We spent a total of three nights in Austin, Texas, and the adventure was nothing short of amazing. The long 8 hour drive from New Orleans was made special as it was Lincoln’s birthday on the same day, June 21. He had two birthday wishes: unlimited tablet time on the ride and a steampunk hat – New Orleans style. We were thrilled to make both wishes come true!
Map of Route Driven from New Orleans to Austin Texas
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Native Southwest Trip: This post is yet another stop along a 38 day journey through the Southwest. Check out the full itinerary!
Arrival in Austin
As we rolled into Austin, a town dear to me since it shares my name, I was eager to explore. Known for its tech sector, green mountainous terrain, and the annual South by Southwest festival, Austin is both eclectic and smart. The city’s motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” promised an exciting adventure.
Camping at McKinney Falls State Park
Our home base was McKinney Falls State Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Austin and close to the airport. This wilderness oasis in the city greeted us with the aromatic scent of mesquite and warm temperatures. It was the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Burgers and Donuts Delight
For our first meal, we headed to Hat Creek Burger Company. The burgers were delicious, and the kids enjoyed the play area. Right next door, we found Voodoo Doughnut, where we indulged in some sweet after-lunch treats. The quirky atmosphere and unique donuts were a hit with everyone.
Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
One of the highlights was kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. For $25 per hour, we rented a tandem kayak and paddled through the serene waters. It was a fun and refreshing way to see the city from a different perspective.
Tex Mex Dinner and Bat Show
Dinner was at World Burrito, where we enjoyed delicious Tex Mex in a Chipotle-style setting. Afterward, we walked just 0.4 miles to catch the famous bat show. From the bridge crossing the river, we watched in awe as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerged at 9:15 PM. The boys stayed up late for this incredible sight.
Noisy but Fun Camping Experience
Our first night at the campground was lively, thanks to our neighboring campers who partied until 1:30 AM. Despite the late-night noise, it was all in good fun and added to the unique experience of our trip.
Brunch with Friends
We had a delightful brunch with friends at a patio-style eatery called Littlefields. We enjoyed Veracruz All Natural tacos, Cookie Rich coffee, and Snoride snow cones. It was the perfect blend of flavors and a great time catching up with friends.
Learning Texas History
During our visit to the Smith Visitor Center, a friendly Texas state ranger shared fascinating insights about Austin. Named after Stephen Austin, the first successful colonizer of the Tejas region, Austin was settled by 300 families. Stephen Austin was later appointed Secretary of State by Sam Houston, the first president of the independent Republic of Texas.
Swimming in Onion Creek
Our final adventure was swimming in Onion Creek at the lower falls of McKinney Falls with Madison and Lincoln. The refreshing water and laid-back vibes made it a perfect way to end our trip. Everyone had a fantastic time enjoying nature and each other’s company.
Our trip to Austin, Texas, was packed with fun, learning, and memorable experiences. From the serene kayaking on Lady Bird Lake to the vibrant nightlife and historical insights, Austin truly lived up to its reputation. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of this wonderful city!
Now off to Carlsbad Caverns!
