When you think of great destinations in the South for a bachelor or bachelorette party, the first places that come to mind might be Nashville or New Orleans. However, the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas, is threatening to take the crown. The Lone Star State’s capital city offers groups celebrating the bride or groom-to-be the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and food that is to-die-for, all in a destination central to both East and West coasts.

While here, allow tommie Austin to be your home base. This modern, urban hotel is the sister property to its conjoined Thompson hotel and is designed for group interaction. The property’s character is evident from the custom wooden door entrance to the all-day coffee shop and wine bar right off the check-in desk. The 193 all-king-bed rooms, designed with boho meets industrial vibes, were built to be intentionally efficient with space. The idea is everyone in your group has a cozy, luxe place to lay their heads at an affordable price point after hitting the town (or the spa) all day!

Detox Before the Retox

Speaking of the spa, we recommend that after checking into the tommie, you throw your bags in the room and take the short stroll through downtown to the AWAY Spa, located within the W Austin. A 60-minute massage is the perfect way to get everyone out of travel-stress mode and into a weekend of fun with the homies. With spa treatments, you also gain access to the W’s rooftop pool, great for a post-massage group meeting point.

Mediterranean Masterpiece Meals at Aris

By then, chances are some stomachs will start to growl. That’s when your crew should hop in an UberXL for a short drive to Austin’s historic Clarksville neighborhood for a culinary experience that is sure to rock the socks off of everyone. Aris is a Mediterranean steakhouse considered a “paradise for meat lovers.” The restaurant’s mouth-watering, perfectly cooked premium cuts are just the start to what makes this a can’t-miss stop. Appetizers wow with refreshing dishes like a Tomato Salad with an egg yolk as dressing and the Aris Cigar, a traditional Mediterranean hummus dish but elevated. The cocktail and wine program here is extensive, and a great way to get the party started with some sophistication on the first night of the trip. Accommodating groups of 12 or more with a prix-fixe menu for easy logistics, you can opt to rent out the restaurant’s private room so your group can be as candid and comfy as possible. 

Going Batty on Town Lake

Cap off the first night with an experience wholly unique to Austin: the bat bridge. On the Congress Avenue bridge over the iconic Town Lake that runs parallel to downtown, live about one and a half million Mexican freetail bats. Right after sunset, every night from March through early November, the bats emerge in squeaking swarms to hunt for insects near and far. The natural phenomenon is incredible and the best place to witness it is from a pontoon boat operated by Capital Cruises. Passes are just $14 for adults and, weather permitting, they take off from Hyatt Regency Austin.

Retro Breakfast at Fifth Street Diner

Kick off your second day by soaking up the lively Austin morning without having to leave the hotel at Fifth Street Diner. This little hidden gem of a restaurant feels like stepping back in time to the 50s with a checkered tile floor, a marquee sign and blue vinyl seating. Serving an all-day menu that puts a twist on breakfast classics, it is a quintessential morning-time destination for a bachelor or bachelorette crew looking to refuel. 

Once you’re happily stuffed, stroll down to Lake Austin again for a jaunt around the scenic hike and bike trail before diving into some downtown shopping. Austin’s eclectic boutiques have a little something for everyone. 

Sun, Swim, and Margs

After a morning of exploring, head back to the tommie to trade those tennis shoes in for swimsuits. Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina is an exciting culinary concept on the hotel’s shared fourth-floor pool deck. Snag some lounge chairs or a daybed and treat the group to a poolside lunch featuring the flavors of Oaxaca, Yucatan and Tulum. It’s the ultimate communal setting to sip margaritas, catch some Texas sun and celebrate the guest of honor.

Brisket and Sixth Street Beats

Okay, you simply cannot host a bachelor or bachelorette bash in Texas without getting your hands messy with some authentic barbecue. For dinner, make your way to Cooper’s BBQ for a classic, heavy-hitting barbecue feast that will satisfy everyone in your party. With full bellies, you’ll be ready to take on the famous 6th Street. Whether taking in live music or hitting energetic dance floors is your group’s jam, one thing’s for sure: bar-hopping down 6th Street is a rite of passage for any Austin bachelorette or bachelor weekend.

An Elegant Nightcap

When the chaotic fun of 6th Street winds down, retreat to your home base for an elegant nightcap at The Royale Room. Located right on the property, the sophisticated, martini-focused cocktail bar is perfect for toasting the end of a fabulous trip.

A Proper Texas Send-Off

Before jetting off to the airport and waving goodbye to the Lone Star State, gather the group for a farewell brunch at Paperboy. Born as a humble food trailer, this spot has evolved into a quintessential Austin brunch destination. East Austin, identified by the vibrant murals and lively art scene, is the ideal area to reminisce about the weekend’s antics over specialty coffees and crafted cocktails. While their menu boasts diner classics like Texas hash and homemade Pop-Tarts, their French toast is truly next level and an absolute must-order for the table. It’s the ultimate sweet finale to a bachelorette or bachelor weekend that your wedding party will be talking about for years to come.

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Jonathan Ross (featured image); Lauren Ertl (1-3; 8); tommie Austin (4-7)