A budget-friendly day in Austin

Not a lot of people in Austin know this but the Austin Central library Rooftop Garden has some of the most amazing views of Austin. The space is gorgeous, and the best part is that it wont cost you anything. Grab a book, a coffee or tea, and pastry at the coffee shop on the ground level and then head over to the top.

After spending the morning at the library, grab sandwiches at Trader Joe’s next to the library. We recommend eating your food on the lawn and taking the water with you. Not only do the next recommendations require your hands to paddle board, but the last activity won’t allow any food.

Austin’s major attraction is Lady Bird’s lake. The city is divided by this lake/river (it’s a lake, and river, or the other way around). Anyway, after picking up your picnic ingredients head to the lake and rent a kayak. We like renting them from the Zilker Parks Boat Rental so you can finish your tour and head to your next water adventure. We are saving the best to the end!

Austin’s absolute best is Barton Springs. Head over to our instagram stories @casadesocoatx for tips on how to do Barton Springs like a local. Tip: download the app first.

Note: while we would love to bring Eddie our labradoodle to Barton Springs, the pool does not allow pets or food. So if you are bringing your pet the last activity for them will be paddle boarding.