Are you looking to take a Weekend Austin Trip and need help building an Itinerary? This travel guide shares how we spent our weekend trip to Austin. Learn where to stay in Austin, what to eat, and even things to do in Austin on a rainy day.
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Austin, Texas, is the crown jewel of the state of Texas. They are known for their quirky and eclectic style, delicious dining options, and expensive boutique hotels. Couple that with vibrant murals and live music, and you’ve got the gist of Austin.
In short, the city is a vibe, and while its 100% worth a more extended visit, we’ve put together the perfect guide to a weekend trip to Austin that will still make you feel as if you’ve seen and experienced a taste of the city that worth your while.
Weekend in Austin | Things to Do Guide
Weekend In Austin, Texas Itinerary
Where to stay in Austin
Where to Eat in Austin
- Verbena
- Home Slice Pizza
- Plank Seafood Provisions
What to do in Austin on a Day trip
- Shopping in South Congress
- Museum of Ice Cream
- Texas Capitol Building
- Self-Guided Tour of Street Murals
The Perfect Weekend In Austin Texas
Where to stay Weekend in Austin | Checking into the Canopy by Austin Downtown
Canopy by Hilton’s brand is a modern and urban take on a boutique hotel. What we enjoy about the brand is that it prides itself on implementing key details to give guests a better feel and experience of the city. The experience goes from on-site dining to their choice of art is locally sourced and inspired.
Those who have followed us for a while know that we genuinely love Canopy locations across the United States, this is our third Canopy property so far, including the locations at Canopy Tempe and Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk, and this stay was no different. We had superior customer service, enjoyable Hilton Diamond member benefits, and enjoyed the comfort and style of our double room.
The Canopy by Hilton Austin is located within the downtown district, making it walkable and easy to access many bars and restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Austin without a car, this is another reason to choose Canopy Austin as your base camp.
The vibe of this canopy property is urban yet sophisticated. On-site, there are a variety of stunning artworks and murals. However, our favorite part of the property is the courtyard that connects the primary check-in and the on-site restaurant. We also enjoyed the rooftop pool that overlooks the city.
Late Lunch at Verbena (On-site dining at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown)
Verbena is the on-site dining and culinary experience at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown. They offer a fabulous menu of locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, light lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus.
While there is a sophisticated indoor dining option, my favorite was the casual courtyard for lunch and dinner under twinkling lights.
Some top selections included the lunch Verbena burger and fries portion, hangar steak with crispy potatoes, and breakfast steak. Another favorite of mine was their signature Watermelon Cocktail/Mocktail, which is delicious, sweet, and refreshing.
We decided to eat at Verbena for brunch, lunch, and dinner during our stay. Each meal was delicious!
The Museum of Ice Cream Austin | What to do Weekend in Austin
The Museum of Ice cream is an immersive art and sensory art exhibit with over six uniquely themed rooms filled with ice cream art, displays, and taste testing.
The museum was perfect for people of all ages ( families, couples, and more), and we had a blast taste-testing the ice creams while enjoying the interactive activities. Ice cream experiences are included with the price of admission.
The museum was perfect for people of all ages ( families, couples, and more), and we had a blast taste-testing the ice creams while enjoying the interactive activities. Ice cream experiences are included with the price of admission.
How much is the Museum of Ice Cream in Austin Tickets?
Tickets for the Museum of Ice Cream in Austin range between $21 and $29 for anytime tickets and general admission. However, there are frequent discounts offered via their website.
The Museum of Ice Cream does offer other Ice cream experiences and a gift shop on site; the price of those attractions is not included in the cost of your ticket.
The Museum of Ice Cream does offer other Ice cream experiences and a gift shop on site; the price of those attractions is not included in the cost of your ticket.
However, the variety of ice cream throughout the included attractions is enough for you and your family to enjoy and feel as if you’ve gotten your money’s worth.
The Museum of Ice Cream is the perfect rainy-day activity in Austin. So, if you’re willing to venture outside the downtown area ( highly recommend ), consider adding this experience to your Austin Bucket List!
Dinner at Plank Seafood Provisions
Plank Seafood Provisions is also located within the Domain shopping plaza. While there are many options in this area, we truly enjoyed the outdoor ambiance and meals at this restaurant.
As the name suggests, Plank Seafood Provisions’ essential menu item is seafood. They pride themselves on serving high-quality ingredients responsibly caught and raised humanely. I could taste the freshness of the ingredients within our meal.
Some of their most exceptional menu items were the bacon-wrapped shrimp, grits, and salmon plate served with black rice. I also highly recommend the passion tea palmer as a drink. It was delicious!
If traveling with children, the menu was expensive and came with great selections for them as well.
Day 2 | Weekend Austin Itinerary
Texas State Capitol Building Self-Guided Tour
Did you know that the Capitol of the state of Texas is Austin? The Texas State Capitol complex is located downtown Austin and is open seven days a week for self-guided and guided tours. The exception is federal holidays. Depending on the time you have, we enjoyed the flexibility of exploring the grounds and reading on our own.
The complex is beautiful both inside and out. There were many statuses and relics to explore and read, from black history to war and Texas state history.
The inside and the main building are four stories high and easy to get around on your own. However, remember that certain areas may be closed or roped off depending on the day and time of your visit.
Capitol Tours, both guided and self-guided, are all free. This is another excellent free thing to do in Austin to add to your itinerary when you are a history buff and/or are traveling with children and want to make this a learning experience.
Lunch at Home Slice Pizza
Home Slice Pizza is a staple pizza joint in the Austin area that has been serving authentic NY-style pizza since 2005. This mom-and-pop pizzeria is known for its delicious pizza, from typical flavors like pepperoni and cheese to our favorite, the onion, and meatball. Unique flavors can change by the day.
They offer a sit-down option called Home Slice and a Take Out/ Quick service option called More Home Slice. These two establishments are side by side on South Congress Avenue, and you cannot miss it with an iconic exterior.
Whichever you decide to dine at, please note that there is often a line for quick takeout and the dine-in option. However, it moves pretty quickly, and the Take Out option does have outdoor and minimal indoor seating.
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress Ave Austin, Tx 78704
Spend the Day on South Congress Avenue
Our favorite neighborhood to hang out in Austin was South Congress. This neighborhood, coined SoCo is located near lady bird lake across the bridge from downtown Austin. It comprises a few blocks of shopping, dining, nightlife, and small boutique hotels.
If I could pinpoint one place that showcases how quirky, artsy and energetic the city of Austin is, South Congress would be my pick.
The entire area is bursting with color and energy. This is the perfect area to thrift shop vintage finds, grab a bite to eat or people-watch.
The entire area is pedestrian-friendly, so if you did not drive into Austin or have a rental car, this is the perfect location to Uber/Lyft and enjoy the day.
Things to do on South Congress Avenue Austin
Here are some things you cannot miss in South Congress Avenue based on top suggestions and locals:
Shop Cowboy Boots at Allen’s Boots
1522 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704
Shop Vintage and Local at Parts and Labour (Vintage / Texas Gift shop)
1704 S Congress Austin, TX 78704
Grab a coffee at Joann’s Fine Foods & Coffee shop
1224 S Congress Austin, TX 78704
Adopt a new book at South Congress Books
1608 S Congress Austin, TX 78704
Grab dessert at Amy’s Ice Cream
1301 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 7870
Weekend in Austin Self-Guided Mural Tour
One thing that makes Austin so vibrant is their dedication to street art. A self-guided mural tour is a perfect way to wrap up your Austin trip, and it never hurts to find free things to do in Austin while you’re in town. Below, I have included a list of my favorite murals in Austin.
However, there are many more, and you can find a complete list of murals in Austin (HERE).
Greetings from Austin Mural
1720 S First Brg, Austin, TX 78704
Love from Austin Mural
1912 S. Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701
My Butter Half Mural
200 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Austin, TX 78702
South Congress Mural
1800 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704
Tau Ceti Mural
East Second Street and Brazos Street Parking Garage
Weekend Austin Guide Conclusion
Spending only a weekend in Austin is not enough time to explore the fantastic things this city offers. However, this weekend in Austin itinerary is a great starting point for feeling like you have accomplished the city.
Austin is one of my favorite cities in Texas, and it is 100% worth the return visit.
If you’re on a Texas road trip, then you’re in luck. I’ve compiled other guides for Texas cities, such as San Antonio and Amarillo, to help you plan your next travel experience.
Check them out below!
