This day starts at the southern end of downtown, near the Congress Avenue Bridge; this time, you’re heading northwest. You won’t go much beyond the central part of town, but put on comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a bit of walking around. 

1. Fareground 

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Fareground, Austin’s first food hall, located in the lobby of a high-rise office building just north of the Congress Avenue Bridge. Go for a coffee and pastry at Easy Tiger, perhaps, or a sausage-and-egg burrito at Henbit. 



2. Hike-and-Bike Trail

Fareground is a block from the north shore of the 10-mile lakeside loop around Lady Bird Lake, known as the Hike-and-Bike Trail. Austinites of all ages and professions congregate here, from parents with baby carriages to speed walkers and casual amblers. 

3. LBJ Library and Museum

Head back north to the University of Texas campus, where the fascinating Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum affords your best view of the UT campus. Inside the library, behind glass windows, you’ll see the presidential papers boxed in red Moroccan leather, but it’s the museum you’ll really want to visit, including an animatronic version of LBJ and displays of editorial comics, some of them rather brutal.



4. Hyde Park

Just north of the UT campus, stroll the leafy streets of Austin’s first suburb, a planned community where you’ll find a mix of home styles, including Queen Anne, Tudor Revivals, and Craftsman. Perhaps the most impressive—and also the oddest—structure is your ultimate destination: The Elisabet Ney Museum, a startlingly large limestone residence and studio built in 1893 by the feminist sculptor and philosopher. Formosa, as Ney dubbed the place, showcases over 100 of her works. Grab something light to eat at the Hyde Park branch of Kerbey Lane. 



5. Mount Bonnell 

Less than 15 minutes northwest of Hyde Park, the limestone outcropping known as Mount Bonnell —the highest point in Austin—provides unbeatable vistas of Lake Austin as well as downtown. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Then return to the UT area to have dinner at Olamaie, which raises southern dining to an art form. 


6. Live Music

If you want to experience great singer/songwriter talent—whether up-and-coming or tried-and-true—go to the Cactus Cafe, on the UT campus. 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.