Itinerary: Austin
Still weird. Still alright.
Starting around 2021, the landscape of America began to change. Not necessarily from a geographic perspective, but a culture shift. Droves of people moved to new cities for a variety of reasons, but were mostly motivated by living costs, job opportunities, and without getting too political (although what isn’t politically motivated these days?), personal freedoms. The Sun Belt had the biggest concentration of transplants, to largely include Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas. It’s safe to say that warmer climates are an attractive option.
One such Texas city was already popular, but from 2020-2024, the Austin metro area increased its population by over a quarter million. This is quite an increase, considering that there were around 2.2 million people in the area going into 2020, that number is now 2.55 million. It’s almost impossible to get an influx of that many people in one city and not have some sort of cultural change, and while locals may argue the city has lost its “weird” flare, it still has lots of personality.
Here’s my ideal way to spend a day in Austin, Texas.
Morning
The Line hotels are consistently cool. The Austin location is the third concept for the hotel chain, with other locations in Los Angeles and Washington DC. When you wake up at The Line Austin, you won’t have to stray far to have a full rich day. The hotel sits right on the Colorado River/Lady Bird Lake at the north end of the Congress Ave bridge. If you want a lodging option with the best proximity, amenities, and all around service, this is the place to stay.
Before you head out, coffee, of course. There are a couple options close by to get you caffeinated. In the hotel lobby is California coffee spot Alfred, making for the most convenient yet delicious option for java. Also nearby, like literally a block north, is Desnudo, who have grown well beyond their original two trailers, but still have their location downtown for all the corporate junkies…or coffee enthusiasts looking for quality in a cup.
Take the stairs down from the back end of the hotel near the bridge and you’ll hit the Butler Hike and Bike Loop, which runs all along and around Lady Bird Lake. You're right at two miles from Barton Springs Pool, which is a unique Austin hangout that’s perfect for a cool off. The water is natural, fed by the underground springs of the Edwards Aquifer, and the temperature stays right around 68-70 degrees (Fahrenheit) year around. As any popular spot, earlier is better, as the pool can get more crowded as the day goes on. If you need a good pair of shorts that transition well from land to water, check out these Set Shorts by Ten Thousand.
Afternoon
Once you're done at the pool, make the jaunt back to the hotel, where a Texas staple is waiting. If you’ve got sea legs and don’t feel like going back on foot, there’s ample options in the city for rental scooters and bikes. If this is your first time in Central Texas, tacos are a must. Veracruz, like many establishments in the area, started as a small food truck and has grown to eight establishments in the Austin area. One of these locations is connected to the hotel, and as far as breakfast taco competition goes, they are top of the line (pun intended). Grab two (or three) and a fresh juice to rejuvenate.
After you’ve cleaned up (just so you can sweat all over again), head across the bridge on Congress Ave. In my opinion, this is one of the best concentrated areas for local shopping. If you’re in the market for a new hat or a pair of boots (Texas attire), this a great street to find your niche. If you’re traveling with your significant other (yes, I’m married, so this is where my mind goes), the Instagram famous “I Love You So Much” mural is at Jo’s coffee shop. If you love your partner, this will make them very happy. Trust me.
Going in to sunset, a must see that’s right back at the hotel (convenience, again) is the “bat bridge”. Congress Ave bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, featuring around 1.5 million free-tailed bats. The place to watch is at the north end of the bridge right near The Line. From late spring to early fall is the best time to see the bats emerge at sunset and block out the sky for a few minutes. Quite the spectacle. A crowd gathers every night during the “season” to watch, so you’ll know you’re in the right place. Just watch out for flying bat poop.
Evening
If you want something a little refined, yet casual, and encapsulates Texas fare with locally sourced ingredients and culinary excellence, make a reservation at Odd Duck. Excellent service, accommodating, and delicious food, this place is always an option for my wife and I when visiting Austin. The fried quail is usually a constant on the menu, make sure at the very least you grab a plate of that and a ‘Top Shelf Old Fashioned” (your choice of spirit, I like it with mezcal).
Every city has their party street. New Orleans has Bourbon, Nashville has Broadway, Tempe has Mill, and yes, Austin has 6th. This in no way is an insistent recommendation, you could live the rest of your life without seeing east 6th street, but if you must, here’s how I like to do it. Considering it’s late enough where the streets are packed, find your way over to The Blind Pig Pub. Head upstairs, where they typically have live music, grab a Lone Star, and post up on the edge of the balcony facing 6th street where you can equally people watch and enjoy live music at once. A fun game to play is how many bachelorette parties you can count, it won’t be hard to spot them.
Across from Blind Pig is Joe Rogan’s newest venture, the Comedy Mothership. The venue sits in the old Ritz building, and was previously home to the Alamo Drafthouse before filing for bankruptcy in 2021. If you’re in to comedy and tickets are available, this is a great spot to catch a show. If you’re not, and it’s getting to that time, make your way back to The Line, which is a five block walk south.
If you need a nightcap, P6 is a rooftop bar attached to the parking garage (Parking, 6th floor) at The Line. It looks out over the lake and has a great menu of late night snacks and drinks. Take it in, let the breeze off the Lake hit you while knowing you’re an elevator ride to your bed. Everything right now is alright….alright alright.
Other Recommendations:
The Well: 100% gluten-free meals made from local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Sits a few blocks west of The Line.
Rowing Dock: Rent a canoe or kayak on Lady Bird Lake.
Lamberts: Upscale and underrated barbecue that rivals the local competition without having to wait five hours in line. Also just a few blocks west of The Line.
Hotel Magdalena: Another good stay option just off of Congress Ave, with great proximity to some of the best shopping and restaurants in town.
Suerte: Delicious Mexican fare in East Austin with numerous mezcal options. Don’t pass up on the Suadero Tacos, they’re out of this world.
Picnik: Health conscious comfort food with no refined sugars or seed oils in site. Their butter coffee and harvest hash are a great way to start your day.