Austin is often seen as the highlight to any trip to Texas. From it’s infamous live music events like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, to the home of the University of Texas Longhorns, the city has everything you could ask for. I’ve only lived here a short two years as I was pursuing my Masters Degree in Education Law and Policy but it’s a goal to live here again some day. It’s truly the window to Central Texas within an hour of the Texas Wine Country, the best barbeque in the state (or the world!), and fun stops like San Antonio. Whether you party it up on Sixth Street, shop til you drop on South Congress, or take it slow at brunch then dinner at The Oasis, there’s really something for everyone.
Things to Do in Austin, Texas
Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
Did you know Austin has its own zoo?! It’s not common knowledge, especially when Texas has the popular Ft. Worth Zoo or Houston Zoo. Although this non-profit zoo may be small in size, it has a heart the size of San Diego. It’s more of a home ranch feel, with beautiful animals, but you’ll be walking on paths of crushed granite pebbles, so you’ll want to make sure and wear closed-toe shoes. Take note that they don’t have water fountains, so be sure to pack your own drinks and food, especially during hot weather. It’s fun to see the more infamous zoo animals like tigers and bears, but my personal favorite was the peacocks just wandering around. If you want to get even more up close and personal with some of the human-friendly animals, bring some extra cash to feed the smaller animals there like goats, sheep, llamas, and alpacas!
Where to Eat in Austin, Texas
Home Slice Pizza and More Home Slice (next door)
1415 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
No trip to Austin, Texas is complete without a stop at @homeslicepizza. This iconic pizza joint in the heart of South Congress is everything Austin stands for. There are a range of pizzas to choose from, but my favorite is building my own – pepperoni and green olives for the win. You also have a drink menu to choose from and eat right there where they’re preparing the pies. It’s one of my favorite places to take friends visiting.
On a weekend you may find yourself with a long wait to the main restaurant. Luckily, next door to their dine-in restaurant they have More Home Slice for walk-up customers who just need a slice or two. Here you have the choice of about 5 different slices but they’re affordable and can be fun to grab if you’ve got other adventures to get to during the day/night.
The Salty Donut
2000 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
With flavors like Horchata, Dulce de Leche, Peach Bellini, and Blueberry Coffee Cake, this posh donut spot in Austin was the perfect first stop on our ATX Dog Mom Adventure. I had been waiting to try @thesaltydonut for so long and they did not disappoint! Parking on South Congress takes some patience but this stop is well worth the effort. I love that they rotate their flavors out often, so you can return again and again and find something new and consistently amazing.
If you don’t have pups with you, try their inside space along with lots of other friend groups and remote workers. It’s a busy spot, but the staff is super friendly and you have endless amenities of water, air conditioning, power outlets, and people watching. If you plan on working, bring some headphones if sounds distract you.
Arts Guide
Hook ‘Em Horns Tree Carving
11605 Oak Knoll Drive, Austin, TX
Homeowner and University of Texas Longhorn fan, Gabriel Trinidad, chose to take a dead tree in his yard and convert it to the ultimate Austin symbol. The tree carving stands over 7 foot tall and was created by local chainsaw artist Doug Moreland. It’s incredibly easy to navigate to the NW Austin suburbs, very close to the 183 freeway and the Arboretum area. According to Moreland, lights are even being planned so that it will also light up at night after an important UT win, alike the tower on campus. Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if a local Aggie kills a tree to carve a gig ‘em thumbs up.
Where to Stay in Austin, Texas
Getting around on the busy Austin roads (either driving or using ride shares) can add considerable amounts of time with the traffic demands of the city, so choosing a location for your hotel stay is important. I recommend pulling up the map app of your choice to explore what you might be interested in doing, and locate a hotel around that area. If you’re looking for more affordable areas then I recommend heading East towards the airport, to the NW side of town known as the Arboretum area, or even further toward Lakeline Mall, or North on I-35 towards Round Rock. It really just depends what events are happening in the area that determines affordability.
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Cedar Park – Lakeline
10811 Pecan Park Blvd, Austin, Texas, 78750
I have been a Hampton Inn fan from the beginning. The comfy beds and free breakfast are hard to beat at the rates they (used to) go for. I stayed here in May of 2022 while looking for affordable spots in Austin that allowed dogs for a minimal fee. Though the drive is quite a ways from the downtown area (and even further from the airport), it means it’s quieter and you have access to lots of drive-through food, mainstream shopping centers, and free parking. The dogs did great here and because it was such a full day, they zonked out super fast! I love that the queen-sized beds here are big enough for the dogs and me to all fit comfortably all stretched out.
Dog-Friendly ATX
Home Slice Pizza and More Home Slice (next door)
1415 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Pet-friendly travel takes some planning, especially for food. You’ve got to find the right outdoor spot where the dogs can relax comfortably and where you can enjoy some GREAT food, because it’s AUSTIN where good food exists on every corner! No trip to Austin, Texas is complete without a stop at @homeslicepizza. Luckily, next door to their dine-in restaurant on South Congress they have More Home Slice for walk-up customers who just need a slice or two from a smaller menu. At More Home Slice, there are a handful of covered picnic tables available in a first come, first serve format. They are quite close together if you have pets who need more space, though. With the heat wearing us out and the busy weekend crowd filling the picnic tables, we found it more appealing to eat in the car as we were lucky enough to have found a close parking spot. In the car we cooled down, enjoyed our slices, and the pups enjoyed a little crust treat too.
The Salty Donut
With flavors like Horchata, Dulce de Leche, Peach Bellini, and Blueberry Coffee Cake, this posh donut spot in Austin was the perfect first stop on our ATX Dog Mom Adventure. I had been waiting to try @thesaltydonut for so long and they did not disappoint! Parking on South Congress takes some patience but this stop is well worth the effort. Their dog-friendly patio is lined with turf and has multiple picnic-style tables with umbrellas to keep the sun at bay. My dogs had a great time here. I also love that they rotate their donut flavors out often, so you can return again and again and find something new and consistently amazing.
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Cedar Park – Lakeline
10811 Pecan Park Blvd, Austin, Texas, 78750
I have been a Hampton Inn fan from the beginning. The comfy beds and free breakfast are hard to beat at the rates they (used to) go for. I stayed here in May of 2022 while looking for affordable spots in Austin that allowed dogs for a minimal fee. Though the drive is quite a ways from the downtown area (and even further from the airport), it means it’s quieter and you have access to lots of drive-through food, mainstream shopping centers, and free parking. The dogs did great here and because it was such a full day, they zonked out super fast! I love that the queen-sized beds here are big enough for the dogs and me to all fit comfortably all stretched out.
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