Long weekend in ATX? My favorite places to stay & things to do like a local!
Map
Sections
5
STAY
EAT
COFFEE SHOPS
DO
TRAVEL MUST HAVES
STAY
STAY: The Carpenter Hotel. Central (walkable!) location, cost effective, and *a vibe*
Carpenter Hotel
STAY: If you're feeling splurge-y, this is where I would stay! Most walkable area in Austin.
Hotel San José | Boutique Hotel in South Congress Austin
EAT
BRUNCH: Healthy & affordable eats. A local staple that I try to make it to any time I'm in town.
Bouldin Creek Cafe
JUICE: Call me basic, but I'm always going to go to Juiceland. If you're staying at the Carpenter, walk to Zilker/the Greenbelt and stop at the Juiceland on Barton Springs Rd. in the cutest building!
JuiceLand
TACOS: Solid, old school Austin tex mex in awesome building. Ask to sit outside.
El Alma
TACOS: Solid taco truck. You will not be disappointed, no matter what you order. Order an agua fresca, too.
Veracruz All Natural: Mexican Cuisine in Greater Austin, TX
COFFEE SHOPS
COFFEE: This was my favorite when I lived in the neighborhood. Buy beans here.
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors Cafe & Roastery
COFFEE: Located in the lobby of the Carpenter Hotel - even if you're not staying, definitely grab a coffee & hang out here.
Carpenter Coffee Bar
COFFEE: Bikes & coffee. Cute local spot!
Flat Track Coffee
COFFEE: Located in the South Congress Hotel. I am always in need of a (large) coffee when I'm on SoCo & mañana always delivers.
mañana | coffee shop in downtown austin, tx | south congress + ...
DO
VINTAGE: You MUST! visit Uncommon Objects when you are in Austin for the best collections you could dream of. Endless inspiration here!
Uncommon Objects
DO: Be outside & enjoy the beautiful Austin weather! Walk the trail or picnic in Zilker.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
DAY TRIP: This is technically outside of Austin, but if it is not your first trip, I would take the day to visit Hamilton Pool. Be prepared to hike, swim, and be totally amazed by ~nature~
Hamilton Pool
DO: Take a walk outside at the stunning Wildflower Center. Best in Spring, but still worth a trip all year round. Will cost ya $$ though! Free options abound, just not here.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
SHOP: South Congress has changed a lot since I lived in Austin, but that means that they got a ton of great shopping. GANNI just hits different IRL.
GANNI
SHOP: You will definitely find your new favorite book here! Bonus points - it's next to REI, Anthropologie, and Whole Foods.
BookPeople
TRAVEL MUST HAVES
TRAVEL BACKPACK: I am a carry-on only girl, but thought I could never be a backpack girl. I was wrong! This backpack fits so much and makes a weekend trip so easy.
Bags | Roark
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE: This saves me on vacation! I always refill in the airport & I am way happier and less dehydrated throughout the week.
All Bottles - Takeya USA
LISTEN: For better or worse, I am picky about the things I use every day. I love that these last a while between charges and don't squish your ears like the Airpod Max.
Marshall headphones
WEAR: I always regret if I don't bring this on a trip. Less commitment than a huge jacket, but still good for nights & the airplane.
