Did you know the city of Austin was first known as Waterloo? It was not until March 1839 that it became known as Austin — to honor Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.”
Thinking about taking a trip to Austin can be overwhelming. With a big city filled with art, culture, entertainment, and delectable cuisine, where should you start? Planning a weekend getaway for the family, or a couple getaway or maybe a girl’s trip? Below are a few places that are a must see to experience all that Austin has to offer.
What to Do
Austin’s Park // Go-karts, rock walls, bowling, arcade, batting cages . . . what more could a kid ask for? Austin’s Park offers delicious food and games. It has bundles for food, play, or both that begin at $33.95 per person. Tickets are available to purchase through the link, as well as food choices to prepare before you go.
Breweries & Vineyards // Austin Brewery Tours offers visitors the ability to visit three breweries beginning at $80.00 per person, complete with guided tour and facility tour. Austin Wine Tours are ideal for a weekend getaway, or a retreat with your gal-pals. Offering the finest food and drink Hill Country has to offer, prices starting at $89.00 per person.
Austin Zoo // Located off of Highway 290 West and Circle Drive, Austin Zoo invites visitors to come and spend some time outdoors learning about animals up close. Adult price is $14.95, $13.95 student, and $11.95 purchased online. If purchased at the gate, it’s a dollar increase. They do allow you to bring in your own food and drinks.
Lake Austin Spa Resort // One of the top spa resorts in the United States, Lake Austin offers facials, massage therapy, and body treatments. It offers a day spa complete with lunch and take-home packages.
Museum of the Weird // Shrunken heads. Fiji mermaids. All these rare and priceless oddities are housed inside the museum. Located on Sixth Street, it welcomes kids of all ages. Hours of operations may vary price is $12.00 for all ages.
Where to Eat
The Culinary Dropout // Fun atmosphere for kids and adults, the patio offers outdoor lawn games, corn hole, and foosball. The children’s menu offers cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, or macaroni and cheese with prices starting at $7.00. It offers happy hour specials complete with a full cocktail bar.
Flower Child // Craving healthy foods? Look no further than Flower Child. The menu consists of vegan, paleo, and gluten-free food. Flower Child uses farm-fresh ingredients that satiate the soul.
Fonda San Miguel // Offering authentic Mexican food, Fonda San Miguel brings to Austin complex flavors and a unique dining experience. This quaint, colorful restaurant is the perfect place for a couple’s night out. Prices for entrees start at $22.
Hat Creek Burger Company // This is a family friendly eatery offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With delicious food, Hat Creek Burger offers a large play yard that is connected to a burger patio so you can keep an eye on your little one while enjoying those beautiful Texas sunrises or sunsets.
Hounds Tooth Coffee // Located in Downtown Austin, Hounds Tooth Coffee offers delectable coffee, tea, beer, wine, and pastries. This locally owned business offers a beautiful space to sit and sip delicious coffee.
Little Deli Pizzeria // Who doesn’t love a good slice of pizza? The Little Deli has a piece of heart and soul in every slice! Offering sandwiches, soups, pizza, and calzones. Slices beginning at $3.25.
Phil’s Icehouse// This family friendly eatery has a playground and seating outside or inside. Offering gluten free options, sweet potato fries, and kids’ veggie burgers that begin at $4.99.
Picolé Pops // Need a cool down from the Texas heat? Head to Picolé Pops. Popsicles are filled with exotic fruits and fillings. From sweet cotton candy to pineapple virgin mojito, it also offers alcohol-infused pops starting at $3.69.
Ski Shores Cafe // Located off Lake Austin, Ski Shores Cafe lets you sit on the lake while enjoying burgers, fries, and fish, oh my! Kids can enjoy an arcade and watch boats passing on the lake. Kids’ menus begin at $7.
Zanzibar // Want to sit and watch the sunset? Got to Zanzibar, a tropical paradise located in the Austin Marriott Downtown. This hidden gem offers a lush rooftop bar. It offers small plates and tiki cocktails beginning at $15.
Where to Stay
Airbnb // AirBnB looks to accommodate all kids, groups, or couples. Pick the place you would like to stay, and you will find a great deal at a reasonable price.
Aiden by Best Western // Three miles from the Austin Convention Center, enjoy a lush landscape complete with garden pool and hot tub. This family friendly hotel brings the eclectic spirit of Austin alive, offering a complimentary hot breakfast.
Austin RV // Austin RV Park offers 28 spacious RV site hookups. It’s easily accessible, quiet, and close to some of the best attractions Austin has to offer. Rates start as low as $65 a day.
Capitol Villa // Have a large group visiting Austin? Look no further than this seven bedroom, four bathroom mansion. It’s within walking distance of University of Texas Stadium, and local eateries are just outside the front door. Schedule available by appointment only.
The Driskill Hotel // Located on the corner of 6th and Brazos Street, The Driskill is a historical landmark. A great place to have a getaway with your gal pals or enjoy a couple’s weekend. Afternoon tea available is everyday at 3:00 p.m., and reservations are required.
Emma Long National Park // Emma Long Metropolitan Park is open seven days a week, all year long from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. It features open space, camp sites, boat ramps, reservation-based picnic tables, and designated swimming areas. Park day passes begin at $5 a day.
Lake Austin Spa Resort // Located 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a relaxing world-class spa. It offers all-inclusive packages for a couples retreat or a girl’s trip!
La Quinta // Minutes from downtown Austin, La Quinta Inn offers popular attractions within miles. It has a fitness center, heated outdoor pool, and landscaped courtyard. Amenities vary depending on room with a continental breakfast offered every morning.
The Wayback // This comfortable, classic boutique hotel is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin. It is family friendly and surrounded by hills and the open Texas sky. Enjoy a dip in the pool or warm up around the campfire.
For more driving destination ideas, check out Fort Worth Moms “Guide to Road Trips from Fort Worth.”
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Catherine is a writer for Fort Worth Moms. Read her articles here! Born and raised in Fort Worth, Catherine is the mother of three amazing kids – ages 12, 10, and 7. She married her high school sweetheart, and they are both currently attending UTA to obtain their bachelor degrees. When they get downtime as a family, they enjoy movie and game nights.
