Everything is Bigger in Texas, Especially Bachelorette Parties in Austin!
Planning a bachelorette party is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. There is so much to look forward to—from a night out on the town to day trips sightseeing or relaxing in a day spa—how can you fit it all in? That’s why we turned to the experts to help give you the inside scoop on all the big things to do during your Austin, TX, bachelorette party weekend.
We’ve heard from her before when she shared tips on bachelorette parties in Scottsdale. And now Carissa Kruse from Carissa Kruse Weddings is back to give us the low-down, Austin style. We’ve got tips from Austin expert Shayda Torabi, too. So buckle up and see all that Austin bachelorette party weekends can do!
Meet the Expert Carissa Kruse is a passionate business coach for wedding professionals, offering strategies in marketing and sales to elevate their presence and profitability. With a history of transforming her struggles into success, she empowers wedding creatives to achieve their dreams through effective business practices, automation, and a client-centered approach. Carissa’s journey from a corporate role to an entrepreneurial leader exemplifies her dedication to helping others create a business and life they love.
Why Austin is Perfect for Bachelorette Parties
Austin is the ultimate bachelorette party destination for numerous reasons, mainly due to its climate and vibe.
Carissa says: “I have found Austin perfect due to the lively atmosphere, with plenty of activities and attractions to suit any bride’s squad. This city has everything from delicious food to exciting nightlife, including famous music festivals, outdoor adventures, and a thriving arts scene. Its warm weather and friendly locals make it the ideal destination for a memorable bachelorette party.”
The ideal times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather hovers in the comfortable 70s and 80s, avoiding summer’s intense heat and humidity. This makes outdoor activities and city explorations much more enjoyable.
Budget-wise, Austin is accommodating; daily expenses can range from $69 to $304, making it accessible for a variety of spending plans. Getting there is super easy, too, with flights landing directly at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
For those looking to theme their weekend, Austin’s music scene and rich arts culture offer endless inspiration. Whether it’s a music festival vibe or an art-focused adventure, we promise it will be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration.
Where Bachelorettes Can Stay in Austin
Choosing the right place to stay is key to experiencing the best of Austin during a bachelorette party. For those seeking the comfort of high-end hotels with all the amenities, consider options like The W, East Austin Hotel, or The JW Marriott. Each hotel offers luxurious amenities and a prime location close to downtown Austin’s nightlife and cultural attractions.
For a more personalized and homely experience, renting an Airbnb or VRBO in popular neighborhoods such as East Austin, Rainey Street, or South Congress can be an excellent choice. These areas are known for their unique vibe and proximity to Austin’s top spots for entertainment and dining.
Carissa Kruse recommends exploring the distinct neighborhoods of Austin for a rounded experience: “I suggest some unique parts of Austin that offer an array of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to cozy vacation rentals including downtown, South Congress (SoCo), and East Austin, each with its unique charm and attractions. For instance, downtown is perfect for those looking to be in the heart of the action, while SoCo boasts trendy shops, restaurants, and live music venues.”
Culinary Delights for Bach Parties: Where to Eat in Austin
While Austin is full of great things to do, you should know it’s also a foodie’s paradise. Make sure to plan in advance for some great dining, as many of these establishments fill up fast!
Start your day with a delightful brunch at Banger’s or Wu Chow, where you can enjoy everything from hearty sausages to inventive Asian cuisine.
For lunch or tasty small plates, head to places like Odd Duck, Fresa’s, La Barbecue, or Swift’s Attic. Each offers a unique take on local ingredients and dishes that will excite your taste buds.
When it comes to dinner, you can go fancy at ATX Cocina, Sway Thai, Emmer & Rye, or Comedor, where sophisticated menus meet stunning interior designs. Elizabeth Street Cafe offers a charming setting with a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine.
Carissa shares a special tip for a truly local experience: “My best advice for foodies is to try out some local food trucks, which Austin is famous for. These mobile kitchens offer many delicious cuisines, from tacos and BBQ to Vietnamese dishes. Some popular spots include Torchy’s Tacos, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, and Via 313 Pizzeria.”
The Best Cocktails for Bachelorette Parties in Austin
Exploring Austin’s cocktail scene is a must for your bachelorette party itinerary. Begin your adventure at The Roosevelt Room, Garage Bar, or Midnight Cowboy, where you can sip on some of the best cocktails in the city. These spots are perfect for starting your evening or bar hopping.
Carissa also adds: “I highly recommend the rooftop bar at The Contemporary Austin-Jones Center, which offers spectacular city views and a creative cocktail menu.”
For a more relaxed vibe, head to Whisler’s or Nickel City. These dive bars offer a great selection of drinks in a laid-back setting, ideal for chatting and enjoying the local scene. Many have outdoor patios, perfect for enjoying the balmy Austin evenings.
When it’s time to dance, The White Horse, Barbarella, and Broken Spoke are the go-to spots. Each bar features a dance floor and a lively crowd, with Barbarella and Broken Spoke offering a traditional beer garden experience. If a lounge experience best suits your crowd, try Firehouse Lounge or Shangri-La.
Traveling between these locations is easy and safe with services like Uber and Lyft, so be sure to download some rideshare apps in advance to stay safe.
Nightlife and Dancing for the Bride Squad
Carissa Kruse recommends Sixth Street and Rainey Street for those interested in Austin’s music and dance scene. She advises, “I suggest heading to Sixth Street or Rainey Street, where you can find a variety of bars and clubs with live music and DJ sets.” These areas are bustling with energy and provide an eclectic mix of venues to enjoy.
Old Sixth Street, often affectionately known as Dirty 6th, represents the original entertainment section of Sixth Street, stretching from Congress Avenue to I-35. This area is famous for its lively atmosphere and historic venues.
The Continental Club, located a bit south of the main strip, is a legendary venue that offers a mix of genres, including rock, country, and blues, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
And for comedy lovers, check out Stand Up Comedy Pregame.
How Bachelorettes Can Spend the Day in Austin
If you are planning a long bachelorette weekend in Austin, there are so many things to do during the day that you might have trouble choosing. Carissa says, “I highly recommend taking a street art tour or exploring the city on foot to admire its colorful murals and graffiti. My top must-dos include visiting the iconic Lady Bird Lake, watching the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, and taking a dip in Barton Springs Pool.”
Rent a kayak or an SUP (stand up paddle board) to explore Lady Bird Lake. Go for a swim in Lake Austin or Lake Travis. Take it up a notch and hire the Cocktail Cowboys to serve as your personal bartenders, snack fetcher, champagne sprayer, or cabana boys. Or, hire a party boat on Lake Travis and enjoy Devil’s Cove. Or, visit Party Cove on Lake Austin.
If you want a more adventurous day, go for a hike at Mount Bonnell or Zilker Metropolitan Park. Sign up for a tour of Texas Hill Country and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many wineries.
If a spa day is more your cup of tea, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of options there, too. “I encourage you to visit top-rated spas including Milk + Honey and Viva Day Spa, which offer a range of services from massages to facials.”
Best Ways to Get Your Party Around Austin
While renting a car is an option in Austin for a bachelorette party, you might find it more convenient and eco-friendly to explore the city using alternative transportation methods. The MetroBus service is an excellent and economical choice, allowing you to navigate not only downtown Austin but also the airport, nearby suburbs like Round Rock, and the University of Texas campus.
The bus service offers 14 high-frequency routes that stop every 15 minutes or less. For the night owls, five routes operate from midnight to 3 am, Monday through Saturday.
Austin is also incredibly bike-friendly, with 215 miles of designated bike routes. These paths are mapped out to provide the safest and most pleasant cycling experience. If you’re without a bike, the MetroBike program is handy, offering over 800 bikes, including electric ones, across 79 stations. Simply use the BCycle app to locate the nearest bike.
For the more adventurous, try scooters from Bird, Lime, Link, and the sit-able Wheels scooter. And of course, for those times when you need a ride promptly, Lyft and Uber provide extensive and reliable service throughout Austin.
Extra Tips and Suggestions
“My best tip is to plan and book reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and activities. I always advise my clients to mix and match activities to cater to everyone’s interests and have a well-rounded experience such as a spa day followed by a night out on the town,” shares Carissa.
“I suggest packing comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the city, sunscreen for outdoor activities, and a swimsuit for a dip in Barton Springs Pool.”
Austin Bachelorette Party Planning
Planning a bach bash in Austin for you and your crew can be a lot of fun. But, sometimes life gets in the way and it is easier to let someone else take over the party planning. And, Carissa is ready and able to help! “I have extensive experience in planning all types of events, including bachelorette parties, and I am confident that I can create a memorable and fun experience for brides and their friends,” she shares.
With Carissa or one of the other many Austin bachelorette party planners taking the reigns, all you need to do is decide who to invite. Remember, your bachelorette party weekend is a special occasion so you want to share the experience with your best gal pals and those you hold most dear. By planning in advance and letting your friends know what to expect, they can plan ahead and budget for the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin, TX, a good place for a bachelorette party?
Absolutely! Austin, TX, is an excellent choice for a bachelorette party. Known for its fun nightlife, tasty culinary scene, and friendly atmosphere, Austin offers everything from live music to scenic outdoor activities. With comfortable accommodations and easy transportation, it perfectly combines relaxation with adventure.
What are the best Instagram selfie spots in Austin, TX?
“I often recommend to my clients some popular spots for Instagram-worthy photos in Austin including Mount Bonnell for stunning views of the city, the Cathedral of Junk for a quirky backdrop, and Zilker Metropolitan Park for picturesque landscapes,” shares Carissa.
What great hashtags can I use for my Austin, TX, bachelorette party Instagram posts?
What Austin bachelorette party weekend would be complete without some fun selfies and Instagrammable-photos? Be sure to use these hashtags for your posts.
- #AustinBachBash
- #AustinBachelorette
- #BrideTribeATX
- #AustinNights
- #ATXparty
- #LastBashInAustin
- #ATXBrideSquad
- #AustinBound
- #BachInAustin
- #KeepItWeirdATX
Bachelorette Party Planning, Austin Style
We hope that these tips for planning your bachelorette weekend in Austin provide you with some fun ideas to create an amazing getaway for you and your girlfriends. Since Austin is one of the best bachelorette party destinations, we’re confident that you’ll see why shortly after your arrival.
Start planning your Austin bachelorette party today. And, when you get there, please tag us in your photos at @modernmoh. We can’t wait to help you capture the fun!
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