Spend a Weekend in Austin Living Like a Local

If you’re dreaming of a weekend in the Lonestar State, there’s no better place to spend your time than in the state’s capital city of Austin. Here you’ll find something for everyone—a bit of a bougie LA vibe, a music scene similar to Nashville yet distinctly unique, and food straight from food trucks that will rival offerings put forth by five-star restaurants.

The trick to getting the most out of a weekend in Austin is knowing where to stay, what to see, and dining options that are not on the radar of other tourists, and that’s what we’re sharing with you today. So, dust off your boots and pack your saddlebags, friends. We’re headed to the American south.

Where to Stay

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly notice how proudly locals embrace Austin’s eclectic reputation. The city’s catchphrase Keep Austin Weird is emblazoned on everything from billboards to bumper stickers and streetwear. Immersing yourself in this quirky culture is the key to making the most of your weekend.

When booking accommodations, we recommend forgoing frontrunners like Austin Proper and The Driskill for smaller boutique hotels like Hotel San José. This charming hideaway is frequented by visitors in the know as well as locals looking for a laid-back place to enjoy a cool drink and live music.

Located on South Congress amongst some of the city’s best resale shops and art galleries, Hotel San José resides in a converted 1930s motor court and offers a low-key respite perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Be sure to stop by their gift shop to browse their decidedly Texan offerings… and leave room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you won’t be able to resist.

What to Do

Avoid tourist traps like 6th Street and Zilker Park (though, if you cannot resist Zilker, be sure to visit the botanical gardens there) and instead head for more off-the-beaten-path options.

Spend a few hours strolling down South Congress (or SoCo if you want to sound like a local). If you want to pick up a pair of genuine Texas cowboy boots pop into Allen’s Boots, an Austin fixture since 1977.

For those with a deep love of art, you’ll have a hard time deciding which exhibits to squeeze into your weekend. While the Jones Center located in downtown Austin is an excellent option, we favor Laguna Gloria and their outdoor sculpture garden. Stunning installations and breathtaking waterfront vistas make this a must-see during your trip.

And if you’re looking for an experience that encapsulates the Keep Austin Weird theme, you must make time to see the Cathedral of Junk. Located in the backyard of a guy named Vince (yes, really), who also happens to be the creator and curator of the home-grown sculpture garden, it is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before and quintessentially Austin. There is no fee to take the tour, but Vince happily accepts donations, and you must make appointments in advance by phone.

And you cannot stay in Austin without experiencing the city’s live music scene. While Antone’s is the premiere music venue in the city, we recommend avoiding the crowds and stopping by the Cactus Café, located on the University of Texas campus. It’s an intimate venue that showcases incredible local talent, but one that national and international superstars often frequent when in town.

Places to Eat

Austin is a melting pot of lived experiences and cultures, and this unique environment has brought forth some of the best culinary offerings in the world, much of which can be found in food trucks.

For true Texas barbecue, stop by the Rolling Smoke food truck. The pork belly burnt ends are simultaneously wickedly crisp and impossibly moist. And if you can’t decide which meat to order, try The Playboy sandwich—it comes piled high with smoked brisket, pulled pork, and jalapeno-cheddar pork sausage, supporting the age-old adage that everything is bigger in Texas.

You can’t say you’ve been to Austin until you’ve indulged in a taco or two, and Vera Cruz All Natural makes some of the best in America according to the Food Network. The migas and barbacoa tacos are killer, but there are also plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan options available.

And if you’re looking for a sit-down place to enjoy dinner, try El Arroyo for Tex-Mex or make the 40-minute drive into the Texas Hill Country to nearby Driftwood and enjoy an unforgettable barbecue experience at The Salt Lick BBQ…it’s absolutely worth the road trip and you can thank us later.

A weekend in Austin is never enough, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip before you leave. There’s just something magical about spending time deep in the heart of Texas.

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