The Complete Austin Guide

ABA

1011 South Congress Avenue, Building 2 Suite 180, South Congress, 78704 · 737 273 0199 · abarestaurants.com/austin

Great for: BRUNCH, LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

This gorgeous restaurant located in a bustling South Congress shopping destination showcases a range of Mediterranean meals that focus on light yet flavorful dishes. Think ahi tuna and watermelon, whipped feta, and charred eggplant. Its rooftop outdoor patio is the ultimate place to see and be seen sipping on a Mediterranean Mule or a Rhubarb Rose.

BUFALINA

2215 East Cesar Chavez Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 394 5337 · bufalinapizza.com

Great for: DINNER, WEEKEND LUNCH

Simple but expertly executed Neapolitan pies cooked in the Stefano wood-burning oven at a piping 900 degrees for 90 seconds. The result is a slightly charred but somehow slightly wet middle that stands out on the Austin pizza scene. Order a margherita pie and pair it with something a little more adventurous like the franco pepe while sharing a plate of pappardelle Bolognese and a Caesar salad.

CAFÉ NO SÉ

1603 South Congress Avenue, South Congress, 78704 · 512 942 2061 · cafenoseaustin.com

Great for: BRUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

Located on the lobby level of the Texas chic South Congress Hotel, this feel-good café is an instant mood booster. Freshly baked goods like Kouign-Amann, ham and cheese croissants, and sour cream pecan muffins are just waiting to be enjoyed with a drip coffee before you start your day. Coming for dinner? Expect a little bit of everything from a warm quinoa bowl to charred octopus.

CLARK'S OYSTER BAR

1200 West 6th Street, West Austin, 78703 · 512 297 2525 · clarksaustin.com

Great for: BRUNCH, LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

This West Austin hot spot has the best of all my favorite things including oysters, house-baked sourdough, brut bubbles, and a killer lobster roll. Clark's also has a great happy hour during the week from 3–5 p.m. featuring half-off burgers and martinis, which we find to be a great option for an early dinner with kids followed by an evening swim in the hotel pool.

EASY TIGER

1501 East 7th Street, East Austin, 78702 · 3508 South Lamar Boulevard #300, 78704 · 512 839 8523 · easytigerusa.com

Great for: BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER, HAPPY HOUR

We're partial to the South Lamar location for its great view of Austin's Greenbelt and the shaded kids' park. With 30 beers on tap, televisions everywhere, and baked goods prepared with organic Barton Springs Mill Flour, it's a recipe for success for the entire family.

ELIZABETH STREET CAFÉ

1501 South 1st Street, Bouldin Creek, 78704 · 512 291 2881 · elizabethstreetcafe.com

Great for: BRUNCH, LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

Great from morning to night — brunch is boulangerie baked goods and coffees, dinner is all modern French Vietnamese. There is a thoughtful kids' menu (kids' pho, sweet bánh mì, sticky rice) while parents feast on ginger-chili oil dumplings, green mango and cucumber salad, and red curry Dan Dan noodles. FRENCH + VIETNAMESE FUSION · CASUAL · CHILDREN'S MENU · HIGH CHAIRS

FRANKLIN BARBECUE

900 East 11th Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 653 1187 · franklinbbq.com

Great for: LUNCH

One of the world-renowned options that makes waiting in line a sport. Owner Aaron Franklin allows for preorders up to six weeks in advance if you buy at least three pounds of meat and enjoy it outside at one of Austin's incredible parks. Don't leave without a slice of the bourbon banana pie.

GUERO'S TACO BAR

1412 South Congress Avenue, South Congress, 78704 · 512 447 7688 · gueros.com

Great for: LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

Sitting on this Tex-Mex institution's patio on a beautifully sunny weekend while listening to live music and sipping margaritas and eating from the serve-yourself salsa bar is enough to make anyone sit back and smile. The margaritas are strong and the combo plates are hearty so come with your appetites.

HILLSIDE FARMACY

1209 East 11th Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 628 0168 · hillsidefarmacy.com

Great for: BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

This East Austin gem was home to Doc Young's pharmacy in the 1920s, restored in 2011, and now serves fresh, local food from its sister farm in Bastrop using Texas wildflower honey, locally roasted coffee, and local proteins. Hard to resist the Wednesday night special — a burger, fries, and an old-fashioned for $20.

JOANN'S FINE FOODS

1224 South Congress Avenue, South Congress, 78704 · 512 358 6054 · joannsaustin.com

Great for: BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER

Located inside Austin Motel, this lively diner serves Cali-Mex in a laid-back setting. The patio is the perfect outpost for people watching on South Congress. There are amazing (and very strong) cocktails, and the killer patty melt is not optional.

JOSEPHINE HOUSE

16-1 Waterston Avenue, Clarksville, 78703 · 512 477 5584 · josephineofaustin.com

Great for: BRUNCH, SNACKS, DINNER

A great option for a celebratory brunch or getting the girls together in a sophisticated setting. The Craftsman cottage, the brilliant bakery case, the wine and snacks menu — it's all too good. If you have the kids with you, this is an ideal place for al fresco frolicking.

JUNE'S ALL DAY

1722 South Congress Avenue, South Congress, 78704 · 512 416 1722 · junesallday.com

Great for: WEEKEND BRUNCH, LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

Great for people watching with your pup, this South Congress bistro is oozing with charm. The vintage jukebox and the long marble bar give you the feel of a laid-back social club. Do not sleep on the buckwheat crepe, with a glass of the Favorite Juice to wash it down.

LA BARBECUE

2401 East Cesar Chavez Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 605 9696 · labarbecue.com

Great for: LUNCH, EARLY DINNER

This bad to the bone barbecue shop is run by women. LeAnn Mueller and her wife, Alison Clem, serve brisket cooked low and slow over Texas post oak — local, hormone free, and melt-in-your-mouth. Pair with spicy garlic pickles, shells and cheese, chipotle slaw, and a piece of Martin's potato bread.

LAUNDERETTE

2115 Holly Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 382 1599 · launderetteaustin.com

Great for: DINNER, FRIDAY LUNCH, WEEKEND BRUNCH, HAPPY HOUR

Once a gas station and a laundromat, this Holly neighborhood space has settled into its true identity as a bustling East Austin eatery. The food is flavorful and fun without being fussy. Desserts might just be the highlight — especially the Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich.

LUTIE'S GARDEN RESTAURANT

4100 Red River Street, Hancock, 78751 · 512 675 2517 · aubergeresorts.com/commodoreperry/dine/luties

Great for: DINNER

Located inside the Commodore Perry Estate, this restaurant was named for the original owner's wife, who used to throw lavish Jazz Age soirées. Designed by Ken Fulk, it features locally grown and raised cuisine led by husband-and-wife culinary duo Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu. Come early or stay after for a drink at one of the most stunning bar setups in all of Austin.

MATTIE'S

901 West Live Oak Street, Bouldin Creek, 78704 · 512 444 1888 · mattiesaustin.com

Great for: DINNER, WEEKEND BRUNCH

This restaurant excites all the senses. From the moment you enter and are greeted by oak-lined grounds with peacocks strolling about, you feel at ease. The food is upscale comfort — buttermilk biscuits with guava butter and fall-off-the-bone fried chicken in an amazing Victorian estate. A slam dunk for a stellar send-off brunch.

NIXTA TAQUERIA

2512 East 12th Street, East Austin, 78702 · nixtataqueria.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

This no-reservations, cashless taqueria is doing things their way, and it's awesome in every way. From the sparkly disco ball to the baller beats, this is an experience that everyone should embark on at least once. Dream of the tuna tostada with yellowfin, citrus, and avocado. The duck carnitas taco is also a 10 out of 10.

OSEYO

1628 East Cesar Chavez, East Austin, 78702 · 512 368 5700 · oseyoaustin.com

Great for: LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER, LATE NIGHT TAKEOUT

On a date where dining outside is optimal, head to the garden courtyard at this East Austin restaurant serving modern Korean American food with both traditional and non-traditional dishes. On Sunday nights they have a "chimaek" menu — chicken and beer, a basket or a bucket, with your choice of sauce.

PERLA'S

1400 South Congress Avenue, South Congress, 78704 · 512 291 7300 · perlasaustin.com

Great for: BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER

Perla's is just pure joy. The vibes are always relaxed, cheerful, and contagious. Maybe it's the bustling patio adorned with string lights luring you in off the busy streets of South Congress. The fries are hot, the lobster rolls are delicious, and there's always a bartender preparing a killer oyster shooter.

POOL BURGER

2315 Lake Austin Boulevard, Deep Eddy Pool, 78703 · 512 334 9747 · poolburger.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

Only in Austin would an airstream serving burgers, tiki drinks, and soft serve make a guidebook. A big cheeseburger after a long afternoon in the Deep Eddy Pool next door just hits different — maybe because the meat is natural, hormone and antibiotic-free, from a local farm.

QI

835 West 6th Street #114, Downtown, 78703 · 512 474 2777 · qiaustin.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER, DIM SUM BRUNCH

An intense craving for soup dumplings is known to hit at peculiar times. Chef Ling Qi Wu delivers — with intense, delicious flavors powered by a partnership with Lanfang Farm in nearby Manor, supplying the restaurant's vegetables, fruits, honey, eggs, and herbs.

SUERTE

1800 East 6th Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 522 3031 · suerteatx.com

Great for: BRUNCH, DINNER, HAPPY HOUR

It's all about the homemade masa here at this buzzy Mexican restaurant by chef Fermin Nunez and his talented team. Local Texas ingredients are cooked with traditional Mexican techniques and the results speak for themselves. If you like mezcal, you'll die for their creative cocktails.

THE PEACOCK MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

600 West 2nd Street, Downtown, 78701 · 512 628 1410 · properhotel.com/austin/restaurants-bars/the-peacock

Great for: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, HAPPY HOUR

Located on the lobby level of the Austin Proper Hotel, this restaurant is great for meeting up with friends. The food is colorful, healthy-ish, and perfect for sharing. Inside or on the patio with views of Shoal Creek — both work beautifully.

WU CHOW

IBC Bank Plaza, 500 West 5th Street #168, Downtown, 78701 · 512 476 2469 · wuchowaustin.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER, HAPPY HOUR, WEEKEND DIM SUM BRUNCH

Authentic, modern Chinese food is hard to find in the United States. The fabulous Sunday dim sum menu makes for a very fun group outing — pork potstickers, shrimp and cilantro dumplings, minced beef bao, Sichuan spicy wontons, and more.

COMEDOR

501 Colorado Street, Downtown, 78701 · 512 297 2525 · comedortx.com

Great for: DINNER, HAPPY HOUR

With an all-black modern exterior, this laid-back yet sophisticated Mexico City–inspired restaurant designed by architect Tom Kundig is a perfect example of never judging a book by its cover. Inside, creativity and color collide on plates served family style — bone marrow tacos, grilled octopus, avocado tostada, grilled carrots. Do not skip dessert.

JEFFREY'S

1204 West Lynn Street, Clarksville, 78703 · 512 477 5584 · jeffreysofaustin.com

Great for: HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

This divine date night destination is for indulging in the finer things in life — caviar service, dry aged steak, and superior service. There is warm bread and soft butter. Martini and cheese carts. Pair these pleasantries with a great night of conversation, and this is a recipe for success. Ideal for celebrating a special occasion.

JUSTINE'S BRASSERIE

4710 East 5th Street, East Austin, 78702 · 512 385 2900 · justines1937.com

Great for: DINNER

Night owls, this is the bumping brasserie for you. Cocktails and apps before your evening entertainment? Set up shop to sip champagne, slurp snails, and share a plate of steak frites. Save the important conversations for another restaurant so you can focus on the DJ's sexy set. Watch for off-duty chefs grabbing onion soup and Beaujolais after their shifts.

LENOIR

1807 South 1st Street, Bouldin Creek, 78704 · 512 215 9778 · lenoirrestaurant.com

Great for: HAPPY HOUR, DINNER

This teeny, tiny romantic restaurant is what date night should be — especially when you do the five-course chef's choice served family style with wine pairings. Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher are giving those who lust over local ingredients with big flavors a true treat.

ODD DUCK

1201 South Lamar Boulevard, Zilker, 78704 · 512 433 6521 · oddduckaustin.com

Great for: DINNER, HAPPY HOUR

This former food truck is beloved by Austinites and visitors alike for its "if it isn't local, we don't want it" standards of cooking. Menu items are interesting and thoughtful — stuffed quail with crawfish dirty rice, Thai melon salad with cucumber, peanut, basil, and pork belly. Come ready to order a bunch of awesome dishes and split.

OLAMAIE

1610 San Antonio Street, Downtown, 78701 · 512 474 2796 · olamaieaustin.com

Great for: DINNER

Buttermilk biscuits. Cheddar green chili grits. Summer salad with beef fat vinaigrette. And those are just the sides. Southern food as a love language — in a darling restaurant just off the University of Texas campus. Ideal for dinner before or after a Longhorn sporting event.

SAMMIE'S ITALIAN

807 West 6th Street, Downtown, 78703 · 512 474 2054 · sammiesitalian.com

Great for: FRIDAY LUNCH, DINNER

The latest and greatest hot spot from MML Hospitality, this Italian stallion is blazing new trails for Friday lunch and Sunday supper. Get an early babysitter, grab negronis and a hot plate of Bucatini al Limone, and split the tiramisu. Get your reservation early — this is a hot ticket.

UCHI

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Zilker, 78704 · 512 916 4808 · uchi.uchirestaurants.com

Great for: DINNER

For Texans who love elevated Japanese food, James Beard Award–winning chef Tyson Cole is a household name. The vibes are sexy and the food is straightforward yet exciting. The seasonal omakase is exceptional, and the hama chili is a standing dream.

AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL

600 West 2nd Street, 78701 · 512 628 1500 · properhotel.com

Designer Kelly Wearstler truly outdid herself with this gorgeous hotel that simultaneously feels elevated yet completely chill. There's a buzzy lobby bar, an incredible Mediterranean restaurant, a spa, and a vibrant pool scene. The cocktail bar, Goldie's, is a delightful option for afternoon tea. Request a suite facing Lady Bird Lake. The hotel's complimentary electric bikes are an ideal starting point for first-timers.

COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

4100 Red River Street, 78751 · 866 976 4312 · aubergeresorts.com

This renaissance-style mansion sits on 10 perfectly manicured acres in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Those with an eye for design go nuts over this Ken Fulk project — heavy on pattern play and unique antiques sourced from the Round Top antique fair. The Instagram-famous pool lawn is the perfect place to soak in the Texas sunshine. Families do well in the Mountain Laurel Suite with its two private patios.

FAIRMONT AUSTIN

101 Red River Street, 78701 · 512 600 2000 · fairmont.com

Take your pick of Lady Bird Lake or the State Capitol — this hotel has both. Located downtown in the Central Business District, it wins the heart of most kids for its large rooftop pool with cabanas and televisions. Adults appreciate the top-notch gym. The kids' sized robes and room service children's menu are a thoughtful touch.

FOUR SEASONS AUSTIN HOTEL

98 San Jacinto Boulevard, 78701 · 512 478 4500 · fourseasons.com/austin

So much to love about this downtown hotel with views of Lady Bird Lake. Order a margarita and relax by the saltwater pool after a Harmony & Balance massage while your kids splash around. Children's amenities include a welcome gift, cribs, high chairs, baby soap, and a diaper genie upon request. Twice-daily housekeeping is a godsend when traveling with littles.

HOTEL ELLA

1900 Rio Grande Street, 78705 · 844 720 1437 · hotelella.com

Touring the University of Texas? Watching the Longhorns? Hotel Ella is located just off campus and is a great option — one of Austin's original estates, the historic Goodall Wooten House. There are 47 guest rooms, a quaint courtyard pool, and a solid on-property restaurant in this white Greek revival–style mansion that feels more like staying at someone special's house.

HOTEL MAGDELENA

1101 Music Lane, 78704 · 512 442 1000 · bunkhousehotels.com

The latest property from Bunkhouse Group is a completely new build, designed by Lake Flato in close cahoots with the hospitality firm that always makes Austin cooler. The pool, reminiscent of Austin's Barton Springs, is a great place to kick back before small plates at Summer House on Music Lane. Sliding windows open to private porches and breezeways — a nod to Austin's 1970s lake culture.

HOTEL SAINT CECILIA

112 Academy Drive, 78704 · 512 852 2400 · bunkhousehotels.com

An easy choice for art aficionados who fancy a little privacy. The Bunkhouse Group has created a 20-room respite from its lively South Congress location — staff-and-hotel-guest-only, free of wanderers. Originally built in 1888, it's one of the only Victorian homes built along this part of the Colorado River. The Hästens mattress and the library that lets you check out vinyls and guitars make this a creative's dream.

HOTEL SAN JOSE

1316 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 444 7322 · bunkhousehotels.com

The Bunkhouse Group's original masterpiece that has inspired a handful of others since its opening in 2000. It's still a boutique property that feels so Austin it's hard to resist. Forty guest rooms with custom linens, handmade furniture, and a creatively stacked minibar packed with locally made refreshments.

LAKE AUSTIN SPA

1705 South Quinlan Park Road, 78732 · 512 372 7300 · lakeaustin.com

Located 30 minutes from downtown, it feels more like a best friend's cozy lake house than a hotel. Accommodations include three gourmet meals daily and select indoor and outdoor fitness activities. The spa offers more than 100 treatments; day spa passes are available if you can't spend the night. For guests 16 and older. Hot tip: ask for the property's water taxi to take you in to or pick you up from downtown.

MIRAVAL AUSTIN RESORT & SPA

13500 Farm to Market Road 2769, 78726 · 855 234 1672 · miravalresorts.com

Located with Lake Travis in view, only 30 minutes from downtown Austin and a true treat for those who need a mind, body, and soul refresh. Cooking classes, an extensive spa menu, and lots of outdoor activities encouraging you to explore the Texas Hill Country. Make sure to do aerial yoga, the World of Wine class, and the cleansing ceremony. Rock your robe to dinner and follow it up with an after-dark spa treatment.

ALEXA JAMES BABY

1515 West 35th Street, 78703 · 512 435 1011 · alexajbaby.com

Owner Karina Drake's whimsical children's boutique is the perfect place to pick up a gift for a friend who just had a baby, or for your own little one tagging along for the adventure. The store is stacked with clothing, accessories, décor, and books galore.

AMY'S ICE CREAM

3500 Guadalupe Street, 78705 · 512 866 5933 · amysicecreams.com

Austin ice cream institution with many locations. This is the original — now more than a dozen scattered throughout the city. Try the Mexican vanilla, which is what they are famous for.

BIG TOP CANDY SHOP

1706 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 462 2220 · bigtopcandyshop.com

A colorful, old-school sweets store featuring vintage candy and a soda fountain. A favorite of many.

JUICELAND

1625 Barton Springs Road, 78704 · 512 480 9501 · juiceland.com

Clean and creative smoothies — a great go-to for an after-activity treat. We chose this location as the go-to option for a cold refreshment after a swim in Barton Springs pool.

LITTLE LIMBO

1708 South Congress Avenue, Unit A, 78704 · 512 994 6878 · littlelimboatx.com

An adorable children's gift store with an assortment of fun and funky gifts.

PERRIBERRI

2805 Bee Caves Road, Unit 414, 78746 · 512 478 3785 · perriberri.com

This Rollingwood boutique by Perri Beathard is a local's go-to for Barefoot Dreams products in addition to gifts and pajamas for kids and new moms alike.

PICKET FENCES

1003 West 34th Street, 78705 · 512 458 2565 · picketfencesbaby.com

A local favorite for more than 30 years. Whether decorating a nursery or searching for the perfect gift for someone with kids, the staff can help you source it. Best news — everything is gift wrapped for free.

TOY JOY

403 West 2nd Street, 78701 · 512 320 0090 · toyjoy.com

Ditch the screens and buy some fun toys — action figures, board games, logic games, and construction kits to take on the road. Great for the hotel lawn, a park, or the hotel room.

ALLEN'S BOOTS

1522 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 447 1413 · allensboots.com

A family-owned Austin boots store outfitting people in authentic cowboy boots since 1977. The South Congress location is stocked with thousands of boots for men, women, and children.

BELL & BIRD

1815 West 35th Street, 78703 · 512 407 8206 · bellandbird.com

On the hunt for rare antiques and gemstones from all over the world? This hybrid showroom and workshop is worth popping in to shop the treasures of owners Rhianna and Cyrus Shennum, who pick up goods from around the globe. The Victorian-era jewelry is not to be missed.

BY GEORGE

1400 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 441 8600 · bygeorgeaustin.com

This independent fashion and lifestyle boutique has been around since 1979 and offers a sophisticated and effortless collection to an international clientele.

CHARM SCHOOL VINTAGE

111 East 11th Street #150, 78702 · 512 524 0166 · charmschoolvintage.com

Sourcing vintage, one-of-a-kind, and well-traveled clothing with a particular passion for the 1930s, 1970s, and the Victorian era. They also carry handmade apothecary products, independent jewelry, and crystals. Check the schedule for classes on spirituality, wellness, and living an artful life.

ESTILO

2727 Exposition Boulevard #121, 78703 · 512 236 0488 · estiloboutique.com

Don't go to Tarrytown without stopping in to this Casis Village contemporary boutique founded in 2005 by Stephanie Coultress O'Neil. Estilo, translating to "style" in Spanish, features fashion for both men and women.

KICK PLEAT

624 North Lamar Boulevard, 78703 · 512 445 4500 · kickpleat.com

Sleek and sophisticated travelers take a trek to this charming cottage to shop a curated selection of women's clothing by stylish Texan Wendi Koletar Martin.

MAUFRAIS

1512 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 945 9905 · maufrais.shop

This custom Stetson hat retailer is a go-to for creating the hat of your dreams. Have a big group and want a private buying experience? Book a reservation online to access the back room and a BYOB hat-creating event.

SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE

visitsoco.com

Great street to stroll along, taking in local shops, murals, and restaurants with the distinct Austin vibe that makes the city so unique. Many of the spots in this guide are located here — Café No Sé, Hotel San Jose, Allen's Boots, and many more.

STAG PROVISIONS

1423 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 373 7824 · stagprovisions.com

This modern-day men's store was founded and based in Austin and features clothing, shoes, accessories, and even some one-of-a-kind vintage treasures.

SUNROOM

1603 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 524 2197 · shopsunroom.com

California and Texas collide at this light and bright boutique specializing in casually elegant pieces — clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories that are both easy and fun to wear.

TECOVAS

1500 South Congress Avenue, 78704 · 512 675 4343 · tecovas.com

Paul Hedrick created this men and women's boot brand out of a love for cowboy boots. Each pair is handmade by a team of artisans in a process of over 200 steps. Multiple locations across the United States.

THOMPSON + HANSON GARDEN HOUSE

1515 West 35th Street, Building B, 78703 · 512 220 6243 · thompsonhanson.com

Located inside one of the six Victorian cottages that make up Kerbey Lane Village, this nursery is a great place to pick up a custom-designed arrangement or the perfect hostess gift.

THE DOMAIN

11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 78758 · 512 795 4230 · simon.com/mall/the-domain

Austin's luxury shopping center with all the go-to designers we know and love — Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent Paris, and many more.

THE MENAGERIE

2630 Exposition Boulevard, Suite G06, 78703 · 512 453 4644 · themenagerie.com

Looking for fine jewelry while in town? This jewelry and gift retailer has one of the most established and respected reputations in the city. A wedding gift registry hot spot with brands like Baccarat, Waterford, and Herend China.

UNCOMMON OBJECTS

1602 Fort View Road, 78704 · 512 442 4000 · uncommonobjects.com

This antique collective is a go-to for finding that strange souvenir bound to make you smile every time you look at it. Described on its website as "your eccentric uncle's attic on steroids" — it's shops like these that ensure Austin stays weird.

AUSTIN FC GAME AT Q2 STADIUM

10414 McKalla Place, Suite 600, 78758 · 512 572 8932 · austinfc.com

This Major League Soccer team competes in the Western Conference and provides a great family-friendly activity for sports lovers. You might recognize one of the team's investors, Matthew McConaughey, often seen on the sidelines cheering them to victory.

ALLIANCE CHILDREN'S GARDEN

1000 Barton Springs Road, 78704

Located in Butler Park, this is going to be a big hit with younger kids — cool slides, climbing walls, a sand pit, and more. Older kids will enjoy the giant chess set.

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS LIVE AT MOODY THEATER

310 West Willie Nelson Boulevard, 78701 · 512 404 1300 · acllive.com

This live music venue hosts 100 concerts a year and serves as the permanent home to the taping of Austin City Limits, the longest running music series in American television history.

AUSTIN ZOO

10808 Rawhide Trail, 78736 · 512 288 1490 · austinzoo.org

With more than 300 animals across 100 species, this sanctuary-style nonprofit rescue zoo is an ideal way to spend a few hours outdoors with kids. A great introduction to native Texas wildlife.

BARTON CREEK GREENBELT

3755 South Capital Texas Highway B, 78704 · 512 974 6700

The athlete's outdoor oasis in South Austin — a great place to hike, bike, rock climb, and swim. Twelve miles of trails hitting popular spots including Campbell's Hole, Twin Falls, Hill of Life, and Violet Crown Trail.

BARTON SPRINGS MUNICIPAL POOL

2131 William Barton Drive, 78746 · 512 974 6300

Located within Zilker Park, this three-acre pool is fed from underground springs and stays a refreshing 68–70 degrees, making it enjoyable for year-round swimming.

BULLOCK STATE HISTORY MUSEUM

1800 Congress Avenue, 78701 · 512 936 8746 · thestoryoftexas.com

History lovers will enjoy taking a walk through this educational museum to get a better sense of what makes Texas the great state it is today. Exhibitions, artifacts, and films spread out along three floors. Plan to set aside two hours to explore.

DEEP EDDY MUNICIPAL POOL

401 Deep Eddy Avenue, 78703 · 512 472 8546

Said to be the oldest swimming pool in Texas, this historic man-made pool uses water from cold springs and is nestled next to the Colorado River. There is a snack bar on the property, but we recommend working up an appetite and ending your day at Pool Burger next door.

FORMULA 1 RACE AT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, 78617 · 512 301 6600 · circuitoftheamericas.com

Feel the need for speed. Join in on America's latest obsession of Formula 1 racing at the Circuit of the Americas, set on 1,500 acres of Austin's rolling hills. There is a karting track designed to thrill your kids and an amusement park opening soon.

MOUNT BONNELL

3800 Mount Bonnell Road, 78731 · mountbonnell.com

Considered the highest point within the Austin city limits, this popular destination offers approximately 100 limestone steps to climb for great views of the city. Only 0.3 miles but steep — keep that in mind for younger kids.

TEXAS ROWING CENTER

1541 West Cesar Chavez Street, 78703 · 512 467 7799 · texasrowingcenter.com

Wanting to take on Lady Bird Lake from the water? Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or canoes at this popular rental spot. Take rowing lessons if you want to try something new.

TEXAS TRAIL RIDES

8601 Bluff Springs Road, 78744 · 512 697 9722 · texastrailrides.com

Horseback riding is a great way to take in the Texas terrain. Family-friendly adventures for all skill levels with experienced staff. A mounted horse walk is available for small children. Alternative experiences also available: skeet shooting, trick roping, ATV guided tours, and fishing.

THINKERY

1830 Simond Avenue, 78723 · 512 469 6200 · thinkeryaustin.org

This children's museum offers 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities designed to ignite your child's imagination through play. All STEAM exhibits and programs catered to newborns through age 11.

WALK THE ANN W. RICHARDS CONGRESS AVENUE BRIDGE

Downtown Austin

This well-known bridge over Lady Bird Lake houses the world's largest urban bat colony. At night, watch bats fly from beneath the bridge in unison to form an eerie, dark cloud. These are Mexican free-tailed bats, which migrate each spring from Central Mexico. Walking across the pedestrian-friendly bridge takes you to the South Congress neighborhood.

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS MUSIC FESTIVAL

aclfestival.com

A cherished Austin festival featuring three days of live music in Zilker Park. In addition to the music, there are food and drinks and a kids' area if you want to make it a family affair. Typically scheduled for early October.

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL

austinfilmfestival.com

Enjoy interesting movies, attend a film and food party, and hear from more than 200 panelists at this annual festival — the first of its kind to focus on the writer's contributions to film and television. Hosts the largest screenwriter conference in the world. Typically takes place in October.

AUSTIN FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

austinfoodandwinefestival.com

Enjoy bites from renowned chefs from top-rated restaurants across Central Texas and the country, paired with lovely libations. This event is typically held in early November.

AUSTIN MARATHON

youraustinmarathon.com

Run in and around town at one of the largest marathons in the country, typically taking place in February. Can't put in the full 26.2? There is also a half marathon and 5k. Not participating? This might be a weekend to avoid due to congestion in popular tourist areas.

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE AND FESTIVALS

sxsw.com

Known as SXSW or South By, this annual event features music festivals, conferences, media, and film. Typically takes place in mid-March and is frequently visited by celebrities, influencers, and creative professionals.

TRAIL OF LIGHTS

austintrailoflights.org

In town for the holidays? This trail of lights features two million lights illuminating Zilker Park — 90 lighted holiday trees and 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. Festivities kick off in December.