Ultimate Austin & San Antonio Travel Guide: Explore Texas Affordably

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Texas as we share our comprehensive travel guide to two of its most vibrant cities: Austin and San Antonio. From Austin’s legendary live music scene and incredible culinary delights to San Antonio’s rich historical tapestry and charming River Walk, these destinations offer a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. What’s even better? We discovered that experiencing the best of both cities can be surprisingly affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic Texas experience. Join us as we revisit our favorite spots, uncover hidden gems, and share practical tips to make your trip planning effortless.

While this article provides a detailed written account, for an even deeper dive into our personal experiences and stories, you can listen to our podcast episode discussing these Texas adventures. Find it on your favorite platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Stitcher
• TuneIn Radio

Alternatively, you can enjoy the episode right here on our website. For those who prefer to read, we’ve also made a full podcast transcript available. Simply click here to open it in a new window and read at your leisure.

Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our content creation.

Austin, Texas: Live Music, Outdoor Fun, and Culinary Delights

Our return to Austin, the state capital of Texas, only solidified its reputation as a fantastic travel destination. Known for its vibrant “Keep Austin Weird” culture, incredible live music scene, and an abundance of outdoor activities, Austin truly offers something for everyone. From exploring urban green spaces to savoring world-class BBQ and Tex-Mex, you’ll find that the city lives up to its hype.

Discovering Austin’s Outdoor Wonders: Ladybird Lake & Zilker Park

One of our favorite experiences in Austin was strolling along the glorious boardwalk that hugs Ladybird Lake in downtown Austin. This picturesque pathway is a vital part of the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, an impressive 10-mile loop that circles the lake. The boardwalk itself stretches for over a mile, gracefully connecting the shore paths on both sides, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the tranquil water. It’s an ideal spot for walking, jogging, or biking, and you’ll see locals and tourists alike enjoying the fresh air and scenic beauty. The trail is meticulously maintained, making it accessible for all fitness levels and a fantastic way to experience Austin’s commitment to green spaces.

Beyond the trail, Ladybird Lake is a hub for outdoor recreation, popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. It provides a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city, demonstrating Austin’s unique ability to blend urban life with natural beauty.

Adjacent to Ladybird Lake is Zilker Metropolitan Park, often referred to as Austin’s most loved park. This expansive urban oasis spans over 350 acres and offers a plethora of activities. From vast open lawns perfect for picnics and frisbee to playgrounds for children, Zilker Park is a true community gathering spot. Within the park, you’ll find the iconic Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming pool with waters consistently around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a refreshing retreat year-round and a must-visit for anyone looking to cool off or simply enjoy a unique Austin landmark. We highly recommend spending at least a few hours exploring the diverse offerings of Zilker Park.

Our Austin Accommodation: A Cozy Airbnb Experience

During our stay, we opted for an Airbnb apartment that proved to be both comfortable and perfectly located. The Barton Springs Flat offered a fantastic base for our Austin explorations. The photo above from Airbnb showcases the inviting main living area, but the apartment also featured a pleasant bedroom, a beautifully tiled bathroom, and the invaluable convenience of a washer and dryer – a real lifesaver for travelers on longer trips. Its strategic location meant easy access to many of Austin’s attractions, including Barton Springs Road, which is known for its eateries and proximity to Zilker Park. We wholeheartedly recommend this particular Airbnb for its comfort, amenities, and excellent location. It’s worth noting that there’s also a downstairs flat available in the same building, providing two excellent options for visitors.

If you’re new to Airbnb, you can use this referral link to get $40 off a home booking of $75 or more and $15 off an experience of $50 or more, making your first stay even more affordable.

Thrifting in Austin: A Unique Shopping Adventure

Austin is also a haven for those who love thrifting and vintage finds. The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” ethos extends to its shopping scene, with numerous thrift stores offering unique treasures. We particularly enjoyed visiting Texas Thrift, which stood out for its vast selection and reasonable prices. Thrifting in Austin isn’t just about finding a bargain; it’s an experience that reflects the city’s eclectic style and commitment to sustainability. You can uncover anything from vintage clothing and quirky home decor to books and records, making it a fun activity that’s kind to your wallet.

For more insights into our passion for thrift store shopping and tips on what to look for, you might enjoy our podcast episode dedicated to the topic.

San Antonio: History, Culture, and the Iconic River Walk

Just a short drive down the interstate from Austin, San Antonio offers a dramatically different yet equally captivating experience. Steeped in history and rich with cultural heritage, San Antonio is perhaps best known as the home of The Alamo and its enchanting River Walk. We found this city to be another surprisingly affordable destination, with many key attractions offering free admission or low costs, allowing for a deep dive into its past without breaking the bank.

The Alamo: A Shrine to Texas Liberty

No visit to San Antonio is complete without paying homage to The Alamo. The top-left photo depicts the revered front facade of this historic mission and fortress. While this iconic structure is immediately recognizable, the grounds behind and to the sides encompass a much larger complex of buildings, gardens, and exhibits that tell the compelling story of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. It’s a powerful experience to walk the hallowed grounds where so much Texas history unfolded. Be sure to explore beyond the chapel to truly understand the sacrifices made during the fight for Texan independence. (A quick note: during our recording, we mispronounced Jim Bowie’s name – it should be BOO-ie. Now we know, and so do you!)

The San Antonio Missions: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Just a few miles outside the city center, you’ll find a series of Spanish colonial missions dating back to the early 1700s. These incredible structures form the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This collection of missions offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s colonial past, showcasing the enduring legacy of Spanish influence in Texas.

The other two photos above feature Mission San Jose, which quickly became my favorite among those we visited (though I mistakenly referred to it as Mission San Juan during our podcast, oops!). Mission San Jose is often called “Queen of the Missions” due to its magnificent architecture and well-preserved structures, including its impressive rose window. It’s an active parish, offering a unique blend of historical preservation and ongoing spiritual life.

In addition to The Alamo and Mission San Jose, the World Heritage Site includes three other remarkable missions: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. Each mission possesses its own unique charm and historical significance. The best part? All of these missions are free to visit and continue to function as active churches, allowing visitors to experience living history. We highly recommend dedicating a day to explore these treasures, whether by car, bike along the Mission Reach of the River Walk, or by taking advantage of the local bus service.

The San Antonio River Walk: A Unique Urban Oasis

The San Antonio River Walk, or Paseo del Río, is truly a marvel and one of the city’s most beloved attractions. We absolutely adored our time there. This network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the streets, is lined with charming restaurants, shops, hotels, and vibrant landscaping. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city above, perfect for a leisurely stroll day or night.

A highlight of the River Walk experience is taking a Go Rio River Cruise. These narrated boat tours provide an entertaining and informative way to learn about the history of the River Walk and its surrounding landmarks. It’s a fantastic way to get oriented and see the city from a different perspective. Evenings on the River Walk are particularly magical, with the lights reflecting on the water and the sounds of mariachi music drifting from restaurants.

For dining, we enjoyed a wonderful and reasonably priced meal at Casa Rio, an iconic establishment overlooking the river. The top photo with Brian shows the restaurant’s famous colorful umbrellas shading tables right along the water – a signature sight on the River Walk. When you visit Casa Rio’s website, you’ll immediately see more images of these festive umbrellas, perfectly capturing the vibrant atmosphere.

What’s Cooking: Austin & San Antonio’s Best Eats

Both Austin and San Antonio are culinary powerhouses, especially when it comes to Tex-Mex and BBQ. Here are some of the fantastic places we ate at, and highly recommend:

Austin’s Food Scene: From Tacos to BBQ

• Breakfast Tacos: A quintessential Austin experience! We discovered incredible breakfast tacos at a local food truck just around the corner from our Airbnb on Barton Springs Road, near S Lamar Blvd. Austin’s food truck scene is legendary, offering an incredible array of culinary delights. Don’t leave Austin without trying at least one breakfast taco – they are truly a local institution.
• Torchy’s Tacos: While known for their creative and delicious tacos, Torchy’s is also famous for having the best Green Chili Queso. It’s a creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive dip that’s perfect with their fresh tortilla chips. A visit to Austin is incomplete without a stop here.
• El Alma: For a more upscale yet still vibrant Tex-Mex experience, we loved El Alma. Their happy hour appetizers, pictured on the bottom row of the food collage, were outstanding. The rooftop patio offers fantastic views of the city, making it a wonderful spot for an evening meal or drinks.
• Taco Joint: Another excellent choice for delicious and authentic tacos. Taco Joint offers a wide variety of fillings, from traditional al pastor to unique vegetarian options, all served in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
• Austin BBQ: You can’t visit Texas without indulging in some world-class barbecue. While Franklin BBQ often has legendary lines, we found equally incredible options at Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and Terry Black’s Barbecue. Both offer mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and sausages, served up in classic Texas style. Be prepared for generous portions!
• Sandy’s Burgers & Frozen Custard: For a taste of classic Americana, head to Sandy’s Burgers & Frozen Custard. It’s a nostalgic spot offering simple, delicious burgers and thick, creamy frozen custard – perfect for a casual lunch or a sweet treat.

Travel Smarter: Our Favorite Finds for Easier Journeys

Beyond exploring the sights and savoring the flavors, we’re always on the lookout for products that make travel a little smoother and more comfortable. Here are two “really cool” finds that have significantly improved our travel experiences:

Brian’s Pick: Compression Socks for Air Travel

Brian’s essential: Compression socks have become a game-changer for air travel, especially on longer flights. They work by applying gentle pressure to your legs, which helps improve blood circulation and reduces the risk of swelling, tingling, and discomfort often associated with extended periods of sitting. We’ve found that wearing them makes a significant difference in how energetic and refreshed we feel upon arrival, minimizing the usual fatigue and leg aches. If you’re prone to swollen ankles or just want to feel better after a flight, we highly recommend giving these a try.

Jami’s Pick: The Travelon Classic Essential Messenger Bag

Jami’s essential: The Travelon Classic Essential Messenger Bag (which is a crossbody bag/purse, though I didn’t specify ‘purse’ in our podcast!) is the travel companion I’ve been searching for for years. Its design is brilliant: it remains sleek and flat enough to be unobtrusive while wearing, yet it boasts an incredible capacity to hold a lot of essentials. I was particularly impressed that it could even fit my water bottle, which is often a challenge with other travel bags. You can actually see me using it in the photo above, taken during our walk along San Antonio’s Riverwalk! Beyond its generous space, Travelon bags are known for their anti-theft features, including slash-resistant material, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets, providing crucial peace of mind when exploring new cities. While the exact style I got might vary, these bags are a fantastic investment for any traveler seeking security and convenience.

Thank you for joining us on this virtual tour of Austin and San Antonio! We hope these tips inspire your next Texas adventure. If you enjoyed this content, please consider sharing it with your friends, subscribing to our podcast on your preferred platform, and leaving us a review – your support helps other travelers discover our resources.

Have a question or an idea for a future podcast episode? Feel free to call us at (541) 658-0215 to leave a voicemail, and we might just discuss it on air!

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