I’ve lived in Austin for four years and I’ve seen, done, and eaten it all. As the foodie capital (and actual Capitol) of Texas, there are constantly trendy new activities and restaurants popping up, but at the end of the day, I always come back to the tried and true that never disappoint my visitors. Here are my no-fail tips for the perfect long weekend in Austin, Texas.

Hotels

Commodore Perry - Best for a second or third Austin trip
Austin Proper - Best splurge and hotel restaurant
Hotel ZaZa - Best pool with a trendy vibe
Hotel Van Zandt - Best if you’re ready to party
Four Seasons Austin - Best for parents and families

Thursday

Dinner at Matt’s El Rancho (make sure you order the Bob Armstrong and they don’t accept reservations!)
Live music at Rustic Tap, Antone’s, or Stubb’s. Check the calendar before your trip, there are almost always free shows around town.

Friday

Grab a coffee and breakfast taco at Veracruz All Natural on Cesar Chavez and walk the trail around Lady Bird Lake. If the weather is nice, rent a paddleboard from Texas Rowing Center.
Spend the afternoon on South Congress to check out the murals, you don’t want to miss the “I love you so much” wall or the “Willie for President!” Stock up on boots and western wear at Tecovas and Allen Boots and finish with lunch at Perla’s.
Head out to Ranger Cattle (20 minutes east of Downtown) for a drive-in movie and a taste of the country. You can order Wagyu burgers, enjoy live music and feed the cows too!

Saturday

Start the day with brunch at Irene’s (you must order a slice of the famous strawberry cake!) before heading out on Lake Austin. The amazing thing about Austin is that you can go from Downtown to on the water in 15 minutes. Rent a boat from ATX Boat Rentals, pick up at Walsh Boat Landing and spend a few hours cruising. You’ll definitely want to check out the 360 Bridge and the scene at Party Cove.
Get ready for a night out starting with dinner at Ranch 616. “Fire in the hole” shots and ranch waters are a must!
After dinner, walk down West Sixth and pop into a few bars, there are a ton to choose from so pick your poison. Some of my favorite spots are Rustic Tap, Bull & Bowl, Buford’s, and Dirty Bill’s. If you still have energy after 11 p.m. then finish the night at Nightcap with a dessert cocktail and slice of cheesecake.

Sunday

Sundays are for BBQ and the cure for any and all hangovers. If you’re up for a drive, The Salt Lick is a one-of-a-kind experience in Driftwood, 30 minutes from Dowtown and my favorite of all the options. It’s BYOB and all of their plates are phenomenal, you’re definitely going to want a picture of their famous BBQ pit. If you’d rather stay closer to Downtown, then Terry Black’s is a must and they serve cocktails and beer while you wait in line!