I love playing tour guide when I have family and friends visit from out of town. Austin is such an easy city to show off, but of course, I still put pressure on myself-- wanting my guests to have the ultimate experience.
My sister recently got married, and we had family visit from England. This was their first time in Austin, and hell, their first time in Texas. I felt duty-bound to show them a good time. After some contemplation, I put together an agenda that was PERFECT. As usual, my beautiful Austin came through and proved how fun she still is.
The places I took my family were perfect for a mixed age. If you have a group you're looking to entertain, try some of these recommendations. I bet your guests will immediately start planning their return trip.
Here are the ultimate, top-15 things to do in Austin with your out-of-town guests:
Eat BBQ at Salt Lick in Driftwood
18300 FM 1826 (Driftwood) | Website
If you want to give your guests true Texas BBQ, Salt Lick is a must. It's a perfect setting just outside Austin with lots of seating for a large group. It's the quintessential Texas BBQ joint. Load up the car with your guests and drive west down the highway. Don't forget your cooler 'cause it's BYOB.
It's always crowded here, but don't let that deter you. Salt Lick is a well-oiled machine, and I've never had to wait too long for a table. Right next door is Salt Lick Cellars. Grab a glass of wine in an incredibly beautiful garden while you wait.
Get Brunch at P6 Rooftop Bar
111 E Cesar Chavez St | Website
Located on the 6th floor of the chic Line Hotel, P6 has one of the best rooftop views in Austin. I like to grab brunch here after a walk along the Town Lake Trail. Definitely Instagram-worthy decor and vibe here, but the food is great and the view never gets old.
My favorite brunch items here are the Buttermilk Biscuits, Steak & Eggs, Little Gem Caesar, and the Red Bud Bloody Mary.
Dance at The Broken Spoke
3201 S. Lamar Blvd. | Website Spend a night at the Broken Spoke. It's a must! The Broken Spoke is a legendary dance hall dating back to the 60s. When you visit, you'll feel transported to a different time and place.
The dance hall is open from 7:15 PM on Tuesday - Saturday. Don't worry if you don't know how to country dance -- they also offer dance lessons on Wednesday - Saturday from 8-9 PM.
Grab Drinks & Bites at Tiki Tatsu-Ya
1300 S Lamar Blvd | Website
Tiki Taysu-ya must be experienced. Once you walk in, you know you're in for a great night-- one that transports you to a different time and world. I love ordering a Pu Pu Platter to split with a group, but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Save room for dessert because their Butter Mochi is phenomenal. Such a fun addition to this city.
Have Dinner at Fonda San Miguel
2330 W N Loop Blvd | Website
I LOVE Fonda San Miguel. The food is incredible, and the drinks are way too good. You'll forget you're in Austin when you step inside and see the beautiful stucco walls surrounded by vibrant tiles and tropical plants. This is such a great place to take out-of-towners because the building itself is so impressive. Beautiful, colorful, and authentic, Fonda San Miguel will definitely hit the mark with your guests. Plus your guests may even get serenaded by mariachis.
Treat Yourself to a Fancy Meal at Intero
2612 E Cesar Chavez St | Website Intero is such a crowd-pleaser. It's a fancy meal that doesn't feel over the top. Plus the price is right. The menu here changes regularly and I am always impressed. I typically end up staying here for hours. An authentic Italian experience.
Pro-tip: Order the Timballo appetizer to start. I also love their classic bolognese.
Take a Dip at Barton Springs Pool
200 S. Lamar Blvd | Website
Barton, obviously. It really is the gem of Austin. This three-acre natural pool is fed from underground springs and is an average of 68-70 degrees year-round. This is the best place to cool off and relax right in the heart of the city.
You can't bring food or drinks into the pool area. But I like to spend the day at Barton, then walk to Chuys for some classic-Austin Tex-Mex or Wanderlust Winery for some wine on tap.
Escape the Heat at the Blanton Museum
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd | Website
Add a little art to your day by visiting the Blanton Museum of Art, the largest museum in Austin. View collections spanning multiple genres with temporary exhibitions and few permanent collections, such as Austin by Ellsworth Kelly.
Visit the Blanton every second Saturday for a live DJ and a variety of fun, pop-up programs throughout the museum. Picnics are encouraged on the newly-designed Moody Patio. Or stop by on Tuesdays for free admission!
Float the River in San Marcos
Not in Austin, but this is one of my favorite activities to do with guests. Getting to San Marcos from South Austin is a close 30-ish minute drive (depending on traffic). You have a few floating options here:
You can rent tubes from both of these places, but I also recommend buying one and a car pump from Walmart. You'll go again, I promise.
Take a Morning Walk around Town Lake
When I start to complain about the traffic or the number of people in Austin, I walk around Town Lake and my negativity melts away. There's something magical about a trail and lake right in the middle of the city. Just going on a morning walk around Town Lake will surely impress your guests.
While on your walk, I also suggest making a stop at the public library, Four Seasons bar, or Alta's Cafe.
Hike the Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is an Austin treasure, a 7 mile trail in a protected buffer around Barton Creek, that starts at Zilker Park and meanders its way west.
There are multiple entry points, but one of my favorites is the Hill of Life near the trail's end. It's 3 miles out-and-back, (deceptively challenging, make sure to bring proper footwear) with an initial steep descent, middle portion along the creek, culminating at Sculpture Falls, a cool swimming hole that's pure magic on a hot, Texas day. The creek can run dry so be sure to check drought conditions before you head out. Also be sure to get here early, because it does get crowded!
Walk Down South Congress
South Congress is a must. Sometimes I think we Austinites forget how impressive Congress is. Sure, it's changed a lot in the past few years, but I still always have a good time on this street.
Not sure where to start here? Some of my favorites include:
Start your morning at Jo's Coffee
Cool off with a frosé in the outside lounge at Hotel San Jose
Spend the day at the pool at the Austin Motel
Drink boozy margaritas at Gueros
Grab a slice of pizza at Austin's classic Home Slice
Have Dinner at Mattie's
901 W Live Oak St | Website Enjoy a delicious southern dinner in a Victorian mansion while peacocks roam the surrounding grounds. Family, friends, acquaintances-- no matter who, your guests will definitely be impressed here. One of my favorite places in Austin.
My favorites include: The Artemis Cup, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Chicken, and the Hummingbird Cake.
Chat Over Coffee and Pastries at Mozart's
3825 Lake Austin Blvd | Website
One of my favorite things to do is wake up early and grab a coffee at Mozart's. When I first visited Austin from San Marcos in college, Mozart's was one of the places that cemented my decision to move here.
Enjoy pastries, kolaches, quiches, or tacos next to Lake Austin. There's plenty of parking and seating here too!
Swim at Pace Bend Park
2805 Pace Bend Rd N | Website
Located in Spicewood, just outside of Austin, Pace Bend Park is a great swimming hole with excellent hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. I love spending the day here, and it's really impressive. I think it's important for out-of-town guests to get a glimpse of the hill country when they visit Austin.
After a swim at Pace Bend, stop by some wineries in Spicewood to complete your trip, such as Spicewood Vineyards or Stone House Winery.
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