Austin

Airport transfer to hotel(30 minutes)

AUS is 15 minutes from downtown. Uber/Lyft $20-30. Capital Metro bus 20 is $1.25 but slower

South Congress Avenue stroll(2 hours)

Austin's most iconic strip. 'I love you so much' wall photo op, Allen's Boots (cowboy boots since 1977), Uncommon Objects (vintage curiosities). Street performers and food trucks everywhere

Dinner at Perla's(1.5 hours)

Seafood and oyster bar on SoCo with a shaded patio. Gulf oysters ($18/dozen), lobster roll ($28). Great cocktails. Reservations recommended for patio seating

Franklin Barbecue(3.5 hours)

Get in line by 8AM (opens 11AM). Bring chairs, beer, and a card game. The brisket ($32/lb) is widely considered the best in America. If you can't do the line, pre-order online (limited slots). Sells out by 1-2PM

Walk off lunch on Lady Bird Lake trail(1.5 hours)

Free 10-mile paved loop around the reservoir. The Ann & Roy Butler Trail section has the best downtown skyline views. Start from the Congress Avenue Bridge area

Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake(1.5 hours)

Rent from Texas Rowing Center or The Rowing Dock ($15-20/hour). Calm flat water, perfect for beginners. Views of the Congress Avenue Bridge and downtown

Congress Avenue Bridge bat viewing(45 minutes)

March-October, 1.5 million bats emerge at sunset in a 20-minute exodus. Arrive 30 min early. Watch from the bridge (free), the trail below, or the TGI Fridays patio. Best in August-September

Texas State Capitol(1.5 hours)

Free guided tours every 30 minutes (weekdays). The building is taller than the US Capitol. The grounds are beautiful, and the underground extension is architecturally impressive. Open 7AM-10PM

Lunch at Veracruz All Natural(45 minutes)

Breakfast tacos all day — migas taco ($4.50) with crispy tortilla strips, eggs, cheese, and avocado. Multiple locations. This is THE Austin breakfast taco

Blanton Museum of Art(1.5 hours)

$12 (free Thursdays). UT Austin's art museum. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' chapel — a minimalist masterpiece of colored glass — is the highlight. Latin American art collection is outstanding

Sixth Street live music crawl(3 hours)

Start at The Continental Club (SoCo, legendary since 1957, $5-15 cover). Move to Antone's for blues or Stubb's BBQ for bigger acts ($15-40). Dirty Sixth (Brazos to I-35) is rowdy bars with no cover. East Sixth has craft cocktails. Most music is free weeknights

Morning at Barton Springs Pool(2.5 hours)

$5 adults. 3-acre spring-fed pool, constant 68°F year-round. Locals swim here all year. Grassy banks for lounging. Inside Zilker Park. Closed Thursdays for cleaning. Arrive by 9AM for morning quiet

Lunch at la Barbecue(1 hour)

The backup to Franklin — and some locals prefer it. Brisket ($30/lb), beef ribs ($36/lb). Line is shorter (30-60 min). Cash only. East Cesar Chavez Street

East Austin mural walk(1.5 hours)

Free. The HOPE Outdoor Gallery area and East Austin are covered in massive colorful murals. Walk along East 6th, East 7th, and Cesar Chavez. The 'Greetings from Austin' postcard mural is at 1720 S First Street

Food truck park dinner(1.5 hours)

Meanwhile Brewing (east side) has excellent trucks and a huge patio with craft beer. Or The ABGB (beer garden + pizza). Trucks rotate but expect Thai, Korean, Mexican, and BBQ options ($8-15 per item)

Drive to Dripping Springs(45 minutes)

Highway 290 west. The 'Gateway to the Hill Country.' Rolling limestone hills, live oaks, and wildflowers (peak: March-April)

Jester King Brewery(1.5 hours)

Farmhouse brewery on a ranch. Spontaneously fermented beers ($8-14 pours) brewed with Hill Country water. Pizza from Stanley's Farmhouse Pizza on-site ($14-18). Stunning outdoor setting

Hamilton Pool Preserve(2 hours)

Reservation required ($12/vehicle, book at parks.traviscountytx.gov weeks ahead). A natural grotto pool under a 50-foot waterfall. The jade-green water is stunning. 0.25-mile trail down. Swimming allowed when water quality permits

Wine tasting on Highway 290(2 hours)

Texas Wine Country has 50+ wineries. Top picks: William Chris Vineyards ($20 tasting), Duchman Family Winery ($15, Italian varietals), and Hawk's Shadow Winery. Most open 11AM-6PM

Return to Austin for dinner(1 hour)

Dinner at Uchi — James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant ($15-25 per dish). Reservations essential. The wagyu tataki and maguro sashimi are legendary

Zilker Botanical Garden(1.5 hours)

$5 adults. Japanese garden, dinosaur tracks (real!), and a butterfly garden. Beautiful in spring. Inside Zilker Park near Barton Springs. Opens 9AM

Umlauf Sculpture Garden(45 minutes)

$7 adults. Outdoor sculpture garden with 130+ works set among trees and gardens. Adjacent to Zilker. Meditative and uncrowded

Lunch at Torchy's Tacos(45 minutes)

Austin-born taco chain that's still excellent. The Trailer Park taco ($5, fried chicken, green chiles, cheese) and Democrat ($5, barbacoa, avocado) are classics. Multiple locations

Bullock Texas State History Museum(1.5 hours)

$13. Three floors of Texas history from prehistoric to space exploration. The 'Spirit of Texas' 4D film is fun. IMAX theater ($11 extra). Near the Capitol

Rainey Street evening(2.5 hours)

A street of converted bungalow houses turned into bars with massive patios. Bangers Sausage House & Beer Garden (craft sausages $10-14, 100+ beers), Container Bar (built from shipping containers), Lucille Patio Lounge. Happy hour 3-6PM at most spots

Breakfast at Juan in a Million(45 minutes)

East Austin institution. The Don Juan ($8) — a massive plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, beans, cheese, and tortillas. Bring cash. The owner still greets regulars

Jo's Coffee on SoCo(30 minutes)

Final 'I love you so much' wall photo. Iced turbo ($5). Pick up a bag of beans ($15) as a souvenir. The patio is prime people-watching

Last SoCo shopping(45 minutes)

Grab cowboy boots at Allen's ($150-500), hot sauce at Tears of Joy, or vinyl at Waterloo Records (Austin's legendary record store, a 5-minute drive north)

Airport transfer(20 minutes)

Uber/Lyft $20-30. Allow 2 hours for domestic flights. AUS has live music in the terminal — fitting farewell

Airport transfer(30 minutes)

AUS is close to downtown. Uber/Lyft $20-30

South Congress Avenue stroll(2 hours)

'I love you so much' wall, Allen's Boots, Uncommon Objects. Street performers and food trucks

Dinner at Perla's(1.5 hours)

Seafood on SoCo. Oysters ($18/dozen), lobster roll ($28). Reservations for patio

Franklin Barbecue(3.5 hours)

Line by 8AM, opens 11AM. Brisket ($32/lb) — the best in America. Pre-order online for fewer waits

Lady Bird Lake trail walk(1.5 hours)

Free 10-mile loop. Ann & Roy Butler Trail has downtown skyline views

Paddleboarding(1.5 hours)

Rent at The Rowing Dock ($15-20/hour). Calm flat water, skyline views

Bat viewing at Congress Ave Bridge(45 minutes)

1.5 million bats at sunset, March-October. Free from the bridge. Best August-September

Texas State Capitol(1.5 hours)

Free guided tours. Taller than the US Capitol. Open 7AM-10PM

Lunch at Veracruz All Natural(45 minutes)

Migas taco ($4.50). THE Austin breakfast taco

Blanton Museum of Art(1.5 hours)

$12. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' chapel. Free Thursdays

Sixth Street music crawl(3 hours)

Continental Club, Antone's, Stubb's. Most bars have free live music weeknights

Barton Springs Pool(2.5 hours)

$5. Spring-fed pool at 68°F year-round. Zilker Park. Closed Thursdays

Lunch at la Barbecue(1 hour)

Brisket ($30/lb), beef ribs ($36/lb). Shorter line than Franklin. Cash only

East Austin mural walk(1.5 hours)

Free. 'Greetings from Austin' postcard mural at 1720 S First. Massive colorful murals everywhere

Food truck park dinner(1.5 hours)

Meanwhile Brewing — trucks + craft beer + huge patio. $8-15 per item

Drive to Dripping Springs(45 minutes)

Highway 290 west. Rolling hills, wildflowers in spring

Jester King Brewery(1.5 hours)

Farmhouse ales ($8-14). Pizza on-site ($14-18). Ranch setting

Hamilton Pool Preserve(2 hours)

$12/vehicle, reserve weeks ahead. Natural grotto under 50-foot waterfall

Wine tasting(2 hours)

William Chris ($20), Duchman ($15). 50+ wineries on Highway 290

Dinner at Uchi(1.5 hours)

James Beard Japanese. Wagyu tataki, maguro sashimi ($15-25 per dish). Reservations essential

Zilker Botanical Garden(1.5 hours)

$5. Japanese garden, real dinosaur tracks, butterfly garden

Umlauf Sculpture Garden(45 minutes)

$7. 130+ outdoor sculptures among trees. Meditative

Lunch at Torchy's Tacos(45 minutes)

Trailer Park taco ($5), Democrat taco ($5). Austin-born chain

Bullock Texas State History Museum(1.5 hours)

$13. Three floors of Texas history. IMAX ($11 extra)

Rainey Street evening(2.5 hours)

Bungalow bars with patios. Bangers (sausages + 100 beers), Container Bar. Happy hour 3-6PM

Brunch at Jacoby's(1.5 hours)

Ranch-to-table restaurant on the east side. Brisket eggs Benedict ($18), bottomless mimosas ($15). Waterfront patio on the Colorado River

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Options: browse BookPeople (Texas's largest independent bookstore), explore the 2nd Street District shops, or swim at Deep Eddy Pool ($5, oldest swimming pool in Texas)

Sunset at Mount Bonnell(1 hour)

Free. Climb 106 steps to the highest point in Austin (775 ft) for panoramic views of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. Best at golden hour. 15-minute drive from downtown

Dinner on East 6th(1.5 hours)

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya — Japanese-Texas BBQ fusion. Smoked brisket ramen ($18). One of Austin's most creative restaurants. Reservations essential

Drive to San Antonio(1.5 hours)

I-35 South. 80 miles. Or Texas Eagle Amtrak ($14, 2.5 hours, scenic). Park near the Alamo ($10-20)

The Alamo(1.5 hours)

Free (timed entry tickets required, book online). The 1836 battle site is surprisingly small but moving. The new museum center provides essential context. Allow time for the grounds and chapel

San Antonio River Walk(2 hours)

Free to walk. 15 miles of paths along the San Antonio River, one level below street level. The central loop near the Alamo has restaurants and shops. The Museum Reach section is quieter and more artistic

Lunch at Mi Tierra(1 hour)

24-hour Mexican restaurant in Market Square since 1941. The interior is a riot of papel picado and Christmas lights year-round. Enchiladas Tex-Mex ($15), massive margaritas ($12). Mariachi bands play at your table

Return to Austin(1.5 hours)

Evening drive back. Light dinner at P. Terry's — Austin's beloved drive-through burger ($4.50 combo)

Thinkery children's museum or Elisabet Ney Museum(1.5 hours)

Thinkery ($15) is excellent for families. Elisabet Ney Museum (free) is a hidden gem — the 1892 studio of a German sculptor with her original works

Mueller neighborhood walk(1 hour)

Former airport turned mixed-use community. Farmers' market on Sundays (10AM-2PM). Lake Park with public art installations

Lunch at Micklethwait Craft Meats(1 hour)

East Austin BBQ trailer. Brisket ($28/lb), jalapeño cheese sausage ($8). Shorter line than Franklin, some say just as good

North Loop vintage shopping(2 hours)

North Loop Boulevard has vintage stores (Room Service, Blue Velvet), record shops (Breakaway Records), and funky cafes. A quieter, more local vibe than SoCo

Dinner at Dai Due(1.5 hours)

Farm-to-table using Texas-hunted and foraged ingredients. Wild boar sausage ($16), venison ($32). The butcher shop next door sells house-made charcuterie. Reservations essential

Drive to Fredericksburg(1.5 hours)

Highway 290 west through wine country. The town was founded by German immigrants in 1846 and still has Germanic architecture and traditions

National Museum of the Pacific War(2 hours)

$18 adults. A world-class WWII museum honoring Admiral Nimitz (born in Fredericksburg). The Pacific Combat Zone re-enactment area is incredible. Allow extra time — it's bigger than expected

Main Street walk and lunch(1.5 hours)

German bakeries, antique shops, and wine tasting rooms. Lunch at Otto's German Bistro — schnitzel ($22), bratwurst ($16), German beer. Or Hondo's for Tex-Mex in a cowboy saloon

Peach picking (June-August) or wine tasting(1.5 hours)

Jenschke Orchards or Marburger Orchard for U-pick peaches ($5/lb) in summer. Off-season: Grape Creek Vineyards ($18 tasting) or Becker Vineyards ($15) — both stunning Hill Country settings

Return to Austin(1.5 hours)

Dinner at Mattie's — upstairs at 1900 Manor House. Southern fine dining. Fried chicken ($26), craft cocktails. Garden patio seating

Texas cooking class at Epicurean Hotel(3 hours)

Classes in Tex-Mex, BBQ, or Southern cooking ($85-125). Professional kitchen, small groups. Learn brisket techniques or proper enchilada assembly. Book at epicureanhotelaustin.com

Lunch at Terry Black's Barbecue(1 hour)

Family BBQ dynasty (different branch from Black's in Lockhart). Brisket, turkey, ribs ($18-26/plate). Shorter lines than Franklin, air-conditioned seating. Barton Springs Road location

Farewell Walk on SoCo & South First(2 hours)

Browse shops you missed. South First Street has more local boutiques and less tourist traffic than SoCo. Big Top Candy Shop for nostalgic sweets

Dinner at Emmer & Rye(1.5 hours)

Dim-sum-style small plates brought to your table on trays. Grain-focused, seasonal menu. Inventive cocktails. One of Austin's most creative dining experiences. Reservations essential

Barton Creek Greenbelt hike(2.5 hours)

Free. 12.7 miles of trails through limestone canyons south of downtown. Swimming holes at Sculpture Falls (2-mile hike from trailhead) and Twin Falls. Bring water shoes. Check water levels — some pools dry up in summer

Deep Eddy Pool(1.5 hours)

$5. The oldest swimming pool in Texas (1915), spring-fed. Separate lap pool and wading area. Less crowded than Barton Springs. Locals' favorite

Lunch at Odd Duck(1 hour)

South Lamar farm-to-table. Creative small plates ($12-18). The pork belly with watermelon and the duck fat fries are standouts. Walk-in only at the bar

Free evening(3 hours)

Catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse (Austin-born cinema chain — food and drinks served to your seat, $15-18). Or live comedy at Cap City Comedy Club or The Creek and the Cave

Drive to Lockhart(35 minutes)

Highway 183 south. Small town that takes BBQ as seriously as a religion. Three legendary joints within walking distance

Kreuz Market(1 hour)

Operating since 1900. No sauce, no forks — just smoked meat on butcher paper. Shoulder clod ($16/lb), sausage links ($3 each). Order at the pit, pay at the end. The smoky cathedral-like pit room is stunning

Smitty's Market(45 minutes)

Walk through the fire pit room to order. Originally the same family as Kreuz (they split). Brisket ($22/lb), pork chop ($8). The blackened pit area is atmospheric. Bring cash

Black's Barbecue(45 minutes)

Texas's oldest BBQ joint continuously owned by the same family (1932). More approachable than Kreuz/Smitty's — they have sides, sauce, and seating. Beef rib ($12 each). Pick your favorite of the three

Return to Austin(1 hour)

Nap off the meat sweats. Light dinner at Bouldin Creek Cafe — vegetarian comfort food ($10-15) for balance. East side

Breakfast at Juan in a Million(45 minutes)

The Don Juan ($8) — massive plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, beans. Cash. The owner still greets regulars

Last Jo's Coffee stop(30 minutes)

Final 'I love you so much' wall photo. Iced turbo ($5). Bag of beans ($15)

Waterloo Records(45 minutes)

Austin's legendary record store since 1982. Vinyl, CDs, and local artist sections. Free live in-store performances (check schedule). Great gift shopping

Airport transfer(20 minutes)

Uber/Lyft $20-30. AUS has live music in the terminal and Salt Lick BBQ past security

Airport transfer(30 minutes)

Uber/Lyft $20-30 to downtown

South Congress stroll(2 hours)

'I love you so much' wall, Allen's Boots, Uncommon Objects, food trucks

Dinner at Perla's(1.5 hours)

Oysters ($18/dozen), lobster roll ($28). SoCo patio. Reservations recommended

Franklin Barbecue(3.5 hours)

Line by 8AM. Brisket ($32/lb). Pre-order online if possible

Lady Bird Lake trail(1.5 hours)

Free 10-mile loop. Butler Trail for skyline views

Paddleboarding(1.5 hours)

$15-20/hour at The Rowing Dock

Bat viewing at Congress Bridge(45 minutes)

1.5 million bats at sunset, March-October. Free

Texas State Capitol(1.5 hours)

Free tours. Taller than the US Capitol

Lunch at Veracruz All Natural(45 minutes)

Migas taco ($4.50). THE Austin breakfast taco

Blanton Museum of Art(1.5 hours)

$12. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' chapel is unmissable

Sixth Street music crawl(3 hours)

Continental Club, Antone's, Stubb's. Free music most weeknights

Barton Springs Pool(2.5 hours)

$5. 68°F year-round spring-fed pool. Arrive by 9AM

Lunch at la Barbecue(1 hour)

Brisket ($30/lb). Shorter line than Franklin. Cash only

East Austin mural walk(1.5 hours)

Free. 'Greetings from Austin' mural at 1720 S First

Meanwhile Brewing dinner(1.5 hours)

Food trucks + craft beer + huge patio. $8-15 per item

Drive to Dripping Springs(45 minutes)

Highway 290 west. Hill Country gateway

Jester King Brewery(1.5 hours)

Farmhouse ales ($8-14). Stanley's Pizza on-site ($14-18)

Hamilton Pool Preserve(2 hours)

$12/vehicle, reserve ahead. Natural grotto under 50-foot waterfall

Wine tasting(2 hours)

William Chris ($20), Duchman ($15). Highway 290 wine trail

Dinner at Uchi(1.5 hours)

James Beard Japanese. $15-25/dish. Reservations essential

Zilker Botanical Garden(1.5 hours)

$5. Japanese garden, dinosaur tracks, butterfly garden

Umlauf Sculpture Garden(45 minutes)

$7. 130+ outdoor sculptures

Lunch at Torchy's Tacos(45 minutes)

Trailer Park taco ($5), Democrat taco ($5)

Bullock Texas State History Museum(1.5 hours)

$13. Three floors of Texas history. IMAX

Rainey Street evening(2.5 hours)

Bangers, Container Bar. Happy hour 3-6PM

Brunch at Jacoby's(1.5 hours)

Ranch-to-table. Brisket Benedict ($18), bottomless mimosas ($15). Waterfront patio

Free afternoon(3 hours)

BookPeople, 2nd Street District, or Deep Eddy Pool ($5)

Sunset at Mount Bonnell(1 hour)

Free. 106 steps to Austin's highest point (775 ft). Panoramic views

Dinner at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya(1.5 hours)

Japanese-Texas BBQ fusion. Smoked brisket ramen ($18). Reservations essential

Drive to San Antonio(1.5 hours)

I-35 South. Park near the Alamo ($10-20)

The Alamo(1.5 hours)

Free (timed tickets, book online). 1836 battle site. New museum center

River Walk(2 hours)

Free. 15 miles of paths along the river below street level

Lunch at Mi Tierra(1 hour)

24-hour Mexican since 1941. Enchiladas ($15), margaritas ($12). Mariachi bands

Return to Austin(1.5 hours)

Light dinner at P. Terry's ($4.50 combo)

Elisabet Ney Museum(1 hour)

Free. 1892 sculptor's studio with original works. Hidden gem

Mueller neighborhood(1 hour)

Former airport. Sunday farmers' market (10AM-2PM). Lake Park art installations

Lunch at Micklethwait Craft Meats(1 hour)

East Austin BBQ trailer. Brisket ($28/lb), jalapeño sausage ($8)

North Loop vintage shopping(2 hours)

Room Service Vintage, Breakaway Records. Local vibe

Dinner at Dai Due(1.5 hours)

Wild boar sausage ($16), venison ($32). Foraged Texas ingredients

Drive to Fredericksburg(1.5 hours)

Highway 290. German town founded 1846

National Museum of the Pacific War(2 hours)

$18. World-class WWII museum. Pacific Combat Zone

Main Street lunch(1.5 hours)

Otto's German Bistro — schnitzel ($22), bratwurst ($16). Or Hondo's for Tex-Mex

Peach picking or wine tasting(1.5 hours)

Jenschke Orchards (June-Aug, $5/lb) or Grape Creek Vineyards ($18 tasting)

Return to Austin(1.5 hours)

Dinner at Mattie's — Southern fine dining. Fried chicken ($26)

Texas cooking class(3 hours)

Epicurean Hotel ($85-125). Tex-Mex, BBQ, or Southern cooking classes

Lunch at Terry Black's(1 hour)

BBQ dynasty. Brisket, turkey, ribs ($18-26/plate). AC seating. Shorter lines

South First Street browsing(2 hours)

More local than SoCo. Big Top Candy Shop for nostalgic sweets

Dinner at Emmer & Rye(1.5 hours)

Dim-sum-style small plates brought to your table. Grain-focused, seasonal. Reservations essential

Barton Creek Greenbelt hike(2.5 hours)

Free. Sculpture Falls (2-mile hike). Swimming holes. Bring water shoes

Deep Eddy Pool(1.5 hours)

$5. Oldest pool in Texas (1915), spring-fed

Lunch at Odd Duck(1 hour)

Farm-to-table small plates ($12-18). Duck fat fries are a must

Alamo Drafthouse movie(3 hours)

Austin-born cinema chain. Food and drinks to your seat ($15-18 tickets)

Drive to Lockhart(35 minutes)

Official BBQ Capital of Texas. Three joints walking distance

Kreuz Market(1 hour)

Since 1900. No sauce, no forks. Shoulder clod ($16/lb), sausage ($3). Cathedral-like pit room

Smitty's Market(45 minutes)

Walk through the fire pit to order. Brisket ($22/lb), pork chop ($8)

Black's Barbecue(45 minutes)

Since 1932. More approachable. Beef rib ($12 each). Pick your favorite

Return to Austin(1 hour)

Light dinner at Bouldin Creek Cafe — vegetarian comfort food ($10-15)

Drive to Wimberley(45 minutes)

Highway 12 through rolling hills. Small art-focused village in the hills

Blue Hole Regional Park(2 hours)

$9 adults. Natural spring-fed swimming hole surrounded by cypress trees. Reserve online in summer — sells out. 100-foot-wide pool, crystal clear water

Wimberley town square(1.5 hours)

Galleries, glass-blowing studios, and the Wimberley Cafe for pie ($6/slice). Market Days first Saturday (March-December) draw 300+ vendors

Lunch at Leaning Pear(1 hour)

Farm-to-table in a converted cottage. Seasonal menu — grilled trout ($24), goat cheese salad ($16). Shaded patio. Reservations recommended

Return to Austin(1 hour)

Evening at The Broken Spoke — Austin's last true honky-tonk. Live country music, two-stepping, and Lone Star tallboys ($5). Open since 1964

Sleep in and brunch(2 hours)

Fresa's on South First — wood-fired chicken ($14), street corn ($6). Patio dining. Or Paperboy for upscale breakfast ($12-18)

Free afternoon(4 hours)

Options: rent bikes on Lady Bird Lake ($15/hour), browse HOPE Gallery, visit the LBJ Presidential Library on UT campus ($10, free Thursdays), or simply barton Springs again

Evening at The Broken Spoke or Saxon Pub(2 hours)

Two-stepping at the Spoke or singer-songwriter night at Saxon Pub ($5-10 cover). Saxon is where Austin's best musicians play intimate sets

Drive to Enchanted Rock(1.5 hours)

Advance reservations required ($8/person + $5 parking at Texas Parks). The park regularly hits capacity. Book at texasstateparks.org 2+ weeks ahead

Summit hike(2 hours)

0.6-mile steep climb to the top of the granite dome. 425 feet of elevation gain. The panoramic view of the Hill Country from the bald summit is incredible. Bring water and sunscreen — no shade

Loop trail exploration(1.5 hours)

The Loop Trail (4.5 miles) circles the base with diverse landscapes — creek crossings, caves, and diverse wildflowers. Moderate difficulty

Lunch in Llano(1 hour)

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que — pick your meat directly from the pit outside. Pork chop ($12), big chop ($18). Open-flame cooking since 1953

Return to Austin(1.5 hours)

Stop at Hye Market (roadside wine bar + shop) or Garrison Brothers Distillery ($20 bourbon tour) on the way back

UT Austin campus walk(1.5 hours)

Free. See the Tower (303 feet, observation deck open for tours $6), the Main Mall, and the beautiful Littlefield Fountain. 50,000+ students make it vibrant

LBJ Presidential Library(2 hours)

$10 (free Thursdays). Best presidential library in Texas. The Oval Office replica, Lady Bird's exhibits, and Civil Rights era artifacts are compelling. On the UT campus

Lunch on the Drag (Guadalupe Street)(45 minutes)

Madam Mam's Thai ($10-14, UT students' favorite), or tacos at Tyson's Tacos ($5 each). The Drag is the commercial strip alongside UT

Harry Ransom Center(1.5 hours)

Free. UT's incredible research library with the Gutenberg Bible (one of 21 complete copies in the world), first photograph ever taken, and literary manuscripts. Tucked away on campus

Dinner at Suerte(1.5 hours)

East Austin Mexican fine dining. Wood-fire suadero tacos ($7 each), mole ($24). James Beard semi-finalist. Reservations essential

Morning kayak on Lady Bird Lake(2 hours)

Zilker Park boat rentals ($15/hour kayak). Paddle under Congress Avenue Bridge and past downtown. Watch for turtles on logs and great blue herons

Bike the Ann & Roy Butler Trail(1.5 hours)

MetroBike ($1 unlock + $0.12/minute) or rent from Mellow Johnny's bike shop (Lance Armstrong's shop, $30/half day). The 10-mile loop is mostly flat with skyline views

Lunch at Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ(1 hour)

South Austin trailer (now with permanent location). Brisket breakfast tacos ($6) all day, fat brisket plates ($22). Lines form at 11AM. One of Austin's most unique food spots

Afternoon at Zilker Park(2 hours)

Free. Lay out on the great lawn, play disc golf at the course, or rent paddleboards one more time. The park is Austin's soul

Dinner at Justine's Brasserie(1.5 hours)

French bistro on East 5th with a dreamy garden patio. Steak frites ($32), late-night croque madame ($18). Open until 2AM. No reservations — the late-night scene is buzzy

Drive to New Braunfels(50 minutes)

I-35 South. Town founded by German settlers in 1845. Known for tubing, wurstfest, and Schlitterbahn waterpark

Tubing on the Guadalupe River(3 hours)

Rent a tube from Rockin' R River Rides ($20/person, includes shuttle). Float 2-3 hours through rapids and calm stretches. Bring a cooler (tied to your tube). Best in summer (water temp 70°F from springs)

Lunch at Gristmill River Restaurant(1 hour)

In the ruins of an old cotton gin above the Guadalupe River. Chicken fried steak ($18), fried catfish ($16). The riverside patio view is stunning. Gruene Historic District

Gruene Hall(1 hour)

Texas's oldest dance hall (1878). Live music daily, usually free weekday afternoons. George Strait and Willie Nelson have played here. The worn wooden floors and open walls are authentically Texas

Return to Austin(50 minutes)

Evening rest or one last Rainey Street round

Morning swim at Barton Springs(1.5 hours)

One last dip in the 68°F waters. $5 entry. The early morning swim before crowds is special

Brunch at Elizabeth Street Cafe(1 hour)

Vietnamese-French bakery on South First. Pho ($14), banh mi ($12), incredible pastries ($5-7). The Paris-meets-Saigon interior is beautiful

Last shopping(2 hours)

Waterloo Records for vinyl souvenirs, Toy Joy for kitschy gifts, Austin Eastciders taproom for cider flights ($10) and to-go cans

Farewell dinner at Launderette(1.5 hours)

East Austin restaurant in a converted laundromat. Gulf shrimp ($28), wood-roasted carrots ($14). The brûléed honey pie dessert ($12) is unforgettable. Reservations recommended

Final Sixth Street walk(1 hour)

One last pass through the live music district. Catch a band at Elephant Room (jazz, $5-10 cover) or Hole in the Wall (indie, usually free)

Breakfast at Juan in a Million(45 minutes)

The Don Juan ($8). Cash. Legend

Last Jo's Coffee(30 minutes)

Final wall photo and iced turbo ($5). Beans for home ($15)

Waterloo Records(45 minutes)

Last vinyl hunt. Check for in-store performances

Airport transfer(20 minutes)

Uber/Lyft $20-30. AUS has live music in the terminal and Salt Lick BBQ past security