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Explore Austin, Texas: An Exciting 1-Day Itinerary

Austin, Texas

1 days

Japanese garden at the Zilker Botanical Garden
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
The waterfalls in Prehistoric Park in Zilker Botanical Garden
Downtown skyline on the Colorado river

About Austin, Texas

Welcome to Austin, Texas, a city that perfectly blends traditional Southern charm with a vibrant arts scene and innovative tech culture. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin offers an array of music festivals, including the famous SXSW and Austin City Limits. Explore the city's rich history at the Texas State Capitol and Bullock Texas State History Museum. Nature lovers can enjoy the Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs Pool. Foodies will love the city's renowned food trucks and BBQ joints. Don't miss the chance to witness the world's largest urban bat colony at the Congress Avenue Bridge. Austin's warm, sunny weather makes it a perfect year-round destination. Come experience the unique blend of Texan hospitality and progressive culture in Austin.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

A Day in Austin: Parks, Food Trucks, History, BBQ, and Live Music

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Zilker Metropolitan Park. This 351-acre park is perfect for a morning walk or jog. Enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful views of the city skyline.

Lunch

Head to a local Food Truck Park for lunch. Austin is famous for its food truck culture, offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. Enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Texas State Capitol. This stunning building is rich in history and architecture. Take a guided tour to learn more about Texas' history and government.

Dinner

For dinner, visit one of Austin's popular BBQ joints. Austin is known for its BBQ, and you'll find a range of options, from traditional Texas-style to innovative, modern takes on the classic fare.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the 6th Street entertainment district. This bustling area is filled with live music venues, bars, and clubs. Enjoy some live music, a staple of the Austin scene.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Zilker Metropolitan Park

1
Zilker Metropolitan Park

A large, urban park that offers many recreational activities and is home to several attractions including Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool.

Parks
Cultural Experiences
Food Truck Park

2
Food Truck Park

A park dedicated to food trucks, offering a wide variety of cuisines from local vendors.

Food and Drink
Entertainment
Texas State Capitol

3
Texas State Capitol

An iconic red granite state capitol building with a large dome, offering guided tours.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
BBQ joint

4
BBQ joint

A place where you can enjoy authentic Texas barbecue, a culinary tradition in the state.

Food and Drink
6th Street

5
6th Street

A historic street and entertainment district in downtown Austin, known for its live music venues, bars, and restaurants.

Attractions
Entertainment
Food and Drink
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Barbecue

Barbecue

Austin is famous for its Texas-style barbecue, which is typically slow-cooked and smoked over a wood fire.

Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast Tacos

A popular breakfast item in Austin, these tacos typically include ingredients like eggs, cheese, and bacon wrapped in a tortilla.

Tex-Mex

Tex-Mex

A fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, Tex-Mex is a staple in Austin and includes dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and nachos.

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak

A classic Texas dish, chicken fried steak is a breaded and fried steak served with gravy.

Chili

Texas-style chili is a meaty stew often made without beans, and is a popular dish in Austin.

Queso

A creamy cheese dip often served with tortilla chips, queso is a favorite appetizer in Austin.

Kolaches

Kolaches

Originally a Czech pastry, Texans have put their own spin on kolaches, filling them with ingredients like sausage and cheese.

Migas

Migas

A Tex-Mex breakfast dish made from scrambled eggs mixed with strips of tortillas, onions, peppers, and cheese.

Shiner Bock

Shiner Bock

A popular Texas beer, Shiner Bock is a smooth, dark lager that's brewed in the small town of Shiner, just outside of Austin.

Sweet Tea

Sweet Tea

A staple in the South, sweet tea is a popular drink in Austin and is often served iced with a slice of lemon.

Margarita

Margarita

A popular cocktail in Austin, margaritas are typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, and served with salt on the rim of the glass.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie

A classic Southern dessert, pecan pie is a sweet, nutty pie that's particularly popular in Austin due to the abundance of pecan trees in Texas.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Austin, Texas is during the spring and fall, specifically from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is typically mild and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities. Additionally, Austin hosts several popular events during these periods such as the South by Southwest (SXSW) in March and Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. However, please note that these are also peak tourist seasons, so it's advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 15

Mon

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 19

Mon

Presidents' Day

May 27

Mon

Memorial Day

June 19

Wed

Juneteenth

July 4

Thu

Independence Day

September 2

Mon

Labor Day

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 11

Mon

Veterans Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Austin, especially if you plan on visiting areas outside of the city center. There are numerous car rental companies available at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and throughout the city.

Austin is served by several ridesharing companies including Uber and Lyft. These services provide a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around the city, especially if you don't plan on driving yourself.

Austin is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and trails. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops in the city or use the city's bike-sharing program, Austin B-cycle.

Austin's public transportation system, Capital Metro, offers bus and light rail services throughout the city. The bus system has numerous routes, while the MetroRail has nine stations running from downtown Austin to the city's northern suburbs.

Taxis are readily available in Austin, especially in the downtown area. You can hail a taxi on the street, or call ahead to book one.

Pedicabs, or bicycle taxis, are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around downtown Austin. They're especially popular during festivals and other large events.

Downtown Austin is quite walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within a short distance of each other. The city also has several beautiful trails for longer walks or hikes.

Electric scooters are a popular way to get around Austin. Several companies, including Bird and Lime, offer scooter rentals throughout the city. Simply download the app, find a nearby scooter, and start your ride.

RideAustin is a local nonprofit ridesharing option available in Austin. It operates much like Uber or Lyft, but with a focus on giving back to the local community.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Austin, Texas as a first time visitor

1

Austin is the capital of Texas, so expect to see a lot of state government buildings and activities.

2

The city is known for its live music scene, with many venues featuring live performances every night.

3

Austin is also known as the 'Silicon Hills' due to the large number of tech companies in the city.

4

The city is very bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and bike rental services available.

5

Austin has a warm climate, with average high temperatures in the summer reaching 96°F (35.5°C) and average lows in the winter around 43°F (6.1°C).

6

The city is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the largest universities in the U.S.

7

Austin is known for its food trucks, which can be found all over the city serving a variety of cuisines.

8

The city has a strong commitment to sustainability, with many green initiatives and eco-friendly businesses.

9

Austin is home to many parks and outdoor spaces, including the Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs Pool.

10

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs located on 6th Street and Rainey Street.

11

Austin is known for its annual events, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits Music Festival.

12

The city has a diverse population, with a mix of students, professionals, artists, and musicians.

13

Austin is located in Central Texas, so it's a great base for exploring the Texas Hill Country.

14

The city has a strong craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering tours and tastings.

15

Austin is a very pet-friendly city, with many parks, restaurants, and businesses allowing dogs.

16

The city has a laid-back vibe, with a casual dress code prevalent even in upscale restaurants and events.

17

Austin has a strong arts scene, with many galleries, theaters, and art events throughout the year.

18

The city is known for its unique 'Keep Austin Weird' culture, which celebrates individuality and creativity.

19

Austin has a strong economy, with a low unemployment rate and a high job growth rate.

20

The city has a good public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and bike-sharing services.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Swimsuit (if planning to swim)

  • Light jacket or sweater (for cooler evenings)

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Face mask

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and/or debit card

  • Cash

  • Health insurance card

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Car rental confirmation (if applicable)

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Portable power bank

  • Camera (if not using smartphone for photos)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Guidebook or map of Austin

  • Umbrella or rain poncho

  • Backpack or daypack

Weather Conditions

Austin, Texas is known for its warm climate, with temperatures often reaching the high 90s (35-37°C) in the summer months. If you're planning a trip during this time, be sure to pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Don't forget to stay hydrated, as the heat can be intense. The city also experiences mild winters, with temperatures typically ranging from the 40s to 60s (4-15°C). If you're visiting Austin during the winter months, you'll want to pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Spring and fall in Austin are quite pleasant, with temperatures usually in the 70s and 80s (21-27°C). These seasons are a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions, such as Zilker Park or Lady Bird Lake. Rainfall in Austin is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but the city can experience heavy storms, particularly in the spring. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack an umbrella or rain jacket just in case. Regardless of when you visit, Austin's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to pack for a variety of conditions. Enjoy your trip to this vibrant and dynamic city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

20° / 4°

January is the coldest month in Austin, Texas, with an average low of 4°C. It's a good time to visit if you prefer cooler weather.

February

23° / 6°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, with an average high of 23°C. The weather is still cool and comfortable for outdoor activities.

March

27° / 10°

March marks the beginning of spring in Austin, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C. It's a great time to enjoy the city's parks and outdoor festivals.

April

30° / 15°

April is a warm month in Austin, with an average high of 30°C. It's a perfect time to explore the city's music scene and enjoy the outdoors.

May

34° / 19°

May is the start of the hot season in Austin, with temperatures often reaching 34°C. Make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

June

37° / 23°

June is one of the hottest months in Austin, with an average high of 37°C. It's a good time to visit the city's swimming holes and indoor attractions.

July

39° / 24°

July is the peak of summer in Austin, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C. It's a great time to enjoy water activities and the city's vibrant nightlife.

August

39° / 24°

August is another hot month in Austin, with similar temperatures to July. It's a good time to visit the city's museums and indoor attractions.

September

36° / 21°

September marks the end of the hot season in Austin, with temperatures starting to cool down. It's a great time to enjoy the city's outdoor dining and music festivals.

October

31° / 16°

October is a comfortable month in Austin, with an average high of 31°C. It's a perfect time to explore the city's parks and enjoy the fall colors.

November

26° / 10°

November is a cool month in Austin, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 26°C. It's a great time to enjoy the city's food scene and cultural attractions.

December

22° / 6°

December is a cool and comfortable month in Austin, with an average high of 22°C. It's a good time to enjoy the city's holiday festivities and shopping scene.

Did you know?

Did you know that Austin, Texas is known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World' due to its high density of live music venues?

1 of 10

Places near by Austin, Texas

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Fredericksburg

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Waco

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Hamilton Pool Preserve

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Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

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Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns

The largest known commercial caverns in the U.S. state of Texas. The name is derived from the 60 ft natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphitheater setting of the cavern's entrance.

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Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston

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Galveston Island

Galveston Island

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How to get there

Padre Island National Seashore

The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Known for its white sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters.

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