This realistic Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary helps you plan your next getaway to the Capital of Texas.

Austin is the capital and fourth largest city in the State of Texas. The city is a major tourist destination in the Southwest thanks to its warm climate and relative affordability.

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Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World”, is no stranger to visitors from all over the globe. The city is home to South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits (ACL), Formula 1 (F1), and MotoGP races.

Outside of these events with truly global reach, there are plenty of sights and places of interest in Austin. Art museums and parks, historic mansions and engineering wonders await visitors to this city.

It could be overwhelming to see even the main sights in just one weekend. This itinerary covers how you could make the most from a weekend trip to Austin, Texas.

Where to Fly In

There are very few options to consider when flying to Austin from another state. Unlike San Francisco Bay Area with its 3 airports, you have just Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the Capital of Texas.

This airport is the main gateway to the city. It is a fairly small airport. But, on the bright side, there is a growing number of direct flights from all over the United States.

If Austin Airport does not work out, you could try your luck with San Antonio Airport. It is 75 miles (121 km) southwest of the Capital of Texas. You could cover this distance in 75 minutes without traffic.

How to Get Around

A rental car is a necessity when exploring Austin, Texas. You could get from airport to Downtown, Domain, and other neighborhoods by public transport. There are buses and light rail in the city.

But you should forget about visiting more than a couple of places during your Austin weekend. Most sights are a long walk from any bus station. Metro Rail is good for rides between Downtown and Domain.

You are better off renting a car at the airport. The Car Rental Center is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Terminal. No need to take a shuttle bus. You could reach Downtown in 20 minutes once you rent a car.

Where to Stay in Austin

Unlike transport modes, there are a lot of choices when it comes to places to stay in Austin, Texas. You could stay in Downtown, Domain, South Congress, and a handful of other areas.

Most visitors would want to stay in the Downtown area. You could walk to a handful of sights in this case. Higher prices and additional fees for parking and breakfast are a trade-off.

Parking in particular is an important consideration. You might want to book a place to stay in Domain or Sunset Valley to extend your budget.

Check out Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin NW near The Domain and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Austin The Domain Area. Or stay at Aloft Austin Southwest to have an easier access to the Hill Country.

This Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary covers next the main sights to see during three days in the Capital of Texas. It starts with a half-day plan for Friday and continues with option-packed Saturday and Sunday.

Day 1

The first day of your Austin Texas weekend trip will likely fall on a Friday. That is when most out-of-state visitors try to fly in to see as much as possible in the city.

Unless you take an early flight, you will have just Friday afternoon and evening to explore. It is better to keep your itinerary light in case of flight delays. Consider getting travel insurance for such cases.

You could hike a few easy trails in McKinney Falls, view a mural or two, and grab dinner. A drive-by visit of St. Edward’s University campus is also on the list for architecture lovers.

1.1. McKinney Falls

• Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 60-90 minutes.
• Cost: $6 per adult.

McKinney Falls is the best starting point for any visitor to Austin, Texas. But avid hikers would find this park especially fascinating. Its hiking trails and creek crossings are very close to Austin Airport.

You will see two creeks, two waterfalls, a 500-year-old tree, and a rock shelter on a short trail. If you extend your hike, you could reach the Old Rock House and Grist Mill ruins.

It is best to reserve a pass to McKinney Falls. You could do it up to 30 days in advance. Fewer visitors come to the park in the afternoon. But it could sell out even then in the spring, summer, and fall.

1.2. St. Edward’s University

• Address: 3001 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
• Hours: 24/7.
• Visit Duration: 10-15 minutes.
• Cost: free; parking fees apply if you park.

Architecture geeks might notice a castle like building while driving on the ramps and overpasses at Highways TX-71 at I-35. This 1904 structure is Main Building of St. Edward’s University.

Most visitors think of the University of Texas at Austin when discussing college education in the city. But UT Austin has a worthy contender in this private university.

St. Edward’s University campus is a great place to see bluebonnets in the spring. Parking is a little confusing on campus. So, you could choose to do a drive-by tour of the campus.

1.3. Austin Murals

• Austin Sign: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704.
• “I love you so much” Mural: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
• South Congress SOCO Mural: 1800 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
• You’re My Butter Half Mural: 2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702.
• Jeremiah The Innocent Mural: 408 W 21st St, Austin, TX 78705.
• Austintatious Murals: 453-401 W 23rd St, Austin, TX 78705.
• Hours: 24/7.
• Visit Duration: 5-10 minutes.
• Cost: free.

Austin is home to a great number of murals. If you enjoy wall art, you should add at least a couple of them to your Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary.

Austin Sign, “I love you so much”, and South Congress SOCO Murals are all south of the Colorado River. They are on the way if you travel on Congress Avenue towards Downtown.

Keep in mind that parking is quite limited near all of these murals. Obey traffic rules and do not block anyone’s driveways. No mural is worth getting your car towed away.

1.4. Torchy’s Tacos or Veracruz All Natural

• Address: different by chain and location throughout town.
• Hours: different by chain and location; usually between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes.
• Cost: $10-$20 per person.

You will likely get hungry after exploring McKinney Falls, St. Edward’s University, and the murals. There are a lot of restaurants and food joints in Austin for you to choose from.

You could have great Japanese dishes at Ramen Tatsu-Ya. But if you feel like trying something lighter but still local, you cannot go wrong with tacos.

At Torchy’s Tacos and Veracruz All Natural tacos are not just for breakfast. You could get a hearty portion for brunch, lunch, linner, and dinner. Both are local chain restaurants with a handful of locations.

Day 2

Saturday, or day 2 of your Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary, will be an action-packed exploration of the city. You will get a chance to see the Texas Capitol, Austin museums, hiking paths, and flying bats.

You will not cover a ton of miles by car on your second day in Austin. In fact, all of the sights are in a central area within Highways I-35, US-183, TX-1, and TX-71.

The next few sections of this Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary covers the second day sights. They account for the opening hours and suggest an ideal exploration path.

2.1. Mount Bonnell

• Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 10-15 minutes.
• Cost: free.

Mount Bonnell is a great start to your Saturday adventures in Austin, Texas. This viewpoint on Lake Austin gives you panoramic views of the Colorado River, West Lake Hills, and the Pennybacker Bridge.

The park is just a short detour from Mopac Expressway. Mount Bonnell is also on the way if you decide to stay in the Domain. You will have plenty of parking spots and fewer people if you visit it early in the day.

It is best to budget 10-15 minutes to explore Mount Bonnell. You will spend the first 2-5 minutes climbing up the stairs from the parking lot. It is a good workout for hikers of all experience levels.

2.2. Mayfield Park

• Address: 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 15-20 minutes.
• Cost: free.

You should hop back in your car and drive almost to the lake level after a stop at Mount Bonnell. A quick drive will bring you to Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve.

Admire peacocks and peahens, turtles in the ponds, and blooming flowers in the community garden. Look up since peafowls are often on the roof of the Mayfield Cottage.

Explore the 1870s cottage, stone tower, and arches from the outside. If you would like to stretch your legs, consider taking a short loop trail to the Lake and Ledges.

2.3. The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria

• Address: 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 45-60 minutes.
• Cost: $10 per adult.

Contemporary art lovers should not overlook The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria. This open-air museum is right next door to Mayfield Park. You could even reach it from the peacock gardens on a trail.

A 45-minute loop path brings you from one art installation to another. From Miffy Fountain and Temple of Love to The Stairs and Road Angel, there is something for every visitor.

If you arrive in Austin on Thursday, you should visit Laguna Gloria then. The museum has extended hours (till 9 p.m.) and free admission on that day. It could be the easiest way to save $10 per person.

2.4. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

• Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703.
• Hours: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes.
• Cost: $10-$20 per person.

You might start to feel hungry after visiting two parks and a museum. In this case, you should make a short trip to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. It is a locals’ favorite when it comes to coffee and desserts.

There are very few parking spots in front of Mozart’s. If all spots are taken, go to a free parking lot across Lake Austin Boulevard. You could almost always park there.

The cafe is right on Lake Austin. It could be quite refreshing to enjoy a drink next to the water. There is usually a line for ordering drinks and food. Budget about 15 to 30 minutes all in.

2.5. Neill-Cochran House

• Address: 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes.
• Cost: $10 per adult.

After a quick bite, you will be ready to continue exploring the Capital of Texas. This time, your Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary brings you to the Neill-Cochran House on West Campus.

The best house museum in Austin is open to self-guided and guided tours. They cost the same but the docent-led tour has a $60 (or 6 people) minimum.

The 1855 Greek Revival mansion is certain to wow you. Get ready to see 3 parlors, 2 exhibit rooms, a few bedrooms, and a dining room. Historic furniture pieces are on display at the Neill-Cochran House.

2.6. Elisabet Ney Museum

• Address: 304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751.
• Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 10-15 minutes.
• Cost: free.

If you like the Neill-Cochran House but prefer an art twist, consider stopping by the Elisabet Ney Museum. Art and history lovers will find this free museum worthwhile.

An 1892 home and studio is a 4-story limestone castle. You will see a handful of works of this famous sculptor on display inside. Together with the surrounding prairies, it gives you a different look at Austin.

It is worth noting that this museum is a bit out of the way in Hyde Park. You have a short window to visit it, too. But, despite these reasons to skip Elisabet Ney Museum, it gives you a different look at Austin.

2.7. The University of Texas at Austin

• Address: 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes.
• Cost: free; parking fees apply.

No matter what you decide about the Elisabet Ney Museum, you should visit the University of Texas at Austin. The campus of one of the biggest schools in the state is a highlight of any trip to Austin, Texas.

The UT Tower is a symbol of the city that dates back to 1937. You used to be able to go to the top of the Tower for amazing views. These tours have been suspended while the renovation is underway.

You should park at the San Antonio Garage if you plan on visiting the Tower. The Brazos Garage is best for exploring the Blanton Museum of Art. The parking rates start at $3 for half an hour.

2.8. Texas Capitol

• Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes.
• Cost: free; first 2 hours are free at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage.

The Texas State Capitol is another must-visit landmark in Austin. The seat of the Texas Government dates back to 1885. It is among the oldest buildings in the city.

You could see the Texas Capitol from a lot of places in Austin. This is not a coincidence. Certain viewing corridors are protected. No new construction above a certain height could take place in a few city areas.

You are welcome to explore the grounds and go inside the Capitol. There is a TSA like screening when you enter. Go to the government chambers and do not skip the Open Air Rotunda in the Extension.

2.9. Austin Central Library

• Address: 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701.
• Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 15-20 minutes.
• Cost: free.

If you like modern architecture, you should pay a visit to the Austin Central Library. This 6-story building is far younger than the Boston Central Library, the Library of Congress, and the State Library Victoria.

But the 2017 Austin Central Library deserves a spot on your Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary. You could explore the main atrium and the rooftop garden even if you do not borrow a book.

Even better, it is free to park at the Austin Central Library during the first hour. Just drive to the underground garage and take a note of time.

2.10. Umlauf Sculpture Garden

• Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 10-15 minutes.
• Cost: $7 per adult.

The Austin Central Library is on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The exploration route will bring you across the Colorado River next. Consider taking the Lamar Bridge or the First Street Bridge.

The former bridge will bring you to Zilker neighborhood. It is a faster route to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. This open-air sculpture park displays works of a long-time Austinite sculptor.

Art lovers will find these cast stone and bronze statues worthwhile. If sculptures are not your interest, go to the spring-fed Barton Springs Municipal Pool or Zilker Metropolitan Park nearby.

2.11. Terry Black’s Barbecue or P. Terry’s Burger Stand #1

• Terry Black’s Barbecue: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• P. Terry’s Burger Stand #1: 404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 15-20 minutes.
• Cost: $10-20 per adult.

You are certain to be starving after a handful of museums, parks, and landmarks. This is a great to have a proper late lunch. You could choose any of the Austin favorites for your Saturday linner.

But, if you are trying to see even more of Austin, you should visit the places with quick turnaround times. Both Terry Black’s Barbecue and P. Terry’s Burger Stand #1 fit this profile.

You could get delicious brisket or a burger with a shake. These calorie rich meals should satisfy your hunger. You will be back exploring the city in no time.

2.12. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

• Address: 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Visit Duration: 1 to 3 hours.
• Cost: free.

Both restaurants are next door to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This 10-mi (16-km) path goes around Lady Bird Lake. Butler Metro Park and Lakeshore Blvd have a handful of parking spots.

You will get nice views of the Downtown skyline from Doug Sahm Hill Summit. Or you could walk above the lake over the boardwalks. The whole path will take up to 3 hours to complete.

The Pedestrian bridges below Mopac Expressway and on Pleasant Valley Road are the furthest crossings. You could use any of the other bridges in-between to have a shorter hiking adventure.

2.13. Bat Viewing at Congress Bridge

• Address: Congress Avenue Bridge, S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
• Hours: 24/7
• Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes.
• Cost: free.

Your last attraction of the day will be a bit unorthodox. Few visitors to the Capital of Texas plan to engage in bat viewing. But you should not judge a book by its cover. Bat viewing is an iconic Austin experience.

You should head to the Congress Bridge shortly before sunset. A large colony of bats lives below this bridge. They fly out nearly every sunset from spring to fall. Check out the latest data and forecast.

Do not go below the bridge to the Statesman Bat Observation Center. The views from the bridge are far better. As a bonus, you do not have to deal with guano. Park at Butler Metro Park and walk to the bridge.

Day 3

This Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary takes you to the Texas Hill Country on the third and final day. You will enjoy scenic drives on Capital of Texas Highway (TX-360 Loop), Bee Cave Road, and Fitzhugh Road.

Sunday is a great day to venture outside of the city. Traffic should not present a problem. You should be able to get to Pedernales Falls, have some BBQ, and return in time for your flight.

It is a good idea to fill up before you head to the countryside. Gas prices tend to be higher once you leave the Austin Metro Area. But that might not be a problem at all if you rent an electric or a fuel efficient car.

3.1. Pennybacker Bridge

• Address: 5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730.
• Hours: 24/7.
• Visit Duration: 1-2 minutes.
• Cost: free.

It could be a good idea to take Capital of Texas Highway (TX-360 Loop) if you stay in the Domain. This scenic route brings you to beautiful hills in the western part of Austin.

You will also cross the Colorado River via the Pennybacker Bridge. This arch bridge has become a symbol of Austin. You should make use of an opportunity to admire this engineering wonder first-hand.

There is also viewpoint at a bluff near the bridge. But you are better off skipping this spot. The unofficial parking lot next to the highway has plenty of “No Parking on Row” signs.

3.2. Pedernales Falls

• Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 60-90 minutes.
• Cost: $6 per adult.

Pedernales Falls is a crown jewel of the Hill Country. This park gives you access to the river, waterfalls, creeks, springs, and canyons. Hiking trails connects these different sights.

As a first-time visitor to the Austin area, you should consider spending most time at signature Pedernales Falls. This is the most scenic part of the park. You could get lots of beautiful pictures.

If you have time to see more of the park, take the Hackenburg Loop or Twin Falls Nature Trail. All other hiking trails at Pedernales Falls will push your visit to over 3 hours.

3.3. The Salt Lick BBQ

• Address: 18300 Ranch to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 60 minutes.
• Cost: $15-$40 per adult.

There is no doubt that you would be hungry after hiking in Pedernales Falls. There is hardly a better place for meat lovers than the Salt Lick BBQ to go afterwards.

The restaurant is on a ranch in Driftwood, Texas. It serves different types of smoked meats. You could even order an all-you-can-eat dish to test your limits. Bring cash since the Salt Lick BBQ is old-school.

The Salt Lick BBQ has a BYOB policy. In means that you could bring your own beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage of your choosing. Soft drinks and water are served on site.

3.4. Barton Creek Greenbelt

• Address: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78704.
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visit Duration: 60 minutes.
• Cost: free.

If you have time before your flight and any energy left after lunch, you could visit Barton Creek Greenbelt. “The Greenbelt” is a large park that starts from Zilker Metropolitan Park and goes along Barton Creek.

It is a large wilderness and recreation area in the middle of the city. This fact makes Barton Creek Greenbelt a bit similar to Forest Park in Portland, Oregon.

You could hike to Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls. Both are popular swimming holes in the summer when the water level is high. Leave no valuables in your car since break-ins take place every now and then.

Takeaways: Austin Weekend Itinerary

Austin, Texas is a fantastic destination to visit. A weekend gives you just enough time to see the main highlights of the Capital of Texas.

From parks and museums to BBQ spots and taco joints, Austin is a place to visit at least once. Use the first trip to visit the main sights. You could revisit the places you liked on future trips.

Like any plan, this Austin Texas Weekend Itinerary is subjective. Art lovers might want to see more museums. Outdoor enthusiasts would prefer to spend the entire time in the city parks.

Foodies would find a handful of more exquisite restaurants. And history geeks could spend more time studying the landmarks and historic sites.

This weekend itinerary does not try to please every visitor to Austin, Texas. Instead, it helps well-rounded travelers like yourself make the most of your time in the city and its vicinity.

Take a look at this Austin Texas Weekend Video Itinerary. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

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Safe realist travels!