If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Austin, you’re in for a treat! As the Texas state capitol, Austin is most famous for that and an amazing live music scene, but it’s also home to world-class museums, stunning outdoor spaces, and.. most importantly.. DEAR MEDIA IRL!!!
So, as we gear up for our favorite day of the year, we’re sharing a round-up of activities that y’all can do after (or before) you attend the IRL event in Austin! Yeehaw!
What to do in Austin Texas
For Coffee
Desnudo Coffee
Don’t let its appearance fool you. It might be a little trailer, but Desnudo is serving up some of the best coffee in Texas. People literally flock to the food trucks on Webberville just to get in line for one of Desnudo’s signature drinks. We’re not kidding! By the time the trailer opens at 7:30 am, there are usually at least 30 people standing in wait. Don’t believe us? Check out this article to get a better idea of what the hype is all about.
Maaribu Coffee
At Maaribu Coffee, you can combine your love of shopping and coffee. Uh, yes please!!! Grab a beverage and a tasty gluten-free treat from the coffee counter then explore the unique home decor. The baked goods are made fresh every day in their Guadalupe showroom bakery truck, so get there early for the best selection! (Plus, if you go early it’ll give you time to get to Dear Media IRL’s first panel!)
Foxtrot Coffee
Foxtrot is the kind of store you could just shop at FOREVERRR. Start your day with a fantastic cup of coffee and a delicious bite to eat, or stop by in the afternoon for a boozy beverage, snack, or freshly made meal. You can also find some unique cocktail gifts to give as gifts.
Intelligentsia
Intelligentsia is another one of our favorite coffee spots in Austin. Swing by for a cup to go or stay a while and enjoy the vibe. Either way, you’ll be back!
Civil Goat
Civil Goat offers more than just tasty coffee. It’s the kind of local small business you love to support. This little coffee shop opened its doors in Cuernavaca, one of the most eclectic and artsy neighborhoods in Austin. Civil Goat has since become a popular space for coffee lovers and big thinkers alike.
Try Hard
If the music isn’t enough to grab your attention, the smell of freshly roasted coffee definitely will. Try Hard is tiny, but they’re used to serving patrons quickly. Groove to the music courtesy of that morning’s DJ (yes, morning DJ) as you wait for some of the best coffee in Austin.
Manana
Whether you visit Manana in the South Congress Hotel or at their downtown Austin location, you’ll quickly realize why we love this neighborhood coffee shop. Their coffee is locally and fairly sourced and their fresh-baked pastries and snacks are crafted using only the highest-quality, house-made ingredients. Be sure to check out their unique home goods and gifts when you swing by!
For Bites
ATX Cocina
For seriously AMAZING dishes and refreshing cocktails made using natural, clean ingredients, check out ATX Cocina. In keeping with Mexican tradition, corn is the foundation of their menu , but not just any corn. Their gluten-free masa is processed in-house and sourced from heirloom varieties grown on small family farms in Mexico.
Veracruz All Natural
Tacos are Austin’s fave food by far. There are a ton of great spots to get your hands on some authentic Tex-Mex, but Veracruz All Natural serves up some of the best. With homemade tortillas and chips, fresh tacos and salsa, and only the freshest ingredients, it’s no wonder they’ve gotten shout-outs from Rachael Ray, Rolling Stone, Austin Eater, and more.
They also have a taco truck at Radio Coffee and Beer if you’re in that area!
Paperboy
Paperboy is a brunch spot exclusive to Austin and it’ll soon become your favorite place to start your weekend. Weekdays tend to be relatively quiet, but it can get busy pretty quickly on the weekends. However, like the other spots on our list, Paperboy is worth the wait. From breakfast classics to elevated lunch entrees, no other place is doing it like Paperboy.
Two Hands
Although they have several locations across the country, you could argue that Two Hands Hospitality is doing its best in Austin. These community-focused Australian restaurants serve up fresh, delicious dishes, delightful cocktails, and comforting coffee. Their menu is locally sourced with sustainable practices, so you can eat well and feel even better perfect for keeping full and focused for a long afternoon of Dear Media IRL!
Summer House on Music Lane
It may be located inside Hotel Magdalena, but Summer House on Music Lane is worthy of standing on its own. This artsy hotel restaurant boasts a menu inspired by the “casual sophistication” of a lake house weekend. Elevated Southern faves and old-school hospitality in a picturesque setting? Count us in!
Mozart’s Cafe
Although you could technically call Mozart’s a coffee shop, this spot on Lake Austin is so much more than that. For more than three decades, Mozart’s has been a popular in-house roaster and cafe that also offers live music, great food, movies on the lake, paddle board rentals, and more. If you’re looking for a chill spot to hang out, check out Mozart’s.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
In the mood for seafood? Head to Clark’s Oyster Bar. You’ll find a menu featuring freshly shucked oysters, caviar, lobster rolls, and steaming bowls of chowder. After just one bite you’ll be convinced you’re dining at a real New England eatery. If you’re not feeling seafood, order the Gruyere-topped burger. And yes, it’s open seven days a week so feel free to come back for more the next chance you get.
For Art & Exploring
Wonderspaces
Wonderspaces is so much more than just a place to kill some time. It’s the kind of place you plan your day around. Described as “an immersive and interactive art show with a full bar” this is the kind of thing you have to see at least once. Visit with friends, family, or both, and explore 16 mesmerizing art installations as you sip on signature cocktails.
Tickets often sell out so be sure to purchase yours in advance.
Blanton Museum
The Blanton Museum is recognized as one of Austin’s best museums and you don’t have to be the *artsy* type to enjoy it. This art museum at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest university art museums in North America, so you can imagine how much art there is to see! If you want to see Ellsworth Kelly’s stone building with gorgeous colored glass windows, appropriately named Austin, you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Thinkery
If you’re visiting Austin with kids in tow, the Thinkery is a must-see. This hands-on children’s museum offers several interactive science and technology exhibits and activities. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday so you can visit before or after DM IRL!
Bullock Texas State History Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Texas, you gotta check out the Bullock Museum. It has THREE floors of interactive exhibits, as well as the Texas Spirit Theater, an IMAX Theatre, and the Story of Texas Cafe. Be sure to buy tickets in advance!
For Fun
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike
Calling all outdoorsy types!! The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is reason enough to pack your hiking boots or load up your bike for your Austin adventure. The scenic trail follows the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake and offers absolutely breathtakingly panoramic views of the city skyline. Make sure to stop by the boardwalk for a hot girl walk!
Barton Springs
We guarantee you’ve never seen a swimming hole quite like this! Barton Springs is made up of four natural water springs at Barton Creek in Zilker Park. Barton Springs Pool is a popular spot for people from all walks of life. You can go for a swim in the pool, which ranges from 0’ to 18’ deep, or lounge on the grass and soak up the sun.
P6 Rooftop
It might have been a rooftop parking garage in its past life, but P6 has since been transformed into a romantic lounge space where you can enjoy open-air drinks and dishes. As you take in aesthetic views of Lady Bird Lake and South Austin, you can dine on locally sourced small plates and seasonal cocktails.
Cosmic Saltillo
By now you’ve probably noticed a theme here. We’re big fans of unique spots that you can’t find anywhere else and Cosmic is yet another fantastic example of exactly that. Cosmic Saltillo, created by native Austinites, “was inspired by our obsession with creating an environment that embraced the principles of permaculture, sustainability and regenerative systems.”
Stay a while, grab something to eat and drink, and soak in the scene. After all, it is a nationally-recognized wildlife habitat that numerous creatures call home. If you get totally inspired to be more mindful about your consumption after shopping at Cosmic Saltillo, listen to the episode of A Thing or Two called How to Shop Better.
Garage
It doesn’t get any more unassuming than Garage. In fact, when you pull up to this cocktail bar for the first time, you might think you’re in the wrong place. But its subtlety is part of its appeal. Garage is one of Austin’s smallest and best-hidden bars, but it’s also one of the more popular spots to grab a drink. Finding it is half the fun!
Hotel San Jose Courtyard Lounge
Hotel San Jose on South Congress Avenue is more than just a great place to stay. It’s home to the Courtyard Lounge, where both visitors and locals come for light bites and cold drinks. It’s the perfect laid-back setting for a chill gathering with friends.
El Cockfight
As long as you’re not put off by a big neon sign flashing the words “World’s greatest c*ck,” El Cockfight is a fun spot to check out while you’re in Austin. This quaint rooftop bar in downtown Austin is a mezcal and tequila bar with authentic Mexican vibes and decent city views. It’s a great place if you’re looking for some good drinks to start your night out in Austin.
What are you looking forward to the most during your trip to Austin?
There’s no denying that Austin, Texas offers plenty for you to see, do, and taste, but we’re curious to know what you’re most excited about. Other than Dear Media IRL, of course, how are you planning to spend your time in the city? And if you’ve been here before, which spots do you agree are must-sees for visitors? If you need some travel tips, listen to this episode of Him & Her for all the best hacks!
For more details on Dear Media IRL, visit our website. When you’ve bought your tickets, grab your DM IRL tee, and start packing! Also, be sure to check out the Dear Media blog for more of our faves, including top-rated podcasts, must-listen episodes, and guides to living your best life!