• Start Here
  • About
  • California Travel
    • SF Bay Area
      • San Francisco
      • East Bay
      • South Bay
      • North Bay
    • Los Angeles
    • Santa Barbara
    • Sacramento
    • San Diego
    • San Luis Obispo
    • Solvang
    • Road Trips
    • National Parks
  • Other Destinations
    • Poland
      • Krakow
    • Turkey
      • Izmir
      • Istanbul
    • Spain
      • Barcelona
    • Canada
      • Vancouver
    • USA
      • Austin
      • Boston
      • Hawaiian Islands
        • Hawaii
        • Kauai
        • Oahu
        • Maui
      • Las Vegas
      • Portland
      • Seattle

Small World This Is

Austin

A 2-Day Austin Itinerary

Tweet
Share16
Pin228
244 Shares

Austin is a city that is hard to define. This capitol city stands out with its lovable weirdness,and its artsy, laid-back vibe mixed with a good dose of Texas pride. Two days gives you a solid introduction to experience the city’s art scene, scenic outdoor spaces and rich history. Here’s what should be on your 2-day Austin itinerary.

Weather in Austin

Austin is known for its hot muggy summers, and mild winters. It doesn’t rain often in Austin, but when it rains it pours. The rainiest season is in June. The best time to visit is September to May, when the average daytime temperatures hover in the 60s-80s. Despite the sticky summers, another thing to look out for is the various allergy seasons in Austin. Whatever time of the year it is, there’s bound to be a different type of pollen in the air. One of the worst periods for allergy suffers is mid-December to late-February, when the mountain cedar trees release pollen-filled clouds throughout the city.

Getting Around Austin

Renting a car is always a good option, since you can easily zip around the city at your own pace. Parking can be difficult, but is not impossible in most places in the city. Ride-share options like Uber and Lyft are also available, including a local company Ride Austin, which is a great alternative being a bit cheaper than its competitors, and gives you the option to round-up your fare to the nearest dollar and donate the difference.

There are also pedicabs downtown, which are known for their decorative exteriors (the Game of Thrones ones is especially popular) and the cost is a tip that is usually negotiated before the ride starts. For cheap rides from the airport to various points around the city including downtown and the Southeast side, the 100-AirportFlyer is your chariot.

There is also the city’s public transportation system Capitol Metro, which offers bus and light rail options.

Day 1

South Congress Street

This is one of my favorite streets to walk around and soak in the funkiness that is Austin. Start at Jo’s Coffee and get in line to take a photo at their Insta-famous “I love you so much” wall. Afterward, walk a few blocks to Allen’s Boots, where you can browse the impressive collection of cowboy boots in all shapes and sizes, as well as cowboy hats, and other gear that will make you look like a local in no time. Stop in South Congress Books to browse the enviable collection of rare used books, and vintage posters. This street is known for its vintage clothing shops, but Prototype Vintage Design stands out from the rest with its well-curated collection and reasonable prices.

austin itinerary

South First Street

One block over from South Congress, this street is a bit quieter than its neighbor, but doesn’t lack character. It has an abundance of street art including the Greetings From Austin postcard mural, as well as shops like Flashback, a vintage clothing store that’s hard to miss with its colorful facade and clothing decorating the front porch of the store. Embrace your creative side at Craft, a space where for $10 per hour you can craft to your heart’s content with the assortment of supplies that are provided or take one of their workshops.

austin itinerary

Lady Bird Lake

For a breath of fresh air right in the middle of the city, head to these scenic lakeside walking paths that provide views of the downtown skyline. I was there during late autumn, and was treated to stunning fall foliage, but I can imagine that spring blooms would be just as pretty. There are many trails to choose from, including the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which is over 10 miles long and makes a complete circle around the lake. If you’re in Austin during the summer, head to the lake before the heat of the day settles in and watch the sun rise as it reflects on the water. If being on the water is more your thing, you can rent canoes or kayaks to navigate the lake on.

For a sight that is uniquely Austin, make sure to head to South Congress Bridge at dusk during March-November, when hundreds of Mexican free-tailed bats take flight over the lake.

austin itinerary

Continental Club

To get a taste of country music Texas-style, head back to South Congress Street, to this historic music venue. If you’re feeling brave get on down to the dancing floor and attempt your best two-step. This club is the best reminder that despite the prevailing hipster vibe throughout Austin, the city still has deep Texas roots. Forget your fancy evening outfits, this is the place to dress up in your best cowboy attire if you want to fit in with the crowd. There are nightly shows, check out the performance calendar here.

austin itinerary

Day 2

Texas Capital Building

This historical building is worth stopping by for an hour or two to take one of the informative free tours and learn about the state’s rich political past. Highlights along the tour include seeing both the House and the Senate rooms, as well as the basement. The building itself is stunning and massive, with a beautiful rotunda that sits under the main dome. The surrounding grounds are worth checking out as well, with views of downtown from the expansive lawns. Open seven days a week.

austin itinerary

Cathedral of Junk

Located in the backyard of an unassuming suburban home on the south side of Austin, you would never expect to find this impressive tower of junk that has been the result of the owner’s collection of over 3 decades. Wander through the tower and see all the different items up close and personal. This is Austin at its weirdest and should not be missed. Call before you go to make an appointment, since this is someone’s home. Entrance is a $5 donation.

austin itinerary

University of Texas at Austin

Wander around the city’s biggest university, where its undergraduate and graduate population adds up to just over 50,000 students. This public university is the flagship institution of the University of Texas system, with alumni including Neil deGrasse and Matthew McConaughey. Noteworthy stops include the Blanton Museum of Art, LBJ’s presidential library, and the UT Tower (book a self-guided tour online that includes access to the observation deck). Come back at night for a live musical performance at the legendary Cactus Cafe.

austin itinerary

Mount Bonell

Head over to this vista point right at sunset and be treated to one of the best panoramas of the city skyline, the Colorado River, and the 360 Bridge. Located in Covert Park, this spot is the highest point in the city at 775 feet. When you are up on the mountain you can really see how green Austin is with all the trees next to the river. There are some easy trails that lead you to different viewpoints, and if you go during sunset make sure to get there early since it can get crowded. If you want to go all out bring a picnic with you to enjoy as you watch the sun go down.

Where To Eat in Austin

For where to get the best breakfast tacos and BBQ, check out my Where To Eat in Austin post.

Where To Stay In Austin

Austin can be a pricey city for lodging, especially downtown. That being said there are some good deals if you search hard enough, as well a some options further afield in lively neighborhoods like South Congress.

Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake

Located in downtown, right on Lady Bird Lake, with stunning views of the waterfront and easy access to the walking trails. Affordable choice compared to other hotels in the area. Free airport shuttle.

La Quinta Inn Austin North

A bit further from downtonw, but is a great deal. Perfect for those who have their own car since there’s free parking. Complementary breakfast is included.

Hotel San Jose

Located on South Congress Ave. this dog-friendly, bungalow-style hotel is beautifully designed, and has a garden bar that serves up delicious snacks and plenty of happy hour specials.

This post contains affiliate links (with no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting Small World This Is.

What would be on your 2 day Austin itinerary

From vibrant street art to stunning vistas, here's a guide for what to do in Austin | austin travel | austin things to do

From vibrant street art to stunning vistas, here's a guide for what to do in Austin | austin travel | austin things to do

Photo source: Cathedral of Junk

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest

You might like

Where To Eat In Austin The Best Sacramento Day Trips 3 Days In Portland, Oregon A 2-Week Poland Itinerary: Traveling From North to South

24 hours in la

Welcome!

I'm Julia, a food-loving, California-based writer that loves exploring my home state, and hopes to inspire you to do the same.

Popular Posts

  • Top 10 Places To Visit In Istanbul Top 10 Places To Visit In...
  • The Best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints The Best Golden Gate Brid...
  • The Best Places To Eat In Portland, Oregon The Best Places To Eat In...
  • 5 Days In San Diego 5 Days In San Diego
  • 3 Days In Portland, Oregon 3 Days In Portland, Orego...
  • 5 Days In San Francisco 5 Days In San Francisco

Instagram

  • There are so many historical gems in Sacramento, where you really feel the early history of the city. This fountain is one of them in front of the Tower Theater🌿
  • Flashback to our second time visiting Sutter Creek last week. It was a colder, more festive version than in July, and I loved seeing this small Gold Rush town during the wintertime❄️
  • Happy New Year!✨Grateful for this past year, and looking forward to what 2019 will bring🚀
  • Festive neighbors🎄💫
  • It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter (or at least California’s mild version of it)❄️
  • Around here the temperatures feel like winter but it looks like fall🍁Not mad about it one bit🍂
  • Yes to all the autumn colors🍁 California doesn’t compare to New England when it comes to fall foliage, but here in the Central Valley it’s doesn’t disappoint✨Savoring this fleeting season with long neighborhood walks amid the crunchy leaves🍂// Rocklin, California
  • Continuing to explore the tiny gold rush towns near Sacramento, and Nevada City  has to be one of my favorites with its Victorian homes and crystal shops🔮Plus the higher elevation provides some stunning fall foliage🍁
  • Sunset magic on election day🗳#vote
  • Happy Halloween!🕷

Copyright © 2019 · Small World This Is · Site by Ready to Blog Designs