Where to Go

Austin has an unlimited amount of wonderful sights to see and enjoy from landscape to various local businesses around the city! From shopping along historic South Congress to hiking up to the tippy top of Mount Bonnell, Austin is home to wonderful scenery and a quirky sense of pride. Check out our ultimate Bucket List for Austin Newbies, whether you’re just visiting or calling it home.

Observe bats under the Congress Bridge

Find out why Austin is known as “Bat City” when you go on a little tour beneath the Congress bridge. Bats are known to congregate and fly out into the sky in a spooky frenzy! Book a boat tour for this must-see Austin bucket list item.

Walk and shop around South Congress Avenue

South Congress Ave. stretches for miles and is known for a variety of local shops that make Austin famous for its quirkiness. Check out local boutique Aviator Nation street wear, the original Joe’s coffee, and Lucy in Disguise vintage and costume shop to name a few.Hours & LocationVisit website

Try Home Slice Pizza

If you’re ever craving NY-style pizza in Austin, you have to visit Home Slice Pizza. Check this bucket list item off by visiting the original location is right in the heart of South Congress.

Visit the Tau Ceti mural

Austin’s newest mural is already attracting photographers and ‘grammers alike. The colorful Tau Ceti mural stands tall on the corner of Brazos and 2^nd Street and is Austin’s tallest public artwork.

Visit the “I Love You So Much” mural at the original Jo’s Coffee

While strolling along South Congress Ave. you have to visit the original Jo’s Coffee for some coffee or their famous frosé. On your way out, a true christening of Austin lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without visit to the “I Love You So Much” mural!

Rent scooters or bikes in downtown

Scoot around downtown Austin with a little speed when you rent any one of the many bikes or scooters parked around the metro area. Whether you use Bird app, Lime, or Uber, you can find tons of transportation options!

Eat at Kerbey Lane Café

If you haven’t dined at Kerbey Lane Café have you really been to Austin? Satisfy this bucket list mealtime at Kerbey Lane’s famous breakfast joint known for their famous queso and tons of comfort food classics. Try any one of their locations for a solid meal!

Güero’s Taco Bar

As one of the oldest operating businesses in the heart of South Congress, Güero’s Taco Bar is a must for your Austin bucket list. With one of the best patios to enjoy dining outdoors, Güero’s offers delicious taco combo meals and tons more!

Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake (Rowing Dock ATX for rentals)

Enjoy a true Texan summer when you paddleboard along Lady Bird Lake. If you should need a paddleboard, the rowing dock on the waterfront offers reasonable paddleboard rentals for hourly/daily use!

Swim at Barton Springs Pool

For your summertime bucket list, check out Barton Springs natural pool right off of Zilker Park for an enjoyable afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. Due to the pandemic peak hours of visitation may require a reservation. Check the website for more information!

Go to Zilker Park

Probably the best and most well-known park in Austin, Zilker Park is centrally located and expansive. As the annual host of Austin City Limits Festival, Zilker Park offers wide-open spaces for Frisbee, dog-friendly play, and outdoor sports!

Go to the original Chuy’s location on Barton Springs Road

For some giant burritos and classic margaritas, you’ll want to check out Chuy’s! This Austin staple has multiple locations, but the original is situated right along Barton Springs Road in the heart of downtown Austin.

Visit Austin Eastciders for a local selection of ciders

Right along Barton Springs Road you can also find Austin Eastciders restaurant location. Enjoy tons of pizza options, pub snacks, and their entire selection of locally brewed cider flavors.

Visit the Texas Capitol

Take in the sight of the majestic state capitol when you visit downtown the green grounds of the Texas State Capitol. You can also see beautiful views of the capitol building along South Congress.

Try out La Barbecue or Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ

Austin is known for its barbecue and there are tons of options. Though the best barbecue for your bucket list has to be La Barbecue or Micklethwait Craft Meats. Fresh, juicy, and hot daily barbecue options await you!

Ride a bike along Lady Bird Lake Trail

Take in the waterfront of Lady Bird Lake when you take a stroll or bike the Lady Bird Lake Trail. Flat trail pathway make this bike ride make this an easy breezy afternoon out.

Hike Barton Creek Greenbelt

Take in the natural wonder of Austin by hiking one of the many greenbelts. The most expansive and well-known is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Accessible through many points near downtown Austin, Barton Creek Greenbelt is a must for your nature bucket list!

Go to Pease Park Treehouse

Check out this new man made piece of natural artwork when you visit Austin. Pease Park Treehouse artistically mimics a seed pod you might see on the forest floor. Feel part of the woods when you walk around inside its 575 square foot space.

Go to the 360 Bridge Lookout

Observe the history of Austin infrastructure when you visit the Pennybacker Bridge. This steel arch bridge offers scenic views for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

Go to Mount Bonnell

Take in the views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake from high up when you visit Mount Bonnell. This hike is free and accessible to anyone and you can find plenty of parking nearby!

UNation | Hailey Way | March 7, 2022

Filed under: Austin Events, Where to Go by Olga Gilmore

Christmas tamales originated as part of Las Posadas, a nine-day Christmas celebration with centuries-old roots in Mexico. Today, these warm bundles of masa (corn dough) and other tasty fillings like cheese, pork, or beans are central to many holiday gatherings across the Lone Star State. Whether you’ve been a tamale fan since childhood or are a newbie to this corn-husk-wrapped delight, we’re serving up some of the best places around Austin to get your hands on fresh hot tamales.

___________________________

Tamale House East |1707 E 6th St

The tamale plate at Tamale House East is one of life’s finer pleasures. Choose chicken or bean & cheese as your filling, and select from sauce options like chocolate mole and salsa verde to spice up your lil’ bundles of corn goodness. These tamales are always moist and fresh – even if you don’t order them as your main dish, don’t pass up adding a tamale on the side to your plate of Tamale House East’s famous migas.

___________________________

Curra’s Grill | 614 E Oltorf St

You might know Curra’s Grill for their avocado margarita, but trust us: the tamales at this Mexican spot aren’t to be slept on. Made in-house, Curra’s tamales come in several varieties (both meat and veggie), and all are delicious. Of course, you’d be remiss if you didn’t order an avocado marg to wash them down.

___________________________

La Mexicana Bakery | 1924 S 1st St

La Mexicana Bakery is a beloved Austin staple for those who know it. Many a glorious night out has ended with a stop at this 24-hour Mexican bakery, whose kitchen churns out hundreds of unbeatable eats both sweet and savory. Next time you’ve got a late-night craving, swing by La Mexicana for a hot tamale or three.

___________________________

El Chilito | Various Locations

You may already adore El Chilito for their fantastic tacos, but during the holiday season, this local Tex-Mex chain also offers tamales for pre-order. Complete any holiday hang by picking up some of these scrumptious tamales in any of three varieties: black bean & cheese, pollo verde, or puerco rojo. Order online until December 24.

___________________________

Mr. Natural | 1901 E Cesar Chavez | 2414A S Lamar Blvd

Mr. Natural is a bona fide slice of Austin originality. Everything at this vegetarian restaurant is made in-house, down to the bread in their sandwiches – and of course, the tamales. Mr. Natural’s meatless tamale choices include tofu & sunflower, veggie, and refried pinto beans. Order a catering tray, or just stop in for a meal of cafeteria-style tamale goodness.

___________________________

Tamale Addiction | Various Locations

Austinites with dietary restrictions, never fear: Tamale Addiction has got your back. The tamales from this farmer’s market favorite are gluten-free, lard-free, and made with organic masa; they come in meat, vegetarian, and vegan varieties. In fact, we’d say Tamale Addiction probably offers the widest slew of tamale options in town, from pork al pastor to nopalitos cactus. If you want these local tamale-makers to fuel your addiction, head to their website and to place an order for frozen tamales. You can pick up at several local farmer’s markets, their main kitchen on Manor Rd, or opt for delivery or catering options. During COVID-19, deliveries over 20 frozen tamales are free!

___________________________

Rosie’s Tamale House | 13436 W Highway 71

The tamales at Rosie’s Tamale House are the real deal. Owned and operated by the Arriaga family since 1973, this Mexican spot has been serving up tamales for a damn long time, and they sure know what they’re doing. If you want to experience your tamales with a side of nostalgia for Austin’s roots, enjoy a tamale plate within the wood-paneled walls of Rosie’s.

___________________________

Fresa’s Chicken | 1703 S 1st St | 915 N Lamar Blvd

Fresa’s is offering tamales this holiday season, by pre-order only! If you’ve got a big holiday gathering ahead, the tamale catering packages at this modern Mexican restaurant will do the trick to satisfy your guests’ appetites. This year, Fresa’s is offering two types of tamales: Chicken Tinga and Black Bean & Cheese. The tamale meals will be served with salsas and can be ordered a la carte or as part of a meal that includes Charro Beans, Mexican Rice, Salsas & Queso, or Guacamole. Black Beans & White Rice are also available. Place your order online or by giving Fresa’s a ring at 512-915-0362.

CONTRIBUTED BY KELLY MCCOMAS | Do512

Filed under: Austin Events, Where to Go by Olga Gilmore