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One Day in Austin Itinerary

  • Breakfast at Elizabeth St. Cafe (8:00am) - Start your day off right with a delicious Vietnamese-inspired breakfast at this charming cafe. Don't miss the fluffy croissants and the flavorful pho.
  • Explore Zilker Park (9:30am) - Take a stroll through the peaceful greenery of this spacious park. Check out the Botanical Garden and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, or rent a kayak and paddle on Lady Bird Lake.
  • Visit the State Capitol (11:00am) - Take a guided tour or explore on your own at the majestic State Capitol building. Learn about the history of Texas and see the stunning architecture and iconic dome.
  • Lunch at La Barbecue (12:30pm) - You can't leave Austin without trying the succulent barbecue, and La Barbecue is one of the best. Get there early to avoid the lines and savor the melt-in-your-mouth brisket and sausage.
  • Stroll through South Congress (2:00pm) - Wander through this trendy neighborhood filled with quirky shops, vintage boutiques, and food trucks. Don't miss the iconic Greetings from Austin mural for a photo op.
  • Explore the Blanton Museum of Art (3:30pm) - Check out this impressive museum's collection of contemporary and modern art. Be sure to see the iconic works by Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
  • Watch the bats fly out from under Congress Bridge (7:30pm) - Join the crowds to watch the amazing spectacle of over a million bats taking flight from under the Congress Bridge. It's a breathtaking natural wonder you can't miss.
  • Dinner at Second Bar + Kitchen (8:30pm) - End your day on a high note with a delicious dinner at this acclaimed restaurant. From the creative cocktails to the savory dishes, everything is sure to impress.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Elizabeth St. Cafe (1 hour, $20)
  • Zilker Park (2 hours, free)
  • State Capitol (1 hour, free)
  • La Barbecue (1 hour, $30)
  • South Congress (1.5 hours, free)
  • Blanton Museum of Art (1.5 hours, $12)
  • Congress Bridge Bat Colony (30 minutes, free)
  • Second Bar + Kitchen (1.5 hours, $40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $102

Transportation

You can get around Austin easily by car or public transit. If you're driving, expect to pay for parking in most areas. Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft are also convenient options. However, if you want to take in the sights at your own pace, consider renting a bike or scooter. The estimated travel time for this itinerary is around 8 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting:

  • Barton Springs Pool - an iconic, spring-fed swimming pool
  • The LBJ Presidential Library - a fascinating museum about the 36th president
  • The Contemporary Austin - a unique art museum with a sculpture-filled garden
If you have less time, consider skipping:
  • South Congress - it can get crowded and touristy
  • The Blanton Museum of Art - if you're not an art lover or short on time
When are you going?
Add your start date and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.
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