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Best Weekend Guide to Austin, Texas

What Taylor Likes is heading off to Austin, Texas…again!

From eccentric street art to scenic biking trails, Austin has a lot to offer every tourist. Check out where we are going by reading the Weekend Guide down below. Links to all restaurant and activity recommendations are included in this itinerary. To read about last year’s trip to Austin click here.

1. Day 1 - Catch a Movie and Unwind

Depart Dallas Mid-Morning Via Car
Lunch: Craving Detroit style pizza? Head over to Via 313 to order an individual pizza baked to perfection. There are vegan and gluten-free options as well ($10-13).
Errand: After lunch swing by Capital Bakery for 100% vegan cupcakes and assorted desserts! You will need them as snacks for the movie theater ($8).
Airbnb Check-in: We were able to book a CHEAP Airbnb house in the South Lamar neighborhood for - almost - nothing. I highly recommend using this site or Hotel Tonight versus booking a hotel yourself.
Activity 2: Experience dinner, a movie and drinks under one roof at The Alamo Drafthouse. General admission is $8.50 USD before 6 pm. Don't forget those #vegan snacks ($10 + $20 drinks).
Dinner: For Mexican cuisine in a chic, modern space with rustic accents, head over to Grizzelda's in East Austin. This place reminds us of the beach and has a great cocktail list ($14).

Total: $57* tax not included

Splurge Total: $77

*Includes transportation fare

2. Day 2 – Hiking, Pool Preserve and Brewery Tour

(Historical neighborhood)

Morning Run: Austin has a lot of running and walking trails. Check out Top 5 Running Routes in Austin if you want a good workout!
Breakfast: Get a flavorful vegetarian or non-vegetarian breakfast at Bouldin Creek Cafe . We love to order The Renedict: Eggs or tofu scramble, tomatoes, tofu bacon ‘fakon’ on a grilled ciabatta. Topped with spinach & house-made vegan hollandaise sauce ($12).
Activity 1: Drive to Hamilton Pool Preserve to see "a natural pool/waterfall that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago." Once you get to the preserve, you have to hike a quarter of a mile to get to the pool. Bring water and comfortable shoes ($15).
Activity 2: Drive back to the South Lamar area and explore Austin's street art. This is FREE fun. A detailed list of murals and their locations can be found here.
Activity 2: Take a Brewery Tour at Hops and Grain (FREE). After your tour, grab a beer in the Tap Room ($10)
Dinner: Splurge by eating a three-course meal at Lenoir - a local farm to table restaurant ($55). Vegetarian/Vegan options are available!

Total: $102 tax not included

Splurge Total: $130 tax not included

3. Day 3 – Electric Bike Tour and Bluebonnet Fields

(Historical/ Artistic Neighborhoods)

Breakfast: Grab coffee and pastries at Buzzmill ($5).
Activity 1: Take a 2-hour Electric Bike Tour of Lady Bird Lake ($63). "If you are looking for a guided get-to-know-you tour of Austin along the beautiful shores of Lady Bird Lake, this tour is for you! This tour stops at some of Austin’s most famous landmarks including Barton Springs, the Stevie Ray Vaughn Statue, the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge (known as the "Bat Bridge") and more!"
Lunch: Vegan Nom for Tex-Mex and Tacos ($12).
Depart for Dallas
Activity 2: Stop by Ennis, Texas and walk through the Bluebonnet Trails. This is the perfect place for to take pictures!