There’s a version of an Austin summer that lives in everyone’s head: warm nights on a patio, a cold drink sweating in your hand, live music drifting down the block, a swim in spring-fed water that somehow stays 68 degrees in July.

That version is real. You just have to know how to plan it.

Here’s The Wayback’s guide to doing summer in Austin the way we’d do it for ourselves, and the way we help our guests do it every week.

When to Visit Austin in Summer

Late May through early June is our favorite window. Everything is green, the wildflowers are still hanging on, and the heat hasn’t fully settled in yet. It’s the city at its most photogenic.

July and August are hotter, but arguably more fun. Flights are cheaper, restaurants are less busy, and the city leans fully into patio-and-pool mode. There’s a particular pleasure in a 100-degree afternoon followed by a sunset margarita. Austin is engineered for it.

Labor Day weekend is a sweet spot, too. The light starts shifting, the worst of the heat breaks, and the city begins its slow pivot toward fall before the football and festival rush.

Where to Stay in Austin

A boutique hotel should feel like a friend’s very well-designed home. Good coffee in the morning, the right books on the shelf, a neighborhood you can actually walk out into. We built Wayback to be that kind of place: somewhere you want to hang out in, not just sleep in. (More on booking at the end.)

Whatever you choose, book early. June fills up fast, and the run-up to ACL in early fall is even worse.

What to Do in Austin in Summer

Swim somewhere beautiful

Barton Springs is the obvious move, and it earns its reputation. Three acres of spring-fed pool that holds at 68 to 70°F year-round, right in the middle of the city. Go early on a weekend morning or late in the afternoon to skip the crowds.

Beyond that:

• Deep Eddy for a classic neighborhood pool with a 1930s bathhouse charm

• Hamilton Pool Preserve for the grotto photos everyone has on their phone (reservation required, book weeks ahead)

• Krause Springs for a Hill Country day trip with rope swings and cypress trees

• The Guadalupe River for a long, slow afternoon of tubing. Bring sunscreen and low expectations about staying dry.

Catch live music

Summer is when Austin’s music scene sprawls outdoors. Between The Continental Club, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Stubb’s amphitheater, and a dozen smaller patios, you can catch something great almost any night of the week.

For the cooler, slightly grittier side of town, check the weekly lineups at Mohawk and Hotel Vegas. The shows that aren’t on every tourist’s radar are usually the ones you’ll be telling people about for years.

Eat outside

Summer in Austin is patio season. A few of our regulars:

• Breakfast tacos at El Dorado Cafe, the kind of unfussy, perfect breakfast that sets the tone for the whole day

• A long afternoon at Better Half Coffee and Cocktails: coffee in the morning, a spritz by 4

• Sunset oysters at Clark’s. Dress up a little, sit on the patio.

• Pasta and negronis at Il Brutto, east side, no notes

• The Hotel San José courtyard, for when you just need to sit with a cold beer and do nothing

Go early for dinner. The light after 8 p.m. is the whole point.

Explore by foot or bike

Mornings are the move in summer. Rent a bike and ride the Lady Bird Lake boardwalk before 10 a.m., walk South Congress before the shops open, or spend a slow morning wandering East Austin’s cafés and record stores. By 11 you’ll be ready for an iced coffee and a swim.

Take a Hill Country day trip

The Texas Hill Country is at its summer best:

• Fredericksburg for wineries and a lazy lunch

• Wimberley for the swimming holes (Jacob’s Well, Blue Hole)

• Lockhart for serious barbecue. Black’s, Smitty’s, and Kreuz are all worth the drive.

• Luckenbach for the most Texas-feeling afternoon of your life: dance hall, picker’s circle, cold beer, dust

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A Sample Three-Day Austin Summer Weekend

Friday. Arrive, drop bags, walk to a patio dinner nearby. Don’t try to do anything ambitious. Just ease in. Have a cocktail under the old oak trees.

Saturday. Start your day with delicious breakfast tacos. Morning swim at Barton Springs. Long lunch somewhere with shade. An afternoon nap (non-negotiable). Golden-hour drinks on a rooftop. Late dinner. Live music until your cottage calls.

Sunday. Sleep in. Brunch. Then a leisurely walk through South Congress or East Austin. One more swim. Early dinner before you fly home tan, relaxed, and restored.

How to Beat the Austin Heat (Without Complaining About It)

The secret to Austin in summer is rhythm.

Be outside early. Come back in from 2 to 5. Go back out after the sun softens around 7. Drink more water than you think you need, and then more than that. Say yes to a midday pool break. Embrace the siesta.

It’s how locals actually live. Once you adjust to the cadence, the heat stops being the enemy and starts being part of the trip.

Plan Your Stay at The Wayback

We’d love to host you this summer. The Wayback Cafe & Cottages is a boutique hotel with a farm-to-table cafe, built around a saltwater pool, set in one of Austin’s most walkable neighborhoods, close to the springs, the music, and the patios above.

Book your summer stay between June 1 and August 31, 2026, and use code SUMMER15 for 15% off your cottage booking.

Book Your Stay (15% Off via SUMMER15)

Reply to this post if you want a personalized list of recommendations for your trip. Tell us who’s coming and what you love, and we’ll send back a shortlist of restaurants, music venues, and hidden spots tailored to you.

See you this summer.

– The Wayback team

Tonight at 4pm sharp, Marimar Estate takes over The Cabana at The Wayback — three wines, light bites, and a story 150 years in the making.

This isn’t just any pour. Marimar Torres brought her family’s centuries-old Spanish winemaking tradition to California’s Russian River Valley, and tonight, those bottles land on our patio.

Two hours. One Cabana. Zero reasons to stay home.

Tonight, 4–6pm The Cabana at The Wayback Free. Open to all. No RSVP.

Grab a friend, skip the traffic, and we’ll see you with a glass in hand. Hungry? Reservations for dinner are open — book before you come so your table’s ready when the last pour ends.

See you at 4.

The Wayback

Marimar Torres comes from one of the most storied wine families in the world. The Torres family has been making wine in Spain’s Penedès region for over 150 years, with roots tracing back to the 1600s. In 1986, Marimar brought that centuries-old European winemaking tradition across the Atlantic, planting her own vineyard in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The result is Marimar Estate — a California winery with a Catalan soul, known for elegant Pinot Noirs, graceful Chardonnays, and the Spanish grape Albariño that nods to her homeland.

We’ll be pouring three of their standout wines from The Cabana, paired with light bites from our kitchen.

When: Wednesday, 4–6pm

Where: The Cabana at The Wayback

What: Three wines from Sonoma, one remarkable family story, and small bites.

Cost: Free and open to the public — no RSVP required

Whether you’re new to wine or know your way around a glass, come for the pours, stay for the conversation. Bring a friend (or two) — we’d love to see you.

The tasting is just the opening act. Make a reservation and stay for dinner.

Make a Cafe reservation Here

When: Wednesday April 22nd, 4–6pm

Where: The Cabana at The Wayback

What: Three wines, three stories, and small bites to match

Cost: Free and open to the public — no RSVP required

Whether you’re a curious sipper or a seasoned oenophile, come for the pours, stay for the conversation. Bring a friend (or two) — we’d love to see you.

Why stop at a sip? Book a table, stay for dinner, and make a proper night of it.

Reserve your table HERE!

Stay for lunch or dinner:

reserve your table here

Beginner Watercolor Class
Earth Day Landscape
Wednesday April 22nd
9am-11am

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM CST
Location: The Wayback Café, 9601 Bee Cave Rd, Austin, TX 78733
What You’ll Learn

• Essential watercolor techniques

• Color mixing

• How to use them in your final landscape painting

reserve your spot here

Morning Mahj
Thursday April 30th
9am-11am

grab a seat here!

Shop inside The Cabana at
The Wayback
w/ House of Alaan
Saturday April 18th
10am-2pm

Mother’s Day Brunch
Reservations Open April 19th

***Mark your calendar! Mother’s Day Brunch reservations open April 19th - Mother’s Day is May 10th.

If you want to gift your mom the perfect getaway- purchase a gift card to The Wayback! They can use the gift card for a cottage stay - a pool passes- or for a meal at the restaurant.

Purchase a gift card here

Follow along on Instagram:

It’s atmosphere. It’s pacing. It’s the feeling that you’ve stepped outside the ordinary. Somewhere that draws you in, invites conversation, and leaves an impression.

These are five of the best date night spots in Austin right now according to locals. Each offers something distinct. One, in particular, brings it all together.

The Wayback

Tucked just outside the city, The Wayback feels like you’ve discovered something.

Cottages scattered across the property. Oak trees overhead. String lights at dusk. It’s quiet in a way that’s increasingly rare in Austin.

The menu features farm-to-table cuisine, with elevated takes on familiar classics. Clean, seasonal, and thoughtful without trying too hard. The craft cocktails are equally considered. Strong, balanced, and worth arriving early for.

It’s the kind of place where a quick dinner turns into a long evening. Where conversation flows easily. Where everything feels just a bit more intentional.

For a date night that actually feels like one, it’s hard to match.

La Piscina

Set above downtown, La Piscina brings a different kind of energy.

It’s polished. Designed. A place where the setting is as much a part of the experience as the food.

Expect elevated Mexican dishes, a strong cocktail list, and some of the best views in the city. It leans lively rather than intimate, making it a good choice when you want the night to feel a little more social.

Uchiko

Uchiko has long been one of Austin’s most reliable date night spots.

The space strikes a balance between refined and relaxed. It’s intimate without being quiet, energetic without feeling crowded.

The Japanese menu is thoughtful and precise, with standout small plates that naturally turn dinner into a shared experience. Sit at the bar if you can.

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile delivers something distinctly Texan.

Family owned, ranch driven, and set along the water, it offers one of the best patios in the city. The atmosphere is open and easy, especially at sunset.

The menu leans steakhouse, with locally sourced beef and simple, well executed sides. It’s less about flash, more about comfort done right.

Bill’s Oyster

For something that feels slightly removed from Austin altogether, Bill’s Oyster stands out.

Downtown, dimly lit, and unmistakably East Coast in tone. It has a New York energy. Tight, focused, and a little more formal than most spots nearby.

The menu is intentionally simple. Oysters, seafood classics, and a strong martini. It’s a place for a certain kind of night. Clean, direct, and quietly confident.

Choosing the Right One

Each of these works, depending on the kind of evening you want.

Something lively and design forward. Something intimate and culinary. Something classic and grounded.

But if the goal is to slow things down, settle in, and let the night unfold naturally, The Wayback offers something harder to find.

A setting that feels removed. A meal that feels considered. And the space to actually enjoy both.

If you do choose The Wayback for your date night, we look forward to welcoming you.

Reserve a Table at The Wayback

Stay late and grab a bite!

reserve a table

There is something about Austin that makes it uniquely suited for weddings. The light feels softer. The landscapes feel more alive. Spring arrives with wildflowers and warm breezes, and summer evenings stretch long enough for celebration to unfold at its own perfect pace.

Weddings here are not confined to ballrooms or rigid timelines. They spill out onto lawns, under oak trees, beside pools, and across candlelit patios. They feel personal. Intentional. Rooted in place.

For couples searching for a venue that captures both the beauty and spirit of Austin, these are some of the most compelling settings across the city.

The Wayback

Farm style meets sophistication.

Tucked away in West Austin, The Wayback offers a setting that feels at once intimate and expansive. A wide open lawn framed by heritage oak trees creates a natural gathering space where ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions flow seamlessly into one another. The property carries the quiet charm of the countryside while remaining elevated in every detail.

Guests move easily from sunlit ceremonies to golden hour cocktails, then into evenings filled with live music, thoughtful farm to table cuisine, and warm conversation under string lights. The presence of the pool, the cottages, and the surrounding landscape allows the entire experience to unfold as more than just a single event. It becomes a weekend. A memory that lingers.

For couples seeking a venue that feels both grounded and refined, The Wayback offers a rare balance that is difficult to replicate.

Commodore Perry Estate

Stunning interior design.

For those drawn to European elegance and architectural detail, Commodore Perry Estate delivers a striking visual experience. The interiors are layered with rich textures, curated furnishings, and a sense of old world grandeur that sets the tone for a more formal celebration. Every corner feels considered, making it especially compelling for couples who value design as a central element of their wedding aesthetic.

Barr Mansion

Expansive grounds.

Barr Mansion is known for its sweeping natural beauty. Expansive gardens, towering trees, and open green spaces create a setting that feels timeless and deeply connected to the land. Ceremonies here are often framed by nature itself, with receptions that carry an easy, organic elegance. It is a venue that allows the outdoors to take center stage in a way few others can.

Woodbine Mansion

Nothing more quaint.

Woodbine offers a sense of intimacy and charm that feels almost storybook in nature. The historic home, manicured grounds, and understated elegance create a setting that is both romantic and approachable. It is especially well suited for smaller gatherings where every detail can be appreciated and every guest feels close to the moment.

Hotel Magdalena

Funky and fun.

For couples looking to embrace Austin’s creative energy, Hotel Magdalena provides a refreshing alternative to traditional venues. With its laid back design, vibrant textures, and music inspired roots, it brings a sense of personality and movement to the celebration. It is a space where weddings feel less formal and more like an extension of the city’s culture.

Choosing a wedding venue is ultimately about more than aesthetics. It is about how a place feels. How it holds the people you care about. How naturally the day unfolds from one moment to the next.

Austin offers no shortage of beautiful settings, each with its own character and charm. Yet the most memorable weddings tend to share something in common. They feel effortless. They feel personal. They feel grounded in a space that allows both celebration and connection to exist side by side.

In that sense, the best venue is not simply the most beautiful. It is the one that creates the right atmosphere for your story to take shape.

If you do choose The Wayback for your wedding, we look forward to welcoming you!

The Wayback: Weddings & Events

Looking ahead to this week, we’re hosting a tequila tasting this Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. in our cabana, featuring complimentary tequila samples from Aguasol Tequila! The event is free and open to the public. Be sure to reserve a table after the tasting to enjoy dinner at the restaurant.

Then on Saturday 3/28, join us for a live jazz band on the back lawn during dinner, playing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to make a reservation—the weather is looking beautiful, and we can’t wait to have y’all out!

book a table here

Tune in next week to see an all American wedding at The Wayback!

Thank you for being a part of everything we do!

-Sydney

To kick off the celebrations, we’re hosting a fun cookie decorating class the Wednesday before Easter from 9:30–10:30 AM. Professional chef, Allison, will be leading the class and teaching guests how to decorate beautiful Easter cookies.

It’s the perfect activity for kids and families—create treats for lunchboxes, Easter baskets, gifts, or even to bring to church. Plus, you’ll leave with new skills (and some delicious creations)!

We highly recommend saving your spot—both for brunch and the class. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💛

This event is free and open to the public. You do not need a reservation for the Cafe to enjoy and attend. Please note, our dinner fills up quickly so if you plan on staying, make a reservation here:

Cafe Reservations

There is a certain magic to Austin in the warmer months.

When spring settles in and summer stretches its long golden afternoons across the Hill Country, life naturally moves outdoors. The days feel expansive. Evenings hum with cicadas and the distant sound of live music. One of the simplest and most joyful ways to experience the season is to gather with friends on a beautiful patio. Cold drinks arrive beaded with condensation. Fresh farm to table dishes are shared across the table. Laughter carries through warm, sunlit air.

Whether you are a longtime local or visiting for a restorative weekend, these outdoor spaces capture the easygoing spirit of Austin at its very best.

The Wayback

Tucked into a peaceful pocket of West Austin, The Wayback offers a patio experience that feels both refined and wonderfully relaxed.

Set across an open lawn framed by heritage oak trees, the setting evokes the charm of a countryside retreat while remaining warmly social and welcoming. Guests linger over seasonal farm to table cuisine, sip carefully crafted cocktails, and enjoy live music as golden hour settles across the grounds.

On bright afternoons, the pool and wide green spaces invite guests to slow their pace and stay awhile. Conversations stretch into sunset. String lights glow softly overhead. It is an atmosphere that captures the true pleasure of an Austin spring or summer day.

Manuel’s

A beloved institution among Austin locals, Manuel’s pairs bold Tex Mex flavors with an outdoor patio that feels lively and inviting throughout the year. The setting is colorful and energetic yet comfortable enough for long, relaxed meals with friends. Native landscaping and warm evening light create a welcoming backdrop for margaritas, shared dishes, and easy conversation.

Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

Along South Congress, Perla’s offers one of the city’s most iconic patio experiences. Towering shade trees and airy outdoor seating create a breezy coastal feeling that pairs beautifully with fresh oysters and chilled white wine. It is a natural destination for lingering brunches, sunset dinners, or an afternoon spent people watching on one of Austin’s most storied streets.

Loro South Austin

Loro’s South Austin patio blends the feel of a backyard gathering with the creativity of one of Austin’s most distinctive culinary collaborations. Communal tables, shaded seating, and a steady flow of inventive cocktails and Asian inspired smoked meats make it a favorite for groups looking to savor warm evenings together. The energy is casual, social, and unmistakably Austin.

As the days grow longer and sunshine stretches deep into the evening, Austin reveals one of its greatest pleasures. The simple joy of being outdoors together. A shaded patio. A refreshing drink. Live music drifting through warm air. Moments like these turn an ordinary afternoon into something lasting.

This season, step outside. Gather your favorite people. Settle into a beautiful patio and rediscover why Austin in the spring and summer feels so alive.

We hope to see you soon at The Wayback.

Reserve a Table at The Wayback

We’ve partnered with some of our favorite vendors around Austin to host tastings inside the cabana, paired with light bites from The Wayback kitchen. Guests will have the chance to sample new spirits and wines, relax on the front lawn, enjoy a small plate, and hopefully stay and join us for dinner.

This Wednesday, we’re partnering with Serendipity Wines, a distributor we’ve worked with since The Wayback first opened. Join us inside the cabana from 4–6 PM on Wednesday, March 11th, where they’ll be pouring Champagne, Sancerre, and Pinot Noir.

Reserve a Table Here

Thank you for being a supporter of everything we do at The Wayback!

-Sydney

@waybackaustin post:

Read the latest Google review:

“I celebrated my friend’s birthday at the restaurant (The Wayback )here and the atmosphere was a cozy and classy, while feeling like home. I felt so comfortable and relaxed. The food looked like ART, and tasted even better. The service was top notch. I am thrilled to come back soon and stay for the whole day with a pool pass and also do a staycation soon. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. If you live in Austin proper, it feels like a tiny getaway to the country, even though it is just not far away at all.”

This week, I had the chance to attend the ATX Open, which was such a treat. If you're in Austin and you like professional tennis, this is a must! This year it has many great sponsors, and one of which we use at The Wayback, Aquasol Tequila! They have an entire tent that you must check out. It is downtown so make sure you plan for traffic getting there.

After soaking up all that great tennis, I headed back to The Wayback — and wow, things are really coming along. After the snow two weeks ago, we lost quite a few plants and some grass, so we’ve been busy replanting and refreshing everything to get ready for wedding season. It’s all starting to come back to life just in time!

We also have some delicious new things to look forward to this weekend. Our brand-new blackberry danish and pear danish will be available Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — or until they sell out, so come early! We’ve also added an incredible blackened salmon Cobb salad to the menu. It features goat cheese, cucumber, avocado, our house-made green goddess dressing, and perfectly crumbled blackened salmon. It’s a must-try

Book a reservation here

.

And stay tuned… we have an exciting change coming to The Wayback early next week — likely Monday or Tuesday — and you’ll be able to see it when the café opens at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. We can’t wait to share it with you all!

Happy Friday YALL!
-Sydney

Food
From the beginning, our focus has been simple: organic when possible, fresh always, and made in-house whenever we can. We’re constantly sourcing the best ingredients we can find. When our longtime Texas ranchers were recently acquired by Walmart, it pushed us to rethink and refine our partnerships. We’re excited to now be working with Wagyu-X — and the quality speaks for itself. The freshness and richness of the meat is truly unmatched.

We’ve also welcomed a new pastry chef to the team, which means even more baked goods made right here in our kitchen. Keep an eye out for house-made brioche buns, fresh French baguettes, and pear galettes — just the beginning of what’s to come.

BOOK A RESERVATION HERE

Beverages
Our spring cocktail menu has officially launched, featuring fresh rose petals, house-infused vodkas and bourbons, and seasonal fruits like pear and apple. On the wine list, we’re gravitating toward lighter reds from Willamette Valley and crisp whites from Southern France — perfect for patio evenings and warmer days ahead.

Cottages
With spring break around the corner, we’re introducing new cottage specials. Be sure to follow here, for updates and insider offerings. Guests can also look forward to fresh morning coffee deliveries, expanded breakfast options, and brand-new patio furniture sponsored by Tupelo Goods.

Events
Looking to experience The Wayback in a more intimate setting? Join us for watercolor workshops, mahjong mornings, and wine happy hours. All upcoming events are shared on our website, Instagram, and Substack. It’s the perfect way to gather with friends and enjoy the beauty of the property.

We can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.

-Sydney & Vicki

If you made it this far, use code “FIRST20” off your first cottage stay at The Wayback!

Each March, South by Southwest transforms Austin into something electric.

Music spills from patios. Founders gather over coffee. Film premieres run late. AI panels fill ballrooms. And for one week, the city feels like the nexus of the future.

If you are coming for SXSW this year, the biggest decision you will make is not which panel to attend. It is where to stay.

Why Where You Stay Matters During SXSW

In 2026, SXSW programming is spreading across downtown as the Austin Convention Center redevelopment continues. Events stretch between Congress and I-35, from 11th Street down to Cesar Chavez. The energy is incredible. So are the crowds.

Downtown hotels book early. Prices climb. Noise runs late.

What most first-time visitors discover by Day 2 is this: You need a place to reset.

You need air. Quiet. A patio. A proper meal that is not from a food truck line at midnight. You need to be close to SXSW, but not inside it.

That is why so many seasoned attendees choose to stay just outside downtown in the Texas Hill Country. And that is where The Wayback comes in.

The Wayback: Your SXSW Sanctuary

Located just west of downtown near Bee Cave and Westlake, The Wayback offers something rare during SXSW:

• Private cottages instead of hotel hallways
• Wide open Hill Country sky instead of sirens
• An award-winning farm-to-table café, steps from your door
• Craft cocktails on a quiet patio after a long day downtown

You can be at a morning panel in 20–25 minutes. And back under oak trees by sunset.

For founders closing deals, artists performing late sets, film teams on tight schedules, or couples turning SXSW into a creative getaway, that balance matters.

How to Do SXSW Without Burning Out

You do not need a badge to experience the best parts of SXSW.

Some of the most memorable moments are free, open to the public, or hosted by brands and communities across the city. Here are categories to prioritize:

1. Free Outdoor Music

Check for free community concerts and daytime showcases along Lady Bird Lake and Auditorium Shores. Bring a blanket. Go early. The vibe is relaxed and distinctly Austin.

2. SXSW “Houses”

Throughout the week, brands and media companies host pop-up experiences known as “Houses.” Think live music, panel conversations, networking events, and free coffee.

Many are RSVP-based but do not require a badge.

Pro tip: Follow major tech companies, media outlets, and venture funds on Instagram the week before SXSW. They often announce pop-ups 3–5 days out.

3. Poster Art & Creative Markets

Flatstock and similar art showcases are open to the public and offer limited edition prints from top designers. Even if you are not buying, they are worth browsing.

4. Day Parties

Austin is famous for porch parties, brewery sets, and daytime DJ events during SXSW. These are often more fun than late-night shows and far less chaotic.

Real Local Tips for SXSW Visitors

If this is your first SXSW, here is what locals know:

Stay Outside Downtown

You will sleep better. You will think more clearly. You will enjoy the festival more.

Use Rideshare Strategically

Traffic spikes from 3–7 PM and again after 10 PM. Leave early for major events and return before peak surges when possible.

Build White Space Into Your Schedule

Do not book 12 back-to-back events. Pick 3 meaningful ones per day. Leave space for serendipity.

Eat Well

Lines for downtown restaurants stretch long. Make at least one intentional dinner reservation outside the core chaos.

At The Wayback, you can start your morning with locally sourced breakfast and end your night with a proper meal and a cocktail without fighting crowds.

Spend One Afternoon in Nature

SXSW is stimulating. The Hill Country restores perspective. Even a slow coffee on a quiet patio changes your week.

Turning SXSW Into a Getaway

Many guests choose to extend their SXSW trip by a day or two.

Here are easy additions:

• Dinner at the café at The Wayback
• A scenic drive through Westlake and Bee Cave
• Sunset at Mount Bonnell
• A relaxed morning before heading home

You came for innovation, music, and bold ideas.

You should leave rested, not depleted.

Why Book Early for SXSW 2026?

March 12–18, 2026 will be one of the busiest weeks in Austin.

Boutique properties fill quickly. Private cottages are especially limited.

If you are searching:

“Where to stay during SXSW in Austin”
“Quiet hotel near SXSW”
“Boutique hotel for SXSW”
“Romantic place to stay during SXSW”

You are exactly who The Wayback was designed for.

SXSW 2026 at a Glance

Dates: March 12–18, 2026
Location: Downtown Austin and surrounding venues
Theme: Music, film, AI, entrepreneurship, culture

Base yourself somewhere that gives you access without overload.

Stay close enough to participate.
Far enough to breathe.

Plan Your SXSW Stay

If you are coming to Austin for SXSW 2026, reserve your cottage early and make The Wayback your Hill Country home for the week.

The energy of the festival.
The calm of the countryside.
Both in one stay.

We look forward to welcoming you at The Wayback.

Book Your Stay

UPCOMING EVENTS at The Wayback Cafe!​​​​​​​​​​​​

Family Yoga on the Lawn - 2/14, 9-9:45am
Mahjong Class - 2/19, 9-11am
Easter Brunch reservations go live - 3/6
Jazz Brunch - 3/22, 11 - 2pm - to enjoy live music make a reservation HERE
Cookie Decorating Class - 3/25, 9:30-10:30am - TICKETS COMING SOON

**Live Music dates to be announced soon!

If you’re a regular, we have some exciting news! We’ve hired a talented pastry chef, and she’s already elevated our house-made breads and pastries to a whole new level. Just look at these sourdough loaves—now featured on the Meatloaf Sandwich at The Wayback! This weekend, she also created a Cake du Jour that sold out before 11am, plus some decadent cinnamon rolls topped with a warm pour-over glaze. YUMMMM! Personally, I think they are the best in town, but if you are a cinnamon roll connoisseur, come try them and let us know! :-)

Chef has been busy as well. Check out this new flatbread with kale, mushrooms, gorgonzola and Texas EVOO. Available starting Wednesday 2/11. You can book your reservation HERE

This weeks top selling item: 6 oz 44 Farms Teres Major Steak butter-seared, parsley, chive, garlic w/ grilled beef steak tomatoes

If you are seeking a little peace, and a lot of good food, we will see you soon!

-Sydney, Vicki , and the entire team at The Wayback

“Freddie” the roadrunner outside our office! ** you can see more fun happenings at The Wayback by following along on our Instagram.

Quiet mornings.
Hill Country air.
No agenda but each other.

Just outside Austin, The Wayback is where couples come to slow down and reconnect. Close enough to the city for music, dining, and culture. Far enough away that the noise falls off the moment you arrive. What remains is space, calm, and time together.

This is a place to slow down and stay awhile.

A Romantic Escape That Feels Like a Sanctuary

Wake up in your own private cottage, amid soft light and fresh air. Coffee from our café tastes better when there is nowhere else you need to be.

Spend the day exactly how you want. Walk the grounds together. Swim in our heated saltwater pool. Talk without checking the time over brunch. Take a nap. The Texas Hill Country has a way of making the little moments feel full again.

When evening comes, dine at our award winning farm to table café. Taste our seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails. End the night in your cozy cottage.

Near Austin, Yet a World Away

One of the things couples love most about The Wayback is the balance. You are minutes from Austin when you want a night on the town, live music, or a late dinner. But when you return, it feels like stepping back into a private refuge.

Southern charm meets understated luxury. Restful, not crowded. Thoughtful, not showy. It is the kind of place where time stretches and connection comes naturally.

Why Couples Choose The Wayback

• Private cottages designed for comfort and privacy

• Heated saltwater pool for year round relaxation

• Award winning farm to table dining on premises

• Craft cocktails and peaceful evenings under Hill Country skies

• A peaceful setting that encourages real time together

Whether you are celebrating something special or simply craving space to be together, The Wayback is consistently chosen as one of the best romantic getaways near Austin, Texas for a reason.

Book Your Romantic Getaway

Book your getaway at The Wayback today and enter FIRST20 for 20 percent off your first stay.

It’s better out here.

Book Your Stay

THIS WEEK AT THE WAYBACK:

Thursday 1/22 Mahjong from 9-11am- click HERE to sign up!
Thursday ALL DAY, half price bottles of wine

Happy Hour this week on Thursday and Friday from 3-5p:

Check out our new menu items below:

Thin Crust Flatbread
tomato basil sauce, ricotta, Genoa salami, confit garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano

Orange Ginger Honey Cake
pistachio, orange glaze, candied orange, whipped honey mascarpone, rosemary

Snow Piercer
apple infused bourbon, Amica amaro, fig syrup, lemon, orange & black walnut bitters

I know it’s going to be a short week at The Wayback, but we hope you can make it out before hunkering down this weekend. Stay safe!

-Sydney and Vicki

If you made it this far… use code “FIRST15” for 15% off your next cottage stay @thewaybackaustin . CHEERS!

Think of this as an insider’s guide to Austin, Hill Country style.

Eat

Food Food
A classic West Austin deli. Grab a sandwich, then walk around the Tarrytown Shopping Center for gifts, clothing, home decor, and neighborhood charm.

El Dorado Cafe
Our pick for the best Tex-Mex in Austin. Creative, comforting, and consistently excellent.

Buffalina
Often considered the best pizza in the city. Simple, thoughtful, and done right.

AllDay Pizza
A neighborhood favorite connected to Flow Wine Bar. Perfect for a casual dinner that turns into a long evening.

Zed’s Ice Cream
Australian-style ice cream located in the Tarrytown Shopping Center. A great stop after Food Food.

Cipollina
Family-owned Italian restaurant in a walkable neighborhood. Cozy, welcoming, and loved by locals.

The Peacock
Mediterranean food downtown with easy access to shopping and sightseeing nearby.

Elizabeth Street Cafe
A beautiful blend of French and Vietnamese flavors, ideal for brunch or dinner.

Drink

Lala’s Little Nugget
An Austin institution. Christmas decorations every day of the year and open for over 50 years.

Prana Smoothies
Our favorite place for smoothies. Clean, energizing, and perfect before a day out.

Violet Crown Wine Bar
Coffee during the day and wine at night. A relaxed spot to linger.

Shop

Letterpress PLAY
Family-owned letterpress studio filled with beautiful paper goods and thoughtful gifts.

Liz James Designs
Women-owned jewelry and gift shop with a distinctly Austin feel.

Terra Toys
The best toy store in Austin. A favorite for kids and adults alike.

Maaribu Home
A beautifully curated interiors shop. While you browse, grab a coffee and pastry from their all gluten-free bakery.

Austin Art Garage
Discover local artists and take home a piece of Austin.

Adelante Boutique
Stylish women’s clothing with a relaxed, local sensibility.

Be Active

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
Walk along Lake Austin with beautiful views of the water and rolling Hill Country.

Shoal Creek Greenbelt leading into Pease Park
Along the way, discover Malin’s Fountain, an 18-foot troll sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo. Grab a coffee in the park from a high-end espresso bar operating out of a vintage VW bus.

Café Monet
Art and clay classes in a creative, welcoming environment.

Stay

The Wayback Cafe & Cottages
A quiet, design-forward retreat nestled among live oaks in the Texas Hill Country, just minutes from downtown Austin. Enjoy the natural setting, saltwater pool, farm-to-table cafe, and craft cocktails. We also have live music and workshops on select dates.

Book your Austin getaway today, and use code FIRST20 for 20% off your first stay.

Book Your Stay