Ultimate Girls Weekend Getaway In Austin — Guide to Planning Your Trip

If you are looking for your next weekend getaway or girls trip, you need to add Austin to the list. This year, our girls trip was to Austin, Texas and we had such an amazing time. It’s a great city with so much to do, and I’ve started the research for you with a list of everything you need to know about planning a weekend getaway to Austin, Texas. Check it out below!

Where to stay during a weekend getaway in Austin

One of the first things I ask myself about traveling to a new city is, “How long is the Uber ride to the hotel?” Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is only 12 minutes from the heart of downtown, where several hotels are located, making it the ideal location to stay.

We stayed at the JW Marriott Austin and the location was perfect. Right off Congress Ave, steps away from shopping, the Capitol Building and amazing nightlife on Rainey Street.

More JW Marriott highlights:

The Edge Rooftop pool bar on-site with an amazing view of Congress Ave and Lady Bird Lake
Has a JW Spa on site and a really nice (and big) fitness center
The Corner Restaurant on-site
Starbucks on on-site
Has a large conference center, making the lobby bar lively, even on weeknights

There are a few other hotels in the area as well, all with their own perks. Here’s a quick snapshot of what these hotels have to offer, other than the fantastic location:

Other Hotels in the Area

The LINE Austin

Really pretty hotel with more of a boutique vibe right on the lake
Hotel features a rotating collection of art created by Local Texas artists
Several on-site dining options
Outdoor pool overlooking the lake with walk up pool bar
Free bikes available for hotel guests
Saturday morning yoga flow on the pool deck

Hampton Inn & Suites

Free hot breakfast included
On-site restaurant
Has a fitness center and an outdoor pool
Most affordable option

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Free hot breakfast included
All rooms are spacious with a Cozy Corner and pull out sofa (great for traveling with kids!)
On-site bar and marketplace
Fitness center and indoor pool

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

A little ways away is the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. Highlights include the following:

Located on Rainey Street in the historic district
Several on-site dining options
Rooftop pool, restaurant and bar
Complimentary morning coffee + tea service
Loaner PUBLIC Bikes
Live music on-site at Geraldine’s
Kimpton Kids Program

When to plan your weekend getaway to Austin, TX

The best time to go to enjoy all the city of Austin has to offer is in the spring from March-May and in the early fall from September-November. The coldest month is January, or if you are like us, you could get caught in the middle of an ice storm sweeping the state in late February.

The weather we experienced was out of the ordinary for that time of year, and was cloudy, very cold and misty. Although it was in the 30’s the entire weekend we were there, it was not as severe as the winter storm in 2021 that caused millions of locals to lose power for days.

The summers average highs in the 90’s and can be really muggy, so avoid going from June-September, if you can. And from a Florida girl like me, you wouldn’t want to be walking the streets in this kind of heat unless your heading to a rooftop pool.

On the day we left, the sun started to shine and it was about 66°F. The streets were coming alive with people and you could definitely tell that this city thrives in the spring and early fall.

What to eat during a Weekend getaway in Austin

The food scene in Austin is incredible. If you find yourself there in the middle of a winter storm in February, you will not be disappointed at the amazing and eclectic variety of places to eat. Here are just a few of the options that I would recommend to anyone visiting Austin. Oh, and come hungry!

Aba

Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with California influence, originating from Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District. Served tapas style, the food is flavorful and light, making it perfect for sharing. And the drinks are crafted to perfection. It has is a gorgeous outside patio and bar as well as a beautiful interior space.

Suerte

Suerte is a must for a casual dinner. It’s an award-winning restaurant featuring homemade masa, located in the heart of East Austin. The service was absolutely amazing, and the food was so fresh, flavorful and crave-worthy. The culinary and beverage team at Suerte have a passion for bringing together traditional Mexican cuisine, local Texas ingredients, and a unique spirits menu highlighting a rotating selection of natural wines and craft cocktails.

While you’re in the area, walk over Whisler’s, a neat little bar designed in a 100-year-old building and then check out Lazarus Brewing Company right across the street, a brewery with a great story to share.

Franklin Barbecue

If you are a fan of BBQ, you may have heard of Franklin Barbecue. And yes, it’s as good as you think. Advice for heading here is to get there as early as you possibly can. No matter what, there will be a wait (unless you are one of those people getting there at 1am) and they do run out of items. Make sure whatever dinner plans you have, they are late, because it would be unknown what time you’ll actually get in for lunch. If it’s late by the time you get in, you will be super full ’cause this Texas BBQ is so delicious, you won’t leave a crumb on your plate.

We got there just a half hour after they opened and there was a line out through the parking lot. We waited about 2.5 hours. The interior is small, so the wait was long, but it was so worth it. And they let us use the restrooms and purchase drinks while in the line, which was nice.

Justine’s Brasserie

If you want to venture out a bit, Justine’s is about a 10 minute drive and is a French brasserie with a very cool vibe and an eclectic crowd. The service was amazing and the space was dark and intimate. And the food was absolutely incredible, with a great wine and cocktail list. It was so good, that we ordered a second crème brûlée for dessert.

Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s is a staple in Austin for quick service tacos, and they’re also known for their breakfast. These tacos are amazing and are perfect for a quick lunch or breakfast before hitting the town. There are a few locations, too. We visited the one right off Congress Ave before exploring the area and shopping at the interesting boutiques there.

Uncle Nicky’s

If you have a sweet tooth while in Austin, you need to go to Uncle Nicky’s for the best, freshly baked chocolate cookie you will ever have. I am honestly still dreaming of this cookie.

What to do during a weekend getaway to Austin

We were there for 4 days, which was a great amount of time to enjoy the city and treat ourselves to a self care spa day. Here are some of the must-sees I’d recommend for anyone visiting Austin.

Visit the Greetings from Austin Mural

Just down the street from the Torchy’s on Congress, is the famous Greetings from Austin Mural. Stop by after lunch for a great instagram-worthy photo.

See Live Music at the Continental Club

The Continental Club is an iconic music venue, with a great vibe and incredible musicians. The cover is $10 a person, so bring cash. It’s easy to get to off South Congress and tons of fun.

Rent Bikes and Ride Around Lady Lake

When the weather is nice, this is a great way to get outside, get active and explore as much of the city as possible. Some properties I noticed, like The Line and Kimpton even offer bikes for free, which is an amazing perk. But there are also rentable bikes and scooters littering the city so it’s super easy to grab one and go exploring.

Party on Iconic Rainey street

Rainey street is a must for a night out. The street is a mix of renovated houses turned into bungalow bars with food trailers mixed in between. I mean, you can’t go wrong! Some have live music and some have DJs spinning the best dance music. There is a vibe here for everyone, and no two nights are the same on Rainey Street.

Shopping on South Congress

Experience what keeps Austin weird with shopping on South Congress. There are some really interesting and unique shops to peruse and discover.

While you are exploring look out for some of the other really neat murals nearby, like the “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee

and the “Love from Austin” on the side of the Austin souvenir shop Prima Dora.

Visit the Capitol Building

A visit to Austin isn’t complete without a trip to the Capitol Building, just a short walk up Congress Ave. Not only is it the state capitol, but it’s also a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours are available daily and visitors are also welcome to pick up free self-guided capitol and grounds tour brochure upon entry.

See the Bats Fly at Sunset

If only we made it to Austin in March, when the bats have migrated up from Mexico to their second home under the Congress Bridge. This alone will likely send me back to Austin to witness the incredible display.

We learned the bats live there in the late spring and leave in early fall. People gather on and around the Congress bridge to watch these Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerge every night during this season from under the bridge. Check out more about the spectacle here.

Have a Spa Day

You can’t go wrong with a Spa Day, especially on a girls trip. The JW Spa is nice and convenient if you are staying on property and has access to the rooftop pool. There is also the milk + honey spa nearby, that we found as a second option in our research and had good reviews.