Dallas to Austin

🤠🚗Hey y'all! After a long travel-writing hiatus, I'm back with the ultimate Dallas-to-Austin weekend guide. My cousin's UT graduation was the perfect excuse for a road trip that became a masterclass in Hill Country highlights, Waco pit stops, and dodging tourist traps. Whether you're hitting I-35 for a college visit, family event, or just because you need tacos, this itinerary covers everything from Waco's cutest barns to Austin's best sunset sips. Let's roll! 🎓 🚗 Route Planning: The Waco Pit Stop If you're leaving Dallas on Saturday morning, Waco is your mandatory halfway break. It's exactly 90 minutes from Dallas, and 90 minutes from Austin, making it the perfect leg-stretcher. Plus, it's home to Magnolia Market – yes, that Magnolia, Joanna Gaines' empire. 🌾 Magnolia Market Hours: CLOSED SUNDAYS (this is crucial!), Open Mon-Sat 9 AM - 6 PM Address: 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706 This converted grain silo complex is peak Instagram bait – and I mean that in the best way. The huge lawn is perfect for kids to run wild while you browse gorgeous (expensive) home goods. Yes, that $80 throw pillow is cute, but no, you don't need it. What to Actually Do: The Little Chapel: A perfectly manicured white chapel (free entry) that screams "wedding venue dreams" The Lawn: Giant Jenga, food trucks, and space for kids to burn energy The Coffee Shop: Free sparkling water on tap (!!) and genuinely good coffee. Skip the cake – it's overly sweet and will make your teeth ache. Photo Ops: Every corner is staged for social media. Embrace it. Insider Tip: Parking is free but fills up by 10 AM on Saturdays. Arrive early or prepare to circle. 🍳 Lunch in Waco: The Reservation Game Magnolia Table (2132 S Valley Mills Dr) YOU MUST BOOK AHEAD. This place is impossible to walk into on weekends. If you can't snag a reservation (they open 30 days out), Milo All Day (919 Franklin Ave) is an excellent alternative – same farm-to-table vibe, shorter wait, killer brunch. What to Order at Magnolia Table: Gaines Brothers Burger – actually worth the hype French Toast – custardy perfection Avoid: The lemon lavender donut – it's perfume in pastry form 🤘 Austin: The University, The Capitol, The Sunset After Waco, it's a smooth 90-minute drive to Austin. You'll hit the city around 1-2 PM, perfect for an afternoon of culture-before-calories. 🏛️ UT Austin Campus Tour Free to walk around, but parking is a nightmare. Use street parking on San Jacinto Blvd or garages on Speedway. The Classic UT Trio: UT Tower (Main Building) – Free to view from outside. Stand at the base and look south – you'll see Austin's main axis with the Capitol dome perfectly framed. Epic photo op. The Fountain ⛲ – The stepped water feature on the South Mall is iconic. Students nap here between classes. Perfect people-watching. Blanton Museum of Art – $15 entry (ouch). The exhibits are hit-or-miss, but the building itself is gorgeous for photos. The Ellsworth Kelly "Austin" chapel next door is free and has rainbow windows that'll make your Instagram pop. Pro Move: If you're short on time, skip the museum and just walk the campus. The bull statues scattered around are quirky and fun to pose with. The whole loop from tower to fountain takes 20 minutes. 🏛️ Texas State Capitol 📍 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 Free entry Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM The Stats: It's taller than the U.S. Capitol by 7 meters (because Texas). The pink granite exterior glows at golden hour. What to Do: Take the free guided tour (45 mins) – guides are passionate and share wild Texas history stories Walk the rotunda and look up at the starry dome Visit the underground extension – it's a weird concrete contrast to the historic building Stroll the grounds – 22 acres of monuments and oak trees perfect for a post-lunch digest Time Needed: 1 hour for a solid visit 🥘 Dinner: El Raval – Spanish Tapas That Actually Deliver 📍 1510 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 Reservation: Book ahead via Resy – it's tiny and fills up fast Why It's Worth the Hype: The Spanish paella here is legit. The small plates (tapas) are perfect for sharing and trying everything. What to Order: Paella (any variety) – saffron rice, seafood, chorizo, all the goodness Multiple small plates – servings are tiny, so order 4-5 for 2 people. Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), pimientos de padrón (blistered peppers) Milk Pudding for dessert – creamy, not too sweet, perfect ending Damage: $25-35 per person Verdict: YES. No misses on the menu, great for adventurous eaters who want variety. 🌅 Sunset Plans: Skip the Bats, Hit The Oasis 🦇 Bats on Congress Avenue Bridge (Optional) Every summer night at dusk, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Ave Bridge. It's nature's biggest show, but... it smells. Guano is pungent. I've been to Austin 6+ times #US #Texas #Austin