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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

What’s better than a three-day weekend? 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 Freddo ATX for $2 off cocktails.
  • 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.
A spacious outdoor seating area at Freddo ATX, featuring wooden picnic tables under a canopy of large oak trees adorned with string lights. A white sign with the cafe’s logo is prominently displayed near the entrance, and patio heaters are scattered throughout the space for comfort. A fence encloses the area, with views of nearby buildings and parked cars beyond.

Freddo’s patio is perfect for outdoor working, lounging, and people-watching.

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 and Austin Rocks.
  • 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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