Matt & Ali’s Guidebook
Outdoors
Zilker Park is about a ten minute walk from our place and is a nice spot to go for a walk. The Town Lake hike and bike trial borders the park, and there are lots of open grassy areas with great views of downtown. Around Christmas, check out the "Trail of Lights" at night. Be sure to stop by Barton Springs and check out the natural pool, open year-round.
1533 locals recommend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdZilker Park is about a ten minute walk from our place and is a nice spot to go for a walk. The Town Lake hike and bike trial borders the park, and there are lots of open grassy areas with great views of downtown. Around Christmas, check out the "Trail of Lights" at night. Be sure to stop by Barton Springs and check out the natural pool, open year-round.
This natural, spring-fed pool is open yea-round and is an iconic Austin spot. There's a $9 entrance fee for non-residents, though check the website for open swim times.
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrThis natural, spring-fed pool is open yea-round and is an iconic Austin spot. There's a $9 entrance fee for non-residents, though check the website for open swim times.
There are multiple access points to Lady Bird Lake near our House and trails that run along either side. This is a great place to go for a rung, jog, rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bikes, etc. This borders Zilker Park and Barton Springs.... and also the Botanical Gardens, so you could have one outdoors day and knock multiple things off the sightseeing list!
959 locals recommend
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailThere are multiple access points to Lady Bird Lake near our House and trails that run along either side. This is a great place to go for a rung, jog, rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bikes, etc. This borders Zilker Park and Barton Springs.... and also the Botanical Gardens, so you could have one outdoors day and knock multiple things off the sightseeing list!
There are a number of spots closeby to rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards. If you enjoy the outdoors and the weather is nice, this would be a fun activity and close to home.
124 locals recommend
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker RdThere are a number of spots closeby to rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards. If you enjoy the outdoors and the weather is nice, this would be a fun activity and close to home.
There are tons of access points to the Greenbelt in Austin, a handful of which are a 20-30 minute walk from our place. There are tons of connecting trail and spots to swim in the spring/summer. Once access point by the parking long on the other side of Barton Springs pool. The first five minutes of that walk aren't particularly impressive, but it takes a turn for the better once you're farther into the Greenbelt. We also drive over to Barton Hills Elementary -- behind the school there is an access point. Another spot we like to drive to and park at is right off Capitol of Texas Highway.
531 locals recommend
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayThere are tons of access points to the Greenbelt in Austin, a handful of which are a 20-30 minute walk from our place. There are tons of connecting trail and spots to swim in the spring/summer. Once access point by the parking long on the other side of Barton Springs pool. The first five minutes of that walk aren't particularly impressive, but it takes a turn for the better once you're farther into the Greenbelt. We also drive over to Barton Hills Elementary -- behind the school there is an access point. Another spot we like to drive to and park at is right off Capitol of Texas Highway.
Food scene
This is the closest coffee shop and is about a 5-10 minute walk. It's got great coffee, TacoDeli breakfast tacos, and a small selection of pastries.
342 locals recommend
Caffe Medici
1101 W Lynn StThis is the closest coffee shop and is about a 5-10 minute walk. It's got great coffee, TacoDeli breakfast tacos, and a small selection of pastries.
This is probably our favorite morning breakfast spot. The owner is super friendly and always there, the food is delicious, and the coffee is perfect. It's about a 20-minute walk or a few minutes by car.
98 locals recommend
Patika
2159 S Lamar BlvdThis is probably our favorite morning breakfast spot. The owner is super friendly and always there, the food is delicious, and the coffee is perfect. It's about a 20-minute walk or a few minutes by car.
Great Thai breakfast tacos and a solid lunch/dinner menu. If you're vegetarian, there are options on the menu for you. Vegans: there are some incredible deserts and ice cream options for you. The restaurant locally-sources many of its ingredients and instead of tipping, pays its employees a livable wage. As such, the prices are a little higher than typical. Eclectic decor and a super casual spot. This is probably a 25-minute walk or a few minutes by car.
189 locals recommend
Thai Fresh
909 W Mary StGreat Thai breakfast tacos and a solid lunch/dinner menu. If you're vegetarian, there are options on the menu for you. Vegans: there are some incredible deserts and ice cream options for you. The restaurant locally-sources many of its ingredients and instead of tipping, pays its employees a livable wage. As such, the prices are a little higher than typical. Eclectic decor and a super casual spot. This is probably a 25-minute walk or a few minutes by car.
This is a total splurge and hands-down the best sushi in town. 15-minute walk. When we go, we show up right when it opens for happy hour, which has more affordable options. Check this place out online.
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdThis is a total splurge and hands-down the best sushi in town. 15-minute walk. When we go, we show up right when it opens for happy hour, which has more affordable options. Check this place out online.
If you're looking for great BBQ during your stay, this is the most convenient spot. Check it out online and the review will speak for themselves. If you go during peak hours, be prepared to wait in line. It's about a 20 minute walk.
372 locals recommend
Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs RdIf you're looking for great BBQ during your stay, this is the most convenient spot. Check it out online and the review will speak for themselves. If you go during peak hours, be prepared to wait in line. It's about a 20 minute walk.
Chips and salsa bar... and you have to get the jalapeno ranch salsa. This is a fun spot about a 10-15 minute walk from the house and is on Barton Springs Road. This is a good place to stop on your walk to/from Zilker Park or Barton Springs.
412 locals recommend
Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdChips and salsa bar... and you have to get the jalapeno ranch salsa. This is a fun spot about a 10-15 minute walk from the house and is on Barton Springs Road. This is a good place to stop on your walk to/from Zilker Park or Barton Springs.
When the weather's nice, it's fun to walk over to this Food Truck Park on the way to Zilker Park (or boat rentals, bike rentals, etc.). There are usually about 5-7 food trucks open and lots of picnic benches.
68 locals recommend
The Picnic - Food Truck Park
1720 Barton Springs RdWhen the weather's nice, it's fun to walk over to this Food Truck Park on the way to Zilker Park (or boat rentals, bike rentals, etc.). There are usually about 5-7 food trucks open and lots of picnic benches.
This is about a 5-minute drive. We love this place -- it's super casual and the pizza is great. You order at the bar and there are super long picnic benches both inside and out. Oftentimes there's live music inside and though we're not dancers, if this is your thing check it out online and see when they might have it for you!
435 locals recommend
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StThis is about a 5-minute drive. We love this place -- it's super casual and the pizza is great. You order at the bar and there are super long picnic benches both inside and out. Oftentimes there's live music inside and though we're not dancers, if this is your thing check it out online and see when they might have it for you!
This place is totally plant-based and has a super chill vibe. It's $14 for a full plate (plus soup, salad, tea). There are communal tables and a set menu every day... you might want to check it out online before going. It's walking distance and a place we like to go when looking for wholesome food.
163 locals recommend
Casa de Luz Village
1701 Toomey RdThis place is totally plant-based and has a super chill vibe. It's $14 for a full plate (plus soup, salad, tea). There are communal tables and a set menu every day... you might want to check it out online before going. It's walking distance and a place we like to go when looking for wholesome food.
This is a great Viatnamese restaurant that also has a French cafe. It's about a 5 min drive from us, and we recommend making reservations.
426 locals recommend
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StThis is a great Viatnamese restaurant that also has a French cafe. It's about a 5 min drive from us, and we recommend making reservations.
This would be about a 20 min walk or 5 min ride from our place. This Asian smokehouse and bar is super popular, with a great, laid-back vibe. Be prepared for a wait at peak house but know you can order drinks at the bard and hang out outside.
276 locals recommend
Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdThis would be about a 20 min walk or 5 min ride from our place. This Asian smokehouse and bar is super popular, with a great, laid-back vibe. Be prepared for a wait at peak house but know you can order drinks at the bard and hang out outside.
Entertainment
This Austin-based cinema/restaurant is a 5-minute walk and a fun spot to watch movies. There's a full menu and bar -- get there a little before show-time to order food and watch the pre-movie show (totally unique and fun). They bring the food and drinks to your seat.
770 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdThis Austin-based cinema/restaurant is a 5-minute walk and a fun spot to watch movies. There's a full menu and bar -- get there a little before show-time to order food and watch the pre-movie show (totally unique and fun). They bring the food and drinks to your seat.
This BYO mini-golf course is about a 15 minute walk and a fun spot to kill some time.
201 locals recommend
Peter Pan Mini Golf
1207 Barton Springs RdThis BYO mini-golf course is about a 15 minute walk and a fun spot to kill some time.
This theater is about a 20-minute walk and has great performances throughout the year.
149 locals recommend
Zach Theatre
202 S Lamar BlvdThis theater is about a 20-minute walk and has great performances throughout the year.
Bars / Places for Drinks
This is a 10-minute walk from our place and a good spot to get some drinks. They have a back porch that's nice when the weather is right.
181 locals recommend
Gibson Street Bar
1109 S Lamar BlvdThis is a 10-minute walk from our place and a good spot to get some drinks. They have a back porch that's nice when the weather is right.
This is about a 5-minute walk from our place. The menu is mostly Southern-Cajun and there are lots of drink options.
26 locals recommend
TLC Austin
1100 S Lamar BlvdThis is about a 5-minute walk from our place. The menu is mostly Southern-Cajun and there are lots of drink options.
This is probably the closest place to get cocktails and is right next to the Alamo Drafthouse (5-minute walk). If you're up for drinks before/after a movie, this is a good spot.
152 locals recommend
The Highball
1120 S Lamar BlvdThis is probably the closest place to get cocktails and is right next to the Alamo Drafthouse (5-minute walk). If you're up for drinks before/after a movie, this is a good spot.
Sightseeing
If you're into books and libraries, this would be a great place to check out. It's about a 30-minute walk and the library is amazing. It's right on the hike-and-bike trail, so you could combine with a walk.
148 locals recommend
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StIf you're into books and libraries, this would be a great place to check out. It's about a 30-minute walk and the library is amazing. It's right on the hike-and-bike trail, so you could combine with a walk.
20+ Minute Drive... but worth it
If you're looking for BBQ and a real TX experience, this is your spot. It's BYO and cash only... so be prepared!
480 locals recommend
Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826If you're looking for BBQ and a real TX experience, this is your spot. It's BYO and cash only... so be prepared!
Pizza + brewery + outdoors space.... great spot when there's nice weather and you just feel like hanging out. They have a little path you can walk on their farm, cornhole, etc.
298 locals recommend
Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdPizza + brewery + outdoors space.... great spot when there's nice weather and you just feel like hanging out. They have a little path you can walk on their farm, cornhole, etc.
This is a drive for sure, but great sunset views after a short steep hike/walk up steps.
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
This is a drive for sure, but great sunset views after a short steep hike/walk up steps.
This fun restaurant is right on the water... and can almost make you feel like you're on vacation elsewhere. The food is Tex-Mex and the atmosphere is fun. You can sit on a dock over the water.
15 locals recommend
Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin BoulevardThis fun restaurant is right on the water... and can almost make you feel like you're on vacation elsewhere. The food is Tex-Mex and the atmosphere is fun. You can sit on a dock over the water.
This coffee shop is right on the water with lots of space outside. If you're looking for a leisurely morning coffee/breakfast with great views, this would be worth the drive.
371 locals recommend
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin BlvdThis coffee shop is right on the water with lots of space outside. If you're looking for a leisurely morning coffee/breakfast with great views, this would be worth the drive.