10 Things for Couples to Do in Austin

Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find plenty of fun things to do in Austin, from intimate dining to active adventures. Get some tips for your Valentine's date with these great ideas.

Courtesy of Viva Day Spa.

1. Get pampered at a spa

Shake off stress and focus on relaxation during an afternoon spent at one of the many spas in Austin. For massages and body treatments, book the Delicious Duet Couples Spa Package at Viva Day Spa. Or spend the day together at the luxe milk + honey, which offers salon and spa services like couples massages, facials, pedicures and medSPA treatments.  

2. Enjoy romantic restaurants in Austin

In Downtown Austin’s West Sixth Street district, J. Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chop House offers refined dining with wood-fired steaks, seafood delicacies and an extensive wine list. Elevate your experience with the private dining option. Come for the elegant atmosphere, craft cocktails, and inventive dinner and weekend brunch menus at Honey Moon Spirit Lounge, offering everything from biscuits and fried okra to ceviche, hot fried chicken and hanger steak.  Sample creative, seasonally inspired cuisine at the award-winning Emmer & Rye, hailed by Bon Appétit as one of the best restaurants in the country. The menu changes daily and includes nightly dim sum specials, best enjoyed on the restaurant’s covered patio. Post up on the patio overlooking East Sixth Street at Suerte and dig into elevated Mexican cuisine like the oak-grilled carne asada with a bold salsa de arbol and beef tallow-black bean puree, sided with a rosé sangria. Dine on upscale snacks, small plates and entrees at Hestia. Or flirt over French dishes under the candlelit tent at Justine’s.

3. Snuggle up at the drive-in

Take your love on an old-fashioned movie date at an Austin-area drive-in. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in showcases double features of indie films, cult classics and childhood favorites on the big screen. Just south of the city limits, Doc's Drive In Theatre presents films under the Texas sky, with a bar and expansive concessions menu.

4. Hike an Urban Trail

The Barton Creek Greenbelt boasts almost 13 miles of trails and is one of the top-rated hiking spots in Texas. Barton Creek passes both Sculpture and Twin Falls (with steep cliffs that are great for climbing) and windsthrough a dense forest. Or hike the leafy 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, which skirts along shimmering waters and has picturesque views of Austin’s skyline. Experience a lush hidden escape within the city limits at the quiet St. Edwards Greenbelt or the 227-acre Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, where you can hike through forested trails (reservations required on weekends and holidays).

Courtesy of Still Austin Whiskey Co.

5. Sample local spirits, wine & brews

Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a local favorite, with a spacious patio where you can enjoy food trucks along with distilled-on-site whiskey and gin. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting Tuesday through Sunday. Enjoy wine tastings and snacks like a cheese board, bread with olive oil for dipping, and tinned seafood in the Tasting Room at The Austin Winery. Taste the difference that 100% Texas-grown grapes make in the delicious wines offered by C.L. Butaud. Brunch easily turns into an all-afternoon affair at Easy Tiger, which has two locations in Austin. Pair your corned beef-and-potato hash with a mimosa at South Lamar, which has Greenbelt views, or The Linc, known for its sprawling covered patio.

6. Play a friendly game of golf

Join in some friendly competition with a round or two of golf. Enjoy drinks and upscale golfing in the Austin-inspired, adults-only Dirdie Birdie, an indoor putt-putt experience at The Domain. Or go for a nostalgic game at Peter Pan Mini-Golf, an Austin favorite since 1946. And take a swing at the nearby Butler Park Pitch & Putt, a fun 9-hole par 3 course that's been open since 1948.

7. Take a Couple's Cooking Class

Learn the nuances of preparing Thai cuisine during a hands-on private or group class at Thai Fresh, then enjoy eating the dishes you prepared. Take a private class that feels like a party just for you at Uroko and get step-by-step instruction on how to make your own sushi rolls, or opt for topics like omakase, sake and curry. At Barton Springs Mill in the scenic Texas Hill Country, take a mill tour, then test your cooking skills on made-from-scratch recipes using stone-milled flours. Foodies who prefer to just eat something special in a fun setting can sign up for an interactive cheese tasting at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.

I Love You So Much Mural. Credit Carmen M. Fischer

8. Share something sweet on South Congress

Want to keep it simple? Enjoy a leisurely stroll along South Congress Avenue, and stop in the many unique shops along the way (Insider tip: Amy’s Ice Creams is always a yummy choice). Make sure to pause by the “I love you so much” mural located on the side of Jo’s Coffee (a great spot for iced coffee) and snap a selfie with your sweetheart.

9. Sip Spirits in an Intimate Speakeasy

To find the hidden Garage, you’ll need to slip into the parking garage at Colorado and East Sixth streets and look for the word “Cocktails” on the wall. Once inside, you’ll discover superb craft cocktails in this imaginative space. Make a reservation, as it’s small and cozy. Reserve a spot to drink inventive libations at Midnight Cowboy, a former East Sixth Street brothel with a massage parlor sign. If you see a “Vacancy” light on, feel free to head into the no-reservations-needed patio area. Also on East Sixth Street, step below the Buenos Aires Café to relive 1950s Argentina in the downstairs Milonga Room, where the cocktails flow and South American small bites like empanadas are delicious. Settle into a red velvet seat and try Milonga Room’s signature amaro liqueur. Make a reservation to snag a spot in the 20-seat Kinfolk, located in the 1850s-era cellar of downtown Austin’s Moonshine Grill. Pair charcuterie, cheese and chocolate with the bar’s collection of exquisite spirits. 

10. Romantic Tours in Austin

Austin offers plenty of romantic tours that are perfect for couples looking to explore the city in a unique and memorable way. For wine and beer enthusiasts, Texas Wine Tours and Austin Brewery Tours provide an intimate experience of the region’s best wineries and breweries. Sip local wines or craft beers while discovering the stories behind these Austin creations, making it a delightful day of tasting and exploration!

If you prefer something on the water, consider booking a river cruise. Lone Star Riverboat and Lake Austin Riverboats offer scenic cruises along Austin’s waterways, providing a peaceful backdrop for a romantic evening with your partner. Enjoy the Austin sunset as you glide along the river, taking in the views of the city’s skyline.

And for music lovers looking to discover Austin’s legendary live music scene, Austin Detours offers an immersive Austin music crawl that takes you through some of the city’s iconic venues. Guided by local recording artists, these tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at Austin’s music culture, where you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and live performances. It’s an ideal way for couples to explore the creative side of Austin.

Need more ideas? Plan your own Austin getaway with these ideas for a perfect long weekend!