What Can Couples Do in Austin, TX?
Austin is a great city to explore solo or with friends, but it’s also the perfect place for couples. With cozy restaurants, fun outdoor recreation, and plenty of events happening all year long, you won’t need to leave the city for a romantic day or night out. If you’re on the hunt for fun things to do in Austin for couples, this list contains everything you need.
Related: Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
Date Night Ideas for Couples in Austin
Restaurants
- J. Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse (Downtown): For a truly special night out, don your best outfit and head to J Carver’s for raw oysters, grilled fish, and prime shellfish. With an extensive wine list and private dining rooms available, couples should reserve this spot for a celebration or important event rather than a regular weekly outing.
- Birdie’s (Chestnut): Date night doesn’t always need to be fancy. When you want a casual spot with great food, Birdie’s hits the spot. This self-described “scrappy family-run business” serves a solid menu of steak, pasta, and fish without the fuss of cloth napkins and pristine table service. Tables are first come, first served, so grab a spot in line and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum (Clarksville): A great date night starts with a good vibe, and Lin Asian Bar provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate and exciting meal. Lin prides itself on offering traditional Chinese fare made from fresh ingredients. They offer limited Dim Sum on weekdays, and a full Dim Sum spread is available on Sundays for a daytime date.
Bars
- Garage (Downtown): Although it’s inside – you guessed it – a garage, this bar provides an intimate spot to grab a quiet, upscale drink and a small bite to eat. Nestled in a parking garage on Colorado Street, the interior transports you to a refined atmosphere with drinks to match.
- Lucille’s (Rainey Street): Looking for a casual day bar for a laid-back date? This charming space offers plenty of shaded dog-friendly seating outdoors and ample on-site recreation. Lounge in a hammock, play a game, and enjoy one of the many cold local beers on tap.
- Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar (Chestnut): Break away from the crowd and grab a quiet drink in this speakeasy-style bar, complete with romantic low lighting, burning candles, and a cozy outdoor patio. While the menu leans heavily on agave, you can also try a flight of mezcal or grab a daiquiri or margarita.
Nighttime Activities and Attractions
- Esther’s Follies (Downtown): This comedy club stages it all – political satire, magic, music, and more. Nobody is spared from becoming the target of the modern-day vaudeville troupe’s sketches and musical numbers, including political parties, current events, and even members of the audience. Grab tickets for you and your date if you’re up for a laugh.
- The Broken Spoke (South Lamar): An Austin mainstay, The Broken Spoke has been one of the city’s most notable dance halls since opening in 1964. Come for dinner and stay for two-step and swing dance lessons Wednesday through Saturday nights from 8 to 9 p.m. The dance hall opens at 7:15 p.m. when you can two-step your way through the crowd or enjoy watching old-timers show off their skills. Plus, history buffs will love the memorabilia.
- Cheer Up Charlie’s (Financial District): When you want anything but a quiet date night, hit the floor at this crowded disco dance club. One of Austin’s most popular LGBTQ+ hang-outs, Cheer Up Charlie’s puts on drag shows, music theme nights, and queer celebrations. Grab a cocktail or kombucha at the bar and dance the night away with your date and a jam-packed floor of fellow dancers.
Ideas for Daytime Outings for Couples
Brunch & Lunch Restaurants
- The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen (Downtown): With a huge menu of fresh ingredients and allergen-friendly meals, The Grove is a great spot to grab lunch. Ranging from pasta to seafood to salads to pizza, their menu lists plenty of options. Want to stick around and turn lunch into afternoon drinks? Peruse the extensive wine list, and you’ll find plenty of sippable drinks to linger over.
- Jack Allen’s Kitchen (Oak Hill): This spot is known for its decadent Southwestern brunch, with a range of tacos, burgers, salads, and hearty breakfast options like eggs benedict. Portions are Texas-sized, so don’t hesitate to share with your date. Brunch drinks flow until 3 p.m. on weekends, including mimosas, bellinis, sangria, and a Southwest-inspired bloody mary made with chile-infused vodka.
- Perla’s (Bouldin Creek): Looking for a fancier weekend brunch option? Couples will enjoy lingering over seafood entrees at Perla’s. Dishes range from simple market options (scallops, tuna, pawns, and more), to gumbo, shrimp and grits, a lobster omelet, and much more. Dine indoors or outdoors on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Austin Attractions for Couples
- Barton Creek Greenbelt: With over 13 miles of trails winding through the city, the Greenbelt ranks as one of the top-rated hiking spots in all of Texas. Start at Zilker Park near Barton Springs Pool and enjoy a flat, paved path for about a mile before breaking off and eventually passing the steep cliffs at Sculpture and Twin Falls.
- Peter Pan Mini Golf: Displaying notable Peter Pan and T-Rex statues, this old-school mini golf spot has been a fixture in Austin since 1948. No reservations are necessary – just show up and play! Turn a mini-golf outing into a fun night out when you bring your own cooler and beverages of choice. Just keep in mind that the facility doesn’t allow glass.
- Historic Walking Tours: Drop by the Austin Visitor Center to book a guided walking tour, or pick up a brochure and make your own tour. Guided options include a Downtown tour West of 6th Avenue where you can spot Victorian homes and other architectural styles, or a Downtown Sights, Old and New tour along lower Congress Avenue and surrounding areas.
Fun Events & Activities in Austin for Couples
- Dinner and a Movie at Alamo Drafthouse: Pick up tickets to a new or classic movie and enjoy a full-course menu of entrees, sides, and warm chocolate chip cookies right from your seat. With a solid menu of craft cocktails and draft beers, the drink menu really puts the “draft” in Drafthouse.
- Explore Lady Bird Lake: Take in the city skyline from Lady Bird Lake. Plenty of rental companies offer stand up paddleboards, kayaks, or paddle boats for you and your significant other. You’ll see fellow paddlers spending leisurely afternoons meandering up and down the lake’s shores and chillin’ on beach areas along the way.
- Austin City Limits Festival: Plan ahead for a full weekend of music at the best venues in Austin. Every October, thousands of visitors descend on Austin for more than 100 performances and incredible food vendors. Get your calendar ready and buy tickets far in advance for the ultimate weekend date in Austin.
Weekend Getaways for Couples
San Antonio, TX
A short 1.5-hour drive away, San Antonio makes a worthy couples getaway, especially if you love history. Don’t miss the Alamo and one of the four Spanish colonial missions, all of which have been designated as World Heritage Sites. The bustling River Walk is a perfect evening activity, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from. While there, don’t miss the chance to sample authentic Tex-Mex Mi Tierra or La Fonda on Main.
Fredericksburg, TX
Known for its German heritage and wineries, Fredericksburg is a charming getaway within a few hours of Austin. Consider a stay at the quaint Hoffman Haus bed and breakfast, sample wine at Grape Creek Vineyards, and don’t miss the shops on Main Street. Nearby, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers stunning views of the Hill Country, or you can enjoy flower gardens at Wildseed Farms. A stay in Fredericksburg isn’t complete without sampling German fare. Try Otto’s for an authentic meal.
Live Near All of These Fun Things to Do in Austin for Couples
With this extensive list of Austin attractions for couples, you’ll have plenty of options for future dates. No more wondering what couples can do in Austin! With so many fun things to do in Austin, it’s easy to want to call this city home. If you’re ready to make the jump, let us help you find the best luxury apartments for free.
