Austin in a Day — SoCo, Lady Bird Lake, Topgolf & Live Music (Friends Edition)
A fun, vibrant 1-day loop made for groups of friends: espresso and SoCo murals, an active paddle on Lady Bird Lake, a lively food-hall lunch, Topgolf for playful competition, then beer-garden dinner and classic Austin live music. October weather (mild autumn) makes outdoor time perfect.
Highlights
- SoCo shopping & murals
- Kayak on Lady Bird Lake
- Topgolf group session
- Banger's beer garden + live music
- Classic Austin night at The Continental Club
Itinerary
Day 1
One energetic day in Austin optimized for groups of friends: coffee and stroll in SoCo, paddling on Lady Bird Lake, lunch at a downtown food hall, playful competition at Topgolf, then dinner and live music along Rainey Street and South Congress.
Morning coffee & breakfast — Jo's Coffee (South Congress)
Kick off with strong coffee, breakfast tacos or pastries at Jo's, then step outside for the iconic 'I love you so much' mural — great for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Grab a communal table on the patio so your crew can spread out and people-watch — Jo's is lively but seats turn over quickly.
- Order multiple breakfast tacos to share and split the bill via one card or Venmo after — Jo's is cashless at some kiosks.
- The mural is on the east wall; get there early (before 10am) to avoid long photo lines and catch softer morning light.
Explore South Congress (SoCo) — murals, vintage shops & quick shopping
Walk SoCo's lively strip — boutiques, record stores, and street murals. Perfect for window-shopping, vintage finds, and grabbing a group photo or two.
Tips from local experts:
- Map a short route (Jo's → Allen's Boots → Lucy in Disguise → South Congress Books) so the group stays together and you hit favorites efficiently.
- Most shops accept cards but bring small cash for vintage stalls; check door times — some boutiques open later on Sundays.
- If someone wants to sit out, the courtyard seating at Cafe No Se offers shade and a good regroup spot for the crew.
Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake — Rowing Dock
Rent kayaks or SUPs for a 90–120 minute paddle on calm waters with skyline views. A playful, active group activity that's classic Austin.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve tandem kayaks or a few single kayaks ahead for groups of 4–6 to ensure you launch together; Rowing Dock offers online reservations.
- Wear quick-dry clothes and bring a small dry bag; there's a bench area to stash a dry phone if needed and restrooms nearby.
- Plan to paddle clockwise under the Congress Ave Bridge for the best skyline views; bring sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen for midday.
Lunch at Fareground Austin — downtown food hall
A group-friendly food hall with a range of choices (BBQ, tacos, ramen, veggie). Grab varied plates and reconvene at a large table upstairs.
Tips from local experts:
- Head upstairs to the communal seating area to secure a big table for your group — it's easier to consolidate orders and split costs there.
- Pick vendors with quick prep for shorter waits; order an assortment to share family-style (great for groups who want to sample).
- Check the schedule — Weekends can have live DJs; aim for 1pm for a slightly quieter period if you want to avoid peak lines.
Short chill break at Zilker Park — relax & recharge
A quick 30–45 minute break to relax on the grass, rehydrate, and change if needed. Zilker's open lawn is ideal after paddling.
Tips from local experts:
- Find shade near the Zilker Botanical Garden entrance to avoid the noon sun; it's an easy meetup spot if someone runs late.
- Use this time to reapply sunscreen and switch into dry clothes after kayaking — public restrooms and water fountains are nearby.
- If anyone wants more energy, a quick frisbee or card game on the lawn keeps the vibe playful without over-committing to a long activity.
Transfer — rideshare to Topgolf (allow buffer for Austin traffic)
Short rideshare or drive to Topgolf; leaving a 30-minute buffer helps avoid rush-hour delays and lines.
Tips from local experts:
- Request multiple ride apps and split into two cars if your group is 5–6 to avoid long waits for one large vehicle.
- Set pickup near the park entrance to avoid congestion on Barton Springs Road — it's an easy landmark for drivers.
- Consider ordering a single pooled fare and splitting costs via Venmo to keep things simple for the group.
Playful competition — Topgolf Austin (group bays)
Reserve a bay for friendly competition: golf games for all skill levels, music, and bar food — perfect for groups of friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a bay in advance for a 60–120 minute session; request an outdoor bay if you want more lively music and atmosphere.
- Topgolf tabs are easy to split — ask the server to run tabs per bay or per person to simplify payments later.
- Order sharable appetizers and pitchers to keep the energy up; bays usually have outlets for phone charging and space to stash bags.
Dinner — Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden (Rainey Street)
Casual, big tables, sausages, great beer selection, and frequent live acts — a lively Austin dinner spot built for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a large table early; Banger's has communal picnic-style seating that’s great for groups of 4–8 and energetic conversation.
- Try the sausage sampler and split a couple of apps — they have big shareable plates and a rotating tap list to taste together.
- Arrive before peak (around 7pm) or be prepared for a short wait; Rainey Street is very walkable if you want to pop into other spots after dinner.
Classic Austin night — The Continental Club (live music)
End the night at this iconic live-music venue on South Congress; intimate shows and an authentic Austin vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the show's age limit and buy tickets in advance if a headline act is playing; smaller shows sometimes have door-only seating.
- Expect to stand during peak sets; if your group needs seating, arrive early to claim a booth or ask the door host about space for groups.
- Use rideshare to get back to your lodging — the area can have limited parking and heavy nightlife foot traffic late at night.
