Austin, Texas, USA 4 Day Itinerary

Austin, Texas 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Austin & South Congress

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel (Recommended: JW Marriott Austin, a centrally located luxury option)
  • Grab breakfast at Terry Black’s Barbecue or Cafe No Se in the South Congress area

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Texas State Capitol and explore downtown museums (Bullock Texas State History Museum, Blanton Museum of Art)
  • Stroll along South Congress Ave, shop local boutiques, and visit iconic murals like “Greetings from Austin”
  • Lunch at Home Slice Pizza or Terry Black’s Barbecue (again, depending on the time)

Evening:

  • Catch a show at Moody Theater (home of Austin City Limits Live Music) or enjoy live music at a local bar like C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
  • Dinner at Odd Duck, Perla’s Seafood and Oysters, or Juan in a Million for breakfast tacos

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures & South Austin

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Waffle House (Austin staple)
  • Visit Barton Springs Pool or rent kayaks and explore Lady Bird Lake

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Torchy’s Tacos or Matt’s El Rancho in South Austin
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of South Austin, such as Bouldin Creek, Zilker Park, and South Congress
  • Visit Hippie Hollow Park, Austin’s famous clothing-optional park (for the more adventurous)

Evening:

  • Dinner at Taco Deli or Matt’s El Rancho
  • Catch a show or open mic night at one of South Austin’s many bars, such as The Continental Club or Cactus Cafe

Day 3: East Austin & Graffiti Park

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Eastside Café or Biscuits and Groovy in East Austin
  • Explore the vibrant murals and street art scene at Graffiti Park (Castle Hill)

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Takoba, Veracruz All Natural, or Barley Swine
  • Visit the East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) to see local artist studios and galleries (November)
  • Check out The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection if interested in Japanese culture

Evening:

  • Dinner at Odd Duck, Suerte, or Emmer & Rye
  • Catch a comedy show at Capital City Comedy Club or enjoy live music at The White Horse

Day 4: Hill Country & Barton Springs

Morning:

  • Pack a picnic and head to Hamilton Pool Preserve (reservations required) for a morning dip in a natural pool

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Salt Lick BBQ or Tiller’s BBQ in Driftwood, Texas (on the way back from Hamilton Pool)
  • Return to Austin and relax by Barton Springs Pool or explore Zilker Botanical Garden

Evening:

  • Farewell dinner at Uchi, Fonda San Miguel, or Sway
  • Grab a nightcap at East Side Show Room or Midnight Cowboy

Transportation:

  • Rent a car, use rideshares like Uber and Lyft, or explore Austin’s bike-friendly streets with the city’s bike-share program, Austin B-Cycle.
  • For longer trips outside of Austin, consider using Capital Metro (Austin’s public transit system) or Super Shuttle.

Tips:

  • Remember to bring sunscreen and water for outdoor activities.
  • Check event schedules for concerts, festivals, and other special events during your visit.
  • Don’t forget to try Austin’s famous breakfast tacos!
  • Embrace Austin’s friendly “Keep Austin Weird” spirit by exploring local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Enjoy your trip to Austin, Texas!