3-day Itinerary to Austin – Here’s What You Need To Know

Austin, the capital of Texas, offers small-city vibes while providing access to lots of outdoor activities, music venues, and a happening food scene. Each year, the city hosts the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a 3-day event featuring live performances from famous artists. Past musical talents include Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie, Raitt, and more. Whether you’re in town for a festival or event, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a couple, a family traveling with kids, or exploring solo, here’s a 3-day itinerary for all the things Austin has to offer.

Where to stay:

There’s no shortage of hotel offerings in Austin, that’s for sure. For those seeking laid-back luxury, book a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Situated in the heart of downtown, along the banks of Lady Bird Lake, this refined hotel offers contemporary rooms featuring sleek furnishings and spacious bathrooms. Their recently renovated lakeview suites are perfectly suitable for families and couples looking for some extra space to spread out. At over 758 square feet and overlooking the lake, rooms feature one bedroom, a sofa bed, and two full bathrooms. As part of their suite experiences package, guests can curate an exclusive wellness journey, including a songwriting session, yoga, or sound bath led by a seasoned pro. The property features an outdoor saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and luxury spa with steam room and relaxation lounge. Their restaurant CICLO offers elevated farm-to-table ingredients with a menu that changes with the seasons. 

Fairmont Austin makes for another excellent option; the impressive 37-story hotel is the tallest in the city. Accommodations hit the mark with plush mattresses and luxury linens, cozy sitting areas, and updated bathrooms. For convenience and top-tier service, choose to upgrade to Fairmont Gold. Located on the 32nd through 34th floors, the program offers private check-in and check out, access to an uber exclusive lounge, and concierge service. Additional offerings include a hot deluxe breakfast, canapés and nightly desserts.

The hotel’s award-winning spa boasts soaking pools, a eucalyptus stream grotto, sauna, mens and womens solariums, and nine treatment rooms. Solariums feature expansive views of the cityscape. Book a Himalayan Hot Salt Stones massage to unwind after a day of exploring. For a truly decadent experience, check out Room 725, a speakeasy meets champagne and caviar lounge, where you’ll be treated to small bites such as Golden Osetra caviar with full garnishes, poached lobster, and Japanese A5 Wagyu, along with an exclusive champagne and cocktails list. Sit back, enjoy the live entertainment and the views – it’s a perfect way to end the day. 

Where to play:

If you’re into art, no visit is complete without a trip to Blanton Museum of Art located at the University of Texas at Austin. Known as one of the largest university art museums in the United States, it spans over 200,000 square feet with two buildings of exhibits, galleries, and a gift shop. Be sure to stop and visit Ellsworth Kelly’s iconic stone building. The Bullock Texas State History Museum offers a comprehensive look at Texas history. Since its opening in 2001, the museum has welcomed over nine million visitors per year. If you’re in town the first Sunday of the month, admission is free. 

Visit Zilker Botanical Garden for a lovely stroll through a sanctuary of koi ponds, native plants and wildlife, themed gardens and a cactus garden. The impressive 26 acres features a beautiful  Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden. The park is a good option for families, with a full selection of events such as family and toddler yoga. Recognized as one of the fittest cities in the U.S., you’ll find runners and bicyclists along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail, a flat 10-mile loop that borders Lady Bird Lake.

Austin offers food and fun for families, couples, and solo travelers.For some rest and relaxation, head over to any of Viva Day Spa’s four locations (with reservations) and indulge in an infrared sauna service, a facial, or salon appointment. The day spa is consistently one of the city’s highest rated and offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Since Austin is famously known for its music scene, there’s lots of places to experience live music. The Elephant Room is a standout, offering live performances daily starting at 9:30pm. The White Horse features country-western and bluegrass music seven days a week. There’s a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your pooch along.  

Between spring and early fall, make bat-watching part of your agenda. Home to over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, you’ll see them as they emerge during sunset. It’s a sight to behold!

Where to Eat:

There is no shortage of options in Austin! From BBQ and food trucks to fine dining and casual fare, there’s something for everyone, and then some! Here is a list of our favorite spots to hit.

Start your mornings off at local favorite The Well, which has three locations. Their healthy menu of chia pudding, vegan bowls, and avocado toast are an ideal way to supercharge your day. You’ll need to try a breakfast taco, which is a popular staple in Texas. El Mana Authentic Mexican Food Truck serves them up with piping hot ingredients and best of all, each taco is less than $4. 

For casual fare, head to the Fareground, on bustling Congress Avenue, where you’ll find Austin Rotisserie. This hidden gem is owned by the husband-wife team, Sophie and Eric, who are passionate about food. Sophie is French and Eric grew up in Mexico; they blend the flavors of both cultures and specialize in small-batch rotisserie chickens that are tender and juicy. Their menu also includes artisan sandwiches that call back to Sophie’s childhood, with crisp baguettes and soft-churned butter. Yum. Be sure to pick up a pastry or two; you’ll be glad you did. 

The Diner Bar sits inside the new Thompson Hotel and offers  delectable seafood with Southern flair. At the helm are duo chefs Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano, who collaborated together at the James Beard Award winning restaurant The Grey in Georgia. Shrimp toast and lobster slider appetizers are out-of-this universe delicious. Pork schnitzel and third coast stew are winning entrees as are their house-made desserts. Cocktail options range supreme.

It’s a little off-the-beaten path, but Abby Jane Bakeshop is about a 30-minute drive, and located in the picturesque town of Dripping Springs. Owner Abby Love, a Louisiana native, pours passion into her wide-range of delicious treats. Choose from flaky croissants, decadent cinnamon rolls, and fresh-baked breads. It’s hard not to find something delicious. Grab a box of goodies and meander through the eclectic downtown. Full of unique shops and boutiques, it’s definitely worth a stop.