Things To Do

Famous Austin Sites

Texas Capital

One of the most Texan landmarks possible: a capitol building larger than the US national capital building. You can see it from anywhere on Congress Ave, by law! It's a fun place to walk around and sits right between UT Austin's campus and downtown Austin.

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin sits right in the middle of Austin, and thanks to its 40,000 undergraduate students, it has tons of shops, food, and bars surrounding it. Visit just to see the iconic clocktower that prompts Elsie to toss up a hook 'em each time she drives by! Alternatively, stare at the physics building where Dan languished for the better part of a decade... Parking: There are parking garages on campus (e.g. San Jacinto Garage and 27th St Garage) or you can park just north of campus around 30th St and Speedway for free street parking.

South Congress

Lots of choices here. Honestly, just walk up and down this street and feel the general Austin-y-ness. Here are some of our favorite places: Hopdoddy Burger Bar (expect a wait) Big Top Candy Shop The Continental Club (live music bar) I Love You So Much Mural Allens Boots (cowboy boots and hats)

Food

Tacodeli

Breakfast tacos are to Texas what bagels are to the northeast. One of the best purveyors of tacos in Austin, Tacodeli has a few locations all over the city. Personal favorites are the migas, the sirloin, egg and cheese, and the mojo salmon. Just make sure you pick up some dona salsa with your order!

Franklin Barbecue

This is THE barbecue place in Austin. Expect great food and the longest wait in the world--3 to 5 hours depending on when you arrive. Order in advance to skip the line, but make sure you order at least 1-2 weeks in advance https://preorder.franklinbbq.com/.

Terry Black's Barbecue

Great barbecue just south of the river past downtown. Pair this up with a walk around auditorium shores or hit up the P Terry's just down the street for Dan's favorite fast food burger in Austin!

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

If the wedding wasn't enough party for you, then come to Banger's for a bangin' (Dan thinks he's funny) brunch experience. Order a manmosa--a full bottle of champagne with a splash of orange juice--and pair it with a homemade bratwrust to start your day off right.

Outdoor Awesomeness

Barton Springs Municipal Pool

Great location for swimming and relaxing in Zilker Park, just south of downtown. Be aware, the water can be a bit chilly. They also don't allow outside food or drinks. Cost: $9 per adult (cash in person; credit card online https://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool) Parking: Follow your favorite navigation app to Barton Springs Municipal Pool. Sometimes it is less crowded parking at Barton Jaycee Fields.

Lady Bird Lake

It's a lake--or is it?? This is a dammed stretch of the Colorado River (no not the same one that formed the Grand Canyon) that splits Austin into north and south. Walk/bike along the river trail or join the hundreds of people forming kayak/stand-up paddle board floatillas in the water. Just keep in mind that there is no swimming allowed! Parking: Common parking spots include Zilker Park, underneath Mopac (Route 1) on the north side of the River, and Stephen F Austin High School along the road. Trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail--loops come in 3 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile flavors, but you're always welcome to just stop and turn around when you're done. Kayaking, Canoe, and Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals: http://www.rowingdock.com/ http://www.texasrowingcenter.com/

Zilker Metropolitan Park

One of the most beautiful parks in Austin and home to the Austin City Limits music festival in early October, Zilker is a perennial favorite for dog walking, pickup games of soccer, and lounging around. It is located just south of the river near Barton Springs if you're looking to double up on outdoor fun!

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

This park has it all. And by has it all, I mean it has peacocks walking around it. You've gotta come and check it out, if only to hear how the peacocks sound exactly like Kevin from Up. Speaking of up, if you don't see any peacocks in the park, make sure you check the trees as they often flap their way up there. Located right next to Laguna Gloria and at the base of Mount Bonnell. Parking: There is free parking at the park.

Mount Bonnell

This is as close to a mountain as you'll find in central Texas, and while not very tall, it does give a breathtaking view sunset, the river, and the homes of outrageously rich Austinites. Head here for sunset after checking out Mayfield Nature Preserve and Laguna Gloria. Parking: Free parking just on the side of the road in the lined parking spots. The top of Mt Bonnell is just up about 50 stairs in the center of the parking spots.

Laguna Gloria Trail

A gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden located on a quiet section of the river in central Austin, this park is home to one of Elsie's favorite statues to imitate. Try and guess which one! Visit nearby Mayfield Nature Preserve and Mount Bonnell at the same time. Parking: There's a parking lot at the entrance to the park.

Outside Austin

Float the River

When the heat just gets to be too much, nothing beats grabbing an inner tube and floating down the San Marcos River. Drive 45 minutes south of Austin to San Marcos and float the river by renting tubes from one of the local businesses. It is legal to drink alcohol while on the river, but remember no glass bottles and you have to pack out the trash!

Enchanted Rock

It's a giant rock--or is it?? It is. That being said, it is an everything-is-bigger-in-Texas-sized chunk of granite in the hill country. Walk to the top and take in the panoramic views from the highest point for miles around. Remember to bring water because while it is a short walk to the top (~20 min), there is no shade on the rock itself.

Fredericksburg

Roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes outside Austin and just over 1 hour from the wedding venue, this quaint town is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Expect a cute downtown centered around Main St with a huge number of wineries both in town and along the drive to/from Austin.