There’s just so much to explore it’s impossible to say where anyone should begin. After all, everyone’s different! But, if you pick any spot on this list, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
10. Indulge your inner foodie
Photo: Flickr user m anima, creative commons licensed.
Much to Texans’ chagrin, the modern food truck craze started in California — Los Angeles to be specific. But that doesn’t mean Texas, specifically Austin, can’t do it better. The south side is densely packed with stand-alone food trucks and trailer parks serving up some amazing eats. If you want to offer your date a lot of variety, try the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery, which is anchored by Torchy’s Tacos and surrounded by other eateries. (There’s even ANOTHER trailer park right next door.) Or, if you’re the type who likes to walk after a meal, Ms P’s Electric Cock is amazing and also on South Congress. Hey Cupcake! just happens to be a few blocks away, and what better way to end a date than snacking on an adorable tiny cake?
9. Test your hand-eye coordination at Peter Pan Mini Golf
Photo: Flickr user NabeWise, creative commons licensed.
Miniature golf is a low-key activity where a couple can both perform terribly, yet still have fun. Who cares about the score when you’re making memories? Peter Pan Mini Golf is pushing three quarters of a century in business because it provides relatively inexpensive entertainment that kids from ages 9 to 99 can enjoy. A stroll through Peter Pan shows you the sculpting and painting prowess of local artist Cheryl Latimer who has rejuvenated and added to the cast of whimsical characters.
8. Catch a sugar high at Big Top Candy Shop
Photo: Flickr user Shelley N., creative commons licensed.
Big Top Candy Shop is a sweets lover’s dream. This long, narrow shop in the heart of South Congress offers up thousands of candy options and an old fashioned soda fountain. The shop is playfully decorated in circus memorabilia for you to inspect as you get your fill of candy. This, too, is within walking distance of Ms P’s Electric Cock and a number of other South Congress food trailers, but the real follow up to getting your sugar high is to pop next door to Monkey See, Monkey Do and play around with their diverse collection of toys and fun.
7. Hike through Barton Creek Greenbelt
Photo: Flickr user Brandon Turner, creative commons licensed.
When the weather is nice, cars line the frontage roads around South Highway 360 and MoPac. Hikers, cyclists, rock climbers, and nature lovers flock to this urban forest to experience Austin’s untouched beauty. With more than seven miles of trails, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers plenty of mileage for avid hikers and those who just want a stroll (hand in hand, maybe?) among the foliage.
6. Ride the water at Texas Ski Ranch
Photo: Flickr user OakleyOriginals, creative commons licensed.
Texas Ski Ranch is more of a day-trip kind of date since it is technically in New Braunfels, but well worth the short drive from South Austin. Obviously, the main attraction is water skiing, and whether you’re a beginner or showing off your aquatic skills, TSR has the equipment and open water for you to have a blast. After you’re all tuckered out, you and your date should definitely grab a bite at Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, located at the main entrance to the 70-acre property.
5. Walk through Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Photo: Flickr user Rick McMaster, creative commons licensed.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum displays the work of Charles Umlauf and other contemporary sculptors, and taking in a little culture is always a great date idea, especially if it’s followed by a nice picnic. Umlauf taught at the University of Texas for 40 years and remained an Austinite until his death in 1994. The vision for the garden and museum is to maintain these works of art and present them to the public in “an approachable, accessible and natural setting for the appreciation and display of sculpture.” They’re doing a great job so far.
4. Get drinks at Moontower Saloon
Photo: Flickr user Nan Palmero, creative commons licensed.
Moontower Saloon is a laid-back, adults only hangout at the southern end of Manchaca Road, a little past Slaughter Lane. A few years ago, business owners Josh Bumb and Richard Veregge converted a 1950s ranch house into a neighborhood bar. What they have today fulfills their vision and then some. The place is great for kicking back with an adult beverage and talking all night.
2. Take in the summer musical at Zilker Hillside Theatre
Photo: Flickr user Sanjoy Ghosh, creative commons licensed.
If it’s summer time, the Zilker Hillside Theatre is a perfect date destination. Pack your picnic blanket and snag your patch of lawn early. You can your date can chat before the show as daylight turns to dusk. Then, you can cuddle together as you watch a live musical. Austin is full of talented artsy people, so each production is consistently top-notch.
1. Go all fancy at Trattoria Lisina
Photo via trattorialisina.com.
If you need a really special place to take a certain someone, Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood is just the place. The short drive to Driftwood sets the mood, and the picturesque vineyard locks it in. The traditional Italian food will fill you up just enough to leave room for their gelato. Take a walk around the property afterward and you’re sure to get a goodnight kiss.
Featured photo: Flickr user Rob Bertholf, creative commons licensed.
