Austin, Texas
Austin is a beautiful city full of music, art, great food and a vibrate nightlife. This city of nearly 100,000 people is located in America’s second largest state, Texas. Austin is less than two hours from the city of San Antonio and less than 3 hours from Houston (driving). There is an endless list of activities, events and festivals to attend in this artistic city, from SXSW to Austin City Limits Music Festival, there is truly something for everyone. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 still posing a big safety concern several mayors and governors have maintained initial restrictions on large in person events or “gatherings” until further notice, and Austin is no exception. Always check the Austin government website for latest updates on COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
However, that does not mean that your trip to Austin can’t still be just as great! The below list of 20 COVID-era, fun activities are sure to keep you busy and as active as ever. Some of these activities will require you to travel a little outside of downtown Austin, but that may not be a bad idea during this time! Consider getting out of the city and booking your stay along Lake Travis or the Colorado River!
Mount Bonnell
When visiting Austin you must carve out some time for Mount Bonnell. This summit can be made into a long or quick stop on your trip and the peak offers amazing views, especially at sunset. At the top you will overlook the famous Pennybacker Bridge also known as the 360 Bridge and the Colorado River. Anyone who is moderately active can do this quick adventure to the highest point in Austin, reaching 775 feet! It shouldn’t take you anymore than 10 to 15 minutes to reach the top. There you can take in the stunning views, take pictures and even stop to have a picnic if you have the time.
Check Out Rainey Street
Rainey Street is a staple of Austin, Texas and a must see on your trip. There are several bars, restaurants and tons of live music to enjoy. Although the live music may be on pause right now this street is a staple of downtown Austin and always worth checking out!
Shop on Second Street
Second Street is nothing short of a true Austin, Texas experience. This walkable downtown district has plenty to see and do. Here you will find your fill of shopping, dining and music.
Quench Your Thirst At Some Of Austin’s Best Breweries
Austin, Texas has over 50 active breweries. Several of them offer outdoor seating and many great beers to choose from. Most will also have one of Austin’s famous taco trucks nearby. Some of my favorites are Hops & Grain, which has a full open patio for you, your friends and even your pup, and Live Oak Brewing Company, which also offers outdoor seating and disc golf! Hops & Grain is known for their Hazy IPA and Live Oak Brewing Company has a world renowned Live Oak Hefeweizen. Live Oak is also conveniently located about 10 minutes from AUS airport.
Take A Wine Tour
There are so many incredible wineries in and around downtown Austin, Texas that will not disappoint. However, one of my favorite places to visit for a wine tour is Dripping Springs, Texas located just outside of downtown. Spending a day exploring the wineries and views of the countryside in Dripping Springs could be just what the doctor ordered. Two of my favorite wineries are Sidecar Winery and Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood. Sidecar Winery has a prohibition feel to it and offers several different vibrant wines, food and live music. Fall Creek Winery is only about 30 minutes outside of Austin and offers some luscious views and spacious outdoor seating. You can also book a wine tour in the area through Discover Texas Wine Tours for a full day of wine tasting.
Picnic In Zilker Park
Zilker Park in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas is a great place to relax and layout on a nice day. This beautiful 350-acre park is a go to place for the locals and visitors. This park is actually the location of the infamous music festival, Austin City Limits (ACL). The park is also situated right next to a 10-mile bike and running trail that surrounds Lady Bird Lake. Grab some blankets, lunch and music and become the DJ of your own Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Lady Bird Lake
Right next to Zilker Park is the famous Lady Bird Lake. This stunning lake is actually a part of the Colorado River that runs right through the city. Here you will find a lot of active locals. There is a lot of hiking and biking along the 10-mile trail that surrounds the lake. And on the lake there are activities like cruises, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding.
Lake Travis
On the other side of the Mansfield Dam and just about 30 minutes outside of the heart of downtown Austin is Lake Travis. There is no lack of shoreline, hotels and dining along this stunning, freshwater destination. If you are staying on Lake Travis or just visiting you will not be disappointed with a stop at Oasis On The Lake. Grab a bite to eat or just stop for a drink and enjoy the remarkable views that Lake Travis has to offer. And for the adventure seekers there are several ziplining tours on the lake, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures features the longest zipline tour in Texas.
Hippie Hollow Park
Hippie Hollow Park is the perfect place to relax, swim and catch some rays. This park is located on Lake Travis and features so terrific views of the lake. Please be aware that clothing is optional at this park.
Wonder Spaces
Check out Wonder Spaces interactive art exhibit in Austin, Texas. The space currently features 12 immersive and unconventional exhibits with social distancing guidelines dutifully followed. The exhibits are constantly being changed so if you have already been to this exhibit fear not, there will always be something new for you to discover. For adults tickets range between $20-$24 dollars. I recommend booking your reservation in advance and plan for at least 90 minutes to take your time to explore the space and experience the exhibits.
Cathedral of Junk
For those with an artistic side the Cathedral of Junk is a twist on traditional art that you cannot miss. This trendy, trashy clubhouse puts a whole new meaning to the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and offers some cool instagram-able shots. Please keep in mind this space is located on a private street at someone’s actual house so be respectful of the neighborhood and call ahead.
Catch a Show
Looking for a more relaxing evening? Visit Blue Starlight Drive-In, in Austin, Texas and catch a flick from the comfort of your own car. There is also the historic Paramount Theatre. This historic theater on Congress Avenue hosts several events, movie premiers and live performances. Built in 1915, the venue still has an early 1900s look and feel with many of the original art and architectural details still in tact.
Chow Down!
Austin is a city of culinary mastery with so many delectable places to eat! For a fun, flirty instagrammable dinner check out Taquero Mucho. This Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin features pink everything, even pink tacos! Plan ahead as they do not take reservations and the wait can be about 2 hours. Don’t worry there is an outdoor bar where you can purchase adult fruit drink pouches from while you wait! Iron Cactus is also a great Mexican grill and margarita bar in downtown Austin. Another Austin favorite is Corner Bar and Restaurant with plenty of open air seating. If you are looking for some classic Texas BBQ check out Stubb’s Bar-B-Q. Probably my favorite place for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch is Bouldin Creek Café. This sustainable and artistic joint offers several vegetarian and even some vegan dishes that anyone would enjoy.
Barton Springs Pool
This spring fed, natural limestone pool located 5 minutes from Zilker Park is a great place to swim and sunbathe all day. You will feel relaxed and recharged after a day at Barton Springs Pool.
Yoga
For the yogis out there Austin, Texas offers several types of yoga classes and some outdoor options as well. For those looking to spice up their yoga routine try some SUP yoga on Lady Bird Lake or Goga (aka Goat Yoga) in Bee Cave, TX about 30 minutes outside of the city.
Check out a Local Farmers Market
If you love to experience the local community coming together, get out early on a Saturday or a Sunday to visit the local Farmers’ Markets. SFC Farmers Market in downtown Austin is on Saturdays in Republic Square. Also, the Texas Farmers Market and Mueller is on Sunday’s from 10AM – 2PM about 15-20 minutes outside the heart of downtown Austin, Texas.
Explore LongHorn Cavern State Park
LongHorn Cavern State Park is a bit of a drive outside the city, about 1.5 hours, but offers some stunning cavernous views. This 1.1 mile guided hiking tour takes you 130 feet below the surface to experience Texas from a completely different view point. Reservations will need to be made in advance and the cost is about $20 per person. The park hours of operation are from 10AM – 4PM and the tour is estimated to take about 90 minutes.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
This park offers AM and PM reservations with a $12 per vehicle fee and $18 per person entrance fee. If you are hiking to the Hamilton Pool Preserve the trail is about 1 mile up and back. Due to current conditions the Hamilton Pool Preserve is closed to swimming, but is still open to those who wish to visit and experience the natural beauty of this park.
Colorado Bend State Park
A 2-hour drive from Austin, Colorado Bend State Park has 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, camping and cave tours. There is a $5 entrance fee and camping sites for as low as $10 a night. Reservations must be made in advance as you will need to scan the QR code on your reservation to enter the park with a vehicle.
Gruene, Texas
If you are also stopping in San Antonio during your Texas trip or have time to travel a little outside of Austin a stop in Gruene will not disappoint. This quaint German town will take you back to the mid-1800s, with dirt roads, antique shops and the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall.
Now that you have your Austin, Texas trip itinerary planned, check out our latest travel packing blog post, 10 easy travel packing hacks, to help you easily pack for your trip to Austin, Texas!