Begin your first morning with a relaxed stroll through Old Town Plaza, where adobe courtyards, galleries and morning coffee patios set the tone for New Mexico; pop into a local café for a green chile breakfast burrito and watch artisans open their shops. Then head to the nearby KiMo Theatre for a quick self-guided exterior tour and photos of its Pueblo-Deco façade before driving up to the foothills for a short nature walk at Petroglyph National Monument to see ancient rock carvings and get an early sense of the landscape you'll explore deeper during the trip.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, where hands-on displays and the planetarium give an engaging overview of the region's geology and sky. Afterwards head to The Rustic for a late lunch or early dinner on the patio-enjoy live music (when scheduled) and New Mexican-inspired comfort food-then stroll the nearby historic streets to get a feel for Albuquerque's layered culture before sunset.
As twilight falls, wander the lively stretch of Fourth Street for an easygoing dinner and people-watching-stop at Shrimp 'N Stuff for casual seafood or pick one of the neighborhood bistros with outdoor seating. After dinner, catch a low-key performance or live-music set at Sandia Casino's showroom or stroll along the Rio Grande at Tingley Beach to watch the lights come up and feel the day's rhythm settle into a relaxed Southwestern night.
Start your morning with a leisurely walk through The Plaza, pausing to admire the traditional adobe architecture and pick up freshly baked pan dulce at Dolores Olguín Bakery before the crowds arrive. Continue uphill to the serene Loretto Chapel to see its famed spiral staircase, then browse contemporary and Native American art at Institute of American Indian Arts Museum for a vibrant introduction to the region's living cultures before a lunchtime stroll down Canyon Road's galleries.
Wander the leafy courtyards and artisan stalls of the Santa Fe Railyard-browse makers at Railyard Artisan Market (if open) and sip a specialty pour-over at Iconik Coffee Roasters while people-watching. Then head to the contemplative Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and stroll the adjacent Sculpture Garden before catching golden-hour views from the peaceful plaza at Canyon Road Vista Point, followed by dinner at the cozy, locally focused The Shed for classic New Mexican flavors.
As dusk settles, savor a refined farm-to-table dinner at Geronimo on Canyon Road, then take a short stroll to admire the illuminated adobe silhouette of Palace of the Governors from the plaza perimeter. Finish the night with a contemplative performance or film at the intimate Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Theater (check evening schedule) or a relaxed late-night drink and conversation at the cozy, low-lit La Boca tapas bar before returning to your lodging.
Leave Albuquerque early for a scenic drive north and stretch your legs with a sunrise riverside walk along Rio Grande Gorge Bridge before heading into town. In Taos, wander the living-history rooms and community plazas of Taos Pueblo to learn about centuries-old adobe life, then stop for a hearty New Mexican breakfast and conversation at The Coffee Station to fuel a morning of gallery browsing along Ledoux Street and a short climb to the peaceful overlook at Benedict Castle Ruins for sweeping canyon and valley views.
After a morning in the pueblo, head into town for a relaxed afternoon wandering the artisan stalls and tasting rooms at Taos Plaza, then warm up with a chile-smothered lunch at La Cueva Café. In the later afternoon, drive the scenic Rio Grande Gorge rim to photograph the canyon from the quieter overlooks at Río Grande del Norte Visitor Center and finish with a glass of local wine at Taos Mesa Brewing as the light softens over the valley.
As twilight deepens, wander the historic lanes around Taos Plaza to browse late-open galleries and pick up handcrafted jewelry at Woven Art Gallery before dinner; follow with a hearty Northern New Mexican meal at the beloved Doc Martin's for local trout or chile-glazed steaks. After dinner, drive a short way to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Overlook for illuminated-bridge views and then pause at Orlando's New Mexican Café (counter-service evening pastries and coffee at quieter hours) or a nearby riverside pullout for a peaceful, star-filled end to your Taos day.
Begin with a brisk morning hike on the quieter, basalt-lined trails of Bajadero Trail where scattered sculpted rocks and small cliff alcoves reveal ancient carvings without the crowds; pause at the scenic rim to watch light spill across the volcanic boulders. After the hike, drive up to the foothills and enjoy a guided nature walk from Ventana Canyon Trailhead, spotting winter raptors and learning about native plants, then refuel with breakfast burritos and locally roasted coffee at Sawmill Market Café before heading into the afternoon's sandstone adventures.
Spend a lively afternoon exploring the quieter western trails at Boca Negra Canyon, tracing hundreds of ancient petroglyph panels while a park ranger points out Swabik'ʾei (ancestral) motifs and shares site history; bring a field guide and binoculars for distant birdwatching. Afterwards, drive up to the foothills for a late-afternoon guided geology walk at La Luz Trail Visitor Overlook and finish with a warming green-chile stew and local craft beer at Bistrô 315 as the sun slips behind the Sandia Crest.
Wind down with a sunset drive to Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site for quieter interpretive trails and soft evening light on exposed masonry, then head to Four Hills Lookout for sweeping valley views as the sky deepens. Finish the night with a warming, locally inspired dinner at El Modelo (their historic recipes and tamales feel like home after a day outdoors) and a relaxed riverside stroll along Rio Grande Nature Center State Park to listen for owls and absorb the desert night.
Ease into the morning with a deep dive into New Mexico art and history at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, where hands-on exhibits and a towering dinosaur hall make for a lively start, then stroll next door to the thoughtfully curated National Hispanic Cultural Center galleries and riverfront plaza to catch rotating exhibitions and a morning coffee at the on-site café. Finish the block with a guided tour of the nearby Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn Pueblo history through artifacts and living-culture demonstrations before heading toward Old Town for lunch.
Spend a leisurely afternoon discovering contemporary and folk art at Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, then wander the nearby outdoor installations and catch a curator-led talk or temporary exhibit pop-up. Afterward, stroll through the adjacent plaza to sample regional cheeses and charcuterie at Señor Murphy's Market & Tasting Room before settling on a riverside bench at Tingley Arts Patio to watch local artists sketch and musicians busk as the light softens.
As twilight falls, step into the intimate performance world of KiMo Theatre for a live show or chamber concert, then wander the lantern-lit courtyards and pop into late-night galleries at Old Town Plaza to browse folk art and handmade jewelry. Finish with a relaxed dinner and local craft cocktails at the historic adobe restaurant Church Street Café, followed by a moonlit walk along the nearby Albuquerque Trolley Trail to take in quiet riverfront views and the city's evening glow.
Drive early from your Albuquerque base for a peaceful sunrise walk across the gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park, sled a rented plastic saucer down the rolling white slopes, and photograph the light and shadow patterns while the park is still quiet. Afterward, stop at the nearby Oliver Lee Memorial State Park for a short guided nature walk through desert grasslands and a picnic breakfast beneath cottonwood trees, then head to Lake Lucero for a ranger-led talk about the geology and prehistoric artifacts found in the gypsum playa.
After a luminous morning at the dunes, drive south to explore the historic desert oasis of Lea County Museum for local history and Cold War exhibits, then stroll the adobe-lined interpretive trails at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park's sister site Dog Canyon to see juniper woodlands and catch late-day light on rugged cliffs. Finish the afternoon with a guided sunset photography walk at Lake Lucero Overlook to capture the shifting tones of gypsum and sky before returning to camp for evening preparations.
As dusk deepens, drive to Three Rivers Petroglyph Site for a short interpretive stroll among twilight rock art panels, then continue to Two Mile Campground Overlook for a picnic dinner while watching the dunes take on rosy hues. After nightfall, settle on a blanket at Holman Flats Pullout for an organized stargazing session-bring a red-headlamp and a star chart to spot the Milky Way and winter constellations, and listen for ranger-led night-sky talks when available.
Leave the high desert behind for a day of wide skies and frontier history with a sunrise coffee stop at Clovis' Norman Petty Recording Studio (tour the tiny control room where rockabilly legends recorded) before heading east. Continue through sweeping plains to stretch your legs at Ute Lake State Park-rent a kayak or walk the lakeshore for birdwatching-and pause at the roadside Torreon/Valley of Fires interpretive pullouts to photograph lava-formed terrain and old ranching homesteads as you make your way toward the Texas line.
After a lakeside morning, steer toward the plains with a long, scenic stretch along Route 60, pausing to explore the interpretive trails and wind-sculpted dunes at Bluewater Lake State Park for a brisk walk and birdwatching before lunch. Continue east to the charming railroad town of Grady, NM to visit the small but evocative Grady Historical Museum and sip strong coffee at Main Street Café, then finish the afternoon with panoramic, big-sky photos from the roadside overlooks near Caprock Escarpment as you cross toward the Texas line.
As late light softens the plains, pause for a riverside walk and photo stop at Conchas Lake State Park-watch the water reflect the sunset and, if open, grab a slice or coffee at the park store. Continue east to the historic ranching crossroads of Tucumcari to stroll vintage neon-lined Route 66 downtown, browse roadside curios at Tucumcari Historical Museum, then dine on hearty New Mexican comfort food and pie at the long-running Del's Restaurant before settling into a motel with easy morning access to the Texas border.
Head out early across eastern New Mexico and into the Texas Panhandle with a coffee and quick walk at Caprock Canyons State Park, stretching legs on the dramatic rim trail while scanning for roaming bison and canyon vistas; the wide-open landscape provides a bold transition from the high desert you've left behind. Continue toward Amarillo with a nostalgic photo stop at the roadside Cadillac Ranch installation, then refuel with a hearty Texan breakfast at The Big Texan Steak Ranch-both lively, iconic experiences that set the tone for the long drive into Lubbock and onward to Austin.
Drive into the Texas Panhandle and stretch your legs with a visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where a short hike along the Lighthouse Trail rewards you with towering red-rock spires and sweeping canyon vistas; consider a picnic on the rim while watching the shifting light. Afterward, roll into Lubbock for a late-afternoon stop at Buddy Holly Center to walk through the museum and see restored memorabilia, then grab a regional craft beer and barbecue at The Crafthouse Gastropub before continuing your scenic push toward Austin.
As the sun softens over the plains, pull off for an atmospheric dinner and local music at Big Spring Brewing Co. in Big Spring before continuing east; their rotating taps and hearty pub plates make for a relaxed Texan welcome. Later, arrive in Lubbock and wander the lively Texas Tech area for a nightcap at Crown & Anchor, or catch a late set at the intimate Blue Light Live venue-both offer low-key live music and a friendly vibe that gently transitions you from Panhandle road miles toward the creative energy you'll find in Austin.
Wake up after your drive with a relaxed breakfast at Josephine House, savoring garden-facing coffee and seasonal pastries before stretching your legs with a riverside walk at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, where koi ponds and peacocks add a tranquil, local feel. Mid-morning, pedal a rented bike along the scenic trails of Brushy Creek Regional Trail to feel the Texas plains give way to hill-country green, then stop for a light lunch and tacos at Veracruz All Natural to fuel the afternoon ahead.
After checking into your Austin base, wander the leafy paths of Zilker Metropolitan Park and rent a stand-up paddleboard for a relaxing glide on Lady Bird Lake, then grab a late-afternoon snack from the nearby food-truck pods at The Picnic. As golden hour approaches, head to Zach Theatre's outdoor lawn (check for pop-up performances) or snag a patio seat at The Continental Club's sister venue on South Congress to enjoy early-evening sets and soak up the live-music vibe that defines Austin's sunset scene.
As daylight softens, step into Austin's storytelling music scene with dinner and a rooftop set at The Continental Club on South Congress (comfortable patio, rotating local acts), then wander toward Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center for occasional outdoor performances and community shows. Finish the night with late-night bites and an intimate acoustic set at Saxon Pub, where up-close live music and Texan hospitality offer a perfect, low-key introduction to Austin's nocturnal rhythm.
Begin with a peaceful paddle from Rowing Dock onto the calmer east arm of Lady Bird Lake, gliding under bridges and past skyline-reflecting water while watching early birdlife; return to shore for a stroll through the sensory plantings at Zilker Botanical Conservancy where seasonal beds and native-plant demonstrations offer a close-up of Texas flora. Afterward, head to the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt for a short shaded hike to refreshing creek pools and limestone ledges-perfect for cooling off-then refuel with breakfast tacos and strong coffee at the beloved local spot Shrimp 'N Stuff before the afternoon's city explorations.
After a waterside morning, pedal or walk the scenic trails of Veloway and then cross into the leafy expanse of Zilker Metropolitan Park to picnic beneath live oaks and catch locals playing frisbee or kite-flying on the lawn; rent a tandem bike from a nearby shop for easy cruising. Later, head upriver to the peaceful native-plant displays and birding boardwalks at Velvet Grove Wetlands (a quieter neighborhood green space) before settling in for an early-evening sunset from the hilltop at Mount Bonnell Overlook, where sweeping city-and-river vistas reward a short climb.
As the sun cools, wander the shaded sculpture gardens and native-plant walkways at Zilker Botanical Garden before heading to the nearby Barton Springs Pavilion to watch swimmers and enjoy a laid-back riverside picnic with local craft beer or margaritas. After dusk, stroll the lit paths of Barton Creek Greenbelt South to hear night birds and cicadas, then finish the night with casual live music and Texan comfort plates at the beloved patio of The Rustic, soaking up an easy Austin evening of food, song and warm air.
Ease into your San Antonio arrival with a riverside history stroll along San Antonio River Walk Museum Reach, pausing to admire the public art and interpretive panels that trace the city's colonial and mission-era past. Continue to the neighboring La Villita Historic Arts Village to browse artisan studios and pick up a handcrafted souvenir, then fuel up with a mid-morning Tex-Mex brunch at the nearby and lively Café Ole before the afternoon's mission visits.
After your morning stroll and La Villita visit, dive deeper into San Antonio's layered history with a guided tour of The Alamo compound and its museum to connect mission-era stories with the riverfront you explored earlier. Follow that with a leisurely walk through the shaded pathways and public gardens of Hemisfair Park, pause to climb the observation platform at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for elevated river and downtown views, and then relax over a late-afternoon coffee or small plates at the river-adjacent patio of Boudro's on the Riverwalk before evening dining.
As twilight deepens, wander the fragrant sculpture gardens and shady promenades of San Pedro Springs Park for a peaceful local respite, then head to La Cantera Hill Country for sunset views over the Texas Hill Country and a relaxed cocktail at one of the resort terraces. Finish with a convivial dinner of modern Tex-Mex and craft cocktails at Biga on the Banks followed by after-dinner sweets or coffee at the cozy Bakery Lorraine to cap a day of drives, history and riverside discovery.
Begin with a peaceful early stroll through Mission San José grounds to admire restored stonework and hear rangers recount mission life, then cycle the Mission Reach trail to Mission Concepción, pausing to photograph its intact 18th-century frescoes and riverside cottonwoods. Finish your morning with a guided garden tour at King William Historic District where shaded promenades, Victorian mansions and neighborhood cafés offer a quiet contrast before lunch and the afternoon's deeper mission-park explorations.
Stroll the shady, landscaped paths of Hemisfair Park, pause at the interactive playground and the Tower of the Americas plaza for sweeping downtown vistas, then cross to the nearby Institute of Texan Cultures for rotating exhibits on regional peoples and hands-on cultural displays. Follow with a relaxed riverside break at Museo Riverwalk Café (or a boat-launch stroll) before wandering the restored gardens and interpretive trails of Brackenridge Park, where the Japanese Tea Garden and quiet meadows offer a gentle, historic-park counterpoint to your morning mission visits.
As evening falls, wander the restored promenades and native plantings at Confluence Park, where the meeting of three rivers is lit softly and public art anchors a tranquil riverside stroll; pause at the shaded seating by the water for sunset reflections. For dinner, head to the lively Pearl District to sample seasonal dishes and inventive small plates at Cured and finish with a nightcap on the riverfront terraces near Hotel Emma, listening to low-key live music and savoring the neighborhood's adaptive-reuse charm.
After your drive into Houston, stretch your legs with a calm stroll through McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park-admire the seasonal flower beds, the ornamental conservatory and the peaceful reflection pools. From there head to the nearby Houston Museum of Natural Science for an engaging morning among paleontology exhibits and interactive mineral displays, then grab a quick coffee and Texas-style kolache at the museum café before moving on to the day's museum circuit.
After lunch, wander the leafy trails and public art of Buffalo Bayou Park, renting a bike or joining a guided kayak tour to see the city from the water and pause at the sculptural Cistern for a cool, contemplative visit; then stroll over to the nearby Contemporary Arts Museum Houston for rotating shows of regional and international artists. Finish the afternoon with a calming walk through the restored prairie beds and shade trees at Hermann Park's Miller Outdoor Theatre lawn-catch a late-afternoon free performance if available-or relax with coffee on the sunlit terrace at the Houston Museum District's garden cafés before your evening plans.
As twilight settles, wander the leafy galleries and outdoor sculpture at Menil Collection-its quiet courtyard and late-afternoon lighting create a reflective mood-and then cross into nearby Rice University to stroll the picturesque, lamp-lit quadrangles and the public art along the academic mall. Finish with a relaxed dinner of Gulf-inspired small plates and coastal cocktails at Eddie V's Prime Seafood or a lively neighborhood meal at Hugo's in Montrose, followed by an evening walk through the aromatic, moonlit plantings of Buffalo Bayou's Sabine Promenade to hear the city soften into night.
Leave the Hill Country with a comforting roadside breakfast at Blue Bell Creameries' visitor stop in Brenham-sample a rotating scoop flight and stroll the small on-site garden beds-then wander historic downtown Brenham to browse antiques and prairie-inspired boutiques along Alamo Plaza. Continue east with a relaxed drive through quaint towns, pausing for a riverside photo and light hike at Lake Somerville State Park's Birch Creek Unit to stretch your legs before the midday highway miles into Houston.
After a morning in Brenham and Lake Somerville, take a leisurely drive into Houston and stretch your legs with a late-afternoon walk through Hermann Park's McGovern Centennial Gardens-pause at the winding rose and reflection beds and the interactive water features for photos and a quiet moment. Then head next door to the lush, thoughtfully curated plantings of Houston Botanic Garden for a guided-tour window into native Gulf Coast habitats and seasonal displays, finishing with a coffee break at the garden café before checking into your Houston lodging and preparing for an evening on the town.
Wind down with a lively Texas dinner and alfresco people-watching at The Rustic near Midtown, where rotating live bands and a roomy patio set a convivial tone; linger over seasonal plates and local brews before heading out. After dinner, take a twilight kayak or guided boat tour through the illuminated sections of Buffalo Bayou Park, pausing to admire the skyline reflections and public art installations, then finish with nightcaps at the cozy cocktail bar inside Hotel ZaZa's nearby lounge for a polished end to your arrival day.
Start the day with a reflective walk through Buffalo Bayou Park, pausing at the sculptural Cistern for cool, photo-ready architecture and the quieter Hog Lake boardwalk for early birdwatching before the city wakes fully. Then head east to the educational and hands-on exhibits at the Space Center Houston Visitor Center, where you can tour the Saturn V replica, try the interactive mission-simulator, and grab a late-morning bite at the on-site café-an energizing mix of green-space calm and space-age inspiration before loading up for your drive or flight home.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the leafy corridors of Buffalo Bayou Park (if you didn't fully exhaust it in the morning) with a guided kayak from Bayou City Adventures to glide under historic bridges and past public art, then wander the adjacent native-plant beds at Eleanor Tinsley Park for a shady picnic; afterward, visit the immersive galleries at the nearby Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for short interpretive trails and birdwatching before heading back to pack or catch an evening flight.
Unwind your final Houston night with a seafood-forward dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen followed by an atmospheric stroll through the lantern-lit sculptures and waterfront promenades of Allen's Landing, where the city's founding riverside meets gentle evening breezes; it's a calm, reflective spot to savor Gulf flavors and pack in one last city view. If you prefer music and a livelier send-off, head to Eden's Rooftop for sunset cocktails and rotating local bands, then finish with late-night small plates at Hearsay Gastro Lounge before making your way to the airport or beginning the drive north toward Dallas/Fort Worth.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Old Town Plaza (Albuquerque) | Free |
| Cafe breakfast (green chile breakfast burrito) | $10 |
| KiMo Theatre (exterior / photos) | Free |
| Petroglyph National Monument (self-guided walk) | Free |
| New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (general admission + planetarium) | $16 |
| Lunch / dinner at The Rustic (Albuquerque) | $25 |
| Fourth Street dining / casual meal (Shrimp 'N Stuff or similar) | $20 |
| Sandia Resort & Casino showroom (ticketed performance - typical) | $40 |
| Tingley Beach (stroll) | Free |
| Dolores Olguín Bakery (pan dulce) | $5 |
| Loretto Chapel (visit) | $5 |
| Institute of American Indian Arts Museum (IAIA Museum) | $8 |
| Santa Fe Railyard / Railyard Artisan Market (browse) | Free |
| Iconik Coffee Roasters (coffee) | $5 |
| Museum of Spanish Colonial Art | $7 |
| Canyon Road Vista Point (viewpoint) | Free |
| Dinner at The Shed (Santa Fe) | $30 |
| Geronimo (dinner on Canyon Road) | $50 |
| Palace of the Governors (exterior / plaza) | Free |
| Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Theater / performance | $12 |
| La Boca (drinks / tapas) | $20 |
| Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (photo stop) | Free |
| Taos Pueblo (admission / guided tour suggested donation) | $16 |
| The Coffee Station (Taos) breakfast | $10 |
| Benedict Castle Ruins (view / short hike) | Free |
| Taos Plaza (browse / tasting rooms) | Free |
| La Cueva Café (lunch) | $15 |
| Río Grande del Norte Visitor Center (overlooks) | Free |
| Taos Mesa Brewing (beer) | $8 |
| Woven Art Gallery (shopping) | $20 |
| Doc Martin's (dinner - Taos) | $30 |
| Orlando's New Mexican Café (pastries / coffee) | $6 |
| Bajadero Trail (hike) | Free |
| Ventana Canyon Trailhead guided nature walk (local guide fee estimate) | $20 |
| Sawmill Market Café (breakfast) | $12 |
| Boca Negra Canyon (petroglyphs, guided ranger talk possible) | Free |
| La Luz Trail Visitor Overlook (geology walk / ranger) | Free |
| Bistrô 315 (dinner) | $30 |
| Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site (visit) | Free |
| Four Hills Lookout (viewpoint) | Free |
| El Modelo (dinner) | $15 |
| Rio Grande Gorge rim overlooks (scenic drive stops) | Free |
| New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (repeat listing morning) | $16 |
| National Hispanic Cultural Center (galleries) | $8 |
| Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (admission) | $15 |
| Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (admission) | $8 |
| Señor Murphy's Market & Tasting Room (tasting) | $12 |
| Tingley Arts Patio (riverfront bench / busking) | Free |
| KiMo Theatre (performance - ticket typical) | $30 |
| Church Street Café (dinner) | $25 |
| White Sands National Park (entrance per vehicle often; per person estimate if foot) | $7 |
| Sled rental at White Sands (plastic saucer) | $10 |
| Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (park entry / picnic) | Free |
| Lake Lucero ranger-led talk (program donation/estimate) | Free |
| Lea County Museum (admission) | $5 |
| Dog Canyon / Oliver Lee trails | Free |
| Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (visit) | Free |
| Holman Flats Pullout stargazing | Free |
| Norman Petty Recording Studio (tour - Clovis) | $10 |
| Ute Lake State Park (kayak rental estimate) | $20 |
| Bluewater Lake State Park (visit) | Free |
| Grady Historical Museum (small museum) | $5 |
| Caprock Escarpment overlooks (photo stops) | Free |
| Conchas Lake State Park (visit / park fee) | $5 |
| Tucumcari Historical Museum (admission) | $5 |
| Del's Restaurant (dinner) | $15 |
| Caprock Canyons State Park (trail / bison viewing) | $7 |
| Cadillac Ranch (photo stop) | Free |
| The Big Texan Steak Ranch (breakfast / meal) | $20 |
| Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Lighthouse Trail hike) | $8 |
| Buddy Holly Center (admission) | $10 |
| The Crafthouse Gastropub (beer / barbecue) | $20 |
| Big Spring Brewing Co. (dinner / beer) | $20 |
| Blue Light Live / Crown & Anchor (nightlife cover/drink) | $15 |
| Josephine House (breakfast) | $18 |
| Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve (visit) | Free |
| Bike rental (Austin, half-day) | $20 |
| Veracruz All Natural (tacos) | $10 |
| Zilker Metropolitan Park (visit) | Free |
| Stand-up paddleboard rental Lady Bird Lake (hour) | $20 |
| The Continental Club (show / cover/meal) | $25 |
| Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (events) | Free |
| Saxon Pub (cover / small meal) | $15 |
| Rowing Dock (paddle launch) | $20 |
| Zilker Botanical Garden (admission) | $5 |
| Barton Creek Greenbelt (hike / swim) | Free |
| Mount Bonnell Overlook (short climb) | Free |
| Barton Springs Pavilion / Barton Springs (entry donation typical) | $5 |
| Veloway (trail access) | $5 |
| Velvet Grove Wetlands (visit) | Free |
| Mayfield Park (repeat) | Free |
| San Antonio River Walk Museum Reach (stroll) | Free |
| La Villita Historic Arts Village (browse) | Free |
| Café Ole (brunch) | $15 |
| The Alamo (guided tour/donation) | Free |
| Hemisfair Park (visit / Tower of the Americas plaza) | Free |
| Tobin Center observation platform (fee estimate) | $5 |
| Boudro's on the Riverwalk (late-afternoon coffee / plates) | $25 |
| San Pedro Springs Park (visit) | Free |
| La Cantera Hill Country (sunset / resort terrace drink) | $12 |
| Cured (Pearl District dinner) | $35 |
| Hotel Emma (bar/nightcap) | $12 |
| Mission San José (stroll) | Free |
| Mission Concepción (visit) | Free |
| King William Historic District guided garden tour (estimate) | $10 |
| Institute of Texan Cultures (admission) | $10 |
| Brackenridge Park / Japanese Tea Garden (visit) | Free |
| Confluence Park (visit) | Free |
| McGovern Centennial Gardens (Hermann Park) | Free |
| Houston Museum of Natural Science (admission) | $25 |
| Buffalo Bayou Park (bike or stroll) | Free |
| Cistern (tour or visit - reservations sometimes required) | $10 |
| Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (admission) | Free |
| Hermann Park / Miller Outdoor Theatre (free performances possible) | Free |
| Menil Collection (donation-based / free entry) | Free |
| Rice University campus stroll | Free |
| Eddie V's Prime Seafood / Hugo's (dinner) | $45 |
| Buffalo Bayou's Sabine Promenade (evening stroll) | Free |
| Houston Botanic Garden (admission) | $12 |
| Blue Bell Creameries visitor stop (sample flight) | $8 |
| Lake Somerville State Park (Birch Creek Unit visit) | Free |
| Birch Creek Unit (hike) | Free |
| Buffalo Bayou Park guided kayak (Bayou City Adventures) | $45 |
| Space Center Houston (general admission) | $36 |
| Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (dinner) | $30 |
| Allen's Landing (evening stroll) | Free |
| Eden's Rooftop (drinks / live band) | $20 |
| Hearsay Gastro Lounge (small plates / drinks) | $25 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1319 |