Samantha & Daniel
Things To Do
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Sams favorite place in Austin. A mostly flat trail that borders Lady Bird Lake in downtown. We suggest starting at Auditorium Shores (this is where Dan and Sam got engaged) and walking east towards The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake to get some great views of the skyline.
Barton Springs
Barton Springs is a pool filled entirely with water from nearby natural spring so the water keeps an crisp average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees. It's located in Zilker Park, right across the river from downtown.
Hike along The Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a series of hiking trails in south Austin with several access points. Check out the links below for more info and to plan your trek! https://theaustinthings.com/a-beginners-guide-to-the-austin-greenbelt/ https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/your-guide-to-navigating-austins-barton-creek-greenbelt/
Paddle Board / Kayak on Lady Bird Lake
There are several spots to rent a kayak or stand up paddle board on Lady Bird Lake. Depending on what side of town you're staying in we recommend either Rowing Dock or Live Love Paddle.
Retro Boat Rentals ATX
Cruise down Lady Bird Lake in a super cool retro boat and take in views of the Austin Skyline.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
This is a classic Austin spot. Outdoor mini golf in the heart of downtown. A fun spot for adults and kids. Adults can BYOB.
Butler Pitch & Putt
The 9-hole, par-3 course has real grass greens with holes that are unique, fun and easy to play. It gets super busy on the weekends and you can't book ahead. We recommend getting there before 11 AM.
Desnudo Coffee: East Austin
The best coffee in Austin. The East Austin truck gets really busy on the weekends but the wait is worth it. You can also order up to a day ahead. Sam's favorite is the Brown Sugar Miso Latte with Oat Milk. Dan likes the Iced Desnudo. You can grab breakfast tacos from Veracruz or enjoy a Kolache (a Texas staple) from Kerlaches while you wait for your coffee.
Loro Austin
($$) This is one of our favorite restaurants in Austin! Loro is an Asian/Barbecue fusion smokehouse originally created by the award-winning chefs behind Uchi and Franklin Barbecue. Be warned, if the weather is nice, the wait might be long but you can get one of their delicious frozen gin and tonics while you wait!
la Barbecue
($$) Our favorite barbecue in Austin. They do tend to sell out so try to get there by 11AM.
Terry Black's Barbecue
($$) This is another popular BBQ spot in Austin that serves lunch and dinner and rarely runs out of items. Great pit stop after Barton Springs or kayaking on the water. Look at the menu ahead of time because the line to order moves quick.
Polvos
($$) This is one of our favorite mexican restaurants in Austin. So much so that our group chat with our Austin friends is called Polvos Fan Club
De Nada Cantina
($) Our favorite place for margs and tacos! Handmade tortillas pressed and cooked on the comal, slow-braised meats, and traditional (strong) handcrafted margaritas. Be warned, the margs pack a punch and the wait can get long on weekend nights. You can make a reservation but it's mostly first come first serve.
Suerte
($$$) Suerte is an award winning Mexican restaurant in East Austin, perfect if you want to treat yourselves to a nice dinner. reservations strongly encouraged. The Suadero Tacos are a must and all their cocktails are delicious!
Armadillo Den
Armadillo Den sits on 3 acres of land with lawn chairs, picnic tables, food trucks, axe throwing and plenty of cold drinks. They usually have live music on their outdoor stage. Perfect place for a pre-wedding drink.
Cosmic Saltillo
Austin staple coffee and cocktail place with an enormous dog-friendly patio, a rooftop deck with downtown views, an all-day taqueria, and a ton of plants to liven it all up. Walking distance from the Hampton Inn / Home 2 Suites
Whisler's
One of Austin's best craft cocktail bars in a picturesque old building built in 1917. The inside is worth seeing for an authentic Austin feel and the espresso martinis are worth sipping. Walking distance from the Hampton Inn / Home 2 Suites