The Book of Guidance
City/town information
Small-town about 30 minutes east of here and 40 min from Austin. There are typical shopping centers and some decent restaurants in town.
39 locals recommend
Bastrop
Small-town about 30 minutes east of here and 40 min from Austin. There are typical shopping centers and some decent restaurants in town.
Nice area about 40 minutes away with a mix of locals and college folks. You can go tubing in the river or shop in the outlets.
83 locals recommend
San Marcos
Nice area about 40 minutes away with a mix of locals and college folks. You can go tubing in the river or shop in the outlets.
Neighborhoods
Commonly referred to as the party spot in Austin. The street gets closed off on busy nights for pedestrians to wander and bar-hop. Expect a mix of college students, locals, and all ages.
334 locals recommend
West 6th Street
West 6th StreetCommonly referred to as the party spot in Austin. The street gets closed off on busy nights for pedestrians to wander and bar-hop. Expect a mix of college students, locals, and all ages.
The quieter side of the popular 6th Street...there are great dining and bar options here for those who want to avoid the rowdiness. You will find many bars and restaurants with patio seating.
395 locals recommend
East 6th Street
East 6th StreetThe quieter side of the popular 6th Street...there are great dining and bar options here for those who want to avoid the rowdiness. You will find many bars and restaurants with patio seating.
A nice area to walk around as a tourist or a local, you will find the famous "I love you so much" mural at Jo's Coffee. Though personally, I've never been inside
650 locals recommend
South Congress
A nice area to walk around as a tourist or a local, you will find the famous "I love you so much" mural at Jo's Coffee. Though personally, I've never been inside
Shopping
The closest and most accessible major shopping area nearby (WalMart, BestBuy, Home Depot, JoAnns, Marshalls, etc.). Please do not mistake this for a shopping outlet
56 locals recommend
Southpark Meadows
9500 S I-35 Frontage RdThe closest and most accessible major shopping area nearby (WalMart, BestBuy, Home Depot, JoAnns, Marshalls, etc.). Please do not mistake this for a shopping outlet
A nice outdoor premium outlet about 40 minutes from here
358 locals recommend
San Marcos Premium Outlets
3939 I-35A nice outdoor premium outlet about 40 minutes from here
Events
Literally down the road...recent events include F-1, Billy Joel, Rolling Stones, Tame Impala, etc.
346 locals recommend
Circuit of The Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas BlvdLiterally down the road...recent events include F-1, Billy Joel, Rolling Stones, Tame Impala, etc.
Sightseeing
Zilker Park
Nice park, event location, and "hiking area"
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAlthough right down the street (8 minute drive), it is a decent escape with some natural beauty
376 locals recommend
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyAlthough right down the street (8 minute drive), it is a decent escape with some natural beauty
Nice trails surround this river or "Lake", as folks call it. Take a stroll and you'll find yourself walking through downtown, some bridges, and overall decent scenery.
959 locals recommend
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailNice trails surround this river or "Lake", as folks call it. Take a stroll and you'll find yourself walking through downtown, some bridges, and overall decent scenery.
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveTesla GigaTexas
1 Tesla RoadFood scene
Open Friday-Sunday, JNL is located in East Austin and is my personal favorite BBQ in Texas. The owner has gained his experience and repertoire from cooking over 110,000 briskets at the popular Franklin's BBQ. While I personally think Austin has many "good" dining options, I have not had any "outstanding" except for JNL. Additionally, you can grab a beer or coffee on the same property at the Buzz Mill
JNL Barbecue
1505 Town Creek DriveOpen Friday-Sunday, JNL is located in East Austin and is my personal favorite BBQ in Texas. The owner has gained his experience and repertoire from cooking over 110,000 briskets at the popular Franklin's BBQ. While I personally think Austin has many "good" dining options, I have not had any "outstanding" except for JNL. Additionally, you can grab a beer or coffee on the same property at the Buzz Mill
Little Thailand
4315 Caldwell LnClose and authentic Thai Restaurant. Pretty tasty...
For those that like "good n' hood" Vietnamese/Asian food. I personally love their green curry (Double meat, extra spicy). This is located in East Austin about 15 minutes away
136 locals recommend
888 Pan Asian Restaurant
2400 E Oltorf StFor those that like "good n' hood" Vietnamese/Asian food. I personally love their green curry (Double meat, extra spicy). This is located in East Austin about 15 minutes away
A great option for Vegans or just a great option in general. Outdoor seating. This place has some of my favorite tacos in general and is located about 15 minutes away in East Austin
34 locals recommend
The Vegan Nom
2324 E Cesar Chavez StA great option for Vegans or just a great option in general. Outdoor seating. This place has some of my favorite tacos in general and is located about 15 minutes away in East Austin
While many in Austin would recommend never driving South to North, I make that sacrifice for this wonderful food. It is about 30-40 minutes away.
13 locals recommend
Reale's Pizza & Cafe
13450 Research BlvdWhile many in Austin would recommend never driving South to North, I make that sacrifice for this wonderful food. It is about 30-40 minutes away.
One of my personal favorites amongst all-you-can-eat buffets..for around $11-14 you can secure up to 2 lamb shanks with your meal
Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet
701 E Stassney LnOne of my personal favorites amongst all-you-can-eat buffets..for around $11-14 you can secure up to 2 lamb shanks with your meal
Personally in my top 4 favorite Ramen spots that I've been to (and I have lived in Japan for 3 years). I prefer Ramen with some/mild "American-ized" aspects, and this place delivers. You may have to book a reservation
502 locals recommend
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdPersonally in my top 4 favorite Ramen spots that I've been to (and I have lived in Japan for 3 years). I prefer Ramen with some/mild "American-ized" aspects, and this place delivers. You may have to book a reservation
Great Sushi spot downtown with a decent happy hour. They are advertised as "Fusion"
41 locals recommend
BarChi Sushi
206 Colorado StGreat Sushi spot downtown with a decent happy hour. They are advertised as "Fusion"
Umi Sushi Bar & Grill
5510 I-35A decent Sushi spot close to shopping areas in South Austin
This chain exists in Japan and is pretty decent as an American-ized option. It is in Central/North Austin so may be about 25 minutes from here depending on traffic. You may have to book a reservation
40 locals recommend
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
6929 Airport BlvdThis chain exists in Japan and is pretty decent as an American-ized option. It is in Central/North Austin so may be about 25 minutes from here depending on traffic. You may have to book a reservation
Activities
Austin Bouldering Project
979 Springdale RdGreat climbing gym in East Austin