dessert
How to Spend One Perfect Day in Austin
Last updated on March 23rd, 2025 at 06:25 pm
🤠 Yee-haw! Are you ready for a southern adventure? Well, saddle up for a whirlwind day in one of the best cities in the Lone Star state — Austin, Texas! One perfect day in Austin, Texas, is all you need to experience the vibrant energy of this magical city. It’s no wonder they call it the live music capital of the world (sorry not sorry Nashville).
From exploring the quirky shops and street art in the vibrant South Congress Avenue to kayaking on the serene Lady Bird Lake, there’s guaranteed something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to savor the slow roasted brisket from Franklin’s, or catch a live music performance at one of the many iconic venues, or indulge in the most delicious street tacos from Paprika ATX.
Spending one day in Austin promises to leave you with a taste of Texan charm and a belly full of delicious barbecue 🥩
To help you get the most out of your quick visit to Austin, check out this article below (complete w/ a sample itinerary). This quick 24-hour travel guide will show you how to spend the perfect day (morning, afternoon, and evening) in the beautiful state capitol of Texas!
All accompanied by a sample itinerary I’ve personally vetted, tested, and approved 😊
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links however, this has no impact on the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One day in Austin at a glance
Assuming you’re ridiculously short on time (because duh you only have one day), check out this list of my top 3 favorite hotels to stay at in Austin:
- Hotel Van Zandt, for a super stylish music-themed hotel that has the cutest retro bar downstairs called Brass Poppy (more on that below). This is where I stayed and I loved how central it was to Rainey street and Lady Bird Lake.
- The Line, for classic upscale boutique vibes with a killer pool. This is usually where I stay if I’m coming to town for a bachelorette or a girl’s trip
- Colton House, for spectacular service and prime location near South Congress for all the best dining, shopping, and fun.
Is 1 day in Austin enough?
Okay sure, if it were up to us, we’d obviously want to spend more than one day in Austin but we’ll take whatever vacation we can get am I right???
The good news? One day in Austin is actually enough to hit up the city’s amazing highlights. From iconic BBQ joints and live music hotspots to must-see landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake, you can get a taste of everything that makes Austin… well, Austin. So, let’s dive in and make the most of those 24 hours 👇
Spending 1 perfect day in Austin: morning itinerary
Will you be spending the night in Austin? Or are you just driving in for the day? Well, if you’re looking for a place to stay during your one day in Austin, I highly recommend checking out Hotel Van Zandt, near the famous Rainey Street District.
Hotel Van Zandt is a super cute and trendy boutique hotel in the heart of everything. They also recently opened a stunning cocktail bar on the 1st floor called Brass Poppy 🌸
Inspired by the delicate yet resilient poppy flower, Brass Poppy offers classic cocktails with a modern, unexpected twist and chef-curated small bites that are almost too delicious to share.
After you’ve set your bags down, the first thing you should do is head for a delicious brunch at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden is a popular spot on Rainey Street, known for its extensive selection of craft beers and a menu featuring creative and delicious sausages from around the world.
Housed in a charming cottage with a spacious outdoor beer garden, Banger’s offers a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying live music, socializing with friends, and indulging in a casual meal.
Whether you’re craving a classic bratwurst or something more adventurous like an alligator boudin, Banger’s has something to satisfy every palate.
If bratwurst isn’t your thing and you’d rather learn about the history of Austin — you could also check out the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, the Texas State Capitol Building, or cruise around on a 2-hour biking/sightseeing guided tour around downtown Austin!
Spending 1 perfect day in Austin: afternoon itinerary
After you’ve had your fill of homemade sausages and beer, you’ll want to grab a scooter (or walk) towards the beautiful Lady Bird Lake in Austin!
Lady Bird Lake is a scenic reservoir on the Colorado River in the heart of Austin, Texas. Originally created in 1960 as a cooling pond for a power plant, it has since become a beloved recreational area for locals and visitors alike.
The lake offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and even swimming in designated areas. Surrounding the lake are numerous trails perfect for walking, running, and biking, providing stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding natural beauty.
I know I put this as an afternoon activity but oh my god, the sunsets from this lake are STUNNING. Especially during summer/fall when the leaves start to turn color.
If water activities aren’t your thing, another great option is to check out Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a beloved 350-acre urban oasis in the heart of Austin, Texas. This vibrant park offers something for everyone (including the Austin Nature & Science center), from lush green lawns perfect for picnics and sunbathing to scenic trails ideal for hiking and biking.
Zilker Park is also home to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming hole, and hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the iconic Austin City Limits Music Festival 🎸
After spending a few hours playing in the sun (whether you’re at Zilker park or around Lady Bird Lake), you’ll want to head to El Alma for some handcrafted spicy margaritas and delicious Mexican food 🌮
El Alma is a vibrant and popular Mexican restaurant in Austin, Texas, known for its inventive cuisine and lively atmosphere. Chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas brings a modern twist to classic Mexican dishes, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This was my first time trying flautas and I loved them so much, I also ordered them for dinner (more on that later).
The menu features a variety of tacos, enchiladas, ceviche, and other delicious options, all with a focus on bold flavors and unique presentations. There’s also an amazing rooftop, which is where we sat, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
If Mexican isn’t your thing, you could also head next door to Terry Black’s BBQ. Just be prepared for a line but also the best burnt ends and beef ribs of your life sooooo I think it’s worth the wait.
To finish off your afternoon in Austin, you’ll want to walk or lime scooter over to SoCo aka South Congress. You might’ve heard of this street by now but South Congress is a fun and vibrant district in Austin, renowned for its unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
This iconic street boasts a wide array of boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and live music venues, reflecting the city’s creative energy and independent spirit. You’ll find everything you need (or don’t need but should definitely buy) here from real leather cowboy boots to the famous “i love you so much” sign, to custom-made cowboy hats, to all types of souvenirs.
Make sure to grab an iced coffee & a snapshot at Jo’s Coffee as you get ready for a night out in Austin!
(If you’re staying at Hotel Van Zandt, it’s just a quick walk over the Congress Avenue Bridge back to Rainey street).
Spending 1 perfect day in Austin: evening itinerary
Wooooo! You made it to night time. What a jam packed day and it’s not even over yet. You might already know this, but nighttime is really when Austin comes alive.
Assuming you went back to the hotel to quickly freshen up, you’ll want to stop by Brass Poppy downstairs for a quick cocktail before calling your uber.
For dinner, you’re going to want to make a reservation at Dai Due which recently made its way onto the Michelin Guide (so you know it’s got some pretty good food). And if for some reason you can’t get in there, try heading to Este or Suerte for a good time.
Texans are known for really loving their home state, but Chef Jesse Griffiths at Dai Due takes it to a whole new level. He uses almost everything from Texas, from the wine (who knew there was wine in Texas) to the meat, olive oil, and more.
Everything is farm-to-table so the menu changes frequently. We ordered basically the entire menu and it was to die for. It was my first time trying antelope and it was LIFE CHANGING. Sorry little antelope but you were delicious.
In addition to the antelope we also got the spicy meatball skewers (10/10), the petite pork chop, the tallow-fried green chile pork flautas, a side of green beans, and the homemade bread with this spicy butter (no clue what its called) that was beyond amazing.
Then we finished it all off with the most incredible fig bread pudding of our lives.
After dinner, we ended the night at this stylish speakeasy in downtown Austin called Here Nor There. It operates like a true speakeasy in that you need a PASSWORD every night. In order to get the password, you have to download their app and request one.
After requesting one, you’ll get a confirmation email with a special code. To find the entrance, head to the Driskill Hotel and then walk north on Brazos Street. Look for a gate with a keypad on your left – that’s your spot. Enter the secret code, and the gate will swing open, revealing a hidden alleyway.
Once inside, you’ll walk downstairs into a dimly lit space where you’ll be greeted with a massive furry bear holding a tray with free glasses of champagne. Here Nor There features a good mix of creative cocktails and the classics. We ordered a couple drinks each before saying our goodbyes to an extremely busy but fun-filled day in Austin!
Sample one day Austin itinerary
To help make things easier, check out this sample 1 day Austin, Texas itinerary:
- Fly/drive into Austin, Texas
- Check into the trendy Hotel Van Zandt
- Head to brunch at Banger’s Austin
- Walk or scooter over to Lady Bird Lake or Zilker Park for a few hours
- Late lunch @ El Alma or Terry Black’s
- Go for a stroll along South Congress
- Afternoon pick me up from Jo’s Coffee
- Freshen up and grab a quick drink at Brass Poppy
- Farm-to-table dinner at Dai Due
- End the night at Here Nor There speakeasy
Spending One Day in Austin, Texas: Final Thoughts
Austin is a city bursting with energy, fantastic food, fun events, and more — making it the perfect day trip from other parts of Texas or on a whirlwind 24-hour adventure. From kayaking on Lady Bird Lake and picnicking in Zilker Park to exploring the eclectic shops and enjoying live music on South Congress, there’s always something exciting to discover.
If you have more than one day in Austin, you should definitely consider heading to Lake Travis and renting a boat for the day.
Did you get a chance to spend a day in Austin, Texas? Let me know in the comments below!
Visiting other parts of the US?
Check out all my other United States travel guides here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
Last updated on March 23rd, 2025 at 06:25 pm
🤠 Yee-haw! Are you ready for a southern adventure? Well, saddle up for a whirlwind day in one of the best cities in the Lone Star state — Austin, Texas! One perfect day in Austin, Texas, is all you need to experience the vibrant energy of this magical city. It’s no wonder they call it the live music capital of the world (sorry not sorry Nashville).
From exploring the quirky shops and street art in the vibrant South Congress Avenue to kayaking on the serene Lady Bird Lake, there’s guaranteed something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to savor the slow roasted brisket from Franklin’s, or catch a live music performance at one of the many iconic venues, or indulge in the most delicious street tacos from Paprika ATX.
Spending one day in Austin promises to leave you with a taste of Texan charm and a belly full of delicious barbecue 🥩
To help you get the most out of your quick visit to Austin, check out this article below (complete w/ a sample itinerary). This quick 24-hour travel guide will show you how to spend the perfect day (morning, afternoon, and evening) in the beautiful state capitol of Texas!
All accompanied by a sample itinerary I’ve personally vetted, tested, and approved 😊
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links however, this has no impact on the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One day in Austin at a glance
Assuming you’re ridiculously short on time (because duh you only have one day), check out this list of my top 3 favorite hotels to stay at in Austin:
- Hotel Van Zandt, for a super stylish music-themed hotel that has the cutest retro bar downstairs called Brass Poppy (more on that below). This is where I stayed and I loved how central it was to Rainey street and Lady Bird Lake.
- The Line, for classic upscale boutique vibes with a killer pool. This is usually where I stay if I’m coming to town for a bachelorette or a girl’s trip
- Colton House, for spectacular service and prime location near South Congress for all the best dining, shopping, and fun.
Is 1 day in Austin enough?
Okay sure, if it were up to us, we’d obviously want to spend more than one day in Austin but we’ll take whatever vacation we can get am I right???
The good news? One day in Austin is actually enough to hit up the city’s amazing highlights. From iconic BBQ joints and live music hotspots to must-see landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake, you can get a taste of everything that makes Austin… well, Austin. So, let’s dive in and make the most of those 24 hours 👇
Spending 1 perfect day in Austin: morning itinerary
Will you be spending the night in Austin? Or are you just driving in for the day? Well, if you’re looking for a place to stay during your one day in Austin, I highly recommend checking out Hotel Van Zandt, near the famous Rainey Street District.
Hotel Van Zandt is a super cute and trendy boutique hotel in the heart of everything. They also recently opened a stunning cocktail bar on the 1st floor called Brass Poppy 🌸
Inspired by the delicate yet resilient poppy flower, Brass Poppy offers classic cocktails with a modern, unexpected twist and chef-curated small bites that are almost too delicious to share.
After you’ve set your bags down, the first thing you should do is head for a delicious brunch at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden is a popular spot on Rainey Street, known for its extensive selection of craft beers and a menu featuring creative and delicious sausages from around the world.
Housed in a charming cottage with a spacious outdoor beer garden, Banger’s offers a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying live music, socializing with friends, and indulging in a casual meal.
Whether you’re craving a classic bratwurst or something more adventurous like an alligator boudin, Banger’s has something to satisfy every palate.
If bratwurst isn’t your thing and you’d rather learn about the history of Austin — you could also check out the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, the Texas State Capitol Building, or cruise around on a 2-hour biking/sightseeing guided tour around downtown Austin!
Spending 1 perfect day in Austin: afternoon itinerary
After you’ve had your fill of homemade sausages and beer, you’ll want to grab a scooter (or walk) towards the beautiful Lady Bird Lake in Austin!
Lady Bird Lake is a scenic reservoir on the Colorado River in the heart of Austin, Texas. Originally created in 1960 as a cooling pond for a power plant, it has since become a beloved recreational area for locals and visitors alike.
The lake offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and even swimming in designated areas. Surrounding the lake are numerous trails perfect for walking, running, and biking, providing stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding natural beauty.
I know I put this as an afternoon activity but oh my god, the sunsets from this lake are STUNNING. Especially during summer/fall when the leaves start to turn color.
If water activities aren’t your thing, another great option is to check out Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a beloved 350-acre urban oasis in the heart of Austin, Texas. This vibrant park offers something for everyone (including the Austin Nature & Science center), from lush green lawns perfect for picnics and sunbathing to scenic trails ideal for hiking and biking.
Zilker Park is also home to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming hole, and hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the iconic Austin City Limits Music Festival 🎸
After spending a few hours playing in the sun (whether you’re at Zilker park or around Lady Bird Lake), you’ll want to head to El Alma for some handcrafted spicy margaritas and delicious Mexican food 🌮
El Alma is a vibrant and popular Mexican restaurant in Austin, Texas, known for its inventive cuisine and lively atmosphere. Chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas brings a modern twist to classic Mexican dishes, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This was my first time trying flautas and I loved them so much, I also ordered them for dinner (more on that later).
The menu features a variety of tacos, enchiladas, ceviche, and other delicious options, all with a focus on bold flavors and unique presentations. There’s also an amazing rooftop, which is where we sat, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
If Mexican isn’t your thing, you could also head next door to Terry Black’s BBQ. Just be prepared for a line but also the best burnt ends and beef ribs of your life sooooo I think it’s worth the wait.
To finish off your afternoon in Austin, you’ll want to walk or lime scooter over to SoCo aka South Congress. You might’ve heard of this street by now but South Congress is a fun and vibrant district in Austin, renowned for its unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
This iconic street boasts a wide array of boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and live music venues, reflecting the city’s creative energy and independent spirit. You’ll find everything you need (or don’t need but should definitely buy) here from real leather cowboy boots to the famous “i love you so much” sign, to custom-made cowboy hats, to all types of souvenirs.
Make sure to grab an iced coffee & a snapshot at Jo’s Coffee as you get ready for a night out in Austin!
(If you’re staying at Hotel Van Zandt, it’s just a quick walk over the Congress Avenue Bridge back to Rainey street).
Spending 1 perfect day in Austin: evening itinerary
Wooooo! You made it to night time. What a jam packed day and it’s not even over yet. You might already know this, but nighttime is really when Austin comes alive.
Assuming you went back to the hotel to quickly freshen up, you’ll want to stop by Brass Poppy downstairs for a quick cocktail before calling your uber.
For dinner, you’re going to want to make a reservation at Dai Due which recently made its way onto the Michelin Guide (so you know it’s got some pretty good food). And if for some reason you can’t get in there, try heading to Este or Suerte for a good time.
Texans are known for really loving their home state, but Chef Jesse Griffiths at Dai Due takes it to a whole new level. He uses almost everything from Texas, from the wine (who knew there was wine in Texas) to the meat, olive oil, and more.
Everything is farm-to-table so the menu changes frequently. We ordered basically the entire menu and it was to die for. It was my first time trying antelope and it was LIFE CHANGING. Sorry little antelope but you were delicious.
In addition to the antelope we also got the spicy meatball skewers (10/10), the petite pork chop, the tallow-fried green chile pork flautas, a side of green beans, and the homemade bread with this spicy butter (no clue what its called) that was beyond amazing.
Then we finished it all off with the most incredible fig bread pudding of our lives.
After dinner, we ended the night at this stylish speakeasy in downtown Austin called Here Nor There. It operates like a true speakeasy in that you need a PASSWORD every night. In order to get the password, you have to download their app and request one.
After requesting one, you’ll get a confirmation email with a special code. To find the entrance, head to the Driskill Hotel and then walk north on Brazos Street. Look for a gate with a keypad on your left – that’s your spot. Enter the secret code, and the gate will swing open, revealing a hidden alleyway.
Once inside, you’ll walk downstairs into a dimly lit space where you’ll be greeted with a massive furry bear holding a tray with free glasses of champagne. Here Nor There features a good mix of creative cocktails and the classics. We ordered a couple drinks each before saying our goodbyes to an extremely busy but fun-filled day in Austin!
Sample one day Austin itinerary
To help make things easier, check out this sample 1 day Austin, Texas itinerary:
- Fly/drive into Austin, Texas
- Check into the trendy Hotel Van Zandt
- Head to brunch at Banger’s Austin
- Walk or scooter over to Lady Bird Lake or Zilker Park for a few hours
- Late lunch @ El Alma or Terry Black’s
- Go for a stroll along South Congress
- Afternoon pick me up from Jo’s Coffee
- Freshen up and grab a quick drink at Brass Poppy
- Farm-to-table dinner at Dai Due
- End the night at Here Nor There speakeasy
Spending One Day in Austin, Texas: Final Thoughts
Austin is a city bursting with energy, fantastic food, fun events, and more — making it the perfect day trip from other parts of Texas or on a whirlwind 24-hour adventure. From kayaking on Lady Bird Lake and picnicking in Zilker Park to exploring the eclectic shops and enjoying live music on South Congress, there’s always something exciting to discover.
If you have more than one day in Austin, you should definitely consider heading to Lake Travis and renting a boat for the day.
Did you get a chance to spend a day in Austin, Texas? Let me know in the comments below!
Visiting other parts of the US?
Check out all my other United States travel guides here.
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