How To Plan The Perfect Girls Weekend In Austin, Texas – Written By A Local

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Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by sydabroad

If you are planning a girls weekend in Austin, Texas, then keep reading! 

Known for its live music, outdoor activities, and diverse cultural scene – Austin makes for a fun trip for anyone. If you are looking for the best things to do in Austin this girls weekend in Austin guide is for you. 

I’ll cover the best places to eat in Austin, where to experience live music, the best areas to explore, and more. I was born and raised here so I’ve compiled all of my best recs into this Austin travel guide. 

Did you know Austin is commonly referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World?” You’ll find live music on just about every corner. Just another reason why Austin is the perfect city for a girls getaway, a bachelorette party, or a birthday celebration. 

There is simply no way to see the entire city in just a weekend, but take these recommendations and use them as inspiration for your girls weekend in Austin. 

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The post is about how to plan the perfect Austin Texas girls weekend.

Where to Stay in Austin 

South Congress Hotel: This property is a boutique hotel located in the South Congress area of Austin. It’s in the perfect location, within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Book the South Congress Hotel here. 

Austin Motel: The Austin Motel is also located on South Congress known for its retro aesthetic. If you are looking for a unique place to stay, Austin Motel is the place. Book the Austin Motel here. 

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: Hotel Van Zandt is more upscale and centrally located just steps away from Lady Bird Lake. Book Hotel Van Zandt here. 

Hotel ZaZa: This is a boutique luxury hotel with great amenities and artistic design. Book Hotel ZaZa here. 

Find a Place to Stay in Austin

The Best Way To Get Around Austin

Rideshare

Rideshare is typically the best way to get around Austin if you are not renting a car. I don’t think renting a car in Austin is worth it for a weekend trip. Uber and Lyft are readily available in the city. 

Scooter

If you are going shorter distances the Bird scooters are a great way to get from place to place. You just need to download the app to use them. 

If you are traveling to or from Dallas to Austin, a great way to get from city to city is by bus! Find bus tickets from Dallas to Austin here.

Best Things to do During Your Austin Texas Girls Weekend

Happy Hour!

What better way to start off your girls weekend in Austin than with a happy hour? A couple of the best happy hour spots in Austin include LoLo Wine Bar and Radio Coffee & Beer.   

Mount Bonnell 

Mount Bonnell is a lookout point in Austin with incredible views of Lake Austin and the surrounding hills. It’s a free activity to do in Austin. There are a set of stairs to reach the top, it’s not much of a hike at all. 

Zilker Park 

Zilker Park is an urban park in Austin with green space for sports, picnics, and other outdoor activities. This is where Barton Springs Pool is located and where Austin City Limits is held each year. 

The park is also a great place to chill and people-watch. There are also so many cute dogs here. 

Barton Springs Pool 

Barton Springs in Austin is a set of four natural water springs located in Barton Creek. During a hot summer day, Barton Springs is the place to be. 

Admissions range from $2 – $5 for residents and $4 – $9 for non-residents. Entry passes are required after 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

Paddle Board on Lady Bird Lake 

Another one of the best things to do in Austin is to paddleboard on the lake. You can rent paddleboards at SUP ATX or you can rent kayaks if paddleboarding isn’t your thing. This is the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon in Austin and get in a little exercise as well. 

Take a Walk on Town Lake Trail

The Town Lake Trail is a popular 10-mile trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake. It’s a scenic route perfect for a jog, bike ride, or a coffee walk with friends.  

Bats Under The Congress Avenue Bridge

In Austin, you can watch the largest urban bat colony in North America come out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge over Lady Bird Lake. This is a popular tourist attraction in Austin that you can see any night of the week. There are estimated to be about one million Mexican free-tail bats! 

Austin Street Art

There are a lot of unique street art and murals in Austin. You can find many of the famous wall murals in the South Congress area. Here are the exact addresses of some popular wall murals in Austin:

• I Love You So Much: 1300 S. Congress Ave.  
• Greetings From Austin: 1720 S 1st St.  
• Willie For President: 100-130 E Elizabeth St. 
• You’re My Butter Half: 2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
• Peace Love Austin: 2nd St. and Colorado

Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art is one of the largest university art museums in the United States. There are many beautiful pieces to see here and it’s the perfect place to get out of the Texas heat. 

The museum offers free admission every Tuesday. Otherwise, tickets to the Blanton cost $12.  

Enjoy Live Music in The Live Music Capital of The World

Did you really visit Austin if you didn’t see live music? Here are the best places to see live music in Austin, Texas: 

• Broken Spoke 
• Continental Club & Gallery 
• ACL Live at The Moody Theater 
• Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
• Victory Grill
• Antone’s Nightclub 
• Elephant Room

Tour The Capital Building 

Did you know the Texas Capitol stands almost 15 feet taller than the nation’s Capitol in Washington D.C.? Everything is bigger in Texas! The Capitol Building is open for tours Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and on Sundays from noon to 5 PM. They offer free guided and self-guided tours. 

Shopping in Austin 

There are a few fun trendy areas you won’t want to miss while you are in Austin. Make sure 2nd Street and South Congress are added to your Austin itinerary.  Here you’ll find the cutest boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

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Where to Eat in Austin 

Coffee Shops

• Swedish Hill 
• Radio Coffee & Beer
• Mozart’s Coffee Roasters 
• Jo’s Coffee
• Civil Goat

Best Brunch in Austin

• Eberly 
• Perla’s 
• Magnolia Cafe
• Josephine House

Quick Eats 

• P. Terry’s Burger 
• Cabo Bobs
• Tourchy’s Tacos  
• Tacodeli 
• Home Slice Pizza

Great Lunch and Dinner in Austin

• Fresas’s Austin 
• Taquero mucho
• The salt lick
• Matts el rancho 
• Odd Duck 
• Uchi 
• RA Sushi 
• Evangeline Cafe

Sweets 

• Gordoughs Donuts 
• Amy’s Ice Creams 
• S’mores at Halcyon

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Nightlife in Austin 

There are two main streets to experience Austin’s nightlife – Rainey Street and 6th Street. Rainey Street is packed with trendy bars, and historic homes, and you can find great food. 6th Street is comparable to a small version on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. You’ll find many different bars on West 6th and East 6th. 

Don’t Forget To Pack

• Face Sunscreen
• Advil
• I always love traveling with a disposable camera
• Wine opener
• Wrinkle release spray
• Hydration packets
• Sunglasses

I hope this helped you plan your girls weekend in Austin itinerary! Austin is certainly one of the best cities to visit in the USA. If you have any questions, comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com. 

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