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Austin 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, December 8: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

Start your trip in Austin by exploring its vibrant downtown area. In the morning, visit the State Capitol, a beautiful historic building with stunning architecture. Afterward, head to the nearby Blanton Museum of Art to admire its impressive collection. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along South Congress Avenue, known for its unique shops and delicious food trucks. As the evening sets in, make your way to Rainey Street, a trendy neighborhood filled with bars housed in charming bungalow-style houses.

  • State Capitol: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Blanton Museum of Art: $12, 2-3 hours
  • South Congress Avenue: Variable, 2-4 hours
  • Rainey Street: Variable, 2-4 hours
Saturday, December 9: Outdoor Adventures

Start your day with a visit to Zilker Park, a large urban park offering various outdoor activities. In the morning, explore the beautiful Botanical Garden and take a relaxing walk around Lady Bird Lake. Afterward, head to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool perfect for swimming or sunbathing. In the afternoon, venture to Mount Bonnell, a scenic overlook offering breathtaking views of the city. Wrap up your day with a visit to the famous bat colony at Congress Avenue Bridge during sunset.

  • Zilker Park: Free, 4-6 hours
  • Barton Springs Pool: $3-9, 2-3 hours
  • Mount Bonnell: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Congress Avenue Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 10: Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Austin's vibrant culture on this day. Start your morning with a visit to the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where you can learn about the state's rich history. In the afternoon, explore the trendy East Austin neighborhood, known for its street art, eclectic shops, and delicious food scene. Make sure to visit the Mexic-Arte Museum to discover Mexican and Latin American art. In the evening, catch a live music performance at one of Austin's iconic venues, such as the Continental Club or Mohawk.

  • Bullock Texas State History Museum: $13, 2-3 hours
  • East Austin: Variable, 3-5 hours
  • Mexic-Arte Museum: $10, 1-2 hours
  • Live Music Venue: Variable, 2-4 hours
Monday, December 11: Hill Country Exploration

Escape the city and explore the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Start your day by visiting the picturesque Hamilton Pool Preserve, a natural pool and hiking spot surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs. In the afternoon, head to the charming town of Fredericksburg, known for its German heritage and wineries. Explore the main street filled with unique shops and enjoy a wine tasting. As the evening approaches, make your way to the iconic Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood to savor some delicious Texas barbecue.

  • Hamilton Pool Preserve: $15, 3-4 hours
  • Fredericksburg: Variable, 4-6 hours
  • Salt Lick BBQ: $15-30, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 12: Museum and Brewery Day

Spend your day exploring Austin's rich art and craft beer scenes. Start your morning by visiting the Contemporary Austin - Jones Center, an art museum showcasing contemporary works. Afterward, head to the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company for a tasty lunch and to sample their locally brewed beers. In the afternoon, visit the eclectic Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, known for its beautiful outdoor sculptures. Wrap up your day with a visit to one of Austin's famous breweries, such as Austin Beerworks or Jester King Brewery.

  • Contemporary Austin - Jones Center: $5-10, 2-3 hours
  • Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company: $10-20, 1-2 hours
  • Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum: $5-10, 1-2 hours
  • Austin Brewery: Variable, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, December 13: Explore Nature and Food

Spend the day exploring the natural beauty and delicious food scene of Austin. Start your morning by hiking or biking along the scenic trails of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take a refreshing dip in the creek. In the afternoon, make your way to the trendy South Lamar neighborhood and indulge in some mouthwatering food at the many local eateries. Don't miss the famous Torchy's Tacos or the delectable ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Creams. In the evening, catch a movie at the iconic Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: Free, 3-5 hours
  • South Lamar Eateries: Variable, 2-3 hours
  • Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Variable, 2-3 hours
Thursday, December 14: Historic Sites and Nightlife

Discover Austin's rich history and lively nightlife on your last full day. Start your morning with a visit to the LBJ Presidential Library, where you can learn about President Lyndon B. Johnson's life and legacy. In the afternoon, explore the historic 6th Street, known for its vibrant music scene and numerous bars. Enjoy live music performances and experience the energetic atmosphere. As the night unfolds, hop on a pub crawl to discover more of Austin's famous bars and nightlife hotspots.

  • LBJ Presidential Library: $10-16, 2-3 hours
  • 6th Street: Variable, 3-5 hours
  • Pub Crawl: Variable, 3-4 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Austin, don't miss the opportunity to visit Barton Springs Pool at sunrise for a peaceful and refreshing dip. Another local favorite is exploring the unique street art in the East Austin neighborhood, where you can find colorful murals and graffiti. For a taste of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, head to the family-owned and operated restaurant, Matt's El Rancho, and indulge in their famous Bob Armstrong Dip. Lastly, take a scenic drive to the nearby Texas Hill Country and visit the charming town of Wimberley, known for its beautiful natural scenery and local artisans.

Check hotel and flight prices for Austin here.

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