48 hours in Austin, Texas
So, you're in Austin, Texas for a short 48 hours. What to do? I've got the perfect plan! You can add to this and make your own fun plan or just take it from me and know that this is an incredible, fool proof plan to help you take Austin, Texas by the horns! Day 1:
Start the day off right by heading to Rudy's for breakfast tacos, you literally cannot choose wrong here. Everything is delicious. After you're fueled up, head over to the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and choose from a few hikes or all of them. You'll get some great views of Texas Hill country and see some interested flora and fauna.
Next, you'll head to The Republic of Sandwich and get yourself one of the best reuben sandwich you've laid your eyes on in a while. All the sides are good here! Either have it there or get it to go! If you get it to go, get your brown bag, your bathing suit and a some sunnies and head down towards Lake Austin! Rent your ski boat or pontoon from David and his crew at Float On. They'll meet you at the landing and you'll be off exploring the lake in record time! After cruising the lake, taking a dip and eating your delicious sandwich you picked up, stop at Ski Shores to grab a beer and some mozzarella sticks to enjoy lake side.
For your evening plans, there is no where else to be on your first night in Austin other than the Broken Spoke. It truly is one of the last of the true Texas dancehall. It's been family owned for over 50 years now. The chicken fried steak is insanely delicious as are the fajitas. They have local bands to listen to while dining. At 8pm, the dance lessons start in the dance hall. Terri White, daughter of the owners, instructs the two step lessons to newbies and experts alike. She'll have you two stepping and shuffling to the music within an hour. There is a live band in the dance hall post lessons so you can work on your new steps! Great drink specials and bar snacks here!
Day 2:
Take your car or use Ride Austin to get downtown and head to Jo's Coffee for a coffee and breakfast to get the day going right. After breakfast, mosey across Lady Bird Lake to start exploring Zilker park. There is no shortage of things to explore here. I suggest taking the train (yes, the kids train) so you can see the full park and see what else you want to check out. After the train, head down the tracks just a few feet and take the steps that lead down to Barton Springs- rent a canoe and enjoy checking out the canal and Lady Bird Lake. There are some great views of Austin from the lake!
For lunch, you can rent bikes at the base of the pedestrian bridge that goes back over the lake into downtown. Bikes are $8 a day and there are spots all over downtown to park them! Ride your bike over to the La Barbecue and get in line, no matter how long, to get the best brisket you will ever eat in your life.
After lunch, make the short drive to Dripping Springs and Wimberly. On your way through Dripping Springs, stop at the Deep Eddy's Vodka Distillery for a quick tasting- make sure you try the Ruby Red Grapefruit! Continue on straight into Wimberly and hit the Blue Hole for a fun park to explore and refreshing water to dip your feet into (unless it's summer, then GET IN!!!!). Next, you'll head to Jacob's Well. Perhaps one of the most well known swimming holes in Texas. Same thing here, explore, enjoy the water and marvel at the well.
On the way back to Austin, make a quick pit stop at Gary Week's Company - some of the finest wood furniture you'll ever see or sit in! They have an interesting gallery and you can see how it's all made! Not far off the highway and the perfect stop before hitting Austin traffic.
For dinner, stop at Torchy's Tacos and know you can't make a wrong choice when it comes to this place. Everything is good. Finally, wander around sixth street and explore all of the night life options downtown Austin has to offer!