Your Perfect Austin TX Bucket List!

There are some things you have to do when you come to Austin or people won’t believe you actually visited.  Think: BBQ, South Congress & 6th Street.  There’s absolutely no lack of entertainment, food, and adventure in Austin, Texas – it’s just a matter of whether or not you can get it all done. My thoughts are with you as you try to achieve that goal.

If you knock everything off this list, you will have fulfilled your Austin experience & left nothing behind!

Your Perfect Austin TX Bucket List!

1. Hike the Hills: Mount Bonnell or Pennybacker Bridge – take a hike up either of these two spots for soothing views of Austin’s water. Bring a camera, totally worth a picture!
2. South Congress Bridge + Bats: Walk across South Congress bridge for pretty city views or an occasional bat.  If you’re wanting an up-close view of the bats, take a cruise.  Beware, bat viewing season is typically March through October.
3. Snap a Classic Mural Pic: A picture + coffee is almost a requirement at the “I love you so much” sign outside Jo’s coffee on South Congress.
4. South Congress Food + Music: Don’t forget to EAT on South Congress – Home Slice Pizza, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Vespaio, South Congress Café, Guero’s, Perla’s, Café No Se… The only problem is choosing one! Find live music outside Guero’s.
5. Cool Off in Barton Springs: If you’re hot, head to Barton Springs Pool near Zilker Park for a natural spring sanctuary.  The natural pool is open year round, if you happen to visit during a cooler season, don’t leave this off your bucket list! You’ll get bonus points if you take a dip when it’s chilly outside.
6. Try the Local Desserts: Eat a sweet dessert at a local fav – Amy’s Ice Cream.  Or a NEW local favorite, NadaaMoo Scoop Shop for dairy-free sweets! YUM!
7. Get your Texas Style: You absolutely should get a cowboy hat & boots, when else will you be able to casually rock the look?  Try Allen’s Boots on South Congress – you can either spend your years salary there or get a decent hat for a price you’ll be comfortable with.
8. Comedy on 6th Street: Attend an Esther Follies show on 6th Street, if you can grab tickets before they’re gone!  If you missed out, check out the comedy scene at Cap City Comedy Club, there’s always someone performing that’ll make you laugh.
9. Party on 6th Street: Walk the infamous 6th street in the evening & grab a drink… or a doughnut at Voodoo’s Doughnuts.
10. Party on Rainy Street: Enjoy drinks, yard games, and live music any time of the day on Rainy Street – an entire block of houses turned bars.
11. Compete in Mini Golf: Check out Peter Pan Mini Golf because… BYOB, close to downtown, & a little competition is always a good way to start the night.
12. Relax at Zilker Park: Take a walk through Zilker Park or Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail, then swing by the Zilker Park Botanical Gardens for a true garden wonderland.
13. Canoe on the River: Don’t just look at the water, get on it!  Rent a canoe or paddle board off Lady Bird Lake.
14. Eat BBQ: For a casual, yet local favorite, hit the gas station for Rudy’s BBQ.  You won’t regret it.  And for an evening date, eat BBQ at Lambert’s, on 2nd Street – then grab a drink & head upstairs for live music!
15. Find Live Music: Austin is known for music so you’ll find it everywhere on 6th street, Rainy Street, or South Congress – sit back & enjoy!  Check out the calendar for ACL Live performances & try snagging tickets there.
16. Grab Breakfast Taco’s: You MUST try a breakfast taco from Torchy’s Tacos or Tacodeli.
17. Order the Queso: Also, you can’t leave without a couple rounds of Queso – always order it off the menu…
18. Shop Locally: If time permits, check out Austin’s second downtown: The Domain.  Tons of shopping, entertainment & food!  This shopping district did a great job of keeping a lot of it locally owned retailers.
19. Top Golf: Near The Domain – Top Golf is an exciting group activity. Fun for even the worst golfers: TRUST ME.
20. Explore Nearby: If you’re in Austin for awhile, drive out to Fredericksburg for wine tasting or hike Enchanted Rock / If hiking isn’t your thing, head to San Marcos Outlets for major shopping (<< dangerous)

And there you have it, the complete Austin Bucket List!  Let me know if I missed anything important in the comments below so other visitors can reference it!

I also made a 1-day itinerary for the Perfect Day in Austin (according to me) right: HERE

Whether you’re in Austin for the first time, a common visitor, or making the move – WELCOME!

As always, please be thoughtful.

Xx

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