Austin - is the state capital of Texas and the county seat of Travis County. Situated in the region of Central Texas, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 16th-largest in the United States. Austin population - 690,252. The city is the core cultural and economic center of the Austin–Round Rock metropolitan area with a population of 1.4 million. Austin is situated on the Colorado River, with three man-made lakes wholly within the city limits: Town Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Walter E. Long.
Downtown Austin has dozens of bars and clubs that will fit any one's taste. Many of these establishments have first class local bands playing and don't even charge at the door...not even on a weekend night. "6th street" caters mostly to the University of Texas crowd and has numerous drink specials at nearly two dozen bars/clubs. "5th Street" and "4th Street" cater to a slightly older crowd. Many of these establishments charge reasonable covers but have a much more casual, laid back atmosphere.
Definitely go through the Chronicle which is free at most restaurant/entertainment/retail venues. Go to Flipnotics for coffee on Barton Srings Rd, down from the Botanical Garden and Zilker Park and check out the Chronicles on every bench at this place. Maybe hop across the street for a hippie sandwich and outdoor music at Shady Grove Restaurant.
A definate must is hitting the trails or rowing the lake at Town Lake hike and bike. dogs are welcome, lots to do not limited to "exercise" as there are historical points of interest along the "run."
Shopping at Whole Earth Provision Co is cool.
Depending upon your taste in music and nightlife, I like to eat at Jeffrey's down in the 6th street area, very upscale but with a cool bohemian feel that only Austin delivers.
For Sunday brunch, Magnolia Cafe if the best option with steaming cofee, newspapers everywhere, hike and bike trail seconds away and delicious breakfast fare.
One place that was not mentioned but should be, if it is summer and you don't have a boat to hit Lake Travis, visit Hamilton Pool. IT is a natural preserve you can only believe when you see it.
Things to Do in Austin - Capitol, Bats Congress Bridge, LBJ Museum, University, Mount Bonnell, Bob Bullock museum, Barton Springs, Governor Mansion, Zilker Park, Riverboat & Tour, Botanical Garden, River Trail, Vaughn Statue, Texas Longhorns, 6th Street, Hamilton Pool, Lake Travis, Alamo Drafthouse, Wildflower Center.