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| Austin, Texas |
Here's a detailed 14-day itinerary for Austin, Texas. It focuses on cultural experiences, music, food, and historical sites in Austin and within a 100-mile radius, all while staying within a $200-$300 daily budget. This itinerary prioritizes free or low-cost activities to balance out dining and transportation costs.
Important Notes:
* Budget: This itinerary assumes an average daily budget of $250. Some days may be cheaper, allowing for flexibility on others. Adjust dining choices and activity costs to stay on track.
* Transportation: This itinerary assumes you'll primarily use a combination of ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), public transportation (Austin's CapMetro), and potentially renting a car for a few days for excursions outside of Austin. Factor in parking costs if you drive. Consider a 3-day car rental for the longer day trips.
* Accommodation: This itinerary doesn't include accommodation costs. Factor in your lodging budget separately. Airbnb, budget hotels, or hostels are good options to keep costs down.
* Reservations: Book tours, popular restaurants, and concert tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
* Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and energy levels.
* Weather: Austin can be hot and humid, especially in the summer. Pack accordingly and stay hydrated.
Day 1: Arrival & South Congress (SoCo) Exploration
* Morning (Budget: $20):
* Arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Take the CapMetro Airport Flyer (Route 100) to downtown ($1.25).
* Check into your accommodation.
* Afternoon (Budget: $50):
* Head to South Congress (SoCo). Explore the eclectic shops, vintage stores, and art galleries.
* Activity: Take photos with the iconic "I love you so much" mural at Jo's Coffee (free).
* Lunch: Grab a casual bite at a food truck on South Congress. (Budget: $15)
* Evening (Budget: $80):
* Dinner: Enjoy Tex-Mex at Güero's Taco Bar on South Congress. (Budget: $30)
* Music: Catch live music at the Continental Club, a legendary Austin music venue. Cover charge varies (Budget: $30-$50).
Day 2: Downtown History & Zilker Park
* Morning (Budget: $30):
* Activity: Visit the Texas State Capitol Building for a free tour. Learn about Texas history and architecture.
* Activity: Walk through the Bullock Texas State History Museum (entry fee applies, approx. $15). Focus on exhibits related to your interests.
* Afternoon (Budget: $40):
* Lunch: Grab a quick and affordable lunch at a cafe in downtown. (Budget: $15)
* Activity: Head to Zilker Park, Austin's green oasis.
* Activity: Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake (Budget: $25).
* Evening (Budget: $100):
* Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal at Odd Duck, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and innovative dishes. (Budget: $60)
* Activity: Watch the bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk (free).
Day 3: University of Texas & Food Tour
* Morning (Budget: $20):
* Activity: Explore the University of Texas at Austin campus. Visit the UT Tower (check for tour availability).
* Activity: Visit the Blanton Museum of Art (entry fee applies, approx. $12).
* Afternoon (Budget: $80):
* Lunch: Grab a quick bite near the UT campus. (Budget: $15)
* Activity: Take a guided food tour of Austin. Several companies offer tours focusing on different cuisines (e.g., BBQ, Tex-Mex, food trucks). (Budget: $65)
* Evening (Budget: $70):
* Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at a food truck park like The Picnic. (Budget: $30)
* Music: Check out live music at the Cactus Cafe, a historic venue on the UT campus. (Budget: $40)
Day 4: Day Trip to San Antonio (History)
* Morning (Budget: $40):
* Rent a car for 3 days (Budget: $120 total, so $40 per day).
* Drive to San Antonio (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
* Afternoon (Budget: $60):
* Activity: Visit The Alamo (free entry). Learn about its significance in Texas history.
* Activity: Walk along the River Walk, a scenic urban waterway.
* Lunch: Enjoy Tex-Mex at a restaurant along the River Walk. (Budget: $25)
* Evening (Budget: $100):
* Activity: Explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (free entry). Visit Mission Concepción, Mission San José, and other historic missions.
* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia in Market Square, a San Antonio institution. (Budget: $40)
* Drive back to Austin. (Budget: $35 for gas)
Day 5: Hill Country BBQ & Breweries
* Morning (Budget: $30):
* Drive to Lockhart, the "BBQ Capital of Texas" (approx. 45-minute drive).
* Afternoon (Budget: $100):
* Lunch: Indulge in legendary Texas BBQ at Kreuz Market and Smitty's Market in Lockhart. (Budget: $50)
* Activity: Drive through the Texas Hill Country.
* Evening (Budget: $70):
* Activity: Visit a brewery in the Hill Country, such as Jester King Brewery or Real Ale Brewing Company. (Budget: $40)
* Dinner: Have a casual dinner in the Hill Country. (Budget: $30)
* Drive back to Austin.
Day 6: Hamilton Pool & Sculpture Falls
* Morning (Budget: $20):
* Drive to Hamilton Pool Preserve (reservations required, book well in advance).
* Afternoon (Budget: $80):
* Activity: Swim in the natural grotto at Hamilton Pool (if conditions allow).
* Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Hamilton Pool or a nearby park. (Budget: $20)
* Activity: Hike to Sculpture Falls, another popular swimming hole (free).
* Evening (Budget: $100):
* Dinner: Enjoy a nice meal at Uchi, a renowned sushi restaurant. (Budget: $80)
* Return rental car.
Day 7: Museum Day & Live Music District
* Morning (Budget: $30):
* Activity: Visit the Mexic-Arte Museum, showcasing Mexican and Latin American art (entry fee applies, approx. $7).
* Activity: Visit the Contemporary Austin - Jones Center (entry fee applies, approx. $10).
* Afternoon (Budget: $40):
* Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe near the museums. (Budget: $15)
* Activity: Explore the shops and street art on South First Street.
* Evening (Budget: $120):
* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Franklin Barbecue (be prepared for a long wait, or pre-order if possible) or La Barbecue. (Budget: $50)
* Music: Explore the 6th Street Live Music District. Hop between venues and enjoy the diverse music scene (cover charges vary). (Budget: $70)
Day 8: Barton Springs & Mount Bonnell
* Morning (Budget: $10):
* Activity: Swim in Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool (entry fee applies, approx. $9).
* Afternoon (Budget: $40):
* Lunch: Grab a quick and affordable lunch at a cafe near Barton Springs. (Budget: $15)
* Activity: Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell for panoramic views of Austin and Lake Austin (free).
* Evening (Budget: $100):
* Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Justine's Brasserie, a French restaurant with a lively atmosphere. (Budget: $60)
* Music: Check out live music at the Saxon Pub, a legendary Austin music venue. (Budget: $40)
Day 9: Day Trip to Fredericksburg (Wine & History)
* Morning (Budget: $20):
* Rent a car for the day (Budget: $50).
* Drive to Fredericksburg (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
* Afternoon (Budget: $100):
* Activity: Explore Main Street in Fredericksburg, with its German-influenced shops and restaurants.
* Lunch: Enjoy German cuisine at a restaurant in Fredericksburg. (Budget: $30)
* Activity: Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War (entry fee applies, approx. $20).
* Evening (Budget: $80):
* Activity: Visit a winery along the Wine Road 290. Enjoy a wine tasting (Budget: $50).
* Dinner: Casual dinner in Fredericksburg. (Budget: $30)
* Drive back to Austin.
Day 10: Graffiti Park & East Austin
* Morning (Budget: $10):
* Activity: Visit Graffiti Park (also known as Hope Outdoor Gallery), an outdoor art space where artists create murals (free).
* Afternoon (Budget: $60):
* Lunch: Explore the food scene in East Austin. Try a food truck or a local restaurant. (Budget: $20)
* Activity: Explore the shops and art galleries in East Austin.
* Evening (Budget: $120):
* Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Odd Duck, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and innovative dishes. (Budget: $60)
* Music: Catch live music at the White Horse, a honky-tonk bar in East Austin. (Budget: $60)
Day 11: Kayaking & Picnic
* Morning (Budget: $25):
* Activity: Rent a kayak or canoe on Lady Bird Lake. (Budget: $25)
* Afternoon (Budget: $50):
* Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. (Budget: $20)
* Activity: Relax in Zilker Park.
* Evening (Budget: $100):
* Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a restaurant of your choice. (Budget: $60)
* Music: Check out live music at the Mohawk, a popular music venue. (Budget: $40)
Day 12: LBJ Presidential Library & Museum
* Morning (Budget: $20):
* Activity: Visit the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum on the UT campus (entry fee applies, approx. $14).
* Afternoon (Budget: $50):
* Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch near the LBJ Library. (Budget: $15)
* Activity: Explore the shops and restaurants on Guadalupe Street (The Drag).
* Evening (Budget: $100):
* Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a restaurant of your choice. (Budget: $60)
* Music: Check out live music at the Elephant Room, a jazz club. (Budget: $40)
Day 13: Farewell Food & Shopping
* Morning (Budget: $30):
* Activity: Visit a local farmers market to sample local produce and goods.
* Afternoon (Budget: $80):
* Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at a food truck or restaurant of your choice. (Budget: $30)
* Activity: Do some last-minute souvenir shopping on South Congress or in downtown.
* Evening (Budget: $90):
* Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a special farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice. (Budget: $60)
* Optional: Enjoy one last live music performance. (Budget: $30)
Day 14: Departure
* Morning (Budget: $20):
* Enjoy a final breakfast in Austin. (Budget: $10)
* Take the CapMetro Airport Flyer (Route 100) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) ($1.25).
* Depart from Austin.
This itinerary provides a framework for your 14-day Austin adventure. Remember to adjust it based on your interests, energy levels, and budget. Enjoy your trip!
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