Wellness Weekend in Austin: A Three-Day Itinerary

Escape life’s stresses and treat yourself to a rejuvenating wellness-focused weekend in Austin. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, nourishing meals, mindful movement or just total relaxation, our three-day itinerary offers the essentials for a restorative getaway infused with a unique Austin vibe.

Ease into your weekend at one of Austin’s spas. Viva Day Spa offers massages, HydraFacials and couples treatments in a calming environment. Top off your visit with a mani/pedi to hit Austin in style.

Prefer luxe and modern? Book a massage, skin-renewing facial or detoxing body treatment at one of the five locations of Milk + Honey Spa, where expert salon services complement holistic wellness therapies.

Make a reservation at Lenoir, a 2024 MICHELIN-recommended restaurant, for a mindful meal in the Bouldin Creek neighbourhood. The chef’s menu features inspired dishes like crab fingers, Honeycrisp apple salad, lamb tartare and rice pudding ice cream — all served under twinkling lights on a garden patio.

For something a little more upscale and earthy, head to Emmer & Rye, which received MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and Green Star honors. The farm-to-table restaurant’s seasonal plates make dinner feel as nourishing as it is elegant. The menu might feature a starter of locally grown Japanese eggplant, followed by entrees that include rigatoni with bluefin tuna, lamb and pork carnitas or Texas Akaushi wagyu. 

Start the day in Downtown Austin with a revitalizing yoga class at either YTX or donation-based Black Swan, both offering welcoming environments and energizing flows.

Then, take in Austin’s natural beauty during a walk, jog or bike ride (rentals are available) along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a lakefront urban path and boardwalk. Views of sparkling Lady Bird Lake and the impressive city skyline set the tone for the day.

Stop by Blenders and Bowls for a Power Potion protein shake or an acai bowl topped with nut butter and tropical fruit at one of their three locations — North Lamar, East or Westlake.

Or, grab a vegan wrap paired with a fruit smoothie or Tigerlilly green juice at Juiceland, an Austin staple near the Barton Springs Pool known for fast, feel-good food.

Head to the Barton Creek Greenbelt for an immersive nature walk through 12 miles of shaded trails and limestone cliffs — with a dip in a swimming hole along the way.

If you’d rather spend time on the water, rent a paddleboard or kayak and glide into afternoon zen with Lady Bird Lake Rentals. It’s an active and scenic way to explore Austin’s waterfront.

Grab a healthy, flavour-packed meal at The Well, where locally sourced ingredients and refined wellness menus meet in a chic Downtown space on 2nd Street. You’ll find tons of plant-powered options such as falafel, coconut-curry squash and mushroom tacos, plus grass-fed Texas waygu and organic, pasture-raised chicken. A bonus is that the menu is free of gluten, dairy, seed oils, soy, refined sugar and GMOs. You can also visit their Westlake or Studio Three locations.

Indulge in a salt therapy session at the Austin Salt Room for deep breathing, stress relief and a skin refresh.

If you’re ready to take your recovery even deeper, book an IV hydration, private sauna and cold plunge, compression therapy or red light session at ULU Recovery & Wellness. The space is calm, luxurious and intentionally designed to leave you feeling renewed.

Savour a locally sourced dinner at Odd Duck, a favourite among foodies and sustainability lovers alike that earned MICHELIN Bib Gourmand honours. The inventive menu celebrates Central Texas ingredients in creative, seasonal dishes that feel indulgent. Start with Texas pickles in an arbol chili brine paired with cast-iron cheddar cornbread. Main dishes may include braised goat pizza with pecan mole, blackened redfish or stuffed quail with dirty masa. End on a sweet note with an apple sorbet sundae.

Begin your final day with an elevated brunch at Paperboy — at either the East Austin location on 11th Street or the South Austin spot on Lamar. The menu offers clean, satisfying options, including an avocado tostada, Texas hash and migas.

If you favour natural grass-fed ingredients, stop by Picnik for allergen-conscious comfort food. Try the seasonal cane sugar-sweetened muffins and the Harvest Hash (a combination of house sausage made with grass-fed beef, seasonal veggies, pecans and pure maple syrup).

Head to Zilker Park and its iconic Barton Springs Pool, located right in the middle of Austin. The three-acre, spring-fed swimming hole is perfect for a refreshing dip. Whether you swim, sunbathe or relax under shade trees, visiting here is a quintessential Austin experience.

Wrap up your trip by returning to the Barton Creek Greenbelt or Lady Bird Lake to reflect and reconnect. Soak in the forest and water views before heading home feeling refreshed, inspired and recharged.

Learn more about all the ways to experience wellness in Austin.