Austin is the ultimate holiday destination. With warm winter temps, it's easy to spend time exploring Austin's incredible outdoor attractions, hanging out on patios and adventuring throughout the city. We've pulled together a list of restaurants and things to do and see while you're in town to make your planning easy. And explore our special New Year's Eve hotel packages to book your perfect stay!

Day 1: Exploration & Live Music

Morning
Fuel up for a day of activity with colossal breakfast tacos from Juan in a Million. This joint has been serving up Mexican breakfast and lunch since the '80s. If you want the real experience, order one of the local favorite dishes like the migas plate, con queso breakfast, and the famous Don Juan taco.

Girl reaching for a pair of cowboy boots at Allens Boots.Allens Boots. Credit Carolina de Mauro.

Afternoon
If it's your first time to Austin, we recommend checking out the Austin Visitor Center and hopping on a tour to learn more about the city's history, attractions and neighborhoods to hang out in while you're in town. The knowledgeable Visitor Center staff can help provide recommendations for your stay and the gift shop is stocked with thoughtfully curated goods made by local artisans and Austin brands. 

Wander along South Congress Avenue, a vibrant stretch filled with local shops and boutiques and tons of street art. Keep an eye out for iconic works like the i love you so much and Willie for President murals.  Paper Work is all about the work of Texas-based artists and artisans with items like t-shirts, art and home decor. Shop from a selection of over 10,000 cowboy boots at Allens Boots or find your next favorite piece of western wear. If you're feeling snacky, stop in at Tiny Grocer for a treat while you shop. 

Man and woman two-stepping at White HorseWhite Horse. Credit Arts+Labor. 

Evening
Enjoy a dinner reservation at Suerte a local favorite and MICHELIN recommended restaurant with a focus on traditional Mexican dishes and cooking techniques. The suadero tacos are a crowd favorite with confit wagyu brisket, black magic oil and avocado crudo on house-made tortillas. Cap off the night at White Horse a no-frills honky tonk with great performers, Texas charm and cold drinks. If you want to keep the party going into late night, their are plenty of music venues and bars nearby on East Sixth Street. 

Day 2: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Morning
Start your day with brunch at Paperboy, known for its fresh farm-to-table dishes. Savor their homemade biscuits with seasonal jam or an avocado tostada for a delightful beginning to the day. When you're done, stop in at Charm School Vintage for funky clothes and crystals, or find your next read at Vintage Books and Wine.

Man in a kayak paddling towards Austin's skyline on Lady Bird Lake.Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. Credit @princessdianaventura.

Afternoon
Head to Zilker Park to take in the sights and enjoy a walk along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Rather be on the water? Rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a scenic view of the Austin skyline from Lady Bird Lake. The Rowing Dock is located just outside of Zilker Park and has options for everyone, including peddle kayaks.

After working up an appetite, grab lunch at Terry Black’s Barbecue, where you can savor expertly smoked brisket and classic sides. Before you leave, stop at the smokers outside and learn directly from the pitmasters about what makes Texas barbecue the best.

Night time silhouettes of people in a crowd facing a brightly lit stage of the Austin's New Year event with a lit downtown buildings in the background and streams of light shooting into the sky from the stage.Austin's New Year. Credit to Chris Lammert Photography.

Evening
Celebrate New Year's Eve Austin-style. Reserve a special New Year's Eve dinner then head to Auditorium Shores for Austin's New Year, and epic annual celebration including live music from headlining act Third Eye Blind, family-friendly activities and more, all capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake.

Day 3: Relaxation & New Year Recovery

Morning
Ease into the new year with breakfast at Proud Mary, an Australian brekkie spot with a variety of specialty coffee and brunch dishes. Indulge in their ricotta hotcakes or smashed avocado toast for an energizing start to the day, and order an Australian iced coffee for a pick-me-up after a busy evening (they come with a scoop of ice cream!).

Afternoon
Spend a laid-back afternoon indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment from Milk and Honey or Viva Day Spa and use the down-time to set intentions for the new year. If you want something a little more active, but still relaxing, hike up the 110 steps to Mount Bonnell for breathtaking views of West Austin and the Colorado River. While you're in the area, stop by Mayfield Park and Preserve to stroll around the grounds and interact with the homestead's pride of peacocks.

Man playing a piano outside at the Mozart's Christmas Light ShowMozart's. Credit Carlos Hernandez.

Take a break at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters by the lake and power up with coffee and a pastry. In the evenings, the cafe transforms into a holiday light explosion with live music and millions of lights shining into the night. Admission is free to Mozart's during the day, but you'll want to purchase tickets in advance if you plan to attend their Festival of Lights.

Evening
Dumplings and noodles are good luck foods, symbolizing wealth and longevity. Reserve dinner at Qi to fill up on traditional Chinese dishes to start the year off right. Chef Ling's Shangai soup dumplings are infamous in the city and her Peking duck is an impressive dish that will sure to leave you satisfied. 

End the night with craft cocktails at a speakeasy lounge like Midnight Cowboy, an intimate bar offering a refined, cozy ambiance perfect for a final toast to your Austin adventure.