Even a quick Austin weekend getaway can leave you feeling refreshed. This is especially true when Austin, Texas, is your vacation destination of choice. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, filling a weekend with fun here isn’t hard to do.
Planning an Austin Weekend Getaway
An Austin weekend getaway is great for every type of traveler. From outdoor adventure and indoor entertainment to fine dining, shopping, and exploring, the lineup of options is vast and varied. Making the most of your time in Austin without feeling overwhelmed is simple.
Why Austin Works Well for Short Trips and Long Weekends
Many weekend travelers heading to Austin appreciate the city’s compact layout and easy airport access. Here, it’s just as easy to spend a day exploring downtown as it is to head to the nearby Hill Country and soak up sweeping views. The city’s food and music scene is unmatched as well!
Making a weekend trip even more convenient is the fact that many major attractions are just minutes apart. It’s a great place to maximize your time, no matter how long you have to spare in the name of fun.
Romantic Austin Getaway Ideas for Couples
If you’re looking forward to an Austin weekend getaway for couples, it’s a romantic destination to say the least. Your weekend together can include live music, quiet dinners for two, or time strolling and enjoying scenic views.
Scenic Spots, Relaxed Dining, and Live Music for Two
Couples who share a love for amazing vistas won’t want to miss out on time together at Mount Bonnell. The trail here leads up to one of Austin’s most iconic viewpoints, and it isn’t difficult to navigate. We recommend a walk at sunrise for an even more magical view of the surrounding terrain and the Colorado River.
- Length: .5 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Trail Map
When cravings come calling, couples can look forward to a weekend meal at Mattie’s. This romantic, yet relaxed dining venue in town is known for its menu featuring fantastic Southern cuisine. This farmhouse-turned eatery has been a staple in Austin for decades and is a great place to enjoy seared salmon, risotto, and fried green tomatoes.
- Address: 811 W. Live Oak Street, Austin, Texas, 78704
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Wednesday through Friday
- 11:00 AM-2:00 PM and 6:00 PM-10:00 PM Saturdays
- 11:00 AM-10:00 PM Sundays
- Menu
When nothing sounds better for couples than a night out in Austin filled with live entertainment, making your way to The Continental Club is a must! This locale was established as a swanky supper club in the 1950s and continues to welcome top musical talent to the stage. It’s a great date-night destination when you want to match an intimate live show with delicious drinks.
- Address: 1315 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78704
- Hours: Vary by showtimes
- Music Calendar
Austin Weekend Itineraries for Friends and Groups
There’s nothing more exciting than spending your weekend in Austin away with friends. Groups heading here can look forward to adding outdoor adventures, breweries, and great nightlife to their lineup.
Nightlife, Breweries, and Live Music Without Overpacking the Schedule
It can be tricky to narrow down all the places you want to visit as a group in Austin. When you need to pick and choose a few, we would highly recommend checking out the Rainey Street District at least once. This is a lively area packed with food trucks, patios for lounging, and bungalow bars to explore. This vibrant area is an official historic district and hosts an impressive collection of public art. Don’t be surprised when your group ends up lingering longer than you originally planned!
- Location: Rainey Street, Austin, Texas, 78701
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings and Weekends
- District Directory
If your group shares a passion for locally brewed beverages, you can’t go wrong with time spent at Zilker Brewing Company. This East Austin hotspot is a popular place to gather and enjoy craft beers in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The tap room is spacious and inviting, leaning into industrial-chic style.
- Address: 1701 E. 6th Street, Austin, Texas, 78702
- Taproom Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday
- 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Thursday through Saturday
- 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays
- Beer Menu
For groups of weekend revelers excited to sing and dance the night away in Austin, Antone’s Nightclub is always a hit. This venue showcases group-friendly blues shows featuring a variety of touring artists. It’s been a musical staple in Austin since 1975 and continues to draw impressive evening crowds.
- Address: 305 E. 5th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701
- Hours: Vary by showtimes
- Musical Calendar
Family Friendly Austin Weekend Activities
Austin is an extremely family-friendly destination for travelers. Its wide variety of museums, parks, and outdoor recreation makes it a fantastic place to plan a weekend away with the kids.
Easy Activities That Work for Mixed Ages and Short Attention Spans
Depending on the ages of your children, it’s not always easy to find a place to keep everyone engaged on vacation. That’s when a trip to the Zilker Park Playground comes in and makes all the difference. This park is the perfect place for kids of all ages to run and play while adults take some time to enjoy the space and skyline views. It’s located downtown, but the lawns, play sets, disc golf course, sports fields, and towering trees make you feel worlds away from the hustle of life.
- Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas, 78704
- Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily year-round
- Park Guide
Parents traveling to Austin for a weekend with little ones who enjoy letting their imaginations soar will love spending time at the Thinkery Children’s Museum. Established in 1983, the Thinkery Children’s Museum remains a space where kids can enjoy hands-on learning across more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space. There are creative play areas for young children, and science activities that older kids will love, too. From the Inventor’s Workshop and Light Lab to the Story Nook and replica farmer’s market, the options for fun are vast.
- Address: 1830 Simond Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78723
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily (can vary seasonally)
- Tickets
Book One of Our Austin Vacation Rentals and Start Exploring
No matter what type of trip brings you to Austin for a weekend of fun, having the right accommodations in place when you arrive can make all the difference. At Renters Club, we have a selection of curated property options available for your next romantic escape, trip with friends or family weekend getaways Austin! Our weekend rentals are suitable for groups of all sizes and many feature:
- Spacious floor plans so everyone can relax and roam with ease
- Full kitchens for serving up home-style meals while you’re on vacation
- Private patios and decks for enjoying the outdoors
- Plush furnishings for kicking back in style
- Large bedrooms for resting well every night of your stay
When you’re looking to elevate your weekend experience, we recommend checking out our rentals with hot tubs in Austin. Many of our vacation homes also feature fireplaces or fenced yards for added privacy. Take time today to browse our many welcoming rental options, and don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or for assistance with booking.
