Austin is one of those rare cities where you can pack an incredible amount into a single weekend — river tubing through the Texas Hill Country, world-class BBQ, live music every night, and some of the best bars in America. But with so many options, it helps to have a plan. We've built six weekend itineraries for different types of trips — from the classic friend group weekend to couples getaways, family trips, and budget adventures. Each one includes day-by-day schedules, links to our detailed guides, and budget estimates.
The Classic Weekend
Best for: Friend groups, first-time visitors
Estimated budget: $300-500/person
Friday — Arrive & Explore
- 5:00 PM: Check into your hotel or Airbnb
- 6:30 PM: Dinner on Rainey Street. Try Emmer & Rye (Michelin Bib Gourmand) or Banger's (200+ beers, giant patio)
- 9:00 PM: Bar-hop Rainey Street. Half Step for cocktails, Clive Bar for the rooftop, Electric Shuffle for shuffleboard
Saturday — Float Day
- 8:00 AM: Shuttle to San Marcos River for your morning float
- 1:00 PM: Off the river — grab BBQ at Terry Black's (15-min wait, massive beef rib)
- 4:00 PM: Back to hotel, shower, nap (you'll need it)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner on South Congress — Hotel San José bar or a taco crawl
- 9:00 PM: Live music. Continental Club for roots, White Horse for country, or bar-hop 6th Street
Sunday — Brunch & Explore
- 10:00 AM: Brunch on South Congress (June's All Day, Perla's)
- 12:00 PM: Walk South Congress — murals, shopping, "I Love You So Much" wall
- 2:00 PM: Optional: swim at Barton Springs Pool ($5-9, 68°F year-round)
- 4:00 PM: Head home with a perfect Austin weekend in the books
Bachelor Party Weekend
Best for: The groom's crew, ages 25–40
Estimated budget: $400-700/person
We wrote the definitive Bachelor Party Tubing Guide with a full day-by-day itinerary. The highlights: Saturday morning float on San Marcos, BBQ lunch at Terry Black's, afternoon at a brewery, then a 6th Street bar crawl. Friday night starts on Rainey Street, Sunday wraps with brunch and a round of golf or a lake day on Lake Travis. Read the full guide for logistics, group booking tips, and the best bachelor-friendly spots.
Bachelorette Weekend
Best for: The bride's crew, brunch & float vibes
Estimated budget: $400-700/person
Our Bachelorette Party Tubing Guide maps out the perfect weekend. The vibe: matching swimsuits on the river, rosé at Rainey Street, live music on South Congress. Saturday is float day with photo ops and river snacks, then cocktails at Half Step and dancing at Rainey Street. Sunday: boozy brunch at Perla's on South Congress. Read the full guide for all the Instagram-worthy details.
Couples Getaway
Best for: Romantic weekends, anniversaries
Estimated budget: $400-600/person
Friday — Hill Country Evening
- 5:00 PM: Check in to a boutique hotel (Hotel San José or South Congress Hotel)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Emmer & Rye on Rainey Street (Michelin Green Star, farm-to-table dim sum carts)
- 9:30 PM: Cocktails at Half Step, then a nightcap at Hotel San José's courtyard bar
Saturday — Float & Wine
- 9:00 AM: Drive to Wimberley (~45 min) for a relaxed Blanco River float
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the Wimberley Town Square (The Leaning Pear, Jobell Café)
- 3:00 PM: Hill Country vineyard tour — Duchman Family Winery or Jester King Brewery
- 7:00 PM: Back in Austin — dinner at Uchi (James Beard-winning Japanese) or Launderette
Sunday — Slow Morning
- 10:00 AM: Brunch at Josephine House (West Austin, garden patio)
- 12:00 PM: Walk Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk or kayak on Lady Bird Lake
- 2:00 PM: Depart
Family Weekend
Best for: Families with kids ages 5+
Estimated budget: $250-400/person
Saturday — Float & Explore
- 9:00 AM: Family float on the Comal River in New Braunfels — the gentlest river, perfect for kids, spring-fed 72°F year-round
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Gruene General Store (sandwiches, ice cream, old-school charm)
- 2:30 PM: Explore Gruene Historic District — Gruene Hall (oldest dance hall in Texas, often has free afternoon shows)
- 4:00 PM: Optional: Schlitterbahn Waterpark (right in New Braunfels, half-day is plenty)
Sunday — Austin Day
- 10:00 AM: Swim at Deep Eddy Pool (spring-fed, shallow wading area for kids, free-$5)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Torchy's Tacos (kid-friendly, fun menu) or Veracruz All Natural
- 2:00 PM: Zilker Park — playground, Zilker Zephyr train, or walk to Barton Springs
Budget Weekend
Best for: College groups, budget-conscious travelers
Estimated budget: $150-250/person
Saturday — Free & Cheap Fun
- 9:00 AM: DIY swim/hike at Barton Creek Greenbelt (free, multiple swimming holes along the trail)
- 12:00 PM: Cheap eats — food truck lunch on East Austin (Veracruz All Natural, Pueblo Viejo, $8–12)
- 2:00 PM: Free activity: walk the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail (10 miles, stunning views), Texas State Capitol tour (free), or South Congress window shopping
- 5:00 PM: Happy hour at a dive bar (The Jackalope on 6th, cheap drinks, pool tables)
- 8:00 PM: Free live music on 6th Street — bar-hop between free shows all night
Sunday — River Day
- 9:00 AM: Hit the San Marcos River for the most affordable float trip ($30-50/person)
- 1:00 PM: Post-float tacos (Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ — brisket tacos under $5)
- 3:00 PM: Head home
No matter which itinerary you choose, the first step is the same: pick your river. The river fills up on weekends, especially during Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. Plan early and build the rest of your weekend around it.