- Whether you and your honey find yourselves in Austin for a day, a weekend at one of the boutique hotels in Austin, or even moving here (like the Honeymoon Always founders who currently call Austin home), plan the date of your dreams in a city that always offers an exciting opportunity to connect with your partner no matter the day of the week. Below we compiled our favorite Austin date ideas for some of our favorite local spots. Pick and choose your favorites or try them all in laone dog-on fine city.
Over 150 new people move to Austin, Texas everyday; from couples searching for quirky new adventures, to families, business people and not to mention lots of dogs (seriously everybody and their dog has a dog in Austin). This city has something for everyone. This progressive, funky and deliciously delightful state capital draws in those who want to experience the adventure, activities and atmosphere that continually makes Austin one of the most up and coming and charming cities of the United States. Enjoy y’all!
Free or Cheap Date Ideas in Austin
Need some fun date ideas that won’t break the bank? Here is a list of some awesome date ideas that will cost you little or nothing!
Hang out at Zilker Park for the afternoon.
This adored metropolitan park is Austin’s largest playground with 351 acres filled with attractions, space to play and beautiful bountiful opportunities for happiness. The park is home to Barton Springs, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, and Zilker Hillside Theater. Check out upcoming local events during your stay here. Play some frisbee, string up a hammock and kick back.
Cool off in Barton Springs.
This human made pool, through which the river runs, is surrounded by ample room to lay out, lifeguards to keep you safe and cool and refreshing water. A day at Barton Springs is never a bad thing. Be sure to check out their website for any closures due to flooding and any seasonal pricing fluctuations. Typically, it is about 5$ per adult for admission.
Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum and learn a little more about the rich history of Texas.
Go Line Dancing at The Broken Spoke. As one of the last true Texas dancehalls, you can two- step like a local and enjoy a classically authentic Texas night with your love.
Go for a walk around Lady Bird Lake.
Spend the afternoon walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that surrounds the lake, or rent some bicycles from the Bike Sharing Stations around town.
Visit the new Library
Have you been to Austin’s new central library ? If not, you are missing out! In addition to the huge selection of books, they have some really fun events and classes, public art events, and a gorgeous space for reading and lounging with your love.
Take a free Audio Tour With Preservation Austin or Detour Austin, download a free audio tour to your smartphone and then enjoy a tour with your significant other through the beautiful and delightful neighborhoods of the city. Learn secrets about Austin, find hidden spots and go at your own pace.
Go to the Mexic Arte Museum
Along historic Congress Avenue, you can enter for free on Sundays to give you insight into the culture, beauty and artistic prowess lingering in Austin.
Join us on the last Thursday of the month for your new favorite Bingo! Hosted by Louisianna Purchase. Enjoy free bingo, drag performances and prizes! Recurring monthly on the last Thursday Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Price: Free!
Explore South Congress
South Congress is its own famous microcosm of Austin. With eclectic shops such as Uncommon Objects and the famous Allen’s Boots, So-Co (South Congress’s nickname) will keep you entertained shopping, investigating and getting happily lost in all the neighborhood has to offer. Take a photo with the famous “I love you so much” graffiti wall and and tag us to be featured on our blog and Instagram!
Go to Yoga together
Start your day with a free yoga class at Cherrywood Coffee at 8:00am. This quirky and comfortable neighborhood coffee spot boasts a casual and welcoming local Austin charm with its frequent events, delicious delights and welcoming environment for all. Mesh with the locals as you work on your downward facing dog and catch breakfast on your way out.
There are several other opportunities that pop up for free Yoga around Austin, and you can always catch a yoga session at one of the studios. On one of our first dates, we went to Black Swan for a donation-based sessions at one of their locations.
Go see the bats!
Hop on up to Congress Bridge around sunset to watch one of Austin’s most trademarked sights-the mass exodus of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats flying from the bridge. In the warm months, this incredible exhibition of nature draws in crowds lining the bridge to watch the largest urban bat population fly high. Learn more about the bats here.
Take a boxing class together
If you are an active couple looking for something to do, try a boxing class together. We go to Legends Boxing in South Austin and the first class is always free. Schedule a class for the two of you and give boxing a try, you might just discover a new hobby.
Daytime Date Ideas in Austin
Free days are best spent with someone you love! Here are some fun daytime date ideas in Austin.
Banger’s Sausage House
Well first things first, you need to experience an Austin favorite to start your day and have a killer brunch while you’re at it. Start at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden located on the eclectic and adorable historic Rainey Street downtown. Enjoy the rustic decor, while jamming to local bands, feasting on the exquisite Sunday brunch, and enjoying the legendary “Manmosa.” (a whole bottle of champagne with a drop or two of orange juice, which is limited to one per guest).
Find Austin’s Best Breakfast Taco
Anywhere around Austin, there is one controversy that keeps people of all backgrounds heated, passionate and hungry. My friends, it’s the longstanding competition of Austin’s best breakfast taco. You better believe it’s a huge deal and you better believe you’ve gotta try them all during your time in ATX. If you get an early start to your day date, try the breakfast tacos from Torchy’s Tacos, (check out Torchy’s secret menu before you order) or Tacodeli and weigh in on the competition.
Play Chicken Shit Bingo
At The Little Longhorn Saloon, at 4’o clock, it’s Chicken Shit Bingo Time. Patrons purchase beers, pack into a tiny bar jam-packed with characters and kindness, and jam to live music. Oh yes, all while they wait for a chicken to… make its mark… on the winning number of the Bingo Board. All tickets are $2 and the winner goes home with $100-$150 dollars. Now that’s some lucky shit.
Paddle Around The Lake
Our favorite Lady Bird Lake pastime is renting kayaks from the local shops, like the Rowing Dock on the waterfront. Paddleboarders with pups on board, couples, shoreline hammockers and more decorate the view of the city skyline and the lake for a picturesque adventure. You can also enjoy the lake by going on an Austin boat tour.
Romantic Spa Day
What could be a better date than a couples massage at Austin’s best day spa? Check out Viva Day Spa for a truly blissful date experience. Viva Day Spa offers a wide array of spa treatments for men and women and their spa packages are amazing. Trust me, your date will love it.
Learn about cheese!
Antonelli’s, Austin’s premier cheesemonger offers a variety of classes, both at the shop and at cool spots around town. Named one of the best food experiences in Austin, their tasting classes and events are a fun and delicious way to connect with your date!
Take a helicopter tour of Austin
Want to take your date to a higher level? Austin helicopter tours are exceptional. From greenbelts, rolling hills, rivers and lakes to impressive city skyline, experience Austin from the unique perspective of a helicopter. Check out Alamo Helicopter Tours for pricing and tour options.
Take a Dip
Depending on the time of year, head to Hamilton Pool! This incredible pool, with its serene cove and majestic waterfall actually takes reservations (from May to September) to prevent overcrowding. It’s about 30-40 minutes away from the center of town but very worth the trek if you are able. Plan ahead to reserve this special spot or head on down if it’s a warm day. Bring a picnic and spend the day in one of the most beautiful, well-preserved and special Austin nature spots.
Night Out Date Ideas in Austin
Make your next date night special. There are countless fun and romantic things to do in Austin with the one you love, and here are some of our favorites!
Comedy Clubs
If laughter is the key to your dates heart, hit up one of Austin’s infamous comedy shows. Check out Last Gas Comedy for the schedule of local events!
Trivia Night
Nothing like a little friendly competition to make a date extra fun. Geeks Who Drink is a homegrown Pub Trivia Quiz that will give you the perfect opportunity to impress your date with your mad trivia skills. Check out their schedule here, and prepare to have a blast.
Alamo Drafthouse Signature Series
Do you want to spice up the old “dinner and a movie” classic? Try a special event at Alamo Drafthouse! From Champaign Cinema, which pairs your favorite fluffy films with a signature cocktail, to Fist City, cult action and thriller movies from the ’70s on, to the eternally popular Terror Tuesdays, there’s something for everyone at the Alamo.
The Oasis
Head to the Oasis on Lake Travis for sunset and salsa dancing. Each Sunday evening the Oasis hosts free Salsa Dancing lessons (half-hour lesson followed by dancing to live band), not to mention the best spot to watch the sunset in Austin. With live music, lots of participants and lots of laughs, get close to your partner and enjoy the magic of Austin.
Romantic dinner
There is no shortage of romantic restaurants in Austin, but here are a couple of our favorites! Frist, try Swift’s Attic. Their shishito peppers are a dream and the entire ambience is chic funkiness. Hidden in an upstairs hideaway, Swift’s Attic will give you the impression you’ve stumbled upon a well-hidden secret. Enjoy it and fall more in love by the minute. Another great choice is VOX Table for a romantic dinner. This is one of our absolute favorite restaurants. The small plates and cocktails are incredible. The Yorkshire puddings will melt your heart, the Squid fries will leave you wanting more and don’t even get us started on the rosemary olive oil cake.
The Good Night
If you still have some energy, head up to The Good Night, for a full bar, restaurant, and game extravaganza. From pool and ping pong to bowling, you and your partner can work up some friendly competition.
After dinner drinks/dancing
After dinner there are several fun bars in West Austin where you and your love can grab some local craft beer and enjoy each other’s company. The Tiniest Bar in Texas may be small but they serve up delish’ drinks and character for all. Green Light Social is famous for their Capri Sun cocktails (90’s kids everywhere rejoice). The Brew Exchange offers up beer with prices that fluctuate based on the stock market. Stop by The Ranch for some quality time on the dance floor looking out over the West 6th scene. All of these bars are within walking distance which helps! If you are craving a crazier night, head on down to the notorious east sixth street. Offering cheap drinks, music, college students and bar upon bar upon bar. Prepare to get rowdy on so called “dirty sixth.” It’s an experience. Everyone’s gotta try it at least once! Barbarellas has awesome dancing, Friends always has music and Shakespeare’s has daily drink specials and a bumpin dance floor. Just be sure to get home safely!
Mount Bonnell Sunset
Pack a bottle of champagne and an appetizer and climb (this is an exaggeration. You can park and walk about 3 minutes) up to Mount Bonnell to watch the sunset over Lake Austin. Pop the champagne off the cliff, cheers to each other and continue that honeymoon always feeling.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Austin for the very first time, we hope you fall in love with your partner and with this city as much as we have. It’s a special place and these dates are specifically designed to keep you on your toes and in love with that special person.
Please comment with more Austin date ideas!
No matter where you go we hope you will honeymoon always. xoxo
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.
I am dying to visit Austin! We are planning a US road trip in February so hopefully we will get to spend a few days in Austin! Looks amazing.
Austin looks like a great deal of fun! I’ll keep your suggestions in mind! I will go there next year 🙂
Very nice article and ideas 🙂
Great trip ideas, we go to Austin area during spring break as a family trip, will have to check some of these out.
Hi there, just wanted to mention, I liked this blog post. It was helpful. Keep on posting!|
The I love you so much sign on the side of Jo’s, is such a classic date spot. I saw on https://www.yobored.com/ that the owners girlfriend wrote it on there in the middle of the night to surprise him, makes it just that much more romantic.