3-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Austin, Texas from Ijamsville, Maryland

Day 1: Travel and Initial Exploration

Austin, USA

6:00AM

Depart from Ijamsville

Start your journey from Ijamsville, Maryland, heading towards either Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) for a flight or taking a road trip to Austin.
Use I-270 S to reach I-70 W to get on I-81 S towards Virginia.
USD200 (flight) or USD50 (gas mileage), 3-4 hours (flight), 18 hours (drive)

2:00PM

Arrival in Austin

Arrive in Austin and check into a budget-friendly hostel or motel to save on accommodation costs.
Use public transport or rideshare to reach your accommodation.
USD40 (accommodation), 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Texas State Capitol

Kick off your Austin adventure with a free guided tour of the Texas State Capitol, exploring its beautiful architecture and learning about state history.
It's a short walk from downtown accommodations.
USD0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore South Congress Avenue

Stroll along South Congress Avenue to soak in the local vibe, shop at quirky boutiques, and snap photos of the iconic scenery.
Walk about a mile south from the Capitol.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Home Slice Pizza

Enjoy affordable New York-style pizza at Home Slice Pizza, famous for its delicious slices and laid-back atmosphere.
Head back north along South Congress for about half a mile.
USD15, 1 hour

7:30PM

Live Music at the Continental Club

Wrap up your first day with live music at the Continental Club, where you can enjoy the vibrant local music scene with minimal cover charges.
A quick 5-minute walk north will get you there.
USD10, 2-3 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Austin, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Juan in a Million

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Juan in a Million, known for its mouthwatering breakfast tacos.
Walk or take a short bus trip to the restaurant.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lady Bird Lake

Spend your morning enjoying Lady Bird Lake, taking a scenic walk or renting a kayak to soak in the beautiful surroundings.
It’s a 20-minute walk east from the restaurant.
USD15 (kayak rental), 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Veracruz All Natural

Try Austin’s local favorite tacos at Veracruz All Natural, focusing on fresh and homemade ingredients.
A quick walk back west to the food truck area.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Blanton Museum of Art

Visit the Blanton Museum of Art, which may offer free admission at certain times—a great way to experience culture on a budget.
Walk about 30 minutes north to the museum.
USD0, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll through the University of Texas Campus

Wander around the beautiful University of Texas campus, admiring its architecture and enjoying the student energy.
The campus is adjacent to the Blanton, just across the street.
USD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Coffee Break at Houndstooth Coffee

Grab a refreshing coffee at Houndstooth Coffee, a popular local spot to unwind for a bit.
Take a short 10-minute walk north on Guadalupe Street.
USD5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Texas Memorial Museum

Discover Texas's natural history at the Texas Memorial Museum, where admission is affordable and exhibits are captivating.
Walk a quick 15 minutes back east to the museum.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kerbey Lane Cafe

Savor a classic meal at Kerbey Lane Cafe, well-known for its delicious comfort food options, like pancakes and burgers.
Head south on Guadalupe Street for about a mile.
USD15, 1 hour

7:30PM

Evening Walk on South Congress

Enjoy a leisurely evening walk down South Congress, where you can experience more live music, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Walk back north to South Congress, around half a mile.
USD0, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Local Experience

Austin, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Central Market

Start your last day with breakfast at Central Market, featuring a variety of budget-friendly items.
Take a budget-friendly bus ride to Central Market.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Barton Springs Pool

Refresh yourself with a swim in Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park.
Walk back to Zilker Park from Central Market.
USD5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Food Trucks on South 1st

Enjoy a selection of tasty local cuisines at the food trucks located on South 1st Street.
Take a short bus ride or walk to South 1st.
USD10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit the HOPE Outdoor Gallery

Check out this colorful and vibrant graffiti park, showcasing local artists' work that changes regularly.
Walk about 0.5 miles to the gallery.
USD0, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Texas Farmers’ Market

If visiting on a weekend, immerse yourself in the Texas Farmers’ Market, filled with fresh produce and handmade goods.
A quick 10-minute walk south towards downtown.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Coffee at La Barbecue

Take a break at La Barbecue with a cup of coffee and try some of their famous barbeque brisket.
Short walk or bus ride to La Barbecue.
USD12, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Mount Bonnell

Hike up to Mount Bonnell for panoramic views of Lake Austin, providing a stunning backdrop for your farewell to Austin.
Take a bus or bike to Mount Bonnell.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Salt Lick BBQ

Cap off your Austin adventure with dinner at Salt Lick BBQ, renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue choices.
A short bus ride will take you to Driftwood, about 30 minutes away.
USD20, 2 hours

7:30PM

Sunset at Lady Bird Lake

Conclude your trip with a serene sunset view at Lady Bird Lake, reflecting on the delightful memories created during your stay.
Return to downtown Austin via bus, approximately 30 minutes.
USD0, 1 hour
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