Over the last decade or so, Austin has become a hot spot in the US attracting more than 30 million visitors each year! And while it is known as the “live music capital of the world” it’s more than just the music that draws people in! Austin is a mecca for foodies offering some of the best barbeque and Tex-Mex in the world, but it’s also a haven for outdoor lovers as the city boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year! Add to that its history and quirky, vibrant culture and it’s easy to see why Austin has become one of America’s “it” cities! We had the pleasure of visiting the lively capital of Texas and have put together what we think is the best One Day in Austin itinerary as well as the ultimate Austin Food Guide (coming soon)! So, put on your two-steppin' boots, loosen that belt up a notch or two, and let’s dive into the unique and contrasting culture that is Austin, Texas!
⬇️ Check out our “One Day in Austin” video for a closer look at our time there! ⬇️
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⬇️ Looking for the perfect stay in Austin? Check out these recommendations! ⬇️
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARRIVE Austin
Now, let's get to exploring!
8:30am: Breakfast Tacos and Coffee at Veracruz All Natural & Radio Coffee & Beer (4204 Menchaca Rd)
Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, fresh juices, smoothies, and aguas frescas, Veracruz All Natural has multiple locations around Austin, but our favorite part about this location is that it’s located in the outdoor courtyard/food court of Radio Coffee & Beer so you can enjoy a hot (or cold) cup of coffee (or tea) with your breakfast tacos! Our personal favorite taco was the El Sancho which consisted of Chorizo, Egg, and Monterey Jack cheese served on a corn tortilla. So good!
Other Options:
~ Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop (2305 E 7th St)
~ Rosita's Al Pastor (1801 E Riverside Dr)
~ Marcelino's (901 Tillery St)
10:00am: Tour the Texas State Capitol Building (1100 Congress Ave)
As the largest state capitol building in the US (by square footage), the Texas State Capitol is a sight to behold! Standing over 300 feet tall, it is one of the tallest state capitols in the United States and features a distinctive dome topped with the "Goddess of Liberty" statue. The building is primarily constructed from "Sunset Red" granite sourced from Marble Falls, Texas giving it its unique pinkish-orange hued color. Inside, the Capitol boasts ornate woodwork, a beautiful rotunda, and impressive legislative chambers, with the central rotunda displaying portraits of every individual who has served as president of the Republic of Texas or governor of the State of Texas. The 22-acre Capitol grounds feature numerous monuments and statues commemorating various aspects of Texas history. Needless to say, the Texas State Capitol is worth a visit in our opinion!
12:00pm: Lunch at Terry Black’s Barbecue (1003 Barton Springs Rd)
With roots in Texas barbecue dating back to 1932, the Black family knows its way around a barbecue pit! And since opening the first Terry Black’s location in Austin back in 2014, Terry Black’s has become a staple in Austin’s barbecue scene with its center-cut beef ribs, brisket, sausage, and smoked turkey serving as the main attractions! It’s not unusual to see people lined up out the door on any given day just waiting to scratch their smoked-meats itch, so be sure to arrive early and be prepared to possibly wait, but it’s so worth it! The center-cut beef rib and brisket were our favorites!
Other Options:
~ Franklin Barbecue (900 E 11th St)
~ Interstellar BBQ (12233 Ranch Rd 620 N suite 105)
~ Leroy and Lewis Barbecue (5621 Emerald Forest Dr)
2:00pm: Visit the LBJ Presidential Library (2313 Red River St)
Located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the LBJ Presidential Library is a museum and research center dedicated to the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. It was dedicated on May 22, 1971, with Johnson and then-President Richard Nixon in attendance. The library holds a vast collection of documents, photographs, recordings, and other artifacts from Johnson's life and political career, including his time as Vice President and President. The library features permanent exhibits on Johnson's Great Society programs, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and other significant events of the 1960s. Interactive displays, historical recreations, and educational programs offer a comprehensive view of his presidency and its impact on American society. There is also a significant exhibit dedicated to LBJ’s well-known and loved wife and first lady, Claudia Alta Johnson, AKA "Lady Bird" which was a fascinating look into her life not only as the first lady but as a successful businesswoman, author, and activist. Regardless of your interest or knowledge of LBJ, the LBJ Presidential Library is an impressive museum that is well worth a visit.
4:30pm: Explore South Congress Avenue!
Known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, and live music venues, South Congress Avenue (AKA SoCo) is a vibrant and iconic area that reflects the city's unique culture and creative spirit. SoCo offers a lively atmosphere with its colorful murals, street performers, and local shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade goods. Key landmarks include the historic South Congress Hotel, the Austin Motel with its retro neon sign, and the famous "I love you so much" mural. No trip to Austin would be complete without a visit to SoCo.
Notable Stops:
Food/Drink:
~ Jo’s Coffee (“I Love You So Much” mural)
~ Home Slice Pizza (NY Pizza by the slice)
~ Amy’s Ice Cream
~ Lucky Robot (sushi & ramen with a Latin American twist)
~ Manana (coffee shop)
Shops:
~ STAG Provisions For Men (men’s boutique clothing store)
~ Triple Z Threadz SoCo (men’s clothing)
~ Noah Marion (handmade leather goods)
~ Allens Boots (iconic store with more than 4,000 cowboy boots)
~ Prototype Vintage Design (vintage clothing store)
~ Maufrais (hat shop)
~ Society by Jackson Vaughn (candle store)
6:30pm: Dinner at Torchy’s Tacos (1822 S Congress Ave)
Established in 2006, Torchy’s Tacos started as a food trailer and quickly gained a following for its creative and high-quality tacos and is now a staple in the Austin food scene. The menu features a variety of options, including classic tacos, breakfast tacos, and unique creations like the "Trailer Park" taco (fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheddar cheese) and the "Brushfire" taco (Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro). In addition to tacos, Torchy’s offers a selection of sides with the most popular being their Award-Winning Green Chile Queso. While Torchy’s has now expanded beyond Austin, opening numerous locations across Texas and other states, having these iconic tacos in their home city is an experience worth adding to your Austin itinerary.
Other Options:
~ Home Slice Pizza (1415 S Congress Ave)
~ Lucky Robot (1303 S Congress Ave)
~ The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (1305 W Oltorf St)
8:00pm: Live Music and Dancing at the Broken Spoke (3201 S Lamar Blvd)
Established in 1964, this legendary honky-tonk and dance hall renowned for its authentic country music and vibrant atmosphere has hosted countless country music icons such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and George Strait just to name a few. The Spoke (as the locals call it) features live music, dance lessons, and a restaurant serving classic Texas fare (steaks, chicken, barbecue, burgers, and sandwiches). In a world full of curated, Instagram-able establishments, the Broken Spoke’s dive-bar aesthetic and questionable cleaning habits are a breath of fresh air – figuratively speaking – making this cultural landmark a must when visiting Austin.
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your time in Austin, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
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