Unique and awesome things to do in Austin, Tx?

Question

I'm going to visit Austin for the first time in many years. I'm currently thinking about graduate school at UT Austin, and may be looking into relocating as early as January of next year. I am from a meduim sized beach town in Northern California, and would like a change of pace.

Anyways, I want some advice about some things to do and see while I'm there (will be there Labor Day weekend & the week following), that will give me a good idea about what I may be getting myself into.

I am 23, and do like to go out, but prefer things more rock n' roll than high class. Pubs and dive bars are more my thing than swanky night clubs. I love being outside, so awesome big-kid parks, rope swings, rivers, watering holes - I'm into em. Museums, quirky landmarks, live music, and vintage/boutique shopping is also desired.

Also, any places to eat/drink that are amazing and essentially Austin? I eat meat, veggies, cheese, whatever.

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Alamo Drafthouse

Zilker Park

Barton Springs

6th Street

Answer 2

6th street on a weekend

Alamo Draft house (a movie theater with fine eating and drinking...its awesome)

Go to Spider house (its a coffee house)

Zilker park is da bomb! Its got sweet trails and EVERYTHING else you could possibly want.

I would eat at Trudy's, Chuys, and lets see kerby lane cafe.

Rock n Roll, go to stubbs bbq (big bands play there a lot)

Oh check out if the Riverboat Gamblers are playing in Austin while you are here....they are the best show I've seen in years. Ruta Maya is a good music venue. Red eye fly, and the flamingo lounge is good too.

Places to shop, Toy Joy! Its just a toy store I promise. Buffalo exchange is right next door and its got some cool stuff too. Lucy in disguise, monkey see monkey doo, and any stores on congress(its a road).  

GOOD LUCK and I hope you have fun.  

Answer 3

i second alamo drafthouse....we go there almost exclusively now for movies...

chuys has amazing tex mex

forget "the drag" (guadalupe) and hit up south congress...park in front of the school for the deaf and walk from there. hit up homeslice pizza while youre there.  

emo's is a great venue and always has a good band playing. pick up the austin chronicle while youre here and check the listings to see what bands are playing where.  

Answer 4

Barton Springs (in Zilker Park, $3 swimming/canoe rentals)- Mount Bonnell, Town Lake greenbelt

Guero's (South Congress) is a "see and be seen" restaurant, though you will find better food at the Blue Dahlia Bistro (East 11th) and Hyde Park Grill (Duval Street)

Music in this town is awesome- I work for Tungsten Coil, though they do not have a show while you are in town- I would say stop at Antones (5th & Lavaca) and Continental Club (South Congress) or walking through the wareouse district (4th & Colorado-ish) go by Cedar Street Courtyard, an open air plaza-like space with a big stage (often Latin dance or an 80s cover band)

Just park on Congress just south of Riverside and start walking- you will find a lot of vintage shops on the west side of the street. (I believe until the end of September), around 7ish, you can watch the bats fly out from under the Congress bridge

You may enjoy a walk on the state capitol grounds (11th & Congress)

and just walk around ut - pardon the construction

Answer 5

I was about to ask the same,i a new arrival myself a couple of weeks now,you seem badass let me buy you a hyundai.

Answer 6

Then Congress Avenue on Saturday evenings is the perfect place for you...trust me.