If we’re being honest, we came to Austin to eat our way around the city. But there is TONS to do in and around Austin.
First up, let’s talk accommodations. Austin is a big city. You can find a wide array of places to stay at differing price points. They even have hostels. We stayed at an apartment through Airbnb. It was GREAT. Both the apartment in a gated community and the location. But beware, if you’re near 6th, it’s going to get LOUD on Friday and Saturday.
Weather: In December it was brisk but SUNNY – which we so needed from the PNW. Prepare for down to 30’s at night but 65 during the day. We loved it.
If you’d like to eat your way around Austin, here are some places to consider:
- Food: Torches Tacos
- Breakfast: Avo toast At Cenote
- Coffee: Mesmerize Coffee (creature coffee previously)
- Better half: coffee and breakfast – had a ham biscuit with honey jalapeño butter.
- Malibu Poke
- Ramen Tatsu-Ya
- Bangers sausage house and beer garden
For some day or half day trips, you have options.
You can drive West to wine country, Pedernales National Park, Hamilton pool, Enchanted Rock, and Fredericksburg. But we visited Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock from San Antonio instead.
Half day trip (seen below): Mount Bonnell overlook (10 min drive from Austin) and 360 Bridge (additional 10 minutes). Both of these are less than 5 minutes to the top of the “lookouts.” I wore this dress and these boots. No need to dress for a hike, though you certainly can! Then hit up Zilker Park. You can walk around, picnic or visit the botanical gardens and surrounding museums.
Walk Lady Bird Lake (10 full miles), then drive out to Louie Mueller BBQ (40 min drive from Austin).
Wine tasting from Austin – We stopped for breakfast (chicken biscuit) at Kerby Lane Cafe (diner style) on the way out.
- Flat Creek Winery (known for the vineyard walk – we didn’t do it).
Torr Na Lochs Winery (Best view and wine) – see below
Perissmos Vineyard & Winery (Cool new little barrel room + would have a lovely vineyard walk not in December).
It’s important to have realistic expectations when tasting wine in Texas hill country. You are not in France, Spain, Portugal, Napa Valley, or Sonoma Valley. You are in Texas. It’s a fun day trip from Austin, the vineyards are well-kept and the people are nice.
The wine is not complex, it’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just wine. Also, this is 100% subjective to you. You might think that the wine at these vineyards is the best wine ever. It very well could sing to your palette. Even though the wine wasn’t our personal favorites, we highly suggest you take this day trip. Even if it is just for the experience.
Verdict
You might love Austin. You might hate it. But I do suggest you visit, especially if you’re in the lone star state.
It has natural beauty in the hill country (for Texas), great food, and plenty to do.
Interested in visiting Austin? Then pin this post for later!
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