Enchanted Rock is truly one of the great places to hike in Texas. It’s known for breath-taking views, quiet hikes and challenging climbs.
FB is an incredible town. Tons of great boutiques and really great restaurants. This an easy day trip from Austin or SanTone. Bring your walking shoes and your appetite! The vineyards are wonderful.
"Boerne flew under the radar while Fredericksburg boomed. But lately wealthy Texans have descended, buying ranches, etc. Revitalized downtown district with a number of new restaurants and shops."
This 1,938-acre state park in the Hill Country has four miles of river frontage. You can canoe, fish, swim, tube, picnic, hike and camp. There's also a mountain biking and equestrian trail.
"Purely Texan. Ask Central Texans if they've ever two-stepped here, you'll see a nostalgic gleam in their eye. Small town, a pristine portrait of Texas history, revered as a place of Texas legends."
Built in 1878 and cited as Texas’ oldest dance hall, the venue has hosted gigs by Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bo Diddley, and George Strait. Famously features no air conditioning.
"Like a lot of quiet Hill Country towns, w/ small main street, antiques shops. You don't find the crowded sidewalks of similar spots. Slow and peaceful."
"Big weekend getaway spot for Austin. The town's 19th-century Main Street offers much in the way of gift, home-decor, and apparel shops, as well as excellent restaurants."
Just a really cool look into the life of LBJ. Worth the free drive through if you are in the area!! Really beautiful after all this rain we've had recently.
Master Blaster is the number one waterslide ride in America. Jets shoot riders 30 miles per hour over the hill, pumping 2,400 gallons of recycled water per minute. --Bert Kreischer, Bert the Conqueror Read more.
Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. More than 1.5 million bats fly out near dusk from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Best viewing dates: April-Oct.
"Less well-known but equally spectacular as Enchanted Rock. The Pedernales River tumbles down limestone shelves, water collecting in turquoise pools among giant boulders. Great soundtrack + view."
Yes it IS expensive, but if you want amazing BBQ this is the place to get it. You do get quite a bit for your money and it's delicious. Our cashier was a little rude, but I looked past that.
Get the pecan cobbler... Your taste buds will thank you, your scale may not!!!
"300-plus types of wine. Pleasantly unpretentious. Every wine available by the glass, even those that go for $600+ a bottle. On weekends, live music on the patio."
The German pancakes are delicious but huge! Eggs Benedict is also great on the weekend special and waffles are good too. This is a must stop for us every time we are in town!
Built in Adm. Chester Nimitz' hometown, this history-rich museum takes hours to go through. The new George H.W. Bush Gallery opened on Dec. 8, 2009, and includes 33,000 feet of exhibition on its own.
"The geographic hub of Blanco, a town still geared more to working ranchers than tourists, is the imposing 127-year-old stone courthouse, recently featured in the Coen Brothers’ remake of True Grit."
The lavender lemonade is amazing! I don't like lavender and I don't like lemonade, but together here they're wonderful! And they have a lot of beers on tap and a lot of wines to choose from!
Absolutely beautiful shop. Love the pottery & lavender products. Could spend way too much money scooping up lovelies for my home. Those who complain about slow service in Blano...need to slow down!
Go in the morning and get a warm homemade donut. They are the best- kicks Krispy Kreme's booty.
The thing about the Bowling Alley, you don't come here for the food, service or cleanliness. You come here because it's hardly changed a bit since 1947.
Early in the morn before they are fully operational, they open one table, The Big Table. Where the ranchers sip their coffee taking ranch talk waiting for the lightest fluffiest homemade donuts in TX.
Best winery in the TX Hill Country. Make sure to start your tasting before your tour so you can take a glass to sip on while you learn.
I've been to my share of wineries but this one is definitely top 3. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, not to mention beautiful and comfortable grounds.
"Georgian-style mansion more Deep South than Texas. Sits on a rise with expansive views over hayfields in the Pedernales River Valley. Top spot for extravagant meal. Four-course menu changes weekly."
"97 y/o clapboard structure, best-all-around restaurant in the region (food, setting, service). Housed in old post office/general store. Off the patio, goats, donkeys, chickens and potbelly pig roam."
"Classic example of a Texas roadhouse. A fireplace and a just-plain-folks clientele. Close by, the limestone escarpment called Balcones Fault rears up dramatically from the prairie."
One of the true Texas BBQ meccas, the ribs and sausage are as good as you're ever going to have.
"Truest example of Hill Country bbq. Style created by German butchers who settled in area. Beef is dominant, then pork and homemade sausage"
The granddaddy of all Southern comfort restaurants, Threadgill's has still got it. We flip for the chicken-fried steak and airy yeast rolls, and terrific live roots music has us ever tapping our toes.
"Stirring vistas, expansive pastures, dense bluebonnets & Indian paintbrushes. In the spring, wildflowers dot nearly every corner of the landscape. Heads west off 281 about 3m north of Johnson City."
"Hills get larger, take on shapes like traffic cones, gumdrops. Incomparable road winds from Medina through Vanderpool to Leakey, skirting rock ledges where oaks, cacti barely cling to solid ground."
Bring a book and an extra blanket or two, get there early, claim your spot, and enjoy the "beach" experience. Get there early, capacity is 75 cars, and you'll have to wait if the lot is full.
We tried to go to Hamilton Pool for a swim. Entry is $15 cash only, however, so we had to turn around and hunt down an ATM. By the time we returned 30 min later, the pool was full. Maybe next time.
If the weather is right, take a dip in Krause Springs, a hidden-oasis swimming hole complete with rope swing, sunbathing rocks, waterfalls, and a hidden grotto.
The deep fried avocado with salsa is so delicious !! BEST BURGER I have EVER had!!!
The Veggie Sandwich is delicious! But bring breath mints - its covered in roasted garlic.
"Wind through tunnels of towering bald cypress trees to Bandera. Doesn’t get the crowds that flock to Guadalupe River. Spend a few hours of bliss in a kayak rented from the Medina River Company."
"Sidewinder climbs 30m bw Kerrville, Medina. One of the most scenic in TX. Ancient live oaks, white-flowering yuccas on roadside. Green grasses cling to limestone outcrops. Local color along the way."
Go here to access the famed Willow City Loop: http://www.hillcountrycruising.com/willowcity.html
Beside the San Antonio River, stone pathways connect shops, restaurants, hotels and museums with a blend of historic and modern architecture.
Gorgeous property, incredibly extensive collection of art, lovely garden, and investing exhibit wing. This would make a great venue for a wedding!
Take the river path south on nueva through King William and down to blue star art complex for a beautiful walk or bike ride along a peaceful part of the river... Plenty secluded spots to read/write
Great playground, access to the Tower of the Americas, very nice views. Bike and segway rentals available.
Reader tip: About 30 mins south of Austin is The Salt Lick. It epitomizes Texas BBQ and you can bring your own beer! Read more.
Reader tip: An absolute must for breakfast. Make sure to get there early - or you will wait. It's funky, and the food is great. Service is wonderful. Read more.
Guy loves that this cafe is open 24/7, but still makes everything from scratch.Check out the menu that features pancakes, omelets, jambalaya, quesadillas & anything else you could possibly be craving.
Lady Bird Lake Trail is a 10-mile loop in the heart of the city. Mile 0 starts at Auditorium Shores, crosses over Interstate 35 into East Austin and loops back around toward the MoPac Bridge.
The Texas State Capitol sports a sunset-red granite dome topped by the Goddess of Liberty. This icon, finished in 1888, towers even higher than Washington DC's Capitol. Watch this video for more info. Read more.
If you prefer to enjoy nature from the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle, head to the Benini Sculpture Ranch and take a driving tour of incredible (and strange) sculptures along a 1-mile trail.
A ShopAcrossTexas.com Best Store in Town , the outlets in San Marcos were voted “Third Best Place to Shop in the World” by ABC’s The View. Read more.
"The wildly twisting RR 32 aka Devil's Backbone. One of Tx's most scenic drives along a sharp hill ridge. Spectacular."
This family-owned restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served 24 hours a day, has been in operation since the '40s. Don't miss their incredible panadería (bakery). Read more.
South Congress Avenue - SoCo - embodies Austin's spirit. Browse homegrown shops like Creatures, Allens Boots and Mi Casa. Check out art at Yard Dog. Grab a marg at Güero's Taco Bar or coffee at Jo's.
One of the foremost university art museums in the country, and has the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas with 17,500 works recognized for its European paintings.
This special place exists to introduce people to the beauty and diversity of wildflowers and other native plants. The Wildflower Center brings life to Mrs. Johnson's vision in its public gardens.
Amazing history here. This place is absolutely charming during the spring. Free coffee and water at the front of the house. Try the chicken breast sandwich with avacado, it's amazing!!!
This 343.7-acre park is adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo & River. The park also includes the Japanese Tea Garden with year-round floral displays, stone bridges, and a 60-foot waterfall.
It's a big flea market with several vendors. They're really friendly, and you can attempt to barter prices. Some have really great things, some junk, but a great & colorful experience.
GREAT selection of new and gently used books! And don't let the size fool you. The place is MUCH larger than it appears. Go around back for ample parking!!
Sit outside, order the guacamole and a margarita. Drink in the great city of SA.
Amazing place, great food, great margaritas, excellent salsa, fantastic wait staff. I will come back for sure :)
Soak in the Great Hall which features a four-story, glass encased view of the archives collection.
Great place for the kiddos & parents!! Lots of great activities, exhibits, & an awesome outdoor playground. 👍👍
2.5 hours and still didn't see it all. Bring spare clothes as the water play options and art area could get messy if that's your kid (or you). Looking forward to returning!
Austin's most loved park, and the place to be for, well, whatever it is you like to do outside. If you can't find something to do here, something's wrong.
Only $1 for kids and $2 for adults, easy parking and beautiful scenery throughout, it's fun for kids to run around and look at the dinosaurs and koi fish or just a peaceful walk for the adults
More than 130 works by Charles Umlauf are displayed in the garden and museum. Located near Zilker Park and the Botanical Gardens, it’s a must see.
Found inside the Texas Union Building, the Cactus Cafe is a true music-listeners venue. See the next big singer-songwriter in this intimate venue.
Cool grungy hot spot for writing, reading, caffeinating, eavesdropping.
It's no wonder the six city blocks, filled with more than 50 (mostly locally-owned) specialty shops of 2nd Street District received a ShopAcrossTexas.com Best Store in Town. Read more.
Imaging a physical store of etsy in Austin and you've got Parts and Labour. This boutique filled with unique item made by local artists. Read more.
Indie bookseller since 1970, BookPeople is a winner of Bookstore of the Year by Publisher’s Weekly. Employee-written reviews, a coffee shop and tons of book signings and events make it a must-see.
Gordough’s offers handmade donuts fried to order and smothered with funky toppings. Try a Mother clucker – a massive donut topped with Cajun coated chicken strips and honey butter.
Best known for savory scoops like roasted beets with fresh mint, cilantro lime, and goat cheese, thyme, and honey, the outfit also has tamer flavors, like the latte-like Texas au lait. Read more.
Totally awesome deck overlooking Lake Austin. Great place to study/work or just chill with friends. When its really busy, the wifi slows down - use "moznet2010" or "abels on the lake."
These easy-on-the-wallet, plentiful platters have delivered many Austinites from hangovers and Tex-Mex hankerings since 1980. For $4.50, the "Don Juan" El Taco Grande will challenge you to a duel.
They expanded!! The best toy store is bigger than when I first came years ago. Def worth another look!! Great stuff. Best toy store in Austin, for over 30 years!
Hands down the best breakfast tacos in Austin! I usually go with #0 with or w/o bacon. Money! And now they just got a liquor license and are open for dinner!
The intimate space, expert sourcing, perfectly executed dishes, and serious wine list make for an ideal special night out. [Eater 38 Member]
Reader tip: If you want BBQ in Austin you must go to Franklin's. If you want to bypass the line, place your order for pickup now. Read more.
They produce what has quickly become one of Austin's, if not Texas', most talked-about barbecue. It's so good they regularly run out of meat shortly after opening: get there early. [Eater 38 Member]
A proprietress as friendly as her food is good serves up huge portions of burgers and Cajun chow from a succinct menu. The dining room is communal and friendly, and Lola Stephens is a blessing.
Drew Curren's combination beer garden and bakery on Dirty Sixth has proven to be a massive hit. They supply bread all over town and are even popping up at the farmer's market. Read more.
One of the best bets for breakfast and lunch on East 6th, the restaurant also regularly hosts innovative pop-up dinners. [Eater 38 Member]
Some of the best tacos in Austin are served by two trucks with national acclaim. Their aguas frescas are not to be missed, and they serve up the best migas taco in Austin. [Eater 38 Member]
We swoon for Via 313’s nationally praised Detroit-style pizza. Try the bestselling Detroiter, with two kinds of pepperoni, or the Carnivore, which adds bacon slices, deli ham, and Italian sausage. Read more.
Great Detroit-style pizza (deep dish, baked in actual auto-part pans). Friendly service and a willingness to deliver into anchor bar Violet Crown Social Club doesn't hurt either. [Eater 38 Member]
Best tacos in the entire world! Try the mojo fish taco, the Tacoloco and the Jess's Special. The Pozole is amazing, as well.
Odd Duck features a huge open kitchen and lots of homey touches like mismatched plates and country kitsch on the walls. Check out the chicken fried egg, kholrabi soup, and the whole roast chicken.
Egg toast for the win at this ex laundry mat turned foodie heaven. The grilled octopus also did not disappoint.
This tucked-away East side bistro is well worth the trip for its romantic outdoor space, well-executed classic French cuisine, & reasonably-priced wine list. [Eater 38 Member]
Beloved by denizens of the 78704 and beyond, Bouldin Creek offers a diverse menu of vegetarian fare, locally roasted coffee and a taste of old-school Austin. [Eater 38 Member]
Not really much of an atmosphere, but this place has the best tacos in all of Austin Tacoland Texas. Seriously. Cauliflower and fried avocado and breakfast tacos and horchata and perfection.
Lunch Time? Moonshine will set you right for the rest of the day. An Austin Chronicle favorite for best buffet, brunch and American food. Arrive early to beat the rush! Read more.
The ethos of this chain is somewhat atypical: small menu, locally-sourced when possible, no freezers, open kitchens, fresh cut french fries, pay above industry average, and no franchising whatsoever.
Frito Pie: Only on the bar menu. A layer of Lamberts mustard bbq sauce, topped with Fritos, chopped beef brisket, queso, pico de gallo, goat cheese, and cilantro, with a pickled jalapeno on the side.
Happy Hour treats (from 5-7): Spicy Deviled Eggs, Roasted Green Chili Queso, Crispy Wild Boar Ribs, Fried Jumbo Shrimp, Achiote Seared Chickpeas, Charcuteries and Cheeses, Broiled Oysters. Read more.
This dimly lit, flat-screened cantina sporting a sand-and-beach chair patio plates platos de tacos like the Al Pastor (pineapple-marinated pork, cilantro, and onions) and rock a serious drink list. Read more.
Mexican home cooking with a great patio; try the mango habanero margarita. [Eater 38 Member]
The kitschy decor and bountiful serving sizes make this spot in the southwestern section of town one of Austin's best for tacos. Especially breakfast tacos.
The tree-covered patio hosts free, unplugged concerts every Thursday night from early spring through the summer. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
This East side spot features their own vegetables, herbs and flowers as much as possible — and has been doing so for the almost the past 30 years. A great place to take your parents. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
This Austin fine dining classic was the first to offer interior-style Mexican food in Austin. Their mole is some of Austin's best, and their dining room is charming and playful. [Eater 38 Member]
There are a lot of upscale restaurants here. Great place for foodies. Then you can take a walk on a part of the Riverwalk without a lot of tourists.
A great place for a run! Beautiful scenery that will let your mind wander while you enjoy your peaceful exercise.
My son got a wonderful dish of blackened drum served over shrimp creole! It was delish!!
Radical and playful, this is the go-to for San Antonians looking for spicy, fatty, Tex-Asian fare. Pork carnitas tacos on Malaysian flatbread with Thai salsa, anyone? Read more.
Small plate delicacies served in a steel and glass conservatory, part of the historic Hotel Havana, one of innovative hotelier Liz Lambert's new visions . Read more.
The food is amazing (delicious chalupas), service is great, only downside is the back dining area can get really loud where a 4 person table has to yell at each other. Still worth the food though!
Gorgeous venue that looks like it was pulled straight from the early 20th century.
“This place is magic,” says Feast Portland’s Mike Thelin of this 1933-established bar on the San Antonio River Walk that feels like walking into an old saloon. Read more.
Great outdoor, family friendly meeting spot. Grab a beer and a burger, or enjoy an outdoor movie in the summer.
Take my girls a lot. They love this place. Great place for kids twelve and under very afforable for all that they have.
Artisan's Alley is growing and quickly becoming like its old self - a place to enjoy good food, fun shopping, and good people. Stop by Rhonda J's Shoppe for great gifts and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®!
Beautiful things, but how does this place still exist? We were the only ones there on a Saturday afternoon....
4 nights/week you can witness a video art installation projected on this 18th century cathedral. The 24-minute video is free and tells of San Antonio's vibrant history. Read more.
Highly recommended! Exquisite, quiet and you can see every star in the sky.
Skip the tchotchke-filled main store and head for the beautiful grounds and food-stuffs store on the other side with fabulous hill-country inspired vinegars, olive oils and preserves.
Beautiful area, overlooking The Lake Travis flowing boathouses, gardens, etcetera, offers classes; somewhat secluded.
Best tacos in Austin: homemade tortillas, breakfast tacos (bacon cheese egg add avocado), carne asada, practice your Spanish
I thought Austin was eco-friendly and conscious. I haven't seen this much trash and litter since the 80's.
I ordered the Beignets & Jam (pic) and the Sticky rice with ginger sauce and poached eggs. This is a magical place with magical food. Highly recommended for brunch.
Wonderful place, great selection of drinks at the bar. Everything on the menu is delicious, specially the grouper and the Texas strip steak... Also, make sure to ask for Katie (the best)!
The art exhibits at Arthouse are like nothing you’ve seen before. Literally. The gallery focuses on exhibiting the works of up-and-coming artist from around the world.
Get a table where you can watch the sunset and have a margarita. Really lovely. Food was just alright though. Typical Mexican affair
