We think every day in Austin is wonderful, but some days are a little more perfect than others.
We asked our readers to share where they would take a friend from out of town. Here’s their itinerary for a perfect day in the Capital City.
Morning
We suggest starting your day with a coffee and a quick hike before the heat settles in.
London’s favorite local coffee shop is Radio Coffee & Beer , and Figi’s is Plaza Colombian Coffee Bar , but reader Elise B. also recommended checking out the lakefront at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters .
For your walk, our readers recommended the historic Mount Bonnell or the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail , an adjustable 10-mile trail that stretches along Lady Bird Lake through downtown.
Afternoon
Spending a summer afternoon in Austin centers around one thing: cooling off.
No visit to Austin is complete without a stop at Barton Springs Pool , which stays a cool 68-70º year-round.
Reader Elizabeth B. also recommended a trip to the Bullock Texas State History Museum , and reader Pixie C. reminded us that the central Austin Public Library can be a great place to spend an afternoon.
You also can’t go wrong with a shopping spree down South Congress Avenue , or a 90-minute AO Tour . “Along the way, you’ll pick up some great trivia about our city,” said reader Devon A.
Evening
Reader Cheri L. recommends taking in the sunset from a boat ride on Lady Bird Lake — if you’re lucky, you might also see the nightly emergence of our ~1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats .
The party goes on late in Austin, so readers suggest you wrap up your evening with a drink on 6th Street
, a comedy show at Esther’s Follies
, or a live jazz show at The Elephant Room
.