How To Not Act Like a Tourist in Austin

Two things we know you’re going to say (but you shouldn’t)

First, we know you’re going to say, “hey, I’m here for the breakfast tacos and live music,” and that’s cool, but we’ll tell you some of the places normal locals hit up so your Austiny dreams can come true.

Second, you’re going to say “Keep Austin Weird,” and we’re going to immediately ask you to stop. Don’t. It doesn’t mean what you think it means, it’s a 20-year old campaign to support independent businesses that launched in the face of growing pains of big businesses killing small competitors.

Jump in the deep end

You’ve heard of Barton Springs Pool, it’s the best swimming hole around.

But if you want to avoid the tourists, don’t start at the shallow end, go down to the diving board and jump into the deep end. It’s an all-natural limestone bottom, and it’s 18 feet deep at the deepest end, so you aren’t going to hit bottom after doing a flip. Keeping your towels laid out on the south side of the 3-acre pool is another way to get out of the tourist trap end of the springs.

While there, you’re within walking distance of Zilker Park, and as an adult, you’re thinking you don’t want to ride the kiddie train, but there’s a new one that is fully electric and zips you all around the park. It’s a cute little date move, despite kiddos being around - take the last ride of the day to mitigate that risk.

The best way to tell if someone is new to town or not is which lake they spend their time on. Lake Austin is fabulous and the best for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding, but boating? That’s all Lake Travis.

There are two flavors of Lake Travis days - chill relaxation (and we know where the quiet coves are and where to see Texas wilderness), or mega party (on Devil’s Cove where you tie your boat to others and everyone’s immediately best friends and there’s beer and music, it’s amazing).

Word of warning, though: There are a lot of janky boat rental companies on Lake Travis (here are the red flags to watch out for), and obviously, we’re the best so just skip the hunting, you’re already in the right place.

Drinking beer and coffee

You’re going to want to go to Jo’s coffee and take a selfie with the “I love you so much” mural, and that’s fine for your first day, but be a local and try Medici, they’ve been around forever and have a handful of locations. Or take a drive out to Casa Costa in Leander, it’s the best.

Here are 50 coffee shops to try on for size.

On the topic of drinking liquids, beer is a legit part of the local culture. On one hand that’s difficult for people in addiction recovery, but magical for anyone who has the luxury of enjoying a really really really high quality IPA. Rainey Street has some great small bar options, as does East Austin, but Brewtorium is a local brewery that has amazing beer, food, and the best service.

We point out service because Austin still has fabulous food and drink options, but some of the companies that have been around for decades might have slower or inferior service (and you’re not going there for the corporate vibe, so you’d never expect it). But Brewtorium stands out for high quality product AND service without feeling like a gd Chili’s - a rare combo here.

Now you can also get creative, as many locals do, and go to one of the badass coffee shops slash brew houses, many of which also feature live music. We absolutely love Red Horn up north, but also add to your list:

• Radio Coffee & Beer
• Stouthaus Coffee Pub
• Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden

You can also consume fabulous alcoholic liquids at Alamo Drafthouse movie theater when it’s 8,000 degrees out and you just want to sit indoors and watch a movie. It’s a classic locals’ move.