There’s no shortage of things to do in Austin for a fantastic night out with your BFFs. Dine on delicious food, enjoy the Great Outdoors, play games, shop, hear live music, toast to each other and more!
Here’s our list of 19 fabulous things to do for your Girls’ Night Out in Austin!
1. Pamper yourselves at a spa
C’mon, you know you all deserve it! So pick one of these great Austin spas for facials, massages, and pedi/manis! Each one of these spas has its own unique offerings and atmosphere for you and the girls to enjoy. A top-rated Austin spa is Milk + Honey where you can enjoy a full array of your favorite treatments, plus they have a salon for hair and makeup services. At Hiatus Spa + Retreat, try a purifying foot soak ritual and their signature hand and foot massage, along with aromatherapy.
If you can manage it, treat yourselves to a weekend at Lake Austin Spa Resort. It’s a luxury wellness retreat with health and wellness programs, spa treatments, and recreational activities in a peaceful and beautiful natural setting. Plus you can use the heated outdoor pool! Then dine at the resort’s restaurant that serves healthy and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
2. Bring out your inner Veronica Mars
Is your circle of friends filled with mystery fans? Any of them who wanted to be Nancy Drew when she was growing up? Playing an escape room at The Escape Game Austin gives you an exciting way to unleash your inner sleuths! With just 60 minutes, you’ll have to put your heads together to solve riddles, crack codes, and decipher clues to find a way out of one of five themed escape rooms. Art lovers will love The Heist. You must recover a priceless Monet from the evil museum curator turned thief!
In Classified, you and your fellow military personnel are sent on a covert mission to stop a major international attack. In Prison Break, the most difficult game, you've got to sneak to the warden’s office and back if you want to escape from a 1950s jail cell in time. For a light-hearted time, complete all your assignments in Playground, or you’ll be stuck in school for the summer! Scramble to find a hidden stash of gold in Gold Rush!
Before or after your amazing escape room experience, dine at near restaurants like Moonshine Grill, Iron Works Barbecue, and Cafe Blue. Or stop off for dessert at Voodoo Doughnut (they don't close until after midnight!)
3. Spend a night out on Sixth Street
If you are looking to party hardy on your Girls’ Night Out, then Austin’s Sixth Street is for you! It’s got fantastic bars and music venues, microbreweries, and tattoo parlors if your crew wants to memorialize your friendships! Needless to say that Sixth Street is strictly for adults!
Here are some of the best spots to try on Sixth Street.
For dancing, head to Barbarella, known for its disco-themed dance parties, Elysium for alternative and electronic dance music, or The Parish, which hosts DJ sets and dance parties.
For drinks, try the Summit Rooftop Lounge. You’ll get great views of the city along with a dance floor and bar. The Blind Pig Pub has a laid-back vibe and offers a wide selection of beers on tap, including local craft beers. Maggie Mae's is a very popular spot on 6th Street. It also has a rooftop patio with views of the city, plus multiple stages for live music performances throughout the week.
See what else is happening on Austin’s Sixth Street.
4. Learn the Texas Two Step
For the honkiest-tonkiest time, go to Austin’s iconic Broken Spoke to learn how to do the 2-step and line dancing. The Broken Spoke was featured on the oh-so-popular Netflix series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” so it must be a fabulous place to go out! Whether you're a seasoned dance pro or a complete beginner, you'll find a place on that dance floor.
The regulars are friendly and welcoming, and they'll be happy to show your group the steps if you're not sure what you're doing. If you want to take lessons before hitting the dance floor, you can join a class Wednesday through Saturday from 8 pm to 9 pm for just $10. So gals, grab your cowboy boots and boogie down!
5. Shop ‘til you drop
Turn your Girls' Night Out into a day of retail therapy! It’s always helpful to have your gals nearby to tell you what looks flattering on you or which clothes you should pass on. Austin has some different shopping areas with their own sense of style so choose the neighborhood that fits your style.
The pedestrian-friendly South Congress Avenue is known for its small shops and boutiques. Check out Cove, a clothing boutique created by Austin women for Austin women! Prototype Vintage and Lucy in Disguise are great for one-of-a-kind second-hand clothes. Maya Star has trendy women’s clothing, jewelry, and handbags. When you are done with your shopping, be sure to make a pit stop at the famous Amy’s Ice Creams for a sweet treat.
Austin’s 2nd Street District is an endless row of boutiques, both locally owned and familiar brands.
The Domain Mall has 400 stores, including both high-end designer boutiques and well-known chain retailers. With this many stores, as well as restaurants and an iPic movie theater, the Domain is perfect for a rainy day in Austin.
6. Discover Austin murals together
Get your phone cams ready for selfie-mania in front of Austin’s iconic murals! The city is known for its inspiring colorful street art and a walk around town to see its mural walls is a fun group activity. You’ll be inspired to take lots and lots of group photos, perfect for posting on social media. Here are the must-see Austin murals:
- I Love You So Much at 1300 South Congress Avenue
- Willie for President at 1315 South Congress Avenue
- Smile, even if you don’t want to at 1315 South Congress Avenue, next to the Willie mural
- Love from Austin at 1912 South Congress Avenue
- You’re my butter half at 2000 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
- Creator State of Mind at 90 Rainey Street
- Greetings from Austin at 1720 South 1st Street
7. Join a Paint and Sip Party
Make your own art at a paint-and-sip party! These gatherings are a perfect opportunity to connect with your friends while unleashing your inner artists and enjoying drinks. Surrounded by colorful paints and upbeat music, you’ll have an uplifting experience discovering your artistic sides. A friendly and experienced instructor guides you through the painting process, step-by-step, making sure you feel confident and supported.
And of course, there's the "sip" part of the party! You can enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite beverage while painting, which adds a fun and relaxed vibe to the whole experience.
Paint and sip parties are offered in several art studios in Austin. Join an already scheduled session, like Painting With A Twist’s Girls Night, or have a private party at The Art Garage where you can try your hands at other arts like glass fusion, mosaics, and pottery. Whatever class you take, you’ll have a great time together chatting, laughing, and creating something truly unique!
8. See live music
This is a logical choice for your Girls' Night Out - Austin is, after all, the Capital of Live Music! With so many venues hosting every kind of band, you’ll have no trouble finding a love gig that all of you can sing along to. The Moody Theater is home to the famed Austin City Limits music series and The Moody Center is for bands who fill up arenas and put on spectacular concerts. The historic Scoot Inn hosts performers of all genres most nights of the week.
Another legendary Austin venue is the Continental Club with top-notch line-ups. Emo’s has two stages, one inside and one out, with progressive and punk bands. Lastly, for the blues, Antone's Nightclub is the spot to go. This world-famous venue has seen the likes of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, James Brown, Ray Charles, and so many other greats. Find out about Austin’s music venues here.
9. Spend time outdoors at Lady Bird Lake
One of the most wonderful outdoor spaces in Austin, Lady Bird Lake is the place to go to do a bit of everything! Grab your friends for some outdoor fun in the sun out on the water. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the lake.
There is a 10-mile trail for hiking and biking which travels through beautiful scenery, including parks, bridges, and the Downtown Austin skyline. For an unusual -- yet incredible -- activity take a stand-up paddleboard yoga class! Private classes are 90 minutes long and include 60 minutes of guided yoga instruction and then 30 minutes of free time on your paddleboards. Swimming is not allowed, but you can swim at the Barton Springs Pool.
10. Swim at Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park
Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool, is a gem of Austin. With an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees all year long, it’s perfect for a swim with your friends. It's teh place to go in Austin on a hot day.
ItThe pool is inside the 350-acre large Zilker Park, one of Austin’s most popular outdoor green spaces. Bring some food along for a picnic or visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens.
The Zilker Hillside Theatre hosts concerts ranging from jazz to country. In the summer you can see Shakespeare in the Park performances.
For a Moms' Day Out that include the kiddos, Barton Springs Pool is family-friendly! Besides swimming, the kids can frolic at the Zilker Playscape and go to the Austin Nature and Science Center.
11. Go out in the Rainey Street Historic District
This part of town is a lot calmer than Sixth Street but still has plenty of entertainment for a fantastic night out in Austin. The Rainey Street Historic District is known for its unique collection of bars and restaurants housed in charming renovated bungalow homes. The nightlife is lively, eclectic, and diverse, making a night here one of the most fun things to do in Austin at night!
Some of the popular bars in the Rainey Street district include Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden, which serves up a wide selection of craft beers and sausages, and the Container Bar, an outdoor spot with an eclectic vibe and unique decor.
Other popular spots include Lucille Patio Lounge, Half Step, and Craft Pride. Also, there are a bunch of terrific live music venues, and both casual restaurants with a relaxed vibe, and upscale, trendy dining. Top the night off with a stop at Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts, open until 2 am every night of the week!
12. Catch a Rom-Com
You can sit at home with your gal pals and stream a movie, or you can make a night of it at one of Austin’s awesome movie houses. At the Alamo Drafthouse, you can get award-winning food and artisanal cocktails served right to your seat! The Alamo plays current hits, classics, foreign films, and independent movies.
At the Austin IPIC Theater choose from the latest movie releases and watch with your friends from a custom-designed Pod. Dine in the dark and sip on drinks during your flick. For old-fashioned fun, head to the Blue Starlite Drive-In and pass around buckets of buttered popcorn and candy! See what's playing in Austin right now.
Great Brunch Spots in Austin, Texas
13. The Peached Tortilla
This trendy restaurant with modern decor and a welcoming vibe has an open kitchen, a full bar, and a spacious dining area with both indoor and outdoor seating. The cuisine meshes Asian and Southern flavors with brunch dishes like Korean Steak & Eggs Bowl and Char Siu Breakfast Bowl. If anyone in your group has dietary preferences, the restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. And it wouldn’t be brunch without a Mimosa or Bloody Mary, both of which are on the menu!
14. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
With a laid-back atmosphere and creative menu offerings Better Half is a fine choice for a brunch with your girlfriends. Some of their most popular dishes are their breakfast sandwich, avocado toast, and chicken and waffles. They also serve sweet and savory pastries, as well as fresh juices and smoothies.
Cocktails include the brunch standards, though try their signature cocktail, the Better Half Paloma. In terms of ambiance, Better Half has a comfortable and stylish interior with plenty of natural light and indoor and outdoor seating options.
15. Foreign & Domestic
The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with wooden tables and a minimalist decor. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to make recommendations or accommodate any dietary restrictions. The brunch menu at Foreign & Domestic features a range of inventive dishes that showcase local ingredients and seasonal flavors.
One popular brunch item is the "Biscuits & Gravy," which consists of buttermilk biscuits topped with house-made sausage gravy and a fried egg. Another standout dish is the "Duck Confit Hash," which features tender duck confit, crispy potatoes, peppers, onions, and a poached egg. For those looking for something sweet, the "French Toast" is a must-try. It's made with brioche bread, and vanilla custard, topped with seasonal fruit and maple syrup.
Great Austin Bars for Besties
16. Halcyon
Halcyon is a perfect spot for either coffee, cocktails, or both!! This coffee shop/lounge has two locations in the city - one on 4th Street in Downtown Austin and another on Mueller Boulevard in the Mueller neighborhood. Halcyon has a cozy and eclectic atmosphere with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and an outdoor patio. One especially sweet offering at Halcyon is their s'mores kits you can roast over the tableside fire pits. There are also live music performances and other events throughout the week.
17. The Tigress Pub
This intimate pub is small with just a few tables and a bar, making it a great spot for a night out with your closest friends. The bar is known for its classic cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, as well as more inventive creations like the "Myopic Mary" which features tomato juice, sherry, and cucumber-infused vodka. Special events take place periodically, making The Tigress an interesting choice for drinks.
18. The Rooftop on Sixth
This lively bar is located on the rooftop of a building on Sixth Street and offers sweeping views of the city skyline. There’s both indoor seating and outdoor seating on a spacious rooftop patio decorated with string lights, umbrellas, and other stylish touches that create a welcoming and festive ambiance. Enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks, as well as a selection of pub-style food such as burgers, tacos, and appetizers. The bar hosts special events including live music, DJ nights, and themed parties.
19. The Library
Are you and your friend avid readers? You’ll love The Library bar! As the name suggests, the bar has a library theme, with shelves of books lining the walls and plenty of cozy seating areas for patrons to settle in and enjoy a drink. It’s a two-story venue with plenty of tables and booths, as well as a large outdoor patio area for enjoying drinks in the Texas sunshine.
In addition to wine, draft beer, craft cocktails, and frozen drinks, The Library has an extensive selection of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch, with over 50 different selections! There’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays. When you all get hungry, snack on charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and gourmet popcorn!
Find out more things to do in Austin here.
For suggestions on how to spend your time in Austin, see our Austin 2-day itinerary!
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