17+ Spots to Hit Up on Your First Trip to Austin

Congress Street Bridge Bats

 Congress Avenue BridgeAustin, United StatesThe largest urban population of bats pour out at dusk. Fun with picnics, drinks, and dates.

Get comfortable in the park on the south side of the Congress Street Bridge just before dusk and watch thousands of bats take flight after the sun sets. If you didn’t see the bats you didn’t really see Austin.

South Congress

 Amy’s Ice CreamsAustin, United StatesWatch the Scoops get fancy.
It’s what they call the folks serving up ice cream at Amy’s Ice Cream, an Austin original. But they’re not just chucking your favorite flavors (or one’s you’ve never heard of) into a cone. Oh, no. Watch them toss it, flip it, catch it, even chuck it across the street on occasion. It’s dessert and a show. Try the jalepenolime or Mexican vanilla. #cheap-eats #icecream

Visit the iconic Austin shops that line the popular street south of the river. Get a fountain soda and some classic candy at Big Top Candy Shop, browse aisles of eccentricities at Uncommon Objects, grab a coffee at Tom’s, and watch the scoops throw your ice cream at Amy’s.

Kerbey Lane Cafe

 Kerbey Lane CafeAustin, United StatesA chain of some of the more interesting food that keeps Austin weird. Come for the breakfast tacos, stay for the desserts #food #foodietravel #cheap-eats #open-late

Everybody’s favorite local diner, Kerbey Lane serves up everybody’s favorite pancakes. And since the flavor of those pancakes changes each week, you never get bored. Those famous pancakes also come in vegan varieties.

The Alamo Drafthouse

 Alamo Drafthouse South LamarAustin, United StatesCatch a flick at the Alamo Drafthouse.
But don’t just see a movie; buy tickets to a Master Pancake and laugh as comedians poke fun at popular movies, Mystery Science Theater 3000 style. And don’t forget dinner and drinks, too, and have them delivered right to your seat. Try the buffalo cauliflower; it’s delicious. #movies #dinnerandamovie

For movie lovers, there’s no other theatre in Austin. Cause it’s not just a movie theater; it’s a bar, restaurant and event center. The best part? You can have everything from craft brews to burgers to vegan appetizers delivered right to your seat like a boss.

Franklin BBQ

 Franklin BarbecueAustin, United StatesWait in line for the country’s best BBQ.
The line doesn’t lie. People travel from near and far to get a taste of Franklin’s BBQ, which has been called the best in the nation. But you better get there early. And bring a chair. A four to six hour wait isn’t uncommon and if you’re not at the head of the line all that’s left by the time you get to the counter might be turkey. #texasbbq #bbq

Austin is proud of its BBQ and Franklin is at the top of the list nationwide. But bring a folding chair and a good book and be prepared to wait. You’re going to want to get there early because the small restaurant runs out of the good stuff quick.

Barton Springs Pool

 Barton Springs PoolAustin, United StatesTake a (cool) dip.
At a bracing 70 degrees year-round, Barton Springs Pool is a refreshing spot to while away the blazing summer afternoons in Austin. Plus you get a great view of the city from the water. You’ll be swimming in a natural spring with a natural bottom, so watch your step; those rocks can just disappear right under your feet. #swimminghole #zilkerpark

On a hot day, there’s no better place to take a dip than this natural spring and swimming hole in the heart of the city. It’s a bracing 68 degrees year round and you can take in the view of the Austin skyline from the pool. Plus it’s only $5. Can’t beat that.

Austin street art

 Street ArtAustin, United StatesThe city is just brimming with color, so grab a map and hit the streets. Don’t forget your camera!
http://www.terradrift.com/2015/01/tour-of-austin-street-art.html #art #free

The city is just brimming with color, so grab a map and hit the streets. Don’t forget your camera!

Bookpeople

 BookPeopleAustin, United StatesMeet the author at Austin’s favorite bookstore.
With two stories of books and quirky gifts, Book People is THE go-to indie bookstore in Austin. And there are special events and book signings ranging from local authors to literary big shots all. The. Time. #books #bookstore
#free

It’s Austin’s favorite indie bookstore, all three floors of it. Even those who wouldn’t label themselves bibliophiles are bound to find some entertainment from shelves and shelves of national bestsellers, local faves, and quirky gifts. It’s so much more than a bookstore.

Blue Cat Cafe

 Blue CatAustin, United StatesCat cafes. Yes, that’s a thing. And Austin is home to the largest one in North America. Pay your $3, order your coffee and vegan food, and cuddle some kitties while you chill. And did we mention you can adopt one and take it home with you. Now that’s a souvenir!

Yes, that’s a thing. And Austin is home to the largest cat cafe in North America. Pay your $3, order your coffee and vegan food, and cuddle some kitties while you chill.

McKinney Falls State Park

 McKinney Falls State ParkAustin, United StatesOn a hot Texas day, nothing beats taking a tube and a cooler to McKinney Falls and spending the afternoon outdoors. Even if it’s too cool to swim, say in November, the park still offers some great easy walks on a beautiful day. #hiking #outdoors #swimminghole

On a hot Texas day, nothing beats taking a tube and a cooler to McKinney Falls and spending the afternoon outdoors. Even if it’s too cool to swim, say in November, the park still offers some great easy walks on a beautiful day.

Mayfield Park

 Mayfield Park and Nature PreserveAustin, United StatesGo get screamed at by peacocks. Didn’t know peacocks screamed? Then you haven’t been to Mayfield Park. There’s an historic home, hiking trails, and lots and lots of peacocks just wandering around the property. Take a stroll around the gardens, spot the peacocks in the trees, and don’t forget the camera to capture the guys showing off their feathers (and I don’t mean hipsters with hair accessories). #animals #hiking

Go get screamed at by peacocks. Didn’t know peacocks screamed? Then you haven’t been to Mayfield Park. There’s a historic home, hiking trails, and lots and lots of peacocks just wandering around the property. Take a stroll around the gardens, spot the peacocks in the trees, and don’t forget the camera to capture the guys showing off their feathers (and I don’t mean hipsters with hair accessories).

Mount Bonnell

 Covert Park at Mount BonnellAustin, United StatesWant a good afternoon hike? Head to Mt. Bonnell. And fair warning, when I say hike I mean climb. The way to the top is a staircase straight up. It’s hard work, but you’ll be rewarded with some pretty great views of the Colorado River and the canopy of trees below. #hiking #extreme

Right next door to Mayfield Park is Mt. Bonnell. And fair warning, when I say hike I mean climb. The way to the top is a staircase straight up. It’s hard work, but you’ll be rewarded with some pretty great views of the Colorado River and the canopy of trees below.

Cenote

 CenoteAustin, United StatesIf you had too much fun on Dirty Sixth last night, grab a cup of coffee the morning after at Cenote. Not only is it good coffee, but there’s a great garden seating area complete with art and sculptures so you can enjoy the Austin sunshine. #coffee #cheap-eats

If you had too much fun on Dirty Sixth last night, grab a cup of coffee the morning after at Cenote. Not only is it good coffee, but there’s a great garden seating area complete with art and sculptures so you can enjoy the Austin sun.

Hit up a farmers market

 Whole Foods MarketAustin, United StatesSee free Shakespeare on the top of the flagship Whole Foods Market.
There’s nothing better than outdoor theatre in Austin. Except free outdoor theatre. And free outdoor theatre that involves fresh pizza and kombucha from Whole Foods. Plus, Present Company does Shakespeare right! #free #shakespeare #theatre

There are dozens, so take your pick. Find locally made chocolate, kombucha, veggies, tacos, you name it. The Saturday SFC downtown market is my personal fave.

Live music

 Elephant RoomAustin, United StatesListen to live music in an underground jazz club.
The Elephant Room is something straight out of prohibition-era Texas, but without the ban on booze. And if the music and no cover charge on weekdays isn’t enough, you’re sure to get some extra entertainment out of all the dollar bills scribbled over with strange quotes and slang on the walls. #club #casual #livemusic #jazz #musicvenue

Anywhere, anytime. Austin is, after all, the live music capital of the world. And you can enjoy it at more venues than you could visit in a month. Head to The Broken Spoke for classic country music and two-steppin’, drink beer at underground jazz club The Elephant Room, or experience all the talented and diverse music the city has to offer at The Mohawk.

 Broken SpokeAustin, United StatesGo line Dancing at The Broken Spoke.
Everybody’s got to do it. Put on your cowboy hat and step to it. Feel free to start with a pint of liquid courage at the bar and a famous chicken fried steak. #country #food #dancing #livemusic