10000% MUST DO. If you don’t listen to anything else I recommend, at least try this. I love walking along this trail to people and dog watch while getting some exercise in. It’s an 11-mile loop along the Colorado River/Ladybird Lake/Town Lake (all different names to the same body of water that separates downtown from South Austin) that runs along Austin’s famous Zilker park. There are some excellent scenic spots along the way to stop and take pictures! My favorite scenic spots along the trail include: parts by Zilker Park, the pedestrian bridge under Mopac highway/Loop 1 highway (stop by Juiceland for a drink near here), and Auditorium shores. You can also view the bats at the Congress Street bridge from a viewing point.

FYI: you don’t need to do the entire 11-mile loop to get in all the great views! My favorite mini-loop is Mopac to S 1st street bridge! Want to park to get to the trail? Either opt for parking at Zilker Park or near Austin High School for the best, free parking.

If you like dogs and outdoors, you HAVE to come see Austin’s largest park. Home to the annual ACL festival! Bring a frisbee and some tunes and check out some amazing city views.

Note: sometimes they have some food trucks, but make sure to bring your water!

This is Dan’s favorite BBQ joint in town! Pro-tip: if you like ice cream, get the corn. Also their green beans are amazing.

Parking: sometimes annoying

Reservations: no (they don’t accept reservations)—you will likely wait outside in line for food, but usually the line moves pretty quickly

Dan’s favorite: Pork ribs, sweet corn

Alison: fatty brisket, mac & cheese, cornbread

Alison’s favorite Austin restaurant. No reservations allowed. Legit EVERYTHING is SO good. Super trendy spot too. The owners of Franklin’s BBQ and Uchi teamed up to create this gem.

Parking: they have a back lot that usually isn’t a problem

Reservations: no (they don’t accept reservations)

Alison’s favorites: the frozen gin & tonic (provided you are 21+), WONTON CHIPS & DIP (seriously, best dipping sauces ever), chicken karaage, brisket meat plate, snap peas, crispy potatoes, pork belly meat plate, you really can’t get anything bad—-good place to order family style and share!

Dan’s favorite: chicken karaage, pork belly plate, crispy potatoes

Come join me for a workout! :) New guests can get 2 guest passes for free!

Check out their amazing margs and rooftop patio! Seriously such a cute place. Less Tex-Mex, more traditional Mexican. One of Alison’s top 5 restaurants.

Reservations: good idea otherwise you risk a longer wait

Parking: not great, small lot

Alison’s favorites: margaritas, tacos

Dan’s favorites: carne asada tacos

SUPER cute patio :) Trendy and great food!

Reservations: helpful, not needed

Parking: decent lot and they have a lot next door on the other side of the fence

Alison’s favorites: grilled sweet potatoes, queso, margaritas, crispy Brussels sprouts

Dan’s favorites: mezcal margarita, grilled skirt steak

Rent a stand up paddleboard or kayak! I like this location best because easy parking by Austin High School and close proximity to Barton Creek (the best and clearest water).

Anyone up for a cold plunge?

Fancy and YUM. The most “NYC” kind of restaurant Austin has to offer.

Reservations: highly recommend

Parking: tip-based valet

If you love spending lots of money on dinner and having an omikase experience, this place is for you. Happy hour until 6pm.

Reservations: make them in advance. Also check out happy hour times

Parking: tip-based “complimentary” valet

Alison and Dan’s favorite: omakase “chef’s choice” coursed meal

Very “Keep Austin weird” staple. Lots of locations and even in the airport in case you forgot to swing by for a smoothie in the city. Love the location on Barton Springs Road or the one right off the hike and bike trail by Austin High School.

Alison’s favorite: The Wondershowzen, light banana

Dan’s favorite: the Açaí bowl, Honey Berry smoothie

Pickleball (you can reserve the courts for $20/hour exactly 1 week in advance). Cornhole. Food trucks. Indoor/outdoor bar. SUPER FUN to hang out.

Modern Mexican. SO delicious and their drinks are fantastic. One of our favorite restaurants in Austin. Indoor + outdoor patio.

Reservations: highly recommended

Parking: they have valet and a self-park paid garage parking across the street

Alison’s favorite: Brussels sprouts, margaritas

Dan’s favorite: Brussels sprouts, carne asada

The cutest darn sugar cookies. And they actually taste fantastic. Pro tip: try the Brookie.

Tacos. It’s a chain, but a damn good one. Get the queso.

Reservations: no

Parking: depends on location, usually pretty good

Alison’s favorites: The Democrat taco, beef fajita taco, Mr. Orange taco

Dan’s favorites: Trailer park tacos

Ausin loves its breweries!

It’s a chain around town. Detroit style pizza, but OH SO GOOD.

Alison’s favorite: the Hawaiian (apologies to my Italian ancestors)

Dan’s favorite: Omnivore, no mushrooms

Rotating menu, fresh farm to market. Small plates. Half price wine bottles during happy hour (plus an amazing Paloma).

Reservations: highly recommended

Parking: tip-based “complimentary” valet (don’t have to worry about parking)

Small plates, SO GOOD. Check out the menu.

Reservations: highly recommend

Parking: small lot, nearby street parking

Cute place to grab brunch. Located on the ground floor of the South Congress Hotel.

Reservations: if it’s a big group then yes

Lines can be long, pro-tip: go early or “get in line” online at their website about an hour before going. Multiple locations. Enjoy amazing pancakes (get the cinnamon-it’s not always on the menu, but they make it) and great bennies. Pancakes are RICH-very sweet…I’d recommend sharing one! Make it boozy if you want.

Alison’s favorite: The Benny Duo (Smashed Avocado and waiter’s choice on the second). Share a cinnamon pancake with Dan.

Cute spot over on the East Side.

Reservations: good idea

Parking: street parking

Chain, but oh so good. No frills, typical diner experience. Known for their queso. Also open 24 hours for those livin’ la vida loca.

$6 Cheeseburgers during Happy Hour (check their website for times). Cute picnic tables for outside eating. Right next to Hold Out Brewing if you wanna jump over to a brewery after.

Reservations: not necessary

Parking: decent lot and an overflow lot across the street

A vegetarian’s heaven! No frills, but well known Austin classic!

Asian fusion over in a cute area of the Clarksville neighborhood. Good indoor/outdoor options.

Reservations: recommended

Parking: mainly street parking, super safe area

I legit put this on here because it’s an Austin staple. With that said, let me warn you: PARKING IS ATROCIOUS HERE. This is a very touristy restaurant (yet very good).

If you want less frills, Dan and I actually usually head over to Maudie’s Too on S Lamar. Maudie’s has killer beef fajitas and usually no/very small wait. (See below)

When I say no-frills Texmex, I mean it. Usually no wait, and inexpensive, but they server amazing beef fajitas. Unlimited spicy salsa and thin, crispy chips (Alison’s fav).

Parking: they have a parking lot that you can usually find parking, overflow on the street behind it

Reservations: no

Alison’s favorite: beef (the skirt steak beef is sooo good) fajitas, queso

Dan’s favorite: usually just some basic tacos or enchiladas

Because yay politics! (Pretty cool though)

Chicken sandwich biscuits. Order ahead for pickup and avoid the line. I think it’s also available via delivery.

Vietnamese food. Supposed to be ah-mazing!

Downtown. Fancy southern cookin.

Downtown. Chain restaurant, but some delicious healthy options.

Modern, trendy. Super cute and delish! W 6th District (downtown).

Fancy seafood. Highly recommend reservations. Huge outdoor patio overlooking South Congress.

A few locations. Amazing tacos!! This one is inside The Line Hotel, downtown along Congress Ave.

Reservations recommended. Apparently amazing spot for Mediterranean food. S Congress district steps away from Hotel Magdalena.

Another one of the coolest scenic points of Austin. A mini hike up the hill (yes it’s more challenging than Mt. Bonnell, but less challenging than Mt. Everest). Parking is legit on the side of a highway, but not usually a problem.

Chain around town. Great breakfast tacos.

The food truck lot is a little faster than their one on 7th.

Parking: small lot by the trailer on Cesar Chavez. The one on 7th is street parking.

Alison’s favorites: Alambre taco

Dan’s favorites: Abuela taco, Alambre taco

Trendy shuffleboard bar in the heart of the Rainey St District. Be ready to play and compete. Decent bar food too. Make a reservation in advance.

Cute, delicious tapas restaurant.

Parking-plenty, lot right behind for retail customers.

Reservations: recommended.

Indoor/outdoor brewery. Fun times. Parking can sometimes be a pain, but you’ll find something eventually.

Small, lil’ taproom. If you like sour beers, this place is for you. If you don’t, may the odds be forever in your favor.

If you like Ramen, there is a 98.3% you will not be disappointed.

Reservations: recommended

Parking: small lot, but overflow parking on the streets behind

Alison’s favorite: Mi-so Hot Ramen

Dan’s favorite: Mi-so Not Ramen with a corn bomb

Think: the Rainforest Cafe for adults. Super fun Tiki Bar. Make reservations in advance. Entrance is in the back (that’s not what he said).

See some pretty things in a serene environment.

Okay, it’s seriously gorgeous.

Coffee on the water. Classic Austin spot.

Grab your hiking boots and trek up to Austin’s highest point. JK: so while it’s technically the highest point within Austin City Limits, it’s only 775ft. So if you can walk up 100 steps, chances are you’re good.

Let me repeat: they do not serve good food here. But the view is incredible. We haven’t been out there this year, but you’ll get to see how much of a drought Texas is in. Kind out there (maybe like 25 min drive) so just FYI.

Coffee, food trucks, good vibes (very Austin-y).

Super cute, trendy coffee joint tucked away in the South Congress Hotel.

Please don’t break your arm during our wedding weekend festivities. **we are not liable for bouldering injuries sustained before, during, or after our wedding weekend really.

Beer, sausages, good times.

Parking: Best place to park on Rainey Street would probably be the gravel lot in between The Fairmont and Rainey St (paid parking)

Reservations: no, but go get in line early to “get on the list”