Located west of downtown Austin, The Wayback Cafe and Cottages is a boutique hotel nestled on three acres under live oaks. The Wayback houses eight vintage-styled cottages for nightly rental and is also home to a bountiful cafe, serving up incredible dishes, drinks and vistas. If you’re looking for a slightly more private dining experience, grab a picnic lunch, drink at the cabana, or warm up by the stone fire pit on a cool night. And if you’re just passing through town, The Wayback’s drive-thru coffee hut provides espresso drinks and food on the go.

9601 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78733
(512)-520-9590
@thewaybackaustin

The Proper recently opened downtown and it is stunning. It’s one of those places that you just want to study every detail in order to remember it forever. Kelly Wearstler designed the property with a mix of her signature style and local Austin elements. It is located right on the banks of Lady Bird Lake which makes it easy to get a leisurely walk in after a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant, The Peacock. Probably one of the most exciting aspects is that our fav Ayurvedic spa, Surya Spa, will be opening there very soon!

600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 628-1500
@austinproperhotel

Photos by The Ingalls.

South Congress Hotel is all about the modern vibes and location. Located right on the popular South Congress Ave, this hotel is the perfect place if you’re looking to be in the heart of Austin. The lobby is great to hang out in and take a break from the often bustling atmosphere outside the hotel doors. Make sure to check out the coffee shop, Mañana, across the hotel courtyard and enjoy a Fronks latte! You won’t regret it.

1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 920-6405
@southcongresshotel

Suerte, meaning “luck” in Spanish, is one of those places you feel lucky that it exists! Upon walking in the door, there’s a sign “No Guns, Be Cool, Have Fun,” which exemplifies the vibe of this Oaxacan-inspired East Austin restaurant.

1800 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 953-0092
@suerteatx

Photo by Casey Dunn.

Part of the prominent Larry McGuire restaurant group, Elizabeth Street Cafe, is one restaurant you don’t want to miss. Located in a cute Austin-style house, the cuisine is unexpectedly Vietnamese/French bakery inspired. Definitely try the pho and baguettes.

1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 291-2881
@elizabethstreetcafe

Photos by Molly Winters.

Swedish Hill is that one bakery that you want to visit every morning of your trip to Austin. We’re pretty sure it’s their naturally-leavened sourdough and Fronks lattes that keep people coming back for more.

1120 W 6th St #5304, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-1347
@swedishhillaustin

Photos by Matt Harrington.

This iconic luxury designer boutique, established in 1979, has two locations and you don’t want to miss either! The South Congress store is more focused on home goods while also carrying designers like Ulla Johnson, Re-Done, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh. The North Lamar location is focused on jewelry and designers including The Row, Elder Statesman, and Khaite. If you’re looking for a travel keepsake, you’ll find something that embodies the spirit of Austin in both these stores. 

ByGeorge, South Congress
1400 S Congress Ave
(512)441-8600

ByGeorge, North Lamar
524 N Lamar Blvd
(512) 472-5951
@bygeorgeaustin

Despite the cult-favorite workout brand having a presence all over the US, there is something so special and unique about visiting the flagship store in the Clarksville neighborhood. It’s located in an old bungalow and not only carries the full collection, but is also the hub for local events like their “Endorphin Hour,” a weekly workout class.

606 Blanco St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 356-9136
@outdoorvoices

These sister shops are located down the street from each other in the growing neighborhood of East Austin. Both shops are perfect if you need a gift for someone or for yourself.

P.S. — they also are one of the few places in the US that carries our favorite chocolate in the world, Loco Love!

1211 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 366-5667
@takeheartshop + @shopkindredspirits 

Photo by The Glossary.

The body of water running through the middle of Austin may look more like a river than a lake — but one thing is certain, this is THE place to exercise outdoors. You can take your pick from running, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even the most uniquely-Austin recreational pastime, bat watching.

Photo by Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

A recreational outdoor swimming pool located in Zilker Park is the perfect place to cool-down in the hot summer months. It’s filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs, meaning bye bye gross chemical-filled swimming pools! There is also a nice walk near Barton Springs called the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-6300

Photo by Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

This historic villa, built in 1916 for Clara Driscoll, is home to a permanent collection of contemporary art installations and hosts some amazing exhibitions all on the stunning grounds of Lake Austin. A perfect afternoon activity to feed your creative side.

3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 458-8191
@contemporaryatx