Last week, I spent a few days in Austin, which some of you may not know is where I grew up! Austin is home for me, so I feel lucky that I live pretty close and can go back for a visit as often as I want. In all my time blogging, I had the shocking realization that I haven’t ever made an Austin guide to my favorite spots. Austin truly is an amazing city. It is beautiful and lively and filled with lots of creative people and fun things to do. Not to mention, the culinary scene is pretty incredible!

So without further ado, scroll down for my favorite stays, sips, and shopping in Austin!

Accommodations

The Commodore Perry

Hotel San Jose

Hotel Ella

South Congress Hotel

Austin Proper

Drinks & Dining

Rosie’s Wine Bar

Lutie’s

Josephine House

Jeffrey’s

Pecan Square Cafe

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Olamaie

Franklin’s

Sammie’s Italian

Suerte

Justine’s

Elizabeth Street Cafe

Swedish Hill

Perla’s

Tiny Boxwoods

Shopping

Kerbey Lane Village: Valentine’s, Thompson & Hansen Garden House, Leigh Chiu Designs

South Congress: ByGeorge, Daughters, Noah Marion, Sunroom

Central and Downtown Austin: Estilo, Kickpleat, Wildflower Organics

Things to Do

Mount Bonnell

Zilker Park

Barton Springs

Town Lake Trail

Paddleboarding and Kayaking on Town Lake

Pedernales Falls State Park

Mckinney Falls State Park

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center