What are some things to do in Austin during the day?

Well you gotta eat Rudy's at least once.

 

go kayak!
http://www.zilkerboats.com/

are you staying at hotel?

 

for BBQ try ironworks on red river and cesar chavez

 

so would you be able to kayak and do lots of outdoors stuff?

 

I live and work in the Austin area.

Watching the bats fly from the Congress St. Bridge is a must!

Breakfast a Las Manitas

Barton Springs pool

I could make some dinner recommendations but things are kinda hit and miss these days. If you have some places that have been recommended I’d be glad to let you know what I think.

Hope that helps!

 

I like to drive down the street and yell at Austin weirdos.

 

thats a great place for beef ribs.

however if you want the more 'old school' atmosphere, i'd drive up to the salt lick. the lockhart bbq is better, but this a better place to take tourists and its good that cool ranch feel to it.
http://www.saltlickbbq.com/restaurant.htm

 

eat bbq in lockhart on your to/from. plenty of choices there and better than whats in town.

go swim at hamilton pool or barton springs if you like swimming

 

i was about to start a thready on this.

i am going to austin for the weekend soon. fri, sat, sun.

i am staying at the Hyatt in downtown.

what all can I do without spending a gazillion dollars?

 

Oh for a great view and place for you guys to take pictures

Mt Bonnell!


http://www.austincityguide.com/content/mt-bonnell-austin.asp

 

I live in San Marcos, which is only 25 minutes from Austin, a trip I regularly make. My favorite daytime activities are generally outdoors. There are lots of great swimming locations like barton springs or the greenbelt, check out the lcra website (link ) for information on parks or rivers.

As far as dining, Rudy's is far and away the best bbq I've ever had and it is a must if you have never been. I've never been to the Lockhart bbq that is mentioned above though, so consider that. The Oasis is a unique, touristy kind of place that is literally right on the lake. The food is ok, but the view alone is worth it. It is kind of far north of Austin though, I'm not sure what part you will be staying in. Salt Lick is great as well.

Nightlife is ubiquitous. There are so many bars that you really won't need us to recommend any. Personal favorites of mine would be Peckerhead's, Flying Saucer. Just walk up and down 6th and 7th streets and pick one that peaks your interest. Good luck with planning.

 

you're near all the cool stuff.

go swimming at barton springs, check out the lake (town), also drive up mt bonnell for the pictures scenery. you can also go to lake travis and rent some jet skis (i know its alittle expensive, but fun).

 

Peter Pan Putt Putt Golf on Barton Springs Road (just east of Lamar) is BYOB.

/thread

 

The Salt Lick in Driftwood is a must.

The bats flying is cool

The warehouse district on 4th street for night life is groovy.

Good food all over.....depending on what you like.

DD

 

butler pitch and putt

 

Barton Springs
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Mt. Bonnell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Bonnell

See the bats emerge from Congress Ave. bridge
http://www.batcon.org/home/index.asp?idPage=122

Eat at Hula Hut (the food is pretty average, but you get to eat on a pier over Lake Austin)
http://www.hulahut.com/

Visit the Capitol building
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Capitol

Texas State History Museum
http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/

Avoid the BBQ spots like Rudy's and Iron Works. Trendy spots at best. If you want great BBQ (without the kitsch scene) visit Mann's BBQ in north Austin (see Texas Monthly thread).


Taco Xpress (Maria's) is pretty good, but a bit overrated. In south Austin, visit Torchy's Tacos (there's also a location on The Drag). There are tons of "authentic" taquerias as well, but you probably won't go to them.

There's a lot more...

Good luck.

 

check out south congress and home slice pizza parlor

tour UT or the capital

watch the bats come out at night (congress bridge)

boiling pot (their crawfish is the shiznit)

kirby lane (pancakes are HUGE)

barton springs (great for swimming in the summer)