Recommendations
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
This was one of our most frequent date spots when we first started dating. Right on the Colorado River, Auditorium Shores is a popular local park with a stunning view of downtown Austin and great walking trails. It's a great open space for a game of frisbee, dog watching, or an afternoon picnic. There is also a large playground within walking distance (Alliance Children's Garden). Looking for a bite to eat? Try El Alma (Mexican) or Terry Black's BBQ nearby.
El Alma
Mexican cuisine & cocktails in a chic setting accented by local art & a rooftop deck. Very close to Auditorium Shores!
Terry Black's Barbecue
You can't come to Texas without trying the BBQ! Very close to Auditorium Shores. History behind Terry Black's BBQ: The Black family opened Black's Barbecue almost a century ago, back in 1932. In 2014, a feud over cooking techniques split the famous Black barbecue family into two factions: The Original Black's Barbecue, open in Lockhart since 1932; and Terry Black's BBQ, open in Austin since 2014.
South Congress Avenue
A neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake is a popular place to stroll for visitors and locals. South Congress oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin’s yesteryear in its boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues. Try Jeni's ice cream, Torchy's tacos, or Home Slice pizza and shop some vintage boutiques while you explore.
Home Slice Pizza
Home Slice Pizza is a neighborhood pizza joint serving authentic NY-style pizza-by the pie or by the slice-to nice people like you. There is also a location in the North Loop area of Austin, if you are staying north of downtown.
Aba Austin
One of our favorite restaurants in Austin! Described as a Mediterranean retreat with vibrant patio, scenic walkway, and lively ambiance. Be sure to try the smokey garlic hummus. You will need advance reservations, and they often book a couple weeks in advance.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s oldest metropolitan park. The park comprises more than 350 acres of publicly owned land and has a beautiful view of the skyline. The park includes Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and Barton Creek Trail. The park is home to large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Trail of Lights, and ABC Kite Festival. Going to Zilker Park to take in the view or lay out in the grass is free! However, entry to Barton Springs and the Botanical Gardens have a small fee (less than $10 per person).
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters has a popular outdoor patio with regular live music with extraordinary lake views overlooking the hills on Lake Austin. Visit for locally roasted coffee, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more, with gluten-free and vegan desserts, too. This is one of our favorite spots in Austin!
University of Texas at Austin
Visit Henry and Chelsea's alma mater!
Black's Barbecue Austin
In our opinion, the winner of the Black family BBQ rivalry. Close to UT Austin campus and nearby an Amy's Ice Cream, an Austin classic since 1984.
Patrizi's
This food truck outside the Vortex theater dishes up old-school Italian standards & housemade pasta. This is one of Chelsea's favorite spots to eat. She recommends the garlic bread and cacio e pepe! Warning: this is an outdoor location. You don't need reservations, but you should expect to wait about 45 min after ordering for your food. Worth the wait though.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin at 781 feet! The peak is named for George Bonnell, who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Texas Republic. While this view is pretty high up in the sky, don't be intimidated! The overlook of downtown and the 360 Bridge is actually more of a tourist destination than a workout and is a great hot spot for picture-taking. When you reach the top of the 102-stair climb, you can rest at the view deck and pavilion before making your way back down. The trail is free to access and offers free parking.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Mayfield Park is a unique and delicate oasis on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in west Austin, Texas, the park features a historic 1870s cottage, gardens, free-roaming peafowl, and a 23-acre nature preserve. It is free to visit and very close to Mount Bonnell, so we recommend visiting both if you're in the area!
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Enjoy breakfast with a creative twist at Snooze. We HIGHLY recommend stopping by for the best pancakes, benedicts, burritos, and brunch cocktails in Austin. We recommend trying a pancake flight - Chelsea loves the pineapple upside down pancake and Henry suggests trying the blueberry Danish pancake. Snooze will have a wait, but you can join the waitlist virtually on their website.
The Domain
Situated with a small park in the center, the Domain is a large outdoor shopping mall in north Austin. There are hundreds of shops and many delicious restaurants, as well as a movie theater and the Museum of Ice Cream. If you are looking to stay in a location within walking distances of food and activities, but without the hustle and bustle of downtown, this is the place to stay.
North Italia
Visit North Italia in the Domain for Italian cuisine handmade from scratch. You will likely need a reservation for dinner!
Bakery Lorraine
Great breakfast spot in the domain! We recommend trying a pastry and the quiche lorraine.
Stiles Switch BBQ
Our favorite BBQ in Austin! Set in the historic art deco 1950s Violet Crown Shopping Center at 6610 N. Lamar, it is designed to host a nostalgic atmosphere that transcends back to the old Austin neighborhood-style eatery. It was also featured in the film "Dazed and Confused" as the exterior of "The Emporium" pool hall.
Juliet Italian Kitchen
Juliet Italian Kitchen has a beautiful patio with an outdoor bar, a daily Happy Hour menu, and plenty of space for large parties to mingle. We have been to Juliet's several times over the years to celebrate special occasions, like our first anniversary and closing on our home!
Downtown Round Rock
The Round Rock Historic Commercial District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The district consists of the buildings fronting the 100 and 200 blocks of E. Main Street and the Old Post Office/Masonic Lodge at 107 S. Mays Street. Downtown Round Rock is very walkable and has something for everyone. Satisfy your cravings at one of our gourmet restaurants or shop until you drop at specialty stores.
Historic Georgetown
Stroll beautiful downtown Georgetown and appreciate some of the finest Victorian architecture in the state of Texas. Unique shopping and delicious dining are some of the options which await you. Or, simply enjoy the restored historic buildings and landmark descriptions that describe a portion of Georgetown’s rich history. Stop by the Visitors Center at 103 W. 7th Street and pick up a map brochure to take a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Georgetown.
Sweet Lemon Kitchen
Located in the heart of Georgetown, the Sweet Lemon Kitchen farm-to-table cafe has great sandwiches and delicious fresh cinnamon rolls! This is one of Chelsea's favorite lunch spots near her job at Southwestern University.