There’s no place like Austin. We’re home to so many delicious restaurants, one-of-a-kind activities, and beautiful outdoor spaces that it’s hard to visit them all. In celebration of Gottesman’s 20th anniversary, we’ve whittled down our “things to do” list to just twenty of our favorite, iconic Austin picks.
Iconically Austin
SPEAK LIKE A LOCAL
Austinite – Austin natives are not Austonians or Austiners. Always, and only, use the term Austinite.
Guadalupe – The street is pronounced GWA-da-LOOP the “e” is silent.
Keep Austin Weird – Austin’s theme and motto, celebrating Austin’s creative spirit and small-town roots.
Mopac – The Mopac Expressway is usually identified on street signs and road maps as LOOP 1. It is nicknamed for the Missouri Pacific Railroad that runs alongside it.
SoCo – The area along South Congress Avenue between the river and Ben White, with a thriving community of restaurants, shops, and food trailers.
The Drag – The strip of Guadalupe Street directly west of The University of Texas campus is commonly called “The Drag”.
Town Lake – This body of water located in downtown Austin has been renamed Lady Bird Lake, but Austinites will still refer to it as Town Lake.
Iconically Austin
ONLY IN AUSTIN
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – By movie lovers, for movie lovers! From quoting-along with your favorite movies to dressing up in costumes, enjoy these very Austin movie screenings.
Bat Watching Cruise – It’s a spectacular sight to see the Congress Bridge bats emerge from the bridge at sunset, even better view from the lake!
Blue Starlite Mini Drive-In – Authentic drive-in slots with window speaker setups and great movie programming all year long!
Broken Spoke – If you want to do the Texas two-step, this is the place to go. This dance hall is internationally known as an authentic honky-tonk with live music & boot-scootin’.
Chicken Sh** Bingo – It is exactly what it sounds like. Join in on this Sunday tradition at Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon with drinking and country music.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf – Operating since 1946, this cash-only family attraction features a variety of characters, obstacles, and surprises on two 18-hole courses.
Pinballz Arcade – A family-friendly arcade experience with an assortment of classic and new arcade gameplay. Don’t forget it’s also BYOB!
Iconically Austin
MUST TRY EATS
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Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches at Launderette – If you like birthday cake goodies, the Launderette’s colorful Birthday Cake Ice cream sandwich is not to be missed!
Biscuits at Olamaie – Golden, crispy, buttery perfection. Everyone knows to order the already-famous off-menu biscuits at Olamaie, which come with honey butter.
Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho – Named after local politician, Bob Armstrong, this dip is a delicious combination of queso, guacamole, and taco meat.
Brisket at Franklin Barbecue – You better get up early if you want some of this delicious brisket. The line starts forming at 10am for this tender meat and when it runs out, they’re closed.
Brussel Sprouts at Uchi and Uchiko – The perfect combination of salty, sweet, and savory – these will make you forget there is any other way to prepare brussel sprouts.
Oysters at Perla’s – People-watching while enjoying some oysters is an unbeatable pair! Luckily for us, Perla’s South Congress location has fresh oysters flown in daily from both coasts make it a reality.
Tonkotsu Original at Ramen Tatsu-ya – Few (non-barbecue) dishes have captured Austin diners’ attention like Ramen Tatsu-ya’s lovingly prepared ramen, turning these noodle soups into classics for years to come.
Iconically Austin
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
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Barton Creek Greenbelt – Located in south-central Austin, The Greenbelt contains 12.68 miles of gorgeous trails.
Barton Springs Pool – Socialize, swim, relax, and cool off from the hot Texas sun at Barton Springs Pool where the water stays a cool 68 degrees all year long.
Lady Bird Lake – With more than 228 days of sunshine in Austin each year, there’s no better place to go than Lady Bird Lake for jogging, walking, and outdoor fun.
Mount Bonnell – Enjoy the sweeping views at what is generally considered the highest point in Austin at 775 feet.
South Congress – One of Austin’s hippest streets where you can shop, eat, and drink! Be sure to check out Uncommon Objects, Lucy in Disguise, and Allens Boots.
Texas Rowing Center – Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. No reservations necessary, just show up!