10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Austin

The 351-acre metropolitan park south of the Colorado River from downtown Austin, Zilker Park, is packed with fun things to do. There are beautiful picnic sites, volleyball courts, botanical gardens, an outdoor theatre and a nature centre. The star attraction, however, is the Barton Springs Pool. Formed by natural springs and spanning 3-acres, the water here is at a constant temperature of about 20°C throughout the year. It’s a popular place for Austinites to relax and cool off in summer.

After a dip in the pool, why not settle on the grass for a jazz concert or a musical at the Hillside Theater? Alternatively, you and your loved one could take a stroll hand-in-hand through the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens.

A reservoir on the Colorado River as it passes through Downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake offers placid waters perfect for gentle sailing. Rent a pedal boat made for 2, in the distinctive shape of a giant white swan, and spend time together appreciating the greenery along the shores, with the towers of the city centre in the background.

The boardwalk to the south of the lake is ideal for people-watching and photographing the lovely views. If you’re there towards the evening, the lake turning golden from the sunset is a truly romantic sight, and you might even see the famous Austin bats take to the sky.

Mount Bonnell, to the northwest of Downtown Austin, is 785 feet tall and one of the highest points in the city. It’s a bit of a trek up to the top, but there’s a big viewing platform up there and the view of Lake Austin and the Colorado River is definitely worth climbing 106 steps for.

It’s especially beautiful and romantic around sunset and draws many couples looking for a scenic date. Also, you’ll need to bring a torch for the walk back down in the dark. Free parking can be found up the hill on Mount Bonnell Road.

Austin has an amazing dining scene, but Mattie’s Austin stands out as a winner for special occasions with your loved one. The setting is especially romantic, being a beautiful historical mansion with peacocks strutting among the ancient oak trees in the grounds. Once a family farmhouse owned by Martha 'Mattie' Faulk, Mattie’s is now a beloved Austin fine dining staple.

The menu at Mattie’s consists of local favourites with a gourmet twist. It’s difficult to recommend any one dish because they’re all outstanding, but the southern classic that is Mattie’s Fried Chicken, served with Kennebec potatoes and bacon, always receives rave reviews. Try and sit on the terrace if you can, as it’s particularly pretty when lit up at night.

A popular cinema chain with several locations around Austin, including South Lamar Boulevard and Aldrich Street, Alamo Drafthouse offers films and dates: but at the same time. Utilising excellent projector and audio equipment, showings are made up of new blockbusters, classic films and indie cult features.

There’s no need to worry about missing a second of the action as you can get delicious burgers, pizzas and melt-in-your-mouth cookies delivered right to your seat. You can even immortalise your date with special merch, like exclusive pins and branded Alamo memorabilia. We recommend the South Lamar location, thanks to its fancy reclining seats and classy lounge with themed karaoke rooms. You’ll never want your date to end.

The historical Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue hosts a wide range of entertainments, from films to ballet to stand-up comedy. Built in 1915 in an Art Nouveau style, it has quite a distinctive and distinguished look, with the ceiling being especially flamboyant. It makes for the sort of venue that you feel the urge to dress up especially smart for, even though there is no formal dress code.

Whether you’re there to see drag queens, hit bands or the latest musical, you and your sweetheart are guaranteed a night of fun. For a romantic touch, be sure to get tickets for the opera boxes by the stage.

Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, and the award-winning Continental Club is considered the live music capital of Austin. The iconic venue on South Congress Avenue opened its doors in 1955 and has since welcomed legends like Robert Plant and Wanda Jackson. It’s quite a modest place with a small stage, but its reputation is massive, and it still hosts great roots, rock, country, swing, blues and rockabilly acts every night.

Treat your date to flashy Continental Club t-shirt or lapel pin before sitting back and enjoying the show. Seats aren’t reserved so if you’re wanting a good spot, get there early. You’ll have plenty of time to sample the cocktails.

The White Horse is an Austin institution, and pretty much everything the Texas state capital is famous for in one venue. You’ve got live country music from the area's hottest musicians, cheap beers and a tasty taco truck parked just outside. What’s more, this cosy bar is brimming with Southern charm. It’s everything a great Austin honky-tonk should be. 

Don't worry if you don't know how to dance the 2-step because you can get donation-based lessons every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so you and your sweetheart will be swinging in no time.

Austin’s comedy scene is constantly expanding and gaining momentum, making it a great destination for laughs. While the Moontower Comedy Festival in April is definitely the highlight of the year, there are great performances around town at any time.

The Velveeta Room, commonly known as the Velv, is in Austin’s nightlife hub on 6th Street with a fast-paced open mic night and special guests. The Cap City Comedy Club in North Austin has hosted comedy legends like Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison, and still stars the biggest names in the business. If you like improv shows, head to The Hideout Theatre on Congress Avenue between Thursday and Sunday, but especially on Fridays from 8pm for their 'Big Bash'.

The nightlife in Austin is legendary. The range of bars to choose from is staggering and includes some romantic options for a date night out on the town. The Roosevelt Room on 307 W 5th St is a sleek and sophisticated cocktail bar with a cosy upstairs lounge that feels very private. The vintage speakeasy that is the Honey Moon Spirit Lounge serves up incredibly creative cocktails, and the illuminated terrace is just as pretty as the bar’s interior.

For something more central, head for Midnight Cowboy on 6th Street. Amid the gaudy entertainments of Austin’s nightlife hub, this bar is a high-class reservations-only cocktail lounge, possibly the finest in town.