Austin Recommendations
Activities:
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Wander through stunning native gardens and discover the diverse plant life of Texas.
- BBQ Tour: Relish world-famous smoked meats by joining a guided BBQ tour to iconic Austin spots.
- Golf Courses in Austin: Play a round at scenic and well-maintained local golf courses.
- Lady Bird Lake Cruise: Enjoy serene city views from a private boat tour.
- Cooking Class at Central Market: Learn gourmet cooking and wine pairings from expert chefs.
- Texas Hill Country Wine Tasting: Visit nearby vineyards in Fredericksburg to sample award-winning wines.
- Paddleboard Lady Bird Lake: Glide across the lake’s calm waters for a mix of relaxation and exercise.
- South Congress Avenue Shopping: Explore unique boutiques and famous spots like Allen’s Boots and Kendra Scott Jewelry.
- German Texas Towns: Escape to charming towns like:
- Fredericksburg: Wineries, boutique shops, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
- Wimberley: Artsy vibes, the Blue Hole swimming spot, and local shops.
- Dripping Springs: Breweries, distilleries, and scenic wedding venues.
- Lockhart: Known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.”
- Gruene: Historic charm, a famous dance hall, and Guadalupe River tubing.
Food / Restaurants:
- Jeffrey's: Luxurious American dining with dry-aged beef.
- Hestia: Unique hearth-based dishes with local ingredients.
- Uchi, Uchiko, or Uchiba: Modern Japanese cuisine with creative sushi options.
- Otoko: Intimate omakase blending sushi and kaiseki.
- Suerte: Innovative Mexican cuisine featuring house-made masa.
- Aba: Mediterranean-inspired dishes served on a scenic patio.
- ATX Cocina: Modern Mexican dishes with a fresh twist.
- Red Ash: Italian-inspired wood-fired specialties.
- Intero: Farm-to-table Italian with handmade pasta and artisanal chocolate.
- Franklin's BBQ: Legendary spot for perfectly smoked brisket.
- Terry Black's BBQ: Casual, family-owned BBQ joint with classic Texas flavors.
- Tacos: Don’t miss these Austin favorites:
- Nixta Taqueria: Innovative tacos with house-made tortillas.
- Cuantos Tacos: Authentic Mexico City-style street tacos.
- Veracruz All Natural: Award-winning migas breakfast tacos.
- Valentina's Tex Mex Garage: Fusion tacos combining BBQ and Tex-Mex.
Must-See Attractions:
- Lady Bird Lake: Walk, jog, or paddle along this scenic reservoir with city skyline views.
- Zilker Botanical Gardens: Explore themed gardens like the Japanese and Prehistoric gardens.
- Barton Springs Pool: Refresh in a natural spring-fed pool year-round.
- The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria: Art museum and sculpture park by Lake Austin.
- Mount Bonnell: Hike to panoramic views of the city and Colorado River.
- Texas Science & Natural History Museum: Natural history exhibits featuring fossils, wildlife, and geology.
- LBJ Presidential Library: Learn about Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency and impact.
- Bullock Texas State History Museum: Discover Texas history through interactive exhibits.
- The Driskill Hotel: Visit this historic landmark for architecture and hospitality.
- The Broken Spoke: Enjoy authentic Texas two-stepping, live country music, and Southern charm.
- Austin City Limits Live: Catch live performances at this renowned music venue.