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How to spend a long weekend in Austin

Here’s a play-by-play for the perfect three-day weekend.

aerial view of the austin skyline with skyscrapers, the colorado river, pedestrian bridges and trees

Time to play tourist in your own city.
Photo by ATXtoday

In need of Memorial Day weekend plans? Use this step-by-step itinerary to eat, drink, and play your way through a long weekend in Austin.

Friday

  • 5:30 p.m. — You’re off the clock + on the way to happy hour at Joann’s Fine Foods for half-priced margaritas and hash brown nachos.
  • 7 p.m. — Explore South Congress Avenue before eating oysters under the twinkling lights at Perla’s.
  • 11 p.m. — End the night by discovering a new musician at The Continental Club, an Austin staple for live music.
patio restaurant on south congress avenue with rust orange leather booths and greenery

Joann’s Fine Foods is a Tex Mex diner in the Austin Motel.
Photo by ATXtoday

Saturday

  • 10 a.m. — Pack a picnic and soak in the sun at Bob Wentz Park on Lake Travis. Pro tip: don’t forget to bring cash for admission, floats, water shoes, and plenty of sunscreen.
  • 4 p.m. — Take a ~six-minute drive to Oasis Texas Brewing Company for panoramic lake views and live music.
hand holding a beer glass with oasis texas brewing co branding overlooking lake

Oasis Texas Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including a piña colada sour.
Photo by ATXtoday

Sunday

  • 12 p.m. — Source new threads at Guad Vintage Market, a weekly event with art, drinks, and DJs.
  • 3 p.m. — Rent a paddleboard or kayak at Texas Rowing Center and see the skyline from Lady Bird Lake.
  • 9 p.m. — French restaurant Justine’s Brasserie is known for its late-night dining — and it’s basically Saturday, right? Might as well stay ‘til midnight.

Monday

  • 11 a.m. — Let yourself sleep in (you deserve it), then get your caffeine fix at Jo’s Coffee and stroll downtown’s 2nd Street District. City Editor Morgan recommends visiting Toy Joy, Austin Rocks, and Luxe Apothetique.
  • 12:30 p.m. — Eat lunch at Numero28 if you’re into pasta, pizza, and people-watching on the patio.
  • 2 p.m. — Head across the lake to unwind at Auditorium Shores.
table of food includes ravioli in a red sauce, a caeser salad and an aperol spritz

The spinach and riccota ravioli from Numero28 never disappoints.
Photo by ATXtoday

Phew, who’s ready for a nap? Let us know what we missed.

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