Planning a girls getaway? Skip Las Vegas (too crowded) and pass on Nashville (too bachelorette-y). Austin, Texas is where it’s at for a weekend exploring and enjoying a new city. We recently spent a whirlwind 48 hours in the Texas capitol and have put together a must see/eat/do guide for your next trip to Austin with the girls.
where to stay
As far as home bases go, Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt might be the most perfect scenario. Perched on a quiet street parallel to the rowdy Rainey Street, right in the heart of downtown Austin, the location is ideal for enjoying the nightlife, exploring the art scene, and of course noshing on all the amazing food.
where to eat
Start the trip off right with some seriously good TexMex. Guero’s Taco Bar, on Congress Avenue, has killer margaritas, crazy good queso, and – of course – delicious tacos.
Located in the Clarksville neighborhood, Bar Peached is fairly new to the Austin food scene but is sure to become a staple for foodies. Make a reservation because the space it small and go hungry. From the chicken wings and pork buns to the fried rice and bahn mi tacos, the flavors are out of this world good.
A French brunch is necessary for any weekend, in our opinion, but especially so when the group is on a gals trip. Le Politique is insanely instagrammable and the food is classically French and very, very tasty.
what to do
MUSIC Three hundred sixty five days a year there is live and mostly local music at Geraldine’s. It’s the restaurant/bar/music venue at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. In fact, the space was designed so that every seat would have views of the stage as well as great sound quality. The food is small plates so it’s easy to go and share with friends while enjoying the music.
INK Austin is a city big on tattoos and you can find a shop on just about every street. We had a great experience walking in at Southside Tattoos. The artists were really talented and it was pretty quick, as getting ink goes.
SPEAKEASY Midnight Cowboy is serving up some seriously strange yet delicious cocktails in their hole-in-the-wall speakeasy space. You definitely need a reservation to enjoy a drink here and look for the red light bulb on the street. Other than there, there really is no sign of the place from the outside!
MURALS There is cool street art around every corner in Austin. Find a favorite mural and snap a selfie! If you didn’t Instagram is, did it even happen?
SPA A girls trip without an afternoon at the spa just doesn’t feel complete. Book massages at Viva Day Spa and prepare yourself for one of the best massages of your life. Sip white wine with your girlfriends in the relaxation room while you wait to be called back.
Austin, Texas really is a wonderful destination for a weekend away with your best girl friends! Enjoy!
