Austin is the home of art, music and romance! For couples seeking a little bit of everything, from an intimate dinner to adventures on the water, the Capital City is your perfect romantic weekend destination. Here are some of our favorite things to do on a couples' weekend in Austin.
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake. Credit Chase Daniel.
Day 1
As soon as you arrive in Austin, check into The Loren Austin for a luxury hotel experience, with elegant rooms and suites offering floor-to-ceiling views of Lady Bird Lake, Downtown and Zilker Park. On the rooftop, relax by the pool and savor both the views and dishes offered by the Nido restaurant. With its convenient location, there’s lots to do nearby. Go paddleboarding or kayaking, hike or bike lakefront trails, or take in a show at the Long Center. A 24-hour concierge can assist with planning.
Explore East Austin
Filled with vibrant colors and murals, East Austin is a great place to do a little mural hopping and take in the local art scene. Make a trip to the "You’re My Butter Half" mural and snap a cute couple's pic.
Enjoy Live-Fire Cooking
Recognized with a MICHELIN Star, Hestia offers quite a show with talented chefs preparing wood-fired American cuisine at a 20-foot hearth open to the dining room. Choose from the tasting menu or order snacks, small plates and entrees a la carte, all featuring modern Texas fare.
Dance the Night Away
Want a reason to get close to your partner? Try your hand at passionate Latin dancing to upbeat live music. Take your pick of salsa, bachata, kizomba and other Latin dance forms at Esquina Tango!
Allen's. Credit Carolina de Mauro.
Day 2
Breakfast/Brunch at Paperboy
At Paperboy, eat an Austin-inspired morning meal inside the dining room or on the rooftop patio. Order items like the poblano-and-cheddar biscuits, an avocado tostada or Texas hash. Pair your meal with an espresso, Love Potion tea or Paperboy Paloma.
Explore South Congress Avenue
South Congress is where it’s at for that funky Austin vibe. You can view and purchase local art, shirts with funny phrases and other unique items at shops along the street. Find stationery, apparel, gifts and art from local businesses and artisans at Paper Work, or get yourself a pair of matching cowboy boots at Allens Boots.
Lunch at Neighborhood Sushi
Eat high-quality, fresh sushi in a contemporary setting at Neighborhood Sushi. Sit at the sushi bar and order creative rolls, soups, salads, tempura and small plates. Or, opt to eat outside surrounded by fragrant jasmine in the Sake Garden.
Grab Ice Cream at Amy’s
After lunch, ice cream is a must. Amy’s Ice Creams is an iconic spot that locals and visitors love. Mix it up with their large selection of toppings and "crush'ns."
Barton Springs Pool. Credit Cindy Bolanos.
Play a Round of Mini Golf
Sure, you can play mini golf just about anywhere. But there’s something truly unique about Peter Pan Mini-Golf — known for its weird sculptures, dinosaurs and, of course, the giant Peter Pan. The course is BYOB, so you can "cheers" when you make that hole-in-one.
Cool off at Barton Springs Pool
Especially in the heat of the summer, Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is an absolute must for a little refresh. Feel the joy of being out in nature, while also enjoying the Austin skyline as part of the backdrop.
Try Something New at a Food Truck
Couples will love the diversity of delicious food in Austin. It’s not hard to find a new dish to try, and it’s fun to travel around the world (all while staying in Austin) with an array of exciting food trucks. Find a variety of cuisines at food truck parks like The Picnic and The Thicket.
Watch the Bats
Get a sunset boat tour and bat-watching show all in one with Capital Cruises, which takes you on Lady Bird Lake to where hundreds of thousands of bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge for a spectacular sight. Austin is home to over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats who make the bridge their home from late spring through fall.
Austin Botanical Gardens. Credit Jessica Serna, My Curly Adventures.
Day 3
Breakfast at Josephine House
Head to the Clarksville neighborhood and have breakfast in a charming blue cottage at Josephine House. Order the lemon-ricotta pancakes draped with spiced apples and Texas pecans. Or try the huevos rancheros served on a house-made corn tostada.
Sail on a Swan
There’s just something romantic about a swan boat ride on the water. Go early to snag one of these highly sought-after pedal boats from Capital Cruises, or choose a couples' kayaking trip or motorized boat ride. Being on the water in Austin is so beautiful because if you float one way you get the urban city backdrop, and if you go the other way you get to relax in the serenity of nature.
Stroll Zilker Botanical Garden
There is so much to see at Zilker Botanical Garden — waterfalls, a variety of roses and perennials, koi-filled ponds and a sculpture garden featuring the work of Charles Umlauf.
la Barbecue. Credit Hilary Bodiford.
Lunch at la Barbecue
You’ll need to visit Austin more than once to try all the great barbecue spots. But there’s nothing like couples bonding over barbecue-covered fingers and digging into a plate of ribs. The owners of la Barbecue come from a long line of Texas Hill Country pitmasters, so it’s a little like getting the best of both worlds when visiting here!
Hike to Sculpture Falls
A wonderful thing about Austin is the lovely balance between nature and city. In one moment, you can be shopping in local boutiques or enjoying fine dining. And the next, you’re walking on trails, passing scenic waterfalls and hilly terrain. One of the most popular spots to hike is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Along the way, you’ll see the creek skimming the trail and discover hidden swimming spots before emerging into Sculpture Falls, where the water created sculptures and formed rocks into a waterfall.
Looking for more romantic things to do with your loved one on your Austin vacay? Explore date ideas, romantic restaurants and more on the Austin Insider Blog.
