The Perfect 2-Day RV Itinerary for Austin, TX

By Megan Buemi
Two-Day Itineraries

Austin is the state capital of Texas. It’s a city known for its live music scene, which includes blues, rock, and country. The area also features several parks where you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. To make sure you experience all of the best attractions during your two days in Austin, follow our specially created itinerary.

To get the most out of your Austin visit, consider renting an RV. This will allow you to stay right in the heart of the city’s best offerings. You’ll have the convenience of your kitchen, a private bathroom, and plenty of room for everyone in your group. With so many types of RVs available for rent, you’re sure to find one that perfectly fits your needs.

Search RV rentals in the Austin area.

Preparing for Your Austin RV Trip

There are several RV options available for rent in the Austin area. This includes drivable Class A, B, and C motorhomes with several attractive features. With many of the same amenities, a travel trailer or fifth wheel is an excellent option if you want to drive your own vehicle. If you’re looking to make your Austin trip as relaxing as possible, ask about having your RV rental dropped off and set up at the campground of your choice.

Learn all about booking your RV rental with these helpful resources:

Convenient RV delivery
RV parking tips
What happens after I book an RV?
Essential packing tips for your first RV rental

Once you have your RV rental secured, you’ll need to find the perfect RV campground for your needs. The pet-friendly East Austin RV Park has full hookups and is only 25 minutes from downtown Austin. If you’re looking for a campground with plenty to do, consider Oak Forest RV Park with its swimming pool, fitness center, game room, and bocce ball court.

Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Austin.

Day 1: Start Your Austin RV Adventure

Morning: The Texas Capitol

Start your Austin visit at the Texas Capitol, which is one of the country’s most distinguished state capitals. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Begin with a stop at the visitor center, found in a restored 1856 General Land Office building. Guided tours of the capitol building start at 9:30 a.m.

Lunch: Cypress Grill

Take a break for lunch at Cypress Grill. This family-friendly restaurant is a favorite among the locals, serving authentic Cajun and Creole dishes. Outdoor seating is available.

Afternoon: Zilker Botanical Gardens

Zilker Botanical Garden is located in the heart of Austin. It encompasses 28 acres of themed gardens connected by paths that are suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a peaceful escape from the urban area, featuring koi-filled ponds, heritage live oak, and streams.

Setting Up Camp

After strolling through the gardens, it’s time to head over to your campground and set up camp. Check in with the host before heading to your site. Once you’re parked, connect any hookups. You can skip this step by making arrangements in advance to have your RV rental delivered and set up for you.

Dinner: Franklin Barbecue

Don’t miss out on a chance to dine at Franklin Barbecue. The menu features melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. Down-home sides include coleslaw and potato salad. Finish your meal with a 4-inch pie.

Day 2: Discover Austin’s Parks and Recreation

Morning: McKinney Falls State Park

Start the day by walking the 9 miles of wooded trails at McKinney Falls State Park. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, armadillos, and coyotes. After a hike, go fishing in Onion Creek. Be sure to stop at the visitor center before you leave to view the upper falls from the observation deck.

Lunch: Home Slice Pizza

Take a break from the heat by having lunch at Home Slice Pizza. They’re known for their homemade, hand-tossed New York-style pies. Order one slice or a whole pizza along with a house salad for the perfect Austin lunch.

Afternoon: Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Spend a leisurely afternoon at the free Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. It encompasses 23 acres with a beautiful view of Lake Austin. Here, you’ll find a historic cottage, multiple gardens, and a nature preserve. Many people come just to watch the park’s iconic peacocks.

Evening: The Broken Spoke

The Broken Spoke is known as “the last true Texas dance hall.” Come for dinner and a show. They have live music, dancing, and a full menu. There are several country acts that perform here, and on certain nights, you can take dance lessons.

Day 3 and Beyond in Austin

Have some extra days to spend in Austin? Check out these additional activities that the locals recommend.

Barton Springs Municipal Pool is a three-acre swimming area that’s fed from the nearby Main Barton Spring. This pool is located within Zilker Park and features a bathhouse and cafe.
The LBJ Presidential Library is a museum dedicated to our 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. One of the main attractions is the 50-foot-long mural depicting several stages of his life and presidency.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is the perfect place to take a peaceful stroll. It’s adjacent to Zilker Park, and it encompasses six acres that feature the work of Charles Umlauf.

Seasonal Activities

Austin hosts many annual events throughout the year, such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival each October. It’s two weekends of rock, country, folk, and hip-hop music. Then, in November, the city hosts the Austin Food & Wine Festival. Guests enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars, and tastings provided by some of the top chefs and winemakers.

Inside Activities

Whether you want a break from the heat or find yourself on a rainy day, Austin has many indoor activities to enjoy. The Thinkery is a wonderful children’s museum with 40,000 square feet of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that will fulfill your little one’s curiosity. The Museum of the Weird is located in the historic 6th Street entertainment district. It’s filled with unusual oddities of every kind.

Austin is your RV adventure destination with excellent dining options, outdoor spaces to explore, and unique museums to visit. Whether you’re a music fan or a history buff, there’s something for everyone. Once you arrive in your RV rental, you’ll discover that two days in Austin aren’t enough.