A Weekend Plan for Austin
There’s something for everyone in Austin-- from cowboys and Southern cuisine to music and local beer, Austin is one of Texas’s top-visited cities. However, the city’s size makes it not very walking-friendly, especially when you’re with a large group.
While 2 days doesn’t give you enough time to truly experience the glory of Austin, it’s still possible to hit the top highlights for a taste. Longhorn Charter Bus is the expert in helping groups travel through Austin with ease in a comfortable, reliable charter bus rental.
No matter what you’re in town for, we’ve got the experience to help your group explore Austin. From weddings and corporate events to school trips and private vacations, we handle all your transportation needs while you focus on having fun.
Where to Stay
Where you stay during your weekend getaway is just as important as what you do. With only 2 days to spare, you’ll be extremely busy the entire day, so it’s important to find comfortable lodging for a good night’s rest. We recommend staying near downtown Austin for easy access to top attractions and major highways, like I-35. Here are a few hotels our clients love:
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Address: 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 542-5300
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Address: 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 478-4500
Hyatt Regency Austin
Address: 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 477-1234
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Address: 700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 476-3700
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin
Address: 701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 457-8800
How to Get Around
Because of Austin’s size and its tremendous growth (it’s ranked as the fastest-growing large city in the U.S.), it’s no surprise how difficult transportation can be. Add a large group into the mix, and you’ll find yourself stressed out on a trip that’s meant to be fun and relaxing. While there’s always cabs, rideshare apps, and CapMetro, your group may have trouble staying organized and together without racking up travel fees.
If you’re visiting the Texas capital with a group, the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel is with a charter bus rental. Longhorn Charter Bus is the top-rated bus rental company in the state of Texas, providing clients with reliable, stress-free transportation. Choose from a variety of options ranging from compact minibuses all the way to spacious full-sized motorcoaches. With us, traveling around the Hill Country will be the easiest part of your trip.
Get Weird in Austin
Here’s your complete guide to a weekend getaway in Austin based off our clients’ favorite locations:
Day 1:
Start day at the Texas State Capitol.
Morning:
Texas State Capitol
Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 463-4630
First up, take a tour of the Texas State Capitol in the heart of Downtown Austin. This essential stop features one of the most impressive, distinguished state capitols in the nation, dating all the way back to 1888. Fully immerse yourself in the rich history of Texas by either participating in a guided tour or touring on your own. Either way, you want to give yourself plenty of time, and without the need to find parking, you can head straight to the tour. Enjoy lunch at the cafeteria located in the basement, or head to a local restaurant if you want to get the true taste of Austin.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Moonshine Grill
Address: 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 236-9599
If you’re opting out of lunch at the Texas State Capitol, the Moonshine Grill is a local favorite that serves comfort food and is known for their innovate flare, like lobster corn dogs. Even better, it’s a short drive from the capitol or the perfect walking distance if your group is up for exploring Austin streets.
Rent a Boat at Lady Bird Lake
Address: 2101 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 478-3852
Austin is known for its beautiful sunny days, and the best way to enjoy them is on Lady Bird Lake. After a satisfying lunch, your next stop is at Zilker Park Boat Rentals, located next to the lake at Zilker Park. Rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP and spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing and catching new perspectives of Austin. Make sure to call ahead to make sure they are open if the weather seems questionable, and bring cash as they don’t accept debit or credit cards!
Evening:
Dinner at the Roaring Fork
Address: 701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 583-0000
After working up an appetite on Lady Bird Lake, enjoy one of Austin’s most beloved restaurants featuring American cuisine cooked to perfection on a wood fire. Favorite dishes include wood-fired steaks, grilled fish tacos, and the slow-roasted pork.
Enjoy Live Music at The Continental Club
Address: 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 441-2444
You can’t visit Austin without experiencing the city’s vivid music scene. Just about a mile down the road from the Roaring Fork sits the legendary Continental Club, a classic music venue that hosts a variety of local and national live music, including rock, country, jazz, and blues. Spend your evening jamming out, meeting new people, and drinking knowing you have a safe ride back to your hotel.
End day back at your hotel.
Day 2:
Start day at South Congress Cafe.
Morning:
Brunch at South Congress Cafe
Address: 1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 447-3905
Enjoy a delicious Bloody Mary while you feel the breeze on the South Congress Cafe’s patio. This exotic restaurant is the perfect start to your day and offers exotic menu options you can’t find anywhere else, like carrot cake french toast, short rib hash, meatloaf brunch, and so much more--but get there early because it fills up fast! Luckily, you’ll be able to get there faster with your bus rental dropping you directly off.
Afternoon:
Shop along South Congress Avenue
After brunch, you’re in the perfect location for your next activity. South Congress Avenue is known for its eclectic shops and funky atmosphere and is a must for every tourist and local. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to walk around for the experience. Here are a few favorites to add to your list:
Allens Boots
Address: 1522 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 447-1413
Parts & Labour
Address: 1704 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 326-1648
Big Top Candy Shop
Address: 1706 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 462-2220
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
Address: 1506 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 444-2002
Favor The Kind Austin
Address: 1204 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 887-8010
Monkey See Monkey DO
Address: 1712 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 443-4999
Prima Dora
Address: 1912 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 447-4736
Take a Selfie at the “I love you so much” Mural
Address: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
You’ve probably seen it somewhere on Instagram-- now it’s your turn! The “I love you so much” mural is located on an Austin-favorite local coffee shop, Jo’s Coffee. While it’s simply just a selfie spot, this mural attracts monumental attention from both tourists and locals to gather and celebrate the things they love about Austin. So grab a coffee, snap a picture (or a few hundred,) and take home a part of Austin with you.
Evening:
Witness the Bat Colonies on Congress Avenue Bridge
Address: 100 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 327-9721
If you’re in town between April-October, catch the mesmerizing phenomenon as 1.5 million bats fly over Lady Bird Lake from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge as the sun sets. Since you’ll already be on South Congress Avenue, it’s an easy walk and a sight for everyone to see.
Dinner and Dancing at Broken Spoke
Address: 3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 442-6189
Ever heard of Honky-Tonk? Now you have. Find your Southern roots (we promise everyone has them) as you eat fried chicken, drink beer, and learn to dance like a true Texan. Whether you like country music or not, the Broken Spoke is the last remaining Texas dance hall, providing a fun atmosphere and classic Texan culture since the 60s. Spend your last night in Austin paying homage to country history legends and music legends.
End day going back to hotel.
Keep Austin Weird with Longhorn Charter Bus
Longhorn Charter Bus can help make your Austin trip the most memorable one yet with streamlined, hands-free group transportation tailored to you. With expertise in all kinds of trips and 24/7 customer support, we’ll show you just how easy it is to explore Texas. While the above itinerary lays out Austin’s top destinations, you have complete freedom to plan your own trip--we’re just here to give you a ride. With access to other major cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Houston, San Antonio, and more, we can help you travel anywhere in Texas. Learn more how we can help you by calling us at 917-388-9602.
