Day 1 of your Healthy Vegan Weekend Guide to Austin
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Austin (ATX) is a plant-based paradise. As a personal trainer, I’m always looking for meals that fuel the body without the heavy oils. I’ve lived in Austin now for 6 years and after much exploring here is my curated, two-day itinerary for a vibrant, healthy vegan weekend!
Day 1: South Austin & Downtown (walk or short drives)
Pack your walking shoes if you want to walk some of this itinerary! This day is all about steps, sunshine, and South ATX vibes.
- Breakfast: Bouldin Creek Cafe
Start your morning at this Austin staple. I’m a fan of a savory, oil-free breakfast. I highly recommend the breakfast plate: a “noochy” tofu scramble, steamed spinach, fresh tomatoes, and lemon wedge. Tip: Ask for the sourdough toast on the side and I think it also tastes great with a little black pepper and hot sauce! Pair it with an iced soy latte to take to go. - Late Morning: Shopping on South Congress or hit the lake!
Take a 1-mile walk over to South Congress (SoCo) for local boutiques and people-watching or head down to lady bird lake to rent a kayak.
- Lunch: The Well
This location isn’t fully vegan but they have plenty of great healthy vegan options. Ask your friendly server if you need help navigating the menu! You’ll love what they have to offer and the restaurant is beautiful.
- Afternoon: Skyline Views & Pickleball
Walk along lady bird lake and stop on Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge for the best skyline shots of downtown. Then, head to Capital City Pickleball for up to two hours of fun paddle work and cardio.
- Reset: Zilker Park
Grab a coffee and enjoy a peaceful moment at Zilker Park to recharge before dinner. We like to bring a hacky sack to kick around. Maybe another time for a quick Uber as you head to dinner. - Dinner: Casa De Luz
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a wellness community. It’s a fixed-menu, macrobiotic experience. Walk in, pay for your meal, grab a tray, and enjoy one of the most nourishing dinners in the city.
Note: Both Bouldin Creek and Casa de Luz serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so feel free to swap these depending on your mood and where you want to start your day!
Day 2 of your Healthy Vegan Weekend Guide to Austin
Day 2: East to North Austin (Vehicle Required)
Today we explore the eclectic East Side and head North for a sophisticated finish.
- Morning Fuel: Dear Diary Coffee
Start with a delicious coffee and a vegan treat at this cozy East Side gem. Also, while you wait for your delicious beverage, find awesome art, stickers and more from Austin vegan artists. - Breakfast: Mr. Naturals
Here you can find a broad menu of options from sweet fruit bowls like the Vegan Rio Bowl or the savory and delicious seitan fish tacos. You can’t go wrong. - Mid-Morning Activity: East Side Art Walk
Before leaving the East Side, walk a few blocks to see the iconic murals or pop into the Canopy art galleries to see what local creators are working on. - Lunch: ATX Food Co
This is arguably one of the healthiest food trucks in the U.S. Their focus on sea moss smoothies, nourishing tacos and bowls, and medicinal mushrooms is next level. Seriously, don’t miss out on the mushrooms!
- Back up Lunch options: The Vegan Nom or JuiceLand
Go to Vegan Nom if you have a big appetite and craving tacos or burritos (just see the photo below!) or for that lighter option check out Juice Land, which is an Austin icon; you can find one near almost any activity you choose for the afternoon. We love to grab a smoothie (Bam bam without coconut oil is my favorite) and then we take our pup for a nature walk at one of the nearby trails. This trail is near Mueller Park if you plan to go there next.
- Sunday Special: Mueller Farmers’ Market
If you visit on a Sunday, the Mueller Market is a must. You’ll find artisan goods, fresh produce, and incredible sourdough. - Dinner: Nori
Heading further North on Lamar, you’ll find our favorite date night spot. Nori is “casual fine dining”. Whether you’re dressed up or kept it casual, you’ll fit right in. I would say that’s true for most of ATX. But anyway, the vegan sushi is spectacular, but don’t sleep on the ramen, says my hubby!
Honorable Mentions:
- Vegan Yacht (South Austin): Recently voted for having the best vegan burritos in town! To make it healthier I ask for the cheese and cream sauce on the side and ask for extra veggies!
- Ski Shores (Westlake Lake, Lake Austin): The Cali Invasion and the The Stand Up Paddle Bowl are your vegan go-tos and I simply want you to enjoy this one of a kind vibe and view.
- Flower Child (The Domain): Since their menu is so expansive, I would suggest the Mother Earth bowl or the Thai Cashew Quinoa but you really can’t go wrong.
- Unicorniverse (Round Rock): You’re right—it sounds wild! It is a 100% plant-based European-style bakery that usually calms the skeptics. This may not be the healthiest option but it’s definitely worth checking out. I like to go with one of their delicious coffees and a fun macaroon but they have plenty of fun vegan options both savory and sweet to choose from. ‘Healthy-ish’ we will call it:)
- Honest Mary’s (Arboretum): Try their “Sedona Sol” or build your own option. Also don’t skip the mushroom broth, it pairs beautifully with their food and provides lovely warmth to go alongside your bowl. If you’re needing to snag some groceries you’re also right by a Trader Joes🙂
- Nissi Vegan: (North Austin): Their vegan “al pastor” tacos are fan favorites but we also love their burritos for a stronger appetite and satisfy that craving for authentic Austin Tex-Mex without the animal products. It’s near the highland lanes bowling alley if you want to combine it with an activity.
- Homeslice (North Loop): Although this isn’t a fully vegan pizzeria, they do have a good vegan option! Grab a slice or two from Austin staple and then finish your evening with a cocktail from Workhorse Bar or Tigress Pub. Enjoy this hidden gem neighborhood in Austin and explore the fun vintage shops and record stores nearby.
Let’s Connect!
I hope you enjoy this journey through Austin as much as I do. If you try any of these spots, please let me know! Here is your Google Maps link to find the locations above!
Whether you live in Austin or want to hire a vegan trainer while on vacation, I’m your gal! Check out my mobile training page and schedule a consultation to chat!
Have more time in Austin? Check out my full list of Plant-based/vegan/vegetarian/veg-options restaurants that I recommend! You’ll see why the vegan community motivated me and my family to moving here!
