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2 Days in Austin: Live Music, BBQ & Swimming Holes

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

Barbecue, Barton Springs, the bats of Congress Avenue and live music every night.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Texas State Capitol

    1100 Congress Ave

    Free guided tours of the pink-granite capitol, which is taller than the US Capitol. Stand under the rotunda and look up at the star.

  2. Barbecue

    East Austin

    Central Texas barbecue is sold by the pound — brisket, ribs and sausage on butcher paper, with white bread, pickles and onions. Franklin, la Barbecue and Micklethwait are the famous names.

    Tip: Arrive early — the best places sell out.

  3. South Congress Avenue

    South Congress Ave

    Vintage shops, boot stores, food trucks and the "i love you so much" mural, with a view straight up the avenue to the capitol.

  4. Congress Avenue Bridge bats

    Congress Ave Bridge

    The largest urban bat colony in North America — up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge at dusk, March to October. Watch from the bridge or a boat on the lake.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Barton Springs Pool

    Zilker Park

    A spring-fed pool that stays around 68–70°F all year.

  2. Zilker Park & Lady Bird Lake

    Zilker Park

    Rent a kayak or paddleboard on the lake, or walk or bike the 10-mile Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around it.

  3. Mount Bonnell

    About 100 steps up to one of the highest points in the city, with a view over the Colorado River and its cliffside mansions — good at sunset.

  4. Sixth Street & Red River

    E 6th St

    The Live Music Capital's club strip: Sixth Street for a party, Red River for indie and rock venues like Mohawk and Stubb's.

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