ahead. The 1886 Cafe can be found at 604 Brazos St. To learn more about this timeless cafe, read our feature article here.
- Tour the Texas State Capitol building
Alan Levine/Flickr No trip to Austin would be complete without a jaw-dropping view of the capital’s rotunda. This massive building is the largest state capital in the U.S, and there’s no shortage of gorgeous things to see. If you’re really fascinated with Texas history, embark on a free capital tour. These free guided adventures leave from the south entrance almost every hour.
- Leave your mark at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery
Henry Huey/Flickr In addition to dazzling historic architecture, Austin is also home to the nation’s largest graffiti park. At the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, located at 1101 Baylor St, you’ll see everything from gorgeous works of art to humorous doodles. Bring a can of spray paint and leave your mark (just don’t cover up any of the freshly painted murals!).
- Explore the shops along North Lamar
Wally Gobetz/Flickr North Lamar is home to a plethora of exciting stores. Book lovers will adore scanning the shelves at Book People, located at 603 N Lamar Blvd. Music nerds should head across the street and explore Waterloo Records. Who knows what kind of hidden musical gems you’ll find there! Of course, no trip to Austin would be complete without a trip to the Whole Foods Headquarters. This epic shop is so much more than a grocery store. To learn more about the largest Whole Foods in the U.S, click here.
- Stroll through Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool.
Elena/Flickr This is the perfect time for a picnic break! Soak up the sunshine at Zilker Park. This 350-acre park is home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Trail of Lights, but there doesn’t need to be a special event going on in order to enjoy the surroundings.
- Stop for a caffeine break at Jo’s Coffee
Matthew Oliphant/Flickr This South Congress coffee shop will put the pep in your step. After all, there’s still more city to see. While you’re there, you might as well snap a selfie in front of the heartwarming “i love you so much” mural. This is about as Austin as you can get.
- Find your bliss at McKinney Falls State Park
Kent Wang/Flickr After your coffee break, you’ll feel ready for a brisk hike through McKinney Falls State Park. The rushing water and shady trees offer a nice break from the city’s hustle and bustle. This little oasis can be found at 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
- End your day with a cold brew, a food truck dinner, and some live music.
St. Elmo Brewing Company/Facebook Head on over to The Yard, one of South Austin’s newest developments. Here, you’ll find freshly brewed coffee, local wines, tasty whiskey, and hoppy beer. You’re bound to hear music playing from St. Elmo Brewing or Spokesman Coffee Bar, and you can never beat a tasty meal from Soursop Pan Asian food truck. This exciting stretch of hot spots can be found along 440 E St Elmo Rd.
What’s on your ideal Austin road trip?
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Begin your Austin road trip with a scrumptious breakfast at one of the city’s most gorgeous buildings: The Driskill Hotel. Near the hotel’s grandiose lobby sits the 1886 Cafe, a stunning restaurant and bakery that’s full of delicious eats. Whether you order a flaky pastry or a savory omelette, you’ll leave feeling satisfied and ready for the day ahead. The 1886 Cafe can be found at 604 Brazos St. To learn more about this timeless cafe, read our feature article here.
Alan Levine/Flickr
No trip to Austin would be complete without a jaw-dropping view of the capital’s rotunda. This massive building is the largest state capital in the U.S, and there’s no shortage of gorgeous things to see. If you’re really fascinated with Texas history, embark on a free capital tour. These free guided adventures leave from the south entrance almost every hour.
Henry Huey/Flickr
In addition to dazzling historic architecture, Austin is also home to the nation’s largest graffiti park. At the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, located at 1101 Baylor St, you’ll see everything from gorgeous works of art to humorous doodles. Bring a can of spray paint and leave your mark (just don’t cover up any of the freshly painted murals!).
North Lamar is home to a plethora of exciting stores. Book lovers will adore scanning the shelves at Book People, located at 603 N Lamar Blvd. Music nerds should head across the street and explore Waterloo Records. Who knows what kind of hidden musical gems you’ll find there! Of course, no trip to Austin would be complete without a trip to the Whole Foods Headquarters. This epic shop is so much more than a grocery store. To learn more about the largest Whole Foods in the U.S, click here.
Elena/Flickr
This is the perfect time for a picnic break! Soak up the sunshine at Zilker Park. This 350-acre park is home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Trail of Lights, but there doesn’t need to be a special event going on in order to enjoy the surroundings.
Matthew Oliphant/Flickr
This South Congress coffee shop will put the pep in your step. After all, there’s still more city to see. While you’re there, you might as well snap a selfie in front of the heartwarming “i love you so much” mural. This is about as Austin as you can get.
Kent Wang/Flickr
After your coffee break, you’ll feel ready for a brisk hike through McKinney Falls State Park. The rushing water and shady trees offer a nice break from the city’s hustle and bustle. This little oasis can be found at 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
St. Elmo Brewing Company/Facebook
Head on over to The Yard, one of South Austin’s newest developments. Here, you’ll find freshly brewed coffee, local wines, tasty whiskey, and hoppy beer. You’re bound to hear music playing from St. Elmo Brewing or Spokesman Coffee Bar, and you can never beat a tasty meal from Soursop Pan Asian food truck. This exciting stretch of hot spots can be found along 440 E St Elmo Rd.
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