A Perfect Babymoon in Austin

My husband and I recently enjoyed a wonderful “babymoon” in Austin, and our stay at the Austin Proper was the highlight of the trip. This hotel is a gem in the heart of the city’s Second Street District, and its location alone made our experience truly memorable. Being in such a walkable area meant we could easily explore without having to worry about a car, which was a huge plus for this pregnant momma.

The Peacock Lounge

The Austin Proper experience

The hotel itself is a destination. The design, by Kelly Wearstler, is sophisticated and stylish, with a distinctly Austin feel. But beyond the aesthetics, the amenities, food, and the beautiful room truly set it apart.

Our room was a haven of comfort and style. It was incredibly spacious, featuring a plush king bed and a separate sitting area perfect for relaxing. The hotel’s warm and inviting aesthetic extended into our room, creating a cozy and luxurious atmosphere. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city, and we loved stepping out onto our private balcony to take it all in. The bathroom was just as impressive, with a large, beautifully designed stone shower that felt like a spa retreat.

Premier King Balcony room

Austin Proper's rooftop view of the amazing architecture nearby

• Rooftop relaxation and dining: The rooftop pool is an absolute dream. It’s the perfect spot for couples who just want to unwind and soak up the sun. The food menu up there is incredible—the oysters were so amazing that they became an everyday item for us. The staff went above and beyond, making our poolside lounging extra special by dropping by with complimentary refreshments like fresh pomegranate lemonade, watermelon salad, and seasonal sorbet. It was a thoughtful touch that I—and my baby—greatly appreciated.

Poolside treats

More delicious poolside treats: mango sorbet with crushed pistachios

• Mocktails to marvel at: As a pregnant woman, I was so pleased with the mocktail menu. The drinks were creative, delicious, and made me feel like I was enjoying a proper, sophisticated cocktail without the alcohol.

• E-bikes for easy exploration: One of the fantastic perks of staying at the Austin Proper is the complimentary e-bikes. My husband and I took full advantage of this, and it was the best way to see the city. We cruised along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, taking in the beautiful scenery and getting some fresh air. The e-bikes made it so easy to cover a lot of ground without getting tired, which was especially great for me.

My husband and me taking full advantage of the complimentary e-bikes provided by Austin Proper

Exploring Austin’s culinary & cultural scene

The Austin Proper’s location in the Second Street District is perfect for exploring on foot or by e-bike, and we took advantage of some of the city’s best dining options.

• Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden: For a fun dinner and some live music, we headed to Banger's, located in the Rainey Street Historic District. This area is known for its bungalows that have been converted into unique bars and restaurants. The atmosphere was lively, and the live music was a great taste of Austin’s famous music scene.

• Torchy’s Tacos: We couldn’t leave Austin without trying some famous tacos, and Torchy’s did not disappoint. Their brisket breakfast taco, with cage-free eggs, crispy potatoes, and smoked beef brisket, was hands down the best thing we ate. It was a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and satisfying.

• J. Carver's: For a more elevated dining experience, we had dinner at J. Carver's, a unique steakhouse that made us feel incredibly special. A particularly memorable detail was when they brought out a tray of different knives and let us select our own steak knife for the meal. They also have a fantastic variety of fresh oysters to choose from, which we enjoyed before our main course.

J. Carver's knife tray brought to the table before guests steaks arrive

• Congress Avenue Bridge Bats: A truly unique Austin experience was watching the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. It was an incredible sight to see thousands of bats emerge and take flight for their nightly hunt.

Congress Street Bridge

Architectural delights & fishing fantasies

While zipping around on our e-bikes and exploring on foot, I was also captivated by the amazing architecture that defines Austin’s character. The city is a wonderful mix of historic and modern. We loved seeing the grand Texas State Capitol building, with its Italian Renaissance Revival style and striking red granite. It’s a magnificent landmark that dominates the skyline. A stroll through the Bremond Block Historic District felt like a step back in time, with its collection of well-preserved Victorian homes, including beautiful examples of Queen Anne and Classical Revival styles. Even the charming bungalows converted into bars on Rainey Street were a fascinating study in how old and new can blend seamlessly. It was a reminder that Austin’s vibrant energy is built on a rich and diverse history.

The natural beauty of the city also left a lasting impression, especially on my husband. As we rode our bikes along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, we often spotted large bass swimming near the shore. My husband couldn’t help but mention how he wished he had brought his fishing pole. We frequently saw dedicated fishermen along the banks of Lake Austin, casting their lines and enjoying the peaceful scenery, which only added to his “what if” daydreams.

Our trip to Austin was everything we hoped for—relaxing, fun, and full of delicious food, good vibes, and beautiful sights. The Austin Proper was the perfect base for our babymoon, and we can’t wait to go back and experience it all again. Next time, my husband has vowed to pack his fishing gear!

• There were a few BBQ restaurant spots we weren’t able to hit: Franklins, Micklethwaits, Stiles Switch, Coopers, Terry Black's, and The Salt Lick (this one is a little farther, and getting there early is highly recommended).

• For our romantic dinner, Lamberts Steakhouse was a close second.

• More “adventures” we’re saving for next time: River float in New Braunfels and any type of water activity on Lake Austin or Lady Bird Lake (kayaking, paddle boarding, boat rentals, etc.)

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Austin page.