How to Spend 3 Days in Austin, Texas

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With 3 days in Austin, you’re definitely not going to see it all, but trust me, you’ll be dreaming of coming back for more! Austin stole my heart—it’s quirky, lively, and has that perfect mix of old and new. It’s a place where there’s always something going on, and I think that’s what makes it so special (reminds me a lot of St. Pete, which is probably why I love it so much).

Whether you’re exploring the cool downtown area, diving into the food scene, or soaking up the music culture, your 3 days in Austin are sure to be jam-packed!

13 Things to Do With 3 Days in Austin

1. Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is a half-mile loop trail. After 102 stairs you’ll reach the view deck and pavilion. Make sure to explore all of the little side trails and gaze at the gorgeous estates below!

While it’s considered the highest point in Austin, you really don’t have to put too much effort into reaching the peak. If you want you can even bring food and enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic table areas along the main trail. It’s beautiful (but definitely more crowded) around sunset.

2. 360 Bridge Overlook 

The 360 Bridge Overlook is one of the best free things to do in Austin! It’s another short trail (half a mile, out and back) with a high reward. You’ll get views of Lake Austin and the Pennybacker Bridge. Something you may notice is that Pennybacker Bridge is constructed so that no part of the structure touches the water.

This keeps Lake Austin free from support columns, which is great because the recreational lake is highly popular with boaters and water skiers. While it’s a half a mile out and back from the bottom to the cliff viewpoint, there is a trail that goes a little less than a mile further out.

If you have a group, This 2-hour private boat tour leaves from the same spot and takes you and up to 11 friends all around Lake Austin!

3. The Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is definitely one of those spots that’s just stunning to see! The grounds and architecture are gorgeous, and if you’ve got a little extra time, they offer free 30-minute tours (which are totally worth it). If you’re not feeling the tour, no worries! You can swing by anytime before 10 PM on weekdays or 8 PM on weekends.

Oh, and if you don’t have a rental car, this small group tour is awesome! It takes you around to several of Austin’s landmarks, including the Capitol!

4. Check Out the Speakeasies

You’ve gotta check out the speakeasies in Austin – we loved Firehouse Lounge and Midnight Cowboy! Firehouse is tucked inside a hostel, and you enter through a bookshelf. No reservations, but it’s pretty spacious so you won’t have trouble finding a spot.

Midnight Cowboy, on the other hand, requires reservations. It came highly recommended by locals, and it didn’t disappoint! The best part? The Uber driver had no clue where to drop us off, which was the perfect sign we were headed to the right place. Look for the modest door at 313 E. Sixth Street with a red light above it – that means they’re open. Then press the buzzer for “Harry Craddock” to get in!

The service is super personal, and the drink menu is all about the bartenders’ unique concoctions. Plus, the building has a cool history that your bartender will definitely share.

Some other speakeasies in Austin to check out:

• Here Nor There
• Milonga Room
• Floppy Disc Repair Co
• J. Stephen’s

5. Go Out On Rainey Street

Y’all, Rainey Street is a whole vibe! I seriously fell in love with it. If you’re looking for a fun night out (or a killer Sunday Funday), this is your spot. Think vintage homes turned into bungalow bars with chill backyard patios and lively parties.

Each bar has its own unique charm! We went on a Friday night, but I’ll be honest – I wasn’t feeling the line-waiting game, so I missed out on some of the spots I was dying to try, like Container Bar, Bungalow, and The Parlor Bar. But honestly, there’s no bad bar here. We had an amazing time at Augustine and Stagger Lee, but trust me, I’m hitting up all the Rainey bars next time I’m in Austin.

If you’re still in the mood for more, Sixth Street is a fun spot for bars and great food too!

6. South Congress

South Congress is another area that has it all: cute boutiques, delicious food, and trendy spots. Plus, the famous Austin bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge! Find a cozy spot to watch as the world’s largest urban bat colony emerges from beneath.

I recommend skipping the crowds and doing a kayak tour to watch the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge from the river – it’s an unforgettable experience!

While you’re in the area, brunch at South Congress Cafe is a must. Carrot cake French toast? Yes, please! I’m not even a big fan of sweet breakfasts, but this was pure magic. Paired with one of their famous infused Bloody Marys, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Just a heads up, they don’t take reservations for brunch on weekends, so get there early!

7. Barton Springs Pool

Looking for a way to cool off on a hot Texas day? Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is the place to be. This three-acre pool is filled with fresh water from an underground spring, and it stays a cool 68-70 degrees year-round. It only costs $9 for non-residents to swim, so it’s an affordable way to beat the heat!

8. Get Some Texas BBQ

You can’t visit Austin without diving into some Texas BBQ, and Terry Black’s is the place to go. While I didn’t get the chance to try it (the line was way too long when I went), everyone from locals to tourists swears by it. I went during prime time on a weekend, and my stomach just couldn’t hang with the wait.

The good news? They move the line quickly, so if you do find yourself waiting, it’s not forever. Plus, you can grab a drink from the bar while you wait! Terry Black’s serves up all the BBQ staples, plus some tasty sides, and even peach cobbler for dessert.

Now, if you’re looking for something a little different, head to Loro. It’s an Asian smokehouse that meets Texas BBQ, and trust me, it works. The vibe is casual with a little sophistication, and there’s a big outdoor patio where you can enjoy your food.

I started off with wonton chips and dip, and some crunchy sweet corn fritters, which were so good that I almost couldn’t finish my brisket sandwich (but I powered through). Loro even serves Franklin BBQ (a well-loved Austin BBQ spot) in their dishes. And, don’t even think about leaving without trying their frozen mojito – it’s a must!

9. Lady Bird Lake

If you’re into outdoor adventures, you’ve gotta check out Lady Bird Lake! Even though it’s called a lake, it’s actually a reservoir—it’s a section of the Colorado River that’s been dammed. It’s super popular for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and if you do it around sunset, you might even get a closer look at the famous Austin bats as they take flight. How cool is that?

If you’re not up for paddling, there are boat tours available too. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, there’s an 11-mile trail that goes around the lake, so you can get your steps in while soaking in the views!

Some other popular nature activities include: 

• Barton Creek Greenbelt (I’ve heard great things about Twin Falls)
• Mckinney Falls State Park
• Lou Neff Point
• Hamilton Pool Preserve (this is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Austin)

10. Get Coffee From a Local Cafe

Austin’s coffee scene is a must! Jo’s on South Congress is famous for its signature Iced Turbo (chocolate + hazelnut). It’s also a great spot for breakfast, lunch, and live music on their patio.

Another gem is The Hideout, Austin’s longest-running independent coffee house. Grab a drink, and check out their improv shows or classes. The Raspberry Riot iced latte is a must!

Other cute spots to check out:

• Mozart’s Coffee
• Merit Coffee
• Civil Goat Coffee
• Coffee and Crisp

11. Check Out the Craft Beer Scene

Austin’s craft beer scene is seriously on point! We hit up Lazarus Brewing Company, and oh my gosh, not only was the beer delicious, but the tacos there were amazing too. The carnitas were hands down the best I’ve ever had.

12. Experience Some of the Best Restaurants in Austin

I know I’ve already mentioned a few awesome spots, but here are a few more that I loved!

• Caroline – This place has three parts, each with its own vibe! Upstairs at Caroline is the perfect hangout with games like pool and Jenga. Caroline itself is great for a delicious brunch, like their huevos rancheros that are chef’s kiss. Don’t miss it!
• Mumtaz Market and Cafe – We stumbled upon this gem after checking out the Greetings From Austin mural. The South Asian-inspired dishes and cozy ambiance made it an instant favorite. I loved the roasted cauliflower and fresh ginger mule—totally unique!
• Perlas – Located right on South Congress, Perlas is perfect for a relaxed meal on their oak-shaded patio (you can bring your pup!). Their oysters and Ahi tuna tostadas are a must-try, and it’s perfect for a fancy night out.
• Eureka! – This all-American spot was such a pleasant surprise! The spicy fried chicken sandwich with mac ‘n’ cheese balls was unforgettable. I also had their Wild Child cocktail, which I can’t stop thinking about. Plus, their brunch is supposed to be amazing!

13. Enjoy Cocktails With a View

Vibes, on vibes, on VIBES y’all! P6 is located on the rooftop of the LINE Hotel, and let me tell you, the view of Lady Bird Lake is everything. If you’re there around sunset, you might even catch the bats flying out from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Definitely make a reservation, especially on weekends.

I had the Sundown Cobbler and it was so refreshing! They’ve also got a small Mediterranean-inspired menu if you want to snack. The whole vibe at the LINE Hotel was so great that we ended up grabbing a drink downstairs too because we weren’t ready to leave. Even the bathrooms were cute—trust me, it’s worth checking out!

Where to Stay in Downtown Austin, Texas

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown

Holiday Inn Express locations are typically always a great budget-friendly option. They offer comfortable stays, are in great locations, and include a hot breakfast! This location is right next to a lively bar and food truck scene and is just a short walk from The Capitol building and Rainey Street.

Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown

Hotel Indigo is only slightly more expensive than the Holiday Inn Express, which is literally located right next door. So again, the location is great. The Hotel Indigo has a bit more of a fun, artsy vibe as well as a lovely rooftop pool and lounge area. This is where we stayed, and we really enjoyed it.

Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s located right behind Rainey Street. That means you’re near one of the coolest bar scenes in the area! Speaking of bars, Hotel Van Zandt also has its own swanky bar where you can enjoy live music. They also have a rooftop bar and pool. Oh, and if you really want to splurge, peep their suites’ soaking tubs!

The LINE Austin

We stumbled on The LINE Austin because we checked out P6, and we truly did not want to leave. The aesthetics were out of this world! There’s an outdoor infinity pool, rooftop bar and restaurant, super chic rooms, and an adorable coffee shop.

The location is right by the Congress Avenue Bridge on Lady Bird Lake, and a less than 10-minute walk from Rainey Street, a 25-minute walk from the happenings of South Congress Ave., and a 20-minute walk to the Texas State Capitol building. This makes The LINE very centrally located in the downtown area. They also have free bike rentals and Saturday morning yoga sessions!

Are you ready for an epic 3 days in Austin, Texas?!

Austin totally stole my heart, and I already know I’ll be back for round two! From the epic food scene to the nightlife, outdoor adventures, and endless cool spots to explore, three days in Austin is just enough to get a taste—but trust me, you’ll be planning your next trip before you even leave. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this quirky, lively city! Let me know what you’re most excited to check out!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other posts:

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Best restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale

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