How to Have the Best Bach Party in Austin
Words by James Wong
Photo by Jake Holt
If you’re searching for a top destination to host an upcoming bachelor or bachelorette party, then look no further because Austin has got it all. This is a city well-renowned for having the best nightlife, spilling with bars and clubs to make pre-wedding memories… but it’s not just about nocturnal pleasures. Daytime in ATX brings an equal slew of fun under the sun, ideal for traveling groups looking to bond on water activities, hiking, shopping, and culture. The LINE Austin is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the city’s greatest hits, day or night. Perched on the edge of Lady Bird Lake, this is the gateway to an unforgettable bach celebration. Think: paddleboarding at sunrise, diving into downtown’s buzzing food and music scene, and watching the orange Texan sunset melt with cocktails on a rooftop. Ready to say ‘yes’ to good times? Here’s how to have a blast in Austin with the bach crew.
The Bachelor & Bachelorette Party Guide to Austin, Texas
Image by Weston Carls
HIKE, CYCLE, PADDLE, AND SWIM IN AUSTIN’S GREAT OUTDOORS
Blessed with sunshine skies almost year-round, one of the best things to do when in Austin is to take to the great outdoors. This really is an active adult’s playground. If it’s the first time for most of the party, you’ll want to tick off an ATX bucket list first: bat watching at Congress Avenue Bridge. Between March and November, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at sunset to feed, and the best way to see the spectacle is from the river banks in front of the LINE Austin, or on a paddleboat, which is permitted to float right under the bridge. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail that crosses past is a 10-mile mecca for outdoor recreation, so when you’ve seen the bats, do get out and enjoy nature’s gym with a group run or cycle of the loop.
On hotter days, the party may want to conserve energy with a refreshing dip at Barton Springs Pool instead. It’s filled by a natural underground spring with a delightful average water temperature of 68 to 70 degrees. Don’t forget to load your cooler up with snacks and refreshments to safeguard your spot all day long.
Alternatively, hit up Zilker Park for more daytime frolics, and look out for the multitude of events that take place here, including Austin City Limits, Blues on the Green, and the ABC Kite Festival. However, note that avoiding festival seasons will significantly boost your bach budget as you’ll take advantage of better prices on flights and accommodation.
DRINK, DRINK, AND DRINK SOME MORE AT DOWNTOWN’S TOP NIGHTLIFE HAUNTS
It’s rare that a bach party will be the teetotal sort (although that can totally be done here in Austin), and y’all are spoiled for choice when it comes to corners to neck your poison. Sixth Street is renowned for debauchery, but its demographic leans toward a younger, student crowd. For brides and grooms who have graduated beyond $3 shots, how about some cocktails on the P6 Rooftop? Easily the best rooftop bar in Austin, it boasts sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake and the lush South Austin skyline, with a solid happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 6 pm.
After the sun sets, we recommend heading down to Cantero for a delicious sotol concoction, or one of downtown’s many chic bars, like The Roosevelt Room, Devil May Care (technically on Sixth Street but one of its more upscale establishments), and The Well if you’re in a health-conscious bach brigade. Fourth Street is the most inclusive zone in the city, where the queer community and their allies paint the town in rainbow colors at spots such as Rain on 4th and the Coconut Club, however, if drag brunch has your queens screaming, then check out Cheer Up Charlie’s on Red River Street for earlier booze ups. Cap off the week with a live set at one of Austin’s two most iconic music venues, Antone’s Nightclub downtown and The Continental Club in South Austin, where you’ll likely catch the city’s next big thing. Remember, everything’s bigger in Texas, including the pours, so pace yourselves accordingly!
Image by Rebecca Murphy
Image by Emily Martin
TASTE THE CULINARY CAPITAL OF TEXAS
Texas may best be known for barbecue and Tex-Mex, and while those can certainly be found in mahoosive quantities all over the state, Austin has a few more tricks up its sleeve beyond brisket and queso. Cliché as it sounds, this city is fast becoming a melting pot of cultures as the influx of transplants brings new sauces to the table.
Impress your hungry/thirsty clan with a trip to Old Thousand, hosting a hip-hop Chinese brunch with lychee cocktails; Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden, whose creative bratwursts will have your tongues wagging for more; and Arlo Grey by award-winning chef Kristen Kish is the perfect farewell dinner spot with a lake backdrop to glitter any teary bestie speech. Still craving barbecue and Tex-Mex? Oh, okay then! We recommend La Barbecue’s heavenly soft brisket in East Austin and Veracruz All Natural’s breakfast tacos at the LINE Austin.
Note that these can be enjoyed any time of day, not just breakfast, and if y’all went too hard last night, then the concierge will happily bring them straight up to your room. They say these are the best medicine for any hangover, so come test the method.
TOUR THE CULTURAL GEMS OF THE CAPITAL
As the capital of Texas, Austin is a culture vulture’s dream, and if your group are keen on exploring the city’s attractions, the good news is that the main draws are all within walking distance of each other. We all know coordinating large group transportation can be a challenge. If the weather is on side, get those steps in at a trio of greats, including the Texas State Capitol (the largest in the US), The Contemporary Austin Museum for modern art, and the Mexic-Arte Museum dedicated to the art and culture of Mexico and Latin America. GetYourGuide offers electric bike tours which take things further, through to South Congress’s murals (worth returning to for boutique shopping), the Austin Public Library and Barton Springs Pool.
For nightfall culture, snag tickets for a show at the historic Paramount Theatre, a venue that’s played host to legends such as Katharine Hepburn and Miles Davis. Best of all, it’s a 10-minute walk back to the LINE Austin, so no need to wait around for rideshares. Bet you never thought Texas could be this walkable.
Image by Anne Deis
Book your stay at the LINE Austin to make the most of the Cantero bar, ground-floor infinity pool, and proximity to ATX’s indoor and outdoor summer greats.
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