Scenic Views
Short Hike & Views
Mount Bonnell ★
One of Austin's highest points, with a short hike up stone steps rewarded by sweeping panoramic views of Lake Austin and the Hill Country.
Learn More ↗Short Hike & Views
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook ★
A short trail off 360 leads to a stunning overlook of the Pennybacker Bridge arching over Lake Austin — one of the most scenic spots in the city.
View Trail ↗Views
Oasis on Lake Travis ★
A sprawling clifftop entertainment complex above Lake Travis with sweeping sunset views, shops, and a lively outdoor atmosphere. There's also a restaurant on site if you want to make an evening of it.
View Website ↗Wildlife
Congress Avenue Bat Colony
Every evening at dusk, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in one of nature's most spectacular urban wildlife displays. Late March is the very start of the season, so the colony may not have fully moved in yet — we'd recommend checking ahead before making the trip.
Learn More ↗Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Texas BBQ ★
We are not big fans of standard Texas BBQ and so we instead recommend Loro, a Japanese fusion take on Texas BBQ created by the owner of Franklin BBQ and the owner of Uchi. If you'd like to try Texas BBQ while you are here, Terry Black's is a local favorite with no reservations needed. Franklin BBQ is another favorite but only opens for lunch and requires an early morning wait.
View Loro's Website ↗Coffee
Mozart's Coffee Roasters ★
A beloved Austin institution perched on the shores of Lake Austin, with a sprawling deck, live music on weekends, and great views.
View Website ↗Food & Drink
The Peached Tortilla ★
The caterer for our wedding! Peached Tortilla serves Southern and Asian-inspired food in Austin — the perfect place to get a taste of what you'll be eating at the reception.
View Website ↗Market
Mueller Farmers Market ★
Sunday farmers market running every week at the Mueller neighborhood. Local produce, food vendors, and live music — a great way to spend the morning after the wedding.
Learn More ↗City
Landmark
Texas State Capitol ★
The stunning 1888 capitol building sits at the top of Congress Avenue. The grounds are open daily and the rotunda interior is worth stepping inside. Free guided tours run every 30 minutes on weekdays (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) and every hour on weekends (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM).
Plan Your Visit ↗Shopping
South Congress Avenue ★
Austin's iconic strip lined with boutique shops and vintage stores. The avenue features views of the Texas State Capitol. For cowboy boots, Allens Boots is the South Congress classic — Tecovas and Heritage Boot are also nearby. Near the north end Music Lane has boutiques including Sézane, Reformation, and more.
Visit Website ↗Shops at Music Lane ↗
Shopping
The Domain ★
Austin's upscale outdoor shopping and dining destination in North Austin, with a mix of high-end retailers, local restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. Think open-air mall with good food options throughout.
View Website ↗Outdoors
Water
Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Paddle through the heart of Austin on Lady Bird Lake, with skyline views and miles of calm water to explore. Several outfitters along the shoreline offer kayak and paddleboard rentals by the hour.
Rent at Rowing Dock ↗Swimming
Barton Springs Pool ★
Austin's beloved natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park. A quintessential Austin experience. Just a heads up, from Josh's experience the water can feel very cold.
Learn More ↗Swimming
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A stunning natural swimming hole near Dripping Springs, with a grotto waterfall and emerald green water. Reservations required — book well in advance as slots fill up fast. Note: swimming is occasionally closed due to water quality — check conditions before reserving.
Reserve a Spot ↗Hiking
Pedernales Falls State Park
Beautiful Hill Country state park about 20 minutes from the venue, with hiking trails, swimming, and scenic river overlooks.
Learn More ↗Further Out
Landmark
The Alamo ★
One of the most iconic landmarks in Texas, the Alamo is a must-see piece of American history in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Free to enter, and surrounded by the River Walk.
Learn More ↗Explore
San Antonio River Walk ★
A network of walkways along the San Antonio River lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. The boat tours are also fun, a more relaxed and cozy version of Chicago's great architecture boat tours. A great place to spend an afternoon or evening — about 1.5 hours from Austin.
Learn More ↗