48 Hours in Austin, Texas - Travel Zone by Best Western

48 Hours in Austin, Texas

By Best Western
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  • City skyline at night in Raleigh, North Carolina

Austin, Texas is one of the country’s top destinations for business, leisure and pass-through tourism. Even if you only have two days in this Southwestern cityscape, there are hundreds of ways to experience the culture, flavors, quirks and views that make Austin a Texas icon.

DAY 1

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
Start your day the way all Best Western travelers do, with a delicious breakfast. Fuel up before your first day in Austin.

10:00 – Find musical gems at Waterloo Records
The musical world is different place from when Waterloo Records opened in 1982, and while other record companies have dwindled, Waterloo perseveres thanks to an unshakeable culture and a selection that will leave music lovers baffled.

12:00 – Order lunch at Franklin BBQ
This food spot is an Austin landmark for a reason, Franklin BBQ’s aromatic and delicious meals can draw a bit of a line. Off hours recommended on weekends.

2:00 – Take a dip at Barton Springs
Barton Springs is the ideal downtown watering hole. Fed by natural springs, the water maintains 70-degree perfection all year long. Robert Redford learned to swim in these pools as a child and it’s still the perfect place for you to take your family.

6:00 – Cheer on the Longhorns at a University of Texas Football game
Longhorn football is a Texas tradition. The city turns burnt orange on game day and there is no environment like the one at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

DAY 2

09:00 – Wake up to a golden waffle
Day 2 starts with a delicious meal at the hotel. You’ve got a lot on your plate (pun intended) for today and that means you’ll want to start your day energized.

11:00 – Lounge in natural beauty at Hamilton Pools
Located less than an hour from downtown Austin, this oasis is a popular summertime destination. In fact, getting there before noon and on weekdays is a good idea. The large rock shelf, floating over the water provides shade and a cool mist.

4:00 – Pick up some style from Allen’s Boots
There’s no better way to commemorate your time in Texas than with a fresh pair of boots. Allen’s has been outfitting people with formal and working-class boots for decades.

6:30 – Bat Bridging
About 1.5 million bats find residence under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin every year, from about March to October. At around sundown, passersby are treated to an airshow.

8:00 – Bar Crawl on Rainey Street
You’re at the end of your two-day trip in Austin and the best way to end your visit is with an evening of bar crawling. Sample local brews and soak in the old west/new age ambiance.

11:00 – Relax and unwind with free Wi-Fi
Best Western guests enjoy connectivity in their rooms, free of charge. Log on to your favorite social media channel and share a photo or two from your trip to Austin.

Plan your trip with more than 10 Best Western Hotels & Resorts locations found in the Austin area. Then share your photos on Instagram with #bestwestern.