This article collects the best date ideas and romantic things to do in Austin for couples based on major travel, blogs, reviews, and social media sites.
There are numerous romantic activities available in Austin. The city’s biggest attractions are listed below, along with ideas for romantic dates. These activities, which range from fine dining to sightseeing throughout the city, are free to attend.
Imagine surprising your loved one with a last-minute trip to Austin?
Imagine what it was like when you two first met.
Bring those emotions to the forefront as you read this article.
Here are 30+ romantic things to do in Austin with your partner.
| I like to travel but also be smart with money. Below are the places where I start my planning with. – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now Links from affiliated brands I like. |
Table of Contents
Outdoor / Adventurous Date Ideas in Austin To Have Fun
Enjoy a picnic in Zilker Park
- Cost: $10/person (ticket)
- Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
- Phone: (512) 974-6700
In Zilker Park, a picnic is a pleasant way to pass the time.
This public park, southwest of downtown Austin, provides panoramic views of the area.
The most remarkable thing about this location is that it is entirely free. This means there is lots of space to roam and thousands of fantastic places to relax and picnic.
Browse the shops on South Congress
- Cost: $5 – $10 (shopping)
- Address: South Congress, Austin, TX
- Phone: N/A
Undoubtedly, SoCo is a classic location for a date night in Austin.
Whether buying local art at Parts and Labor, getting ice cream at Amy’s, taking pictures of the “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s, or just strolling aimlessly hand in hand.
If so, how touristy is it?
Yes, but with the right person, tourism might mean fun.
Recreate Roman Holiday, Texas-style
- Cost: $100 – $500 (ride/rentals)
- Address: 10917 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78747
- Phone: (512) 312-7530
A young princess riding a Vespa through Rome’s ancient alleys with a journalist in her arms is one of the most recognized romantic pictures of the 20th century.
Hire a Vespa for the day, tour downtown Austin, and recreate that sensation with a Texas twist.
The downtown area has many fantastic entertaining, informative, and historical attractions.
You can make your date romantic and adventurous by riding a Vespa from location to location.
Share a sunset cruise and observe the famous Austin bats
- Cost: $200 – $700 (boat rides/cruises)
- Address: 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: (512) 480-9264
“ We were in Austin for a few days and decided a cruise on Lady Bird Lake would be a nice thing to do. The trip was great; the guide provided information about the places we were viewing. It was definitely worth the money. ” – Cindy C
The Congress Avenue bats are among Austin’s most recognizable sights.
You can enjoy a romantic sunset cruise.
The Congress Street bats’ nightly flight can be seen from a prime location aboard one of the several sunset cruises that depart from Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin.
A guided kayak excursion is a new option for individuals with a keen sense of adventure.
Rather than relaxing on a riverboat, you may be part of the event by kayaking underneath the Congress Street bridge just as the bats take off.
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Drive into a nostalgic Austin date
- Cost: $30 – $100 (ticketing)
- Address: 2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
- Phone: (707) 374-8346
Nothing evokes nostalgia like seeing a double feature at a drive-in theater from the front seat.
Austin is home to two local drive-ins, and every night of the week, they show the latest releases and some of your favorite classics.
Don’t forget to share some popcorn (or a milkshake with two straws) for the ultimate romantic touch.
Get underground to enjoy an adventure
- Cost: Free
- Address: 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611
- Phone: (512) 715-9000
“ We did the Wild Cave Tour and loved it. If you feel adventurous then definitely try it. It was educational, challenging, and a lot of fun. Misty was our tour guide and she was fun and patient with our group. ” – Mavis M
One of the distinctive features of the Hill Country landscape is the abundance of limestone caves and caverns.
Longhorn Cavern State Park near Marble Falls and Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown are just a short drive from downtown Austin.
While regular cave excursions are a lot of fun, consider going on an adventurous spelunking trip for a more memorable date.
Hike the Greenbelt for a memorable experience
- Cost: $10/person (ticketing)
- Address: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: (512) 974-6700
“ Fun time in nature. Great exercise, and easy to access. Great for rock hunting, animal sighting, and hiking/biking. ” – Katy S
Austin is renowned for its dedication to preserving the region’s natural beauty, even in the middle of the city.
Branches of the Barton Creek Greenbelt pass by waterfalls, bubbling creeks, and rugged terrain.
The largest branch of the Greenbelt’s approximately twelve miles of trails is seven miles long, so you may trek there at any time of year and discover something new.
You may find mountain bike trails to cover even more ground if you have more courage.
Ride the bike trails
- Cost: Free
- Address: 5200 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78721
- Phone: N/A
You may ride off into the sunset at one of Austin’s many beautiful bike paths, like the Southern Walnut Creek Trail in the East or the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, which skirts the banks of Lady Bird Lake.
If you don’t have a bike of your own, Barton Springs Bike Rental offers bike rentals.
Those who prefer always to be as near as possible even provide tandems.
If you don’t like the outdoors, you may tour Downtown landmarks like the Capital and the Willie Nelson statue by renting one of the city’s Metro bikes.
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Tap into your animal instincts
- Cost: $20/person (ticketing)
- Address: 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636
- Phone: (830) 868-4357
“ What a fun experience for the entire family! We have gone twice now and both tour guides were great! The animals walk right up to the trailer for you to pet and feed. Our 4 year old loved it! Highly recommend and we plan to visit again! ” – Katie H
Take on a drive-through zoo tour at The Exotic Resort in Johnson City to prove to them that you’re the next Steve Irwin.
You can feed animals like antelopes, ostriches, and buffalos approaching your car’s window. You can also drive through the zoo in the socially isolating comfort of your vehicle.
Experience wine tasting in the Hill Country
- Cost: Free
- Address: Austin Texas
- Phone: N/A
The picturesque region of Hill Country is home to numerous wineries. A unique date option in this area is to embark on an Austin wine tasting tour.
You’ll transport to many vineyards throughout this excursion, where you can partake in tastings and buy several bottles.
Additionally, The Salt Lick BBQ serves Texas-style barbecue.
Music, Art, Historic, Cultural Date Ideas in Austin
Get into the rhythm at an outdoor concert
- Cost: $100 – $700 (clubs/concerts)
- Address: 5th, 7th, Lavaca Streets and I-35, Austin, Texas
- Phone: N/A
The Austin music scene comprises all types of music, from contemporary rock to classic country and everything in between.
While many bands perform in the clubs on Sixth Street every night of the week, Austin also offers free concerts every summer.
Every weekend, listen to a variety of music while sitting outside.
Take in the incredible street art of Austin
- Cost: Free
- Address: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: (512) 442-6366
“ I went with a small group tour with Nick our wonderful tour guide from Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour. We all got a selfie taken in front of this Mural. ” – Reena T
Austin is renowned for its eccentric attitude and creative scene.
This resulted in a vibrant and constantly evolving street art community that is wonderful to explore!
Local artists frequently prefer using concrete as their canvas, as evidenced by the government-funded murals and the vibrant and unplanned graffiti exhibitions.
Pick out a couple of the nicest ones and go on a walking tour of Austin’s unique outdoor museum.
Of course, you can’t miss the well-known “I love you so much” or “You’re my butter half” murals when discovering Austin’s romantic side!
Traverse back in history at Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Cost: $13/person (ticketing)
- Address: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 936-8746
“ I love the layout of this museum and the detail of the exhibits. Gift shop is also well designed with quality offers. There is also an Imax theatre with snacks for purchase. ” – Shauna B
Texas has a long history of cultural influences.
One culturally enriching but romantic thing to do in Austin is visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum to learn about Texas history and culture.
For those interested in American history, this is a fascinating location. It is home to a sizable collection of items and relics that date back more than 16,000 years. You must take a day trip to visit here.
The museum’s interactive maps of Texas, Texas history chronology, and art collection must all be visited.
This museum complex occasionally has performances and educational events if you’re lucky. During the busiest times of the year, it is advised to reserve your museum tickets in advance.
Pose for pictures at the Museum of Ice Cream
- Cost: $25 – $95 (ice cream)
- Address: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128, Austin, TX 78758
- Phone: N/A
“ All the people who work there are incredible, they serve you with a lot of love, they are always happy and smiling and their joy is contagious, anyone is willing to help you with your photos and the ice cream is delicious ” – Dyanne R
The Museum of Ice Cream is a quirky attraction in Austin that provides a unique location for a date.
A pool of sprinkles and another adorable pink, white, and red photo backdrops are available at the specialty museum.
After taking many pictures, you can view ice cream-related exhibits and purchase an endless supply of sweets.
Purchase tickets for the Museum of Ice Cream in advance for both of you to assure entry.
Check Out the Blanton Art Museum
- Cost: $12/person (ticketing)
- Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
- Phone: (512) 471-5482
“ We visited the museum for the first time and plan to join. Wonderful collection and we spent hours wandering through the galleries. This will be on our list of places to take visitors. ” – Danelle O
Try the Blanton Art Museum if you like more conventional art.
In addition to the more than 19,000 works in the permanent collection, there are other future exhibitions and activities with a wide range of themes and styles.
Have a dazzling time at Speakeasy
- Cost: $38 – $250 (food/events/music)
- Address: 412 Congress Ave. D, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 476-8017
Few places are as vibrant as Speakeasy Lounge regarding date ideas in Austin.
You’re guaranteed a memorable time with a calendar packed with entertaining musical events and a drink menu that reads like popular literature.
Indoor / Relaxing / Foodies Date Ideas in Austin
Learn the art of Texas barbecue
- Cost: $30 – $220 (food)
- Address: 2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
- Phone: (512) 479-5006
“ Home cooking at Hoover’s. Great desserts too! I haven’t tried the barbecue but sure smells good. Great menu! ” – Vicky M
Even though Texas is home to numerous famous dishes, Austinites highly value the craft of Texas BBQ.
There are plenty of spots around town where you can grab a picnic table with your date. You can get a little dirty while enjoying a rack of ribs or a slab of expertly cooked brisket.
But as they say, if you give a guy a fish, he can eat for a day. However, if you teach him to fish, he can eat for the rest of his life.
Many of the renowned Austin smokehouses provide workshops where true barbecue connoisseurs can master the techniques for seasoning, smoking, and sautéing meat.
An excellent opportunity for a date because you may indulge in an authentic Texas delicacy after learning about its preparation.
Try a new wine, or two
- Cost: $150 – $290 (wine tasting)
- Address: 440 E St Elmo Rd A1, Austin, TX 78745
- Phone: (512) 326-1445
“ My boyfriend and I did a wine tasting. It was amazing. The wine is so smooth it just goes right down. We loved it so much we got two bottles for the hotel room! We got to try a red wine he just released as well that was delish! I would definitely come back here. ” – Brie Valentino
Texas wineries have been around for a while, but in the last few years, they have produced some unique vintages.
There are local Hill Country wineries all across Austin. You can spend an afternoon taking in the sights of grape fields and sampling a variety of whites and reds.
Wine tasting establishments take pride in choosing the top regional wines if you wish to stay near the city center.
The highest quality wines the Hill Country offers are available for your enjoyment.
Embark on a taco crawl through Austin
- Cost: $11 – $100 (food)
- Address: 1210 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
- Phone: (512) 701-8287
Texas loves its Tex-Mex cuisine, and Austin is particularly serious about its taco culture.
A fun date idea is to pick a few prominent local Austin eateries, sample a few of their most well-liked tacos, and then sit down with your date to determine which is the city’s top taco.
A wonderful Austin taco crawl can include stops at Veracruz, Juan in a Million, Las Trancas, and Tacodeli, just a few of the tried-and-true faves.
Get fancy at an upscale sushi joint
- Cost: $15 – $90 (food)
- Address: 2600 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
- Phone: (737) 931-7584
Enjoy a sumptuous 17-course tasting menu at the gorgeous Austin restaurant Sushi | Bar.
You are seated right in front of the chefs as they create a menu of expertly crafted and utterly exquisite omakase-style dishes in the small venue, which only has three seats each night.
From buttery, citrus-spiked bluefin tuna to Japanese yellowtail with sweet corn pudding and sourdough breadcrumbs, you’ll want to jump for excitement with each tasty plate—not to mention each delicious sake pairing provided by an on-site sake sommelier.
Get yourself pampered at a spa
- Cost: $55 – $300 (Spa)
- Address: 11601 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
- Phone: (512) 361-2558
Unbelievably, attending a spa for a relaxing day is an everyday activity in Austin.
A soothing massage package is available at the Viva Day Spa so that you may reenergize.
People frequently visit this place because of its top-notch services and treatments, which is why it has been named the best spa in Austin.
Visit them for facials, luxurious pedicures, couples massages, and much more.
Active and Youthful Date Ideas in Austin
Let your heart race at high speeds
- Cost: $35/person/10 mins (race)
- Address: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
- Phone: (512) 655-6301
Austin, Texas, has one of the country’s top Formula 1 race tracks.
Significant races are held at Circuit of the Americas throughout the year, which may genuinely pump up the adrenaline on an exciting date.
When there aren’t any scheduled races, you can burn some rubber on the track yourself if you choose to participate rather than watch.
You can race to the finish line on the same track used by some of the top race car drivers in the world, thanks to COTA’s go-karts, which can speed up to 55 mph.
Take a dip at Barton Springs
- Cost: $5 – $10 per person (ticketing)
- Address: Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: (512) 974-6300
The public swimming pools in Austin are one extremely unique (pun intended) feature. They are entirely fueled by nearby natural springs.
Because of the lovely surroundings and cold water, locals and visitors enjoy spending time at pools like Barton Springs all summer.
Splash in the spring water all day, then cap the day with some tacos from a local truck.
Nothing quite captures the essence of Texas summer like a day at the pool with a taco from a food truck.
Hit the lanes with a twist
- Cost: $40 – $230 (bowling + food)
- Address: 501 W 6th St #200, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 992-0707
Traditional bowling has many drawbacks, including The inability to get a clean strike without bumpers, the smell of old cigarette smoke in the lanes, and, most importantly, the disgusting old bowling shoes (because gross).
Bull & Bowl, a restaurant and video gaming festival, will undoubtedly change your opinions of Lebowski’s preferred game. The first duckpin bowling alley in Austin is available at Bull & Bowl.
Duckpin bowling is similar to traditional bowling but uses a smaller ball, shorter lanes, and, as if that weren’t obvious enough, doesn’t require the use of shoes.
Furthermore, you can persuade your date to roll one out even while the big game is playing because of the large TVs above each lane.
Play your heart out at the arcade
- Cost: $5 – $90 (games + food)
- Address: 8940 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
- Phone: (512) 420-8458
Nothing compares to the nostalgia of playing Pac-Man while being able to drink a beer as an adult.
Enjoy their vast assortment of games, including their room of classic pinball machines, in a BYOB-friendly setting at The Original Pinballz Arcade, an Austin institution.
Cidercade, a more recent addition to the South Austin scene, offers unlimited play, pizza, and, as the name implies, a sizable selection of cider on tap.
Go mini-golfing at Peter Pan
- Cost: $8 – $15 (mini golf games)
- Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: (512) 472-1033
When you first arrive at Peter Pan Mini-Golf and see the enormous neon green T.Rex that decorates the front of the course, you’ll realize that this location offers much more than the typical windmill hole-in-ones.
A spectacular outdoor date is created when you combine these elements with the other array of bizarre acid-trip critters that embellish the green and the BYOB ambiance.
And you can bring more than just beer. While they provide clean golf equipment, it is also OK for anyone to display their clubs.
Nature-Inspired Date Ideas in Austin
Watch the sunset from Mount Bonnell
- Cost: Free
- Address: Mount Bonnell, Austin, TX
- Phone: N/A
Since the 1800s, Mount Bonnell has been a traditional Austin location for dates and engagements!
A quick climb up a limestone staircase is all required to reach one of the prettiest views of Austin.
If you plan your visit for sunset and bring some snacks, you’ll be ready to take advantage of one of the most romantic activities in Austin, Texas.
Delight your senses at Umlauf Sculpture Garden
- Cost: $5/person (ticketing)
- Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: (512) 445-5582
If you have an artistic bent, you’ll enjoy a trip to the serene Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, next to Zilker Park.
This art gallery and sculpture park, located in the center of Austin, are a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s busy streets.
A visit to Umlauf’s collection is sure to be memorable.
Get a bird’s eye view of Lake Travis
- Cost: Free
- Address: Lake Travis, Austin, TX
- Phone: N/A
Although Lake Travis is a stunning sight from any angle, why not see the lake from above?
Take on a thrilling ziplining experience across Lake Travis.
Buckle up your harness and enjoy the lake life swinging from platform to platform situated on the banks of one of the most impressive lakes in Texas.
Connect to nature at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
- Cost: Free
- Address: 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
- Phone: (512) 974-6700
Mayfield Park and Nature Reserve are one of the many lovely spots to spend a day outside.
The park, located in West Austin, has walking routes, gardens, ponds, and an old cottage.
This area also has fauna, such as peacocks, turtles, frogs, and songbirds.
Unforgettable Date Experiences in Austin
Take your love to new heights
- Cost: $150 – $1500 (aerial tours)
- Address: 10301 FM 969, Austin, TX 78724
- Phone: (210) 921-2359
There are so many breathtaking vistas in the Austin region, and seeing them from a helicopter can make them even more astonishing.
There is so much to see from the air. This includes flying over the capitol dome and DKR Stadium, admiring all the spring wildflowers, or flying out to Salt Lick for an incredible barbecue plate.
Numerous local businesses offer helicopter excursions, and most let you choose your schedule or, if you’re unsure, pick a pre-existing day trip.
10 BEST Things To Do In Austin | What To Do In Austin
Final Thoughts
Texas’s Austin is a stunning city. The city’s attractions include museums, historic sites, romantic hotels, state parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and renowned restaurants.
The city of Austin will keep you entertained whether you plan to stay a while or are simply passing through.
With so many options, it can be challenging to decide what to do, but hopefully, this list will help get you started.
We hope you will enjoy all the places on this list.
Have a beautiful time in Austin.
Thanks for reading!
| I like to travel but also be smart with money. Below are the places where I start my planning with. – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now Links from affiliated brands I like. |
