people walking on the street near trees and building during daytime

A Family Trip To Austin, A Pre Planned Itenerary

Y'all, I grew up right outside of Austin and can say it is lots of fun for people of all ages. It can be seen in 3-4 days and is a great spot for an in-state vacation. Rich with history, nice scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. This is an example of a 3-day itinerary.

If you are driving in- be sure to stop at a Buc-Ees Gas Station, especially if you are coming from out of state. If you have never had a beaver nugget, you might like them. If you are flying in, Austin Bergstrom Airport has some really good dining options if you are hungry, most are actual Austin eateries, just a little smaller.

Where To Stay

If you want to do a hotel, and stay in a nice central location, the Arboretum area is great. You will have dining and shopping very close by, and direct access to Mopac Expressway which is a much easier way to get around then IH-35.

When we were kids we often stayed at The Rennaissance Marriot Hotel in the Arboretum. It has a really neat indoor pool, an outdoor pool, fire pits, and is just a walk to anything you would need. The area surrounding is safe, and there is a Peloton studio right on grounds. Here are some better prices for the Rennaissance than you would find booking directly. If you are looking to stay in another location, you may consider staying in North, South, or Downtown Austin.

Air Bnb and VRBO also have many listings in Austin, depending on your group size this may be a better option. You could find vacation rentals also in Manor, that would still put you close enough to town activities but out of the hustle and bustle.

Day 1

Travel and check-in the morning, if you are staying in the Arboretum or North Austin and want a quick lunch, Rudys Country Store & BBQ is a good spot. They have been around for awhile, people like it, and it isn't fancy. Well-smoked meats with nice picnic style seating. The sissy sauce is good, but go for the spicier one on your BBQ, it's tasty.

Take a Tour

Austin is a beautiful city with much to see, if you traveled all morning and just want to chill and be escorted around the city, check out the Double Decker Bus Tour. You can take the whole loop which is 75-90 minutes, or hop on and off all day at the 5 stop locations if you book the daily rate. The tour starts at the Austin Visitor Center 103 E. 5th Street. Parking can be found along 5th and Congress Ave, but busier days try the Frost Bank Parking Garage.

For a more active tour check out Austin In a Nutshell bike tour around Ladybird Lake. The tour lasts about 2 hours and they go around the lake at a leisurely pace. Total distance is 10 miles. The tour starts in front of Barton Springs Picnic Trucks at 1707 Barton Springs Road. If you have littler kids with you, the same tour company does a tour of ZIlker Park that may be easier. Ask Austin In a Nutshell for details.

Eat Dinner Around Barton Springs

If you are traveling with a crew Tumble 22 Chicken on Burnet road has some juicy chicken sandos and tenders you can get no spice to really spicy. The fries are great and kids and adults can agree on this one. Here is their menu.

Maudies Too

If you want authentic Austin Mexican food this is the spot. They have the standard tacos and fajitas also some of their homemade items like the poblano cream sauce, and a nice kids menu with the grilled cheese you may be looking for. Here is their menu.

If you cruise barton Springs Blvd you will find mediterranean, bbq, and various food trucks at The Picnic Food Truck Park, located at 1720 Barton Springs Rd, this a really good place for many tastes to agree.

Finish Day 1 By Seeing The Bats

If you are visiting Austin from March through November head to the Congress Bridge on Ladybird Lake and see the bats fly into the night each evening. They usually leave the bridge 30-60 minutes before sunset. Depending on your season that's 7:30-9:00 PM usually. This site gives a narrower prediction that changes each night.

You can see them by standing on the congress bridge or under it where Lady Bird Lake meets it. It is a site to see and usually there are over a million mexican free-tail bats living there during the warmer months.

Day 2

The State Capitol

Located at :1100 Congress Ave. Is the States Captiol. The grounds are open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM with guided tours from 8:30-4:30 Weekdays and until 3:30 Saturday. You are also allowed to self tour, pick up a free map at the Captol North entrance. It's a fun place to walk around for a few hours and the tour guides I have had are all very knowledgeable. Depending on what time you go you can tour the chambers where where actual laws are passed.

Bob Bullock Museum

If you have already done the Capitol then maybe do the Bob Bullock History Museum. You can visit the galleries in the museum and learn some unique Texas history or go to their current IMAX showing if you just want to chill. Their IMAX theater is also a great place to spend a rainy day. Here is the Bob Bullock website for current hours and exhibits.

people riding motorcycle near brown concrete building during daytime

Lunch Anywhere Downtown

Downtown Austin is a foodie paradise. If you are at the Capitol or Bob Bullock pop over to Guadalupe Street aka "The Drag." You will find healthy eats like Cava and Sweet Green, Zombie Taco and if you want to sit down somewhere try Kerbey Lane Cafe. Pancakes are good anytime of day and they will gladly top your meal with queso.

Zilker Park

If you want to take a walk, or see a nice botanical garden hop over to Zilker Park. There is a playscape, disc golf, and volleyball available as well as paths for walking. Here is a detailed map of all Zilker's Amenities. Be sure to check if the Zilker Eagle, the train that runs around the park is open. It is a nice way to cool off during the summer, and a great way to see the park.

Day 3

Mt. Bonnell Lookout

If you want a birds eye view of Austin, climb the Mount Bonnell Stairs. At 785 ft this is one of the tallest viewpoints in the city. After you climb the stairs you will have a few different viewpoints, one being the Austin skyline Bring some water if you visit in warmer months.

Austin Aquarium

A fun way to spend an afternoon. They have interactive exhibits and some very cute ring tailed lemurs . You can also see the dove aviary, multiple species of tropical fish, sharks, and their reptiles. If you are an educator, admission is free! If you get there early enough you can join in on the morning rounds of the aquarium staff which includes water quality testing, preparing food, and even feeding some of the sea life. Here is their website for latest hours.

Near the aquarium are a variety of restaurants. If you want an easy lunch spot that's sort of healthy, check out P-Terrys burger stand at 13770 N 183. They have a nice burger, veggie options, chicken sandwiches, and hand cut fries.