As the capital of Texas, Austin is brimming with nature, food, art, and music. So, what better way to hit the highlights than with a day trip?

It’s filled with local hidden gems. And after an exciting day on the road, your villa at Wild Oak Ranch is the icing on the cake, where you can relax in comfort.

From breakfast to dinner and beyond, Austin checks the boxes on your day trip itinerary^*. 

A good itinerary should start with the most important meal of the day: breakfast! Breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural are an Austin staple. There are multiple locations around town, so visit whichever is closest. 

The South Austin go-to location is Radio Coffee & Beer which also offers an inviting patio. Get the migas tacos, with tortilla chips, poblano pepper, red onion, black beans, queso fresco, and avocado. When you pair it with a freshly pressed juice, you’ll be ready to greet the day.

With plenty of morning ahead, there are several great options to enjoy a little water and fitness. Take a dip in the chilly natural waters of Barton Springs — it’s the ultimate respite from Austin’s many hot days. Surrounded by rolling green lawns dotted with towering pecan trees, this spring-fed pool is one of the area’s naturally beautiful spaces. It’s often called the soul of the city.

Or get out on Lady Bird Lake (or Town Lake, to the locals), a reservoir on the Colorado River that divides downtown and South Austin. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from the Rowing Dock or Austin Rowing Club. The view of the skyline from the lake is Instagram-perfect.

Next, head to nearby Zilker Park and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. As the city’s premier green space, it features 351 acres of grass for picnicking, disc golf, and biking. It’s also the site of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Located in the park, the Umlauf includes more than 2,000 drawings and 273 sculptures by notable American sculptor Charles Umlauf.

Visit South Congress Avenue. This lively district offers a host of upscale vintage shops, boutiques, and high-end chains. If you need a break from your retail exploration, wander into the leafy courtyard at the Hotel San Jose for a frosé cocktail by the pool. And for lunch, a couple of favorites include Fresca’s, on South First Street, serving wood-grilled Mexican dishes. For vegetarian and vegan options, Bouldin Creek Café is popular.

Explore the downtown museum hub with these favorites:
 

• Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is home to one of the biggest campus art museums in the country.
• Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates Mexican and Mexican-American fine art.
• The Bullock Texas State History Museum is known as the official history museum of Texas.

As evening approaches, catch the sunset from Mount Bonnell, one of the city’s highest points. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of downtown and the 360 Bridge. Then head to one of these popular local spots for dinner:

• Suerte serves upscale, authentic Mexican fare. 
• La Barbecue boasts some of the most mouthwatering brisket and ribs in town. 
• Justine’s is a French-style, late-night brasserie with a fun cabaret vibe.

From any of these restaurants, you’ll be ideally situated to experience the local music scene on the East Side and the Red River Cultural District. Whirl around the dance floor at the White Horse, an iconic honky-tonk that offers two-step lessons at 7 PM Thursday through Saturday (Check with the venue for the most up-to-date schedule). Then end your perfect day — and night — with a show at the Mohawk, one of the most enduring live music venues in Austin.
 

Make Wild Oak Ranch your home base to enjoy natural, historic, and modern attractions.

Unwind in the 800-foot lazy river, outdoor heated pool, and hot tubs.

Relish tasty casual lunch and dinner options for the family at J.B.’s Poolside Restaurant, serving casual cuisine. It’s perfect if you just want to relax with a refreshing cocktail, too. Seating is available indoors and out. 

Or experience culinary greatness while visiting San Antonio, one of only two cities in the U.S. designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy.

Take the kids to the playground, play volleyball and shuffleboard, pitch some horseshoes, or explore the nature trail.

Justine Harrington is a writer based in Austin, Texas. You'll find her byline in dozens of publications, including Travel+Leisure, Fodor’s, TripSavvy, and Southern Living. She's also the co-author of guidebooks for Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness.

Book your trip to Texas for culinary surprises in San Antonio, designated as a "City of Creative Gastronomy,” and take a day trip to Austin for shopping, art, and culture.

^* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.