First time in Austin — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in Austin, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in Austin
Barton Springs Pool
OutdoorsZilker
3-acre spring-fed pool, 68°F year-round — Austin's living room.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
OutdoorsDowntown
10-mile loop with kayak rentals and the bat bridge at dusk.
McKinney Falls State Park
OutdoorsSoutheast
Limestone falls, swimming holes and quick hikes 20 min from town.
South Congress (SoCo)
Food & DrinkSoCo
Boutiques, food trailers and the I Love You So Much wall.
Where to eat
Loro
$$Asian smokehouse · South Lamar
Tyson Cole + Aaron Franklin — smoked brisket meets Thai chili.
Suerte
$$$Modern Mexican · East Austin
Heirloom corn tortillas + suadero tacos — book a seat at the bar.
Uchi
$$$$Modern Japanese · South Lamar
Tyson Cole's sashimi tasting — Austin's first James Beard winner.
Franklin Barbecue
$$Texas BBQ · East Austin
Aaron Franklin's brisket — line up before 10am or sell out.
Veracruz All Natural
$Tacos · Multiple trailers
Migas tacos that have launched a thousand morning queues.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Barton Springs Pool, South Congress (SoCo), Lady Bird Lake Trail. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Austin and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.