Austin is a beautiful city, with an independent spirit and a love for all things creative, innovative and a little bit weird. I’ve lived here my whole life, and trust me, there is nowhere else like it.
There are countless tourist recommendations online for Austin’s many visitors, but let’s be honest, you live here now! You’re an Austinite! That being said, you’re also a college student, and like me, you probably aren’t looking to break the bank. So here, I present to you my ideal day in Austin – with recommendations that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
In my opinion, any day is amiss without breakfast, it’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning. I place a great deal of importance on the quality of my morning meal and there are very few restaurants I trust to deliver nutrition, satisfaction and bang for my buck! However, you can never go wrong with Veracruz All Natural. Veracruz is an Austin taco joint with seven locations around town. When people talk about supporting local, family-owned businesses, know that buying and eating a Veracruz migas taco is exactly what they mean. As far as pricing goes, you can purchase two tacos for about $10, and while this is on the slightly pricey side for tacos, the quality more than justifies the price. I’d recommend visiting their Montopolis location, where their taco truck is connected to Radio Coffee. I personally love an iced tea with my breakfast. As far as menu items go, you absolutely have to try their Migas Originales taco, as well as the al pastor.
One of my favorite uniquely Austin experiences has become swimming at Barton Springs. While I don’t go as frequently as I should, I can attest that it is possibly the most healing and nurturing place Austin has to offer, especially in the early morning. Tacos and Barton Springs is a match made in heaven, and one that has become a staple within my mother and I’s relationship. My mother, who is really who I’d refer to as an expert in all things Barton Springs, recommends visiting in the earlier hours, around 8 to 11 a.m. At these times it’s serene and quiet, a fantastic place to reflect or read. If you’re not an early bird, Barton Springs brings great joy at any time, just expect it to be packed past noon in the hotter months. Fun fact, Barton Springs stays at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit year round and while it may feel freezing now, it will feel like a warm bath compared to the brisk winter air come December.
A friend of mine dives into Barton Springs, facing the bone-chilling water head first. Truly the most perfect place to spend a warm summer day.
(Eila Gilkinson / Hilltop Views)
At this point in my day, I’d probably start looking for lunch. This search would bring me straight to Biscuits and Groovy right off South Lamar Boulevard, only a five-minute drive from Barton Springs. Biscuits and Groovy is truly the best meal to warm up a stomach after a frigid plunge in Barton Springs. They offer fresh buttermilk biscuits smothered in white pepper gravy, with all sorts of toppings. I’d recommend The Aretha, a humongous portion of biscuits and gravy, with sausage, bacon, colby jack cheese, pepper and chives.
After this satiating meal, it’s time for a visit to perhaps my most adored place in all of Austin, the Austin Public Library. While close to my heart for many reasons, particularly the many hours as a volunteer I’ve spent there, the Austin Public Library has something for everyone. With a total of six floors, it houses a multitude of study spaces, art galleries, activity offerings and all sorts of books. The best part: It’s entirely free!
To wrap up my day with one last activity before dinner, I’d go for a sunset walk along the Town Lake trail. The trail spanning across the majority of the lake, with a beautiful board walk and views of the downtown skyline is possibly one of the best Austin gems. Bring a friend and enjoy some good exercise in Austin’s perfect intersection of nature and city.
Finally, it’s time for dinner. While Austin is known for its eats, I am a foodie on a budget. People are always shocked when I recommend P. Terry’s, but if you know me, you know I live by their veggie burger. Not only is P. Terry’s one of the cheapest, freshest burgers in Austin, they often do profit shares and raise funds for disaster relief. I eat at P. Terry’s at least once a week and recommend their $3-4 burgers to anyone balling on a budget.
While it differs for everyone, this is my simple – but optimal – day as an Austinite. I encourage you to get out there and find what Austin means to you and what compelling aspect of our city, whether it be the food, music, or culture, calls your name!