Austin – Home of Tacos, Chill Vibes, and Weirdness (& proud!)

Austin is such a cool city.  Literally, I feel like it’s too cool for me.  It’s the home of famous music festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits (ACL), and the I Heart Country Music festival.  It’s a chill, southern, hipster, techy mix of a city.  One of my best friends lives in this gem of a city in Texas, so I visit often.

However, as much fun as I had the first time I went, it made me appreciate DC more.  When we went out for the night, we took the Metrorail on the way in, but it closed around 10 PM, so we had to cab home.  Austin didn’t allow ride sharing at the time, so we tried to hail a cab.  We wandered around for about an hour trying to get a cab home, completely sober.  I couldn’t help but wish my trusty metro, capital bikeshare, or plentiful cabs from DC were around to get us to the comfort of her apartment.

We went ziplining on Lake Travis (more on that later), and while our tour guide was wonderful, she ironically referred to herself as an “Austinite, definitely not a Texan.”  I couldn’t help but remember that we were, indeed, in Texas.  I didn’t understand the relaxed vibe in the air, why weren’t people in a hurry to go anywhere or get anything done?

Oh, how the tables have turned.  I’ve returned to Austin a few times and enjoyed it more and more every time.  I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to resent the rushed, blunt atmosphere of DC and the east coast in general.  I find myself wanting the “neighbory” feel of Austin, and wanting to help preserve its “weirdness.”  While DC may be one of, if not the most, fit city in the US, Austin caters to the outdoor lovers.

Of all the ‘must-do’ items in Austin, I’ve ranked 15 of them based on my own experiences, but you’ll just have to see for yourself!

15. Go out on 6th Street.

My mom lived in Austin in the 80s and whenever I visit she asks “Did you go out on 6th street?”  It’s famous in Austin, but at the bottom of my list because it’s just…too much.  It’s similar to Broadway Street in Nashville or Bourbon Street in New Orleans.  The street shuts down to cater to bachlorette/bachelor parties and other groups of drunk idiots (sometimes myself included).  Go here if you want a crazy night out, but it’s definitely not a must.

14. Watch the bats at Congress Bridge.

Every night as the sun sets, all of the bats that sleep under the Congress Bridge emerge at the same time for their nightly feeding and activities.  It’s a pretty incredible, if not slightly scary, view to behold.  Stake out a spot on the hill outside the bridge with your fellow Austin tourists to get a good view.

13. Eat at Gourdoughs.

Gourdough’s is an Austin staple with super delicious donuts.  If you go here for dinner, pretty much everything has a donut on it, even salads.  This is one of those places that you order for the picture, get a good ‘gram, take one bite, and immediately feel your arteries clogging.  That’s not to say it’s not delicious, but definitely don’t go here twice in one trip.

12. Zipline on Lake Travis.

When we went in 2014 it was particularly interesting because Lake Travis was about 30-40 feet lower than it is now, and most of the docks were completely useless.  The water level is much higher now, and it’s a beautiful view no matter the level.  If you decide to go ziplining, there’s some hiking involved, so you can count this as your exercise as well!

11. Be amazed at Hamilton Pool.

This definitely doesn’t look like it belongs in the Texas I always imagined with cacti and tumbleweeds.  The lush greenery and picturesque waterfall makes you feel like you’re in a different part of the world. This watering hole and waterfall is easily accessible with a short hike, but if you’re really itching to go, get up early on a weekday to make sure you can get in.  We showed up the first time on about 9am on a Saturday and got turned away because the line to get in was too long!  You’re allowed to swim in here, but check their website before you go to make sure it’s allowed – sometimes the rain and weather create unsafe bacteria levels.

10. Swim at Barton Springs.

Disclaimer – I haven’t done this yet, but it’s another water activity and it’s right downtown, what’s not to like?!  It’s located in Zilker Park and is fed by natural springs throughout Austin.

9. Grab a drink during sunset at the Oasis.

The Oasis is a gorgeous event space on Lake Travis.  There’s a restaurant and bar with different levels of balconies and patio spaces, Even if you don’t get a drink, just go for the sunset, it’s such a beautiful view.  It’s kind of far away from the rest of the city, and there’s nothing else that close to it, but it’s worth the hike.

8. Hike up to Mount Bonnell (preferably with some tacos in hand).

Check out the highest point in Austin and get spectacular views of the Colorado River and Westlake Hills, home of some of the rich and famous.  We like to grab some Torchy’s Tacos, climb the stairs to the top, and eat our tacos while overlooking the river.

7. Any water activity on Lake Travis.

Paddleboard, relax on a pontoon boat, drink on a party barge, there are so many choices!

6. Rope Swing into the lake at Krause Springs.

This is also a popular camping spot, so you could spend a lot of time here if you want to be one with nature for a bit.  We went for the day and switched between the pool and the spring.  There were a ton of slippery rocks that lead into the lake, so if you take that path you definitely need water shoes.  We opted for the “hope there aren’t any creatures lurking underwater and just jump” method a little further down, and it was a blast!

5. Get a ‘gram at Hope Outdoor Gallery.

This paint park is filled with colorful murals, inspirational quotes, and silly sayings.  You can climb up to the top of the concrete walls or just explore the different levels.  Either way, get your camera ready, because this place offers some great pictures.

4. Go out on Rainey Street.

Rainey is such a unique area of town, it’s comprised of old one story houses that have been converted into restaurants and bars.  There are food trucks, open-air bars, BBQ joints, and lots of new friends waiting to be met.

3. Paddle Board on Lady Bird Lake.

Austin sure does love their water sports, and stand up paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake right downtown is no exception.  There are always a ton of people kayaking, SUPing, or even swimming (the water’s only slightly questionable).  Head out here in the early afternoon and enjoy the views of the Austin skyline while getting some Vitamin D.

2. Do yourself a favor and order Franklin BBQ.

No joke – this is the best BBQ I’ve ever had.  There’s a lot of hype for a reason.  You can either take your chances and wait in line or you can order two months in advance (which is what we did).  It’s so worth it!  We got pulled pork, brisket, and ribs as our meats and potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw as our sides.

1. Eat all the tacos.

Torchy’s tacos. Taco Deli. Tacos for breakfast.  Eat them again for lunch.  Why not also for dinner?  You can’t really go wrong with where you get them from, I’ve never had a bad taco in Austin!

There you have it! Did I miss something that you’d suggest doing in Austin? Holler in the comments!