With major Texas cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston within just a few hours’ drive from Austin, and thanks to the city’s convenient international airport, Austin can be just a hop away for many weekenders. Austin comes alive on the weekends with live music, outdoor activities, and cultural events, making it easy to see how the town has earned its chic reputation. There’s something for everyone in Austin, so whether you’re slipping away for a relaxing weekend retreat or a fun-filled getaway with friends, you’ll find ways to make your weekend in Austin memorable. Adding these Austin highlights to the itinerary will ensure you end your weekend trip to Austin with nothing but positive vibes about your weekend journey to Austin!
Discover the Meaning Behind Austin’s Nickname “Bat City”
A visit to Austin may not inspire thoughts of watching a million bats in flight, but this phenomenon has become an Austin rite of passage. In the heart of downtown Austin, 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats make a nightly departure from Congress Bridge in their quest to forage for food. Catch these bats in action from mid-March to early November. Congress Bridge stretches across Lady Bird Lake, making it a scenic setting. The bats swoop into the air in unison, creating a dramatic effect that can either be viewed from the bridge or from another unique vantage point. Consider viewing the bats from the water on a boat tour with operators such as Capital Cruises or Lone Star Riverboats, where you’ll escape the crowds and enjoy the favorable vantage point of looking up at the bats silhouetted against the evening sky. Live Love Paddle also offers a bat watching tour that puts you at one with nature right in the heart of Austin.
Grab a Local Brew & Bite to Eat
The craft brew trend is alive and well in Austin, resulting in a wide range of options for finding your new favorite beer. At the same time, Austin is also a foodie’s haven, with boutique restaurants that range from upscale to down-to-earth food trucks found all over the city. In a city like Austin, there’s no need to result to restaurant chains! Many of Austin’s favorite places to grab a local brew also have fantastic outdoor spaces, making them a great place to linger awhile, try a few different brews, and meet some like-minded people at the sprawling community-style tables. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden is an Austin mainstay and offers over 100 beers on tap, so there’s truly something for everyone in the group. Zilker Brewing Company offers their own brews and an upscale vibe.
Austin mainstays such as Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill will awaken your inner foodie with comfort food favorites such as chicken and waffles alongside refreshing hard lemonade. And of course, you can’t miss Austin’s thriving food truck scene, where you just might be surprised at the upscale chef quality. Get your Tex-Mex fix at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ or satisfy the vegan palate at Vegan Nom. Top off the afternoon with dessert at the Bananarchy or Churro Co.
Embrace the Outdoors on the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Yes, Austin is home to around one million residents, but that doesn’t mean the city is all pavement and crowds. In fact, you don’t have to even venture outside the city’s bounds to immerse yourself in nature. Austin’s green spaces wind their way right through the heart of the city, adding one more reason to love this metropolis. Spend some time on the Barton Creek Greenbelt during your weekend journey to Austin, walking and biking along the gently flowing Barton Creek. Along the way, you’ll find small waterfalls, swimming holes, and rocky areas to explore. The Flats, Twin Falls, and Sculpture Falls are a few of the top places to explore along the Greenbelt. Bring your swimsuit and sense of adventure!
Explore Districts Such as South Congress and Rainey Street
Shop, dine, and people watch your way through two of Austin’s most interesting districts. South Congress Avenue is lined with boutiques great for a unique shopping experience, and live music can often be heard drifting down the streets of this chill locale. From costumes to home goods, South Congress offers a uniquely Austin experience and throwback retro feel. It’s the heart of the “Keep Austin Weird” movement and a must-visit on any trip to Austin. For a memorable night in the town, make sure to add to your Austin weekend itinerary a visit to the Rainey Street District packed with some of the best and most unique bars in the city. What began with an old home converted into a bar has now expanded to a unique area with a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to a wide range of patrons. Grab a specialty cocktail at Lustre Pearl, the bar where it all began!
Not only is Austin filled with ways to make your weekend getaway memorable, but you’ll also find a wide range of chic vacation rentals on which to base your stay. Check out these beautiful vacation rentals perfect for your weekend getaway to Austin, Texas! Contact us at Austin Vacation Rentals for more reasons to love Austin.
