Mini Guide for a Weekend Girls Trip to Austin, Texas
Planning a weekend trip to Austin, Texas with friends? Check out this mini guide for a list of recommendations on places to eat and drink, cute photo opportunities, and things to do while visiting.
Where to Eat
Brunch / Lunch
1886 Café & Bakery is located in the historic Driskill Hotel and is great brunch spot if you’re staying in downtown Austin due to it’s central location. It has delicious food and beautiful vintage tea-room inspired decor. If you are here in December, the hotel lobby also has a spectacular 16 ft. Christmas tree that is definitely worth the visit.
The Peached Tortilla has a laid-back atmosphere and retro vibe, making it perfect for a casual but fun Sunday brunch. Its cuisine is a unique blend of Asian and Southern fare. Try distinctive menu items such as the brisket hash with kimchi miso corn, sweet potatoes, fresnos, onion jam, and a fried egg.
Aba has an unbeatable ambiance and is a perfect place to stop for lunch or afternoon cocktails while exploring South Congress. The Mediterranean-inspired patio is complete with glittery lights, tranquil water fountains, and lush green plants. Make sure to order the pita bread and spreads – they were simply addictive.
Taqueria Mucho is a fun pink-themed restaurant serving tacos and cute drinks. This instgrammable restaurant is complete with neon signs, floral phone booths, and photo-worthy cocktails. We didn’t get to visit during our trip but adding to my list for the next time I visit Austin!
Dinner / Late Night Food
Velvet Tacos
For a quick bite while in downtown, check out Velvet Tacos. They have several delicious vegetarian options and are open till 3am on weekdays. Try an inventive menu item such as fried paneer tacos or beer battered cauliflower!
Food Trucks
Another great option for late night food or a quick dinner are the many food trucks you can find around the city. One of my favorites was a truck selling momos (Nepali dumplings) on Rainey Street but the options are endless. You can find trucks selling anything from churros, frozen banana desserts, vegan tacos, BBQ, vegetarian soul food, baked potatoes and pizza.
Fonda San Miguel
If you’re tired of casual eateries and looking for dinner with a nice ambiance, definitely check out Fonda San Miguel. This old-world hacienda style restaurant has a stunning interior complete with chandeliers, elaborately carved wooden doors Mexican style artwork, and colorful ceramic tiles.
Where to Get Cocktails
Austin has an amazing bar scene from live music, waterfront views, speakeasies, and swanky rooftops. Here are a few suggestions for places to grab a drink with great vibes and delicious cocktails.
Zanzibar
A tropical-island themed rooftop terrace on the seventh floor of the Austin Marriot Downtown. Check out this bar for daytime cocktails and feel like you’ve stepped intro a lush tropical paradise.
The Edge Rooftop
A luxurious and modern rooftop lounge at the JW Marriot Austin. This lounge is perfect place to wind down with evening cocktails by cozy fire pits and enjoy stunning views of downtown. If you visit during the daytime, you can take a swim in the heated rooftop pool and order frozen cocktails from the pool bar.
Azul Rooftop
Another rooftop bar option is Azul, located at the Westin Austin Downtown. This modern rooftop bar is the highest in Austin at 20 floors high and comes with private cabanas and cozy fire pits.
Oasis on Lake Travis
If you have time to get outside of central Austin, check out the Oasis on Lake Travis, nicknamed the Sunset Capital of Texas. This restaurant serves nachos and margaritas with amazing waterfront views from their outdoor decks. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset.
Garage
Have you ever been to a cocktail bar inside of a parking garage? This bar is definitely one of the most unique speakeasies you can experience. The outside is unassuming but Garage features a beautiful interior with amazing cocktails.
Things to Do
South Congress
South Congress is a must see on your trip to Austin. Take a walk down this street and visit quirky boutiques, art stalls, and outdoor markets. There are also many well-known restaurants located here where you could stop for brunch or dinner such as Cafe No Se and Aba.
Murals
One of my favorites things about Austin is all of the colorful street art. Make sure to take some time to stop by its famous murals, especially while on South Congress. Check out my IG post for a list of famous Austin murals and locations.
Ladybird Lake Trail
If you’re looking a low-key outdoor activity, consider taking a stroll by Ladybird Lake. It’s located close to Downtown but provides a peaceful oasis if you’re looking to take a break from the city.
Boating
If you are in Austin during the spring or summer, renting a boat on Lake Austin or Lake Travis can be an unforgettable way to spend an afternoon. Check out the party pontoon boat options which would be perfect for large groups or bachelorette parties and come with bluetooth sound systems, coolers, and floats.
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, some other water activities to consider are Barton Springs, Krause Springs, and Jacob’s Well. Make sure to check their websites for opening months and reservations.
Rainey Street
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene then definitely head to the historic Rainey Street, with renovated bungalows turned into bars. Here you can spend the night bar hopping and visit unique and fun places such as bars made of old shipping containers and circus themed bars with hula hoops and slides. Rainey Street is also home to many food trucks which are perfect for that late night post-bar snack.
