Explore Austin in One Day

• 10:00am - Zilker Botanical Garden: Located on Barton Springs Road, the garden is home to various themed gardens, including rose, Japanese, and herb gardens. You can explore the garden's beauty and tranquility and relax in the lovely surroundings.
• 12:00pm - Texas State Capitol: Head over to the historic Texas Capitol to witness the government at work. Take a guided tour of the building's interior and learn all about Texas history and the state's political system.
• 2:00pm - Franklin Barbecue: Satisfy your hunger cravings with a delectable Austin-style barbecue at Franklin Barbecue. Their smoked meat dishes are among the best in the city, and waiting in line can be a fun experience.
• 4:00pm - South Congress Avenue: Stroll along the trendy South Congress Avenue and stop by some of the unique boutiques, shops, and art galleries that line the street. Don't miss out on the iconic "I love you so much" mural.
• 6:00pm - Bat Watching at Congress Bridge: Watch the largest urban bat colony in North America fly out from the Congress Avenue bridge at sunset. It's a unique experience that you won't want to miss out on.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Zilker Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, Free)
• Texas State Capitol (1-2 hours, Free)
• Franklin Barbecue (1-2 hours, $25+)
• South Congress Avenue (1-2 hours, Free with optional purchases)
• Bat Watching at Congress Bridge (1 hour, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: $25+ excluding transportation

Transportation:

Consider renting a car or using rideshare services to easily move from place to place. Average costs for rented cars start at around $40 per day. Rideshares typically cost around $10-15 per trip. Keep in mind that parking in popular areas may be difficult to find and may require payment. Total travel time by car between destinations is 15-20 minutes.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider exploring more of Austin's unique neighborhoods, such as East Austin or the Domain. If your time is limited, focus on one or two areas to fully experience instead of trying to cram in too much. Remember to dress comfortably and be prepared for the hot Texas weather.

Airports:

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the primary airport serving Austin, located 8 miles southeast of the city center. The airport code is AUS, and it is a relatively small airport, but it is convenient and easy to navigate. You can take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the city center, which is around a 20-30 minute drive.