Austin is the kind of city that doesn’t need much planning — you can spend an entire weekend wandering and probably stumble onto something great. But if you only have 48 hours and want a mix of nature, local food, and one-of-a-kind Austin quirks, this Texas road trip guide will pull it all together for you! We just got back from our weekend road trip, and we’re already thinking about the next one. Below is what we did, what we loved, and what we’d recommend if you’re heading that way soon. This Austin Texas road trip is packed with character, food, and fun, so let’s get to it!
Here’s What’s Up Dallas!
Table of Contents:
- Overview: Our experience on our Texas road trip
- Outdoor Spots: Waterfalls, Walking Trails, Peaceful Parks
- Austin Attractions: Quirky Places + Downtown Favorites
- Texas Road Trip Food and Coffee: Local Spots You’ll Absolutely Love
- Extras: Bookstores, Festivals, and Small Surprises
- Weekend Itinerary: Copy-Paste-Ready-Plan
Overview: Our Experience on Our Texas Road Trip
Did you know it’s only a 3-hour drive from Dallas to Austin? That’s just one reason why it’s one of the best Texas road trips from Dallas. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, craving live music, or hungry for BBQ, this Texas road trip delivers the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and unforgettable moments.
If you’re driving into Austin instead of flying, make sure to stop by Buc-ee’s for gas and snacks! Buc-ee’s is a massive, Texas-sized gas station known for its sparkling clean bathrooms, endless snacks, and shockingly good BBQ. After wandering the aisles like tourists, we grabbed some chopped brisket sandwiches and slushies, and then we drove on!
We wanted a weekend that felt easy and low-stress — something with enough planning to make the most of our time but still flexible enough to explore. This road trip in Texas gave us exactly that. Between the nature spots, restaurants, and weird little surprises, it turned into one of our favorite quick getaways.
Though we were very flexible, we packed a lot into our weekend — swimming at McKinney Falls, hiking and picnicking in the trees, and strolling Lady Bird Boardwalk for fantastic skyline views. We hit up the Cathedral of Junk (Austin’s weirdest and most wonderful sculpture installation), ate what might be the best Thai food in Texas, and danced our way through Sixth Street, hopping from dive bars to a spot with crystal chandeliers. We also had some seriously good BBQ — because you can’t visit Austin and not.
It was fun, it was easy, and it was very Austin. Keep reading for all the specific recs and a sample itinerary to plan your own perfect Austin Texas road trip!
Outdoor Spots: Watering Holes, Walking Trails, Peaceful Parks
McKinney Falls State Park
Just 15 minutes from downtown, McKinney Falls feels like an escape from the city. There are several hikes to choose from, and we did the Homestead Trail, which winds past old ruins and through shady woods. The real highlight, though, was swimming at the watering hole—cold, clear water surrounded by huge rocks and cypress trees. So awesome! Do not skip this park. It’s $6 per person and 1000% worth it.
Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk
This scenic, flat trail runs along the water with skyline views and plenty of shade. You’ll see locals walking dogs, jogging, and renting kayaks.
You also might find a pop-up hard metal band, at least that’s what happened to us. This boardwalk is a wonderful spot that feels both peaceful and lively at the same time. We went in the morning, and it was the perfect way to start the day.
Pease District Park
Pease is a hidden gem and perfect if you’re looking for something quieter than Zilker Park (which is also a great park for people who like things ultra energetic). It has tree-lined walking paths, a little creek, and way fewer people. We went on a different Austin trip, but it stuck with us — simple, calm, and peaceful Perfect for a reset.
Austin Attractions: Quirky Places + Downtown Favorites
Cathedral of Junk
Exactly what it sounds like — and 100% worth the stop. Hidden in someone’s backyard, this three-story sculpture made entirely from salvaged materials is one of the weirdest, most wonderful things we’ve ever seen. We climbed all three levels, snapped a million photos, and even got to chat with the owner. He was just as cool and quirky as you’d hope.
Heads-up: make sure to call ahead, since the hours can be unpredictable.
Clubbing on Sixth Street
Shops, vintage stores, and dive bars with live music. Sixth Street is chaotic, a little grimy, and super fun. We started two bars down from Two Bucks and hopped around from there. I couldn’t tell you all the names, but one place had crystal chandeliers and a totally unexpected vibe—it was great. We danced on bars, played bar games and enjoyed $4 shots. I had something called Woo-Woo. Twas’ the best.
Shopping on South Congress
South Congress is the perfect daytime counterpoint to Sixth Street’s nighttime energy. It’s got a good mix of local boutiques, funky vintage stores, and some of the best people-watching in the city. Grab a coffee, wander through the shops, and pop into whatever catches your eye.
We went here on a different Austin road trip (different from the first two but just as great) and one of us bought designer glasses. It was memorable. We also came back later that night to what felt like a honky tonk and danced with a cowboy. I think we went to the Continental Club? Hard to recall exactly, but either way, trust us, you can find some truly Austin vibes on South Congress Ave.
Texas State Capitol + LBJ Library
If you’re in the mood for a little history or architecture, these two are worth a stop. The Capitol building is free to enter and seriously gorgeous, and the LBJ Presidential Library is packed with immersive exhibits that are surprisingly modern and digestible — even if you’re not a big history buff. We won’t cover these in detail because we’re sure plenty of blogs already do, but they’re both noteworthy!
Texas Road Trip Food and Coffee: Local Spots You’ll Absolutely Love!
Barbecue
We won’t say what kind of BBQ. Frankly, most of it is pretty awesome. If you’re willing to wait in a line for Franklin’s, power to you. But if you don’t want to make the detour or the wait, just go where it’s convenient. Austin is known for good barbeque, and even the places you haven’t heard of can be fantastic. We went to JNL and the brisket was smokey and tender. The sides didn’t disappoint either. You really can’t leave Texas’ capital city without trying some — especially on a Texas road trip that’s all about food and adventure.
Sap’s Ver Fine Thai Cuisine
This is our favorite restaurant in all of Austin. Everything is fantastic, but the Guay Teaw Kua Gai and sticky mango rice are standouts! The menu is huge and the portions are generous (very shareable). Everything was really flavorful and satisfying — definitely worth going out of your way for.
Brentwood Social House
There are tons of coffee shops in Austin — Mozart’s, Greater Goods, Epoch, and plenty more. Our favorite is Brentwood Social House. It’s quiet, cozy, and tucked away. They’ve got strong coffee, really good pastries, and a clean indoor space that feels lived-in, but in a good way.
There’s also a backyard patio if the weather’s nice. It’s the kind of place where people actually hang out for a while, and it encourages community. They even host afternoon tea, which is pretty cool, and their drink menu has some fantastic flavors. Think Brown Sugar Rosemary. No need to drive out of your way for this one, but you should definitely visit a coffee shop you love — this city is full of them!
Extras: Bookstores, Festivals, and Small Surprises
BookPeople
This indie bookstore is a staple in the Austin lit scene. They’ve got solid staff recommendations, shelves full of local authors, and lots of cozy corners to browse. During one of our Austin trips, we came for a BookTok conference and left with signed books, great conversations, and a full tote bag. Whether you’re a casual reader or a certified book hoarder, this place is great!
Austin Central Library
This could be one of the best libraries in Texas — and definitely one of the prettiest. Huge windows, clean architecture, a rooftop garden, and more than just books. There’s a floor with board games you can borrow, life-sized chess outside, and even podcast and video studios you can reserve. It’s a great place to wind down and get a feel for the creative energy running through Austin. We love it there.
Local Festivals
Austin always has something happening. You don’t even have to plan for it — just walk around and you’ll probably run into a market, a pop-up event, or live music in a park. During our trip, we stumbled across a chef tasting event and a massive music festival happening downtown. It added a nice bit of spontaneity to the weekend. If you’re planning your trip in advance, it’s definitely worth checking ‘Visit Austin’ to see what’s going on during your visit.
Texas Road Trip Sample Weekend Itinerary
- Friday
- Leave Dallas mid-morning
- Stop at Buc-ee’s
- Check into your Airbnb or hotel
- Dinner at Sap’s Ver Fine Thai
- Drinks or live music on Sixth Street
- Saturday
- Morning coffee (Maybe at Brentwood Social House!)
- Explore Cathedral of Junk
- Early BBQ lunch (Maybe at JNL!)
- Swim and Hike at McKinney Falls
- Evening downtown—dinner, drinks, or night views by the water
- Sunday
- Texas State Capitol
- Grab brunch nearby
- Kayak on Lady Bird Lake and walk the boardwalk
- Books! Browse BookPeople, LBJ Library or the Central Library
- Head Home!
Not feeling this itinerary? You can customize this road trip Austin itinerary to match your vibe — laid back, adventurous, or somewhere in between. Need to cut a day? No problem, ditch the coffee house and books. Whatever you do, this itinerary is just a suggestion and you should change it to fit you and your preferences.
This Austin, Texas road trip delivers. Whether you’re craving quirky attractions, local bites, or peaceful nature spots, this road trip in Texas hits different. From waterfalls to dance floors, every stop brings something unforgettable. If you’re planning one of your next road trips from Dallas, make it a Texas road trip to Austin — it gives exactly what you’re looking for.
P.S. If you live in Dallas and are looking for more road trips, click here! And if you want to learn about more things to do in Dallas, subscribe to our newsletter where we share everything. And hey — if you’ve got a friend who’s always asking, “What should we do this weekend?” send them our way!
Happy traveling!
