6 Ways to Have the Perfect Girls Weekend in Austin

Looking for an amazing girls weekend in Austin? Then head to the capital of Texas! Here are my top 6 favorite reasons why I loved Austin and you will too.

1. Music

Austin holds the grand title of Live Music capital of the World, woah and it is definitely true. You see this from the moment you walk into the Austin airport. Musicians play live music everywhere in the city, even the grocery stores! Several concerts and events are held all around the year, and you will find mostly locals enjoying the outdoors music events. Austin also hosts the annual SXSW , which is an annual conglomerate of film, interactive media, and music festivals in mid-March.

While you are here you must check out 6th Street which is basically a multi-block party every weekend in downtown Austin. Whether you are looking to shake it off, listen to some good live music or just enjoy a drink, then head to 6th Street where all the locals party. I had a wonderful time bar/club hopping, the crowds were very lively especially since it was Cinco de Mayo. I don’t think I remember all the places I went to unless I look back at my credit card statement. (It was a fund night). I do recall starting off at The Driskill Hotel & Bar. The bar has live music playing and they have options for dining too. Click here to check out the hotel website.

Couple of my favorite ones were The Thirsty Nickel which had live music playing and a laid back vibe, Eureka! for it’s craft cocktails, The Gatsby for it’s gorgeous patio and Firehouse Lounge for their amazingly friendly bartenders.

2. Food

The food scene in Austin is one of my favorite part of the city! There are a lot of authentic cafes and restaurants that serve excellent quality food for low prices. Juan in a Million had to be the best out of the rest! Opened since 1980, it has the best cheap Tex Mex breakfast. Tacos for breakfast? Heck yes! The restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch hours, there was a line to get in, however the wait was no longer than 15 mins and was totally worth it. A true family owned business, this is a must visit on your trip. Click here to check out the website for location and hours.

Hungry late at night? Head to Frank Hot Dogs where you can get some really cool exotic hot dogs such as a Jackalope (made with smoked antelope, rabbit and pork sausage), I wasn’t brave enough to try one! Click here to find their location.

Here are a few other places to eat that are highly recommended:

Amy’s Ice Cream– The Texans love Amy’s Ice cream! Privately owned and with their headquarters in Austin, Amy’s Ice Cream says “without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos”, it just may be true! They have over 350 delicious flavors making it a very tough decision to pick one.

Salt Lick BBQ– Get ready for some finger licking bbq food! A chain restaurant based in Texas, a local crowd favorite. They have several restaurants throughout the state.

BBQ Revolution– Vegans fear not, Austin has something for you too! BBQ Revolution is a completely vegan restaurant/trailer, is a must visit!

Rainey Street– Another one of local’s secret hangout spot. This adorable neighborhood corner/street has houses decorated with string lights which actually are bars, several food trucks and some good music. Check out Emmer & Rye, a top rated small restaurant at the south end which serves small plates made with local ingredients and a menu that changes daily. Click here to find out more about the restaurant.

Torchy’s Tacos– More tacos for breakfast, yaasss! They have several locations in Texas, one in Denver and Tulsa.

3. Cocktails

Looking to wind down for the evening or enjoy some drinks with your girls? Then Elephant Room is your spot. Elephant Room is an underground jazz bar with nightly love music, plus more than 20 draft beers and wine by the glass.

SoCo (South Congress Avenue) South Congress draws plenty of foot traffic to its vibrant stretch of hip boutiques, trendy lodging options and Austin-original eateries. Live music shows abound, including nightly sets at the legendary Continental Club. There’s also a picture-postcard vista of the Texas State Capitol.

Bangers Austin– Now if you need some assistance washing down all those tacos, head to Bangers Sausage House & Beer Garden and order yourself a Manmosa. A whole bottle of champagne with a splash of orange. How does that sound? A beer garden that offers craft beer, brunch, homemade sausage and some live music. Your friends and you are going to love this one! Click here to visit their location.

JuiceLand- Alcohol not so much your thing? Then JuiceLand is for you. Located at 120 E 4th St, it is one of the best juice place in town.

 

 

4. Outdoors

After you have savored all the delicious foods, get outdoors for some fresh air and sunshine. Even though the ocean is nowhere near to be found, there are plenty of natural springs in Austin. Start off with Barton Springs Pool which is 1000 ft long natural limestone pool, fed by several underground springs.

Twin Falls is another beautiful swimming hole on the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Located only minutes from downtown, hike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt and you end up in this gorgeous nature preserve.  The Barton Springs Greenbelt trail follows Barton Creek for 8 miles from Zilker park to the trail end at Scottish woods. Twin Falls is on the south of the trail.

Jacob’s Well is a perennial karstic spring aka nature’s wonder located near the town of Wimberly. If you are planning to swim, they allow only a limited amount of people per day so plan ahead. There are picnic tables also throughout which is the perfect way to enjoy the day with your family. To locate the hole, just follow the crowd and when you see the spot where people are freaking out before jumping, you have discovered the hole.

Next hike to the top of Mount Bonnell for some breathtaking views. Mount Bonnell is a 775-foot high outcrop along the eastern shore of Lake Austin perfect for the IG shot.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Hamilton Pool Preserve. It is a natural pool that was created thousands of years ago. The pool is located roughly 23 miles West of Austin. Reservations are required to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve.

5. Things to See

The Texas State Capitol is an amazing piece of architecture built in 1888 located in Downtown Austin. It contains the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. Tours are given at no cost and they depart every 30 to 45 mins. Click here to find out more.

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue crosses over Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. In the summer you can view bats flying out from under the bridge. Yes bats!

Bullock Texas State History Museum is located on Congress Ave., it is the building with a big and I mean Texas star in front of it a few blocks from the State Capitol. The museum tells the story of Texas and it features some of the magnificent Texas artifacts spanning 4000 years of history.

Looking for a cool background for your insta pic? Check out the Graffiti park at Castle Hill located on 1008 Baylor St. is where you find all the cool and funky graffiti walls.

 

6. Spa

No girls trip is complete without some relaxation time and no better way to do it than the spa. The Milk+Honey Spa offers luxurious treatments such as massages and facials.

PIN ME– GIRLS WEEKEND IN AUSTIN

PRO TIPS: We rented a vehicle to drive around the city which I found was the best way to see the city. I did not find parking to be a hassle. For the night time, we utilized uber.

If you are looking for a cheap flight alternative, consider flying into Dallas Airport instead of Austin, it is a 3 hours drive, however, price wise it was worth it. Plus my car rental cost only $11 per day!

And this brings you to the end of a wonderful girls weekend in Austin! Where are you travelling to this long weekend? What is your favorite thing to do on a trip? Let me know in the comments.

SHARING IS CARING– GIRLS WEEKEND IN AUSTIN