Beat the Austin Heat this Summer with these Cool, Air-Conditioned Activities in the 2nd Street District
Stay Chill This Summer: Explore the 2nd Street District’s top attractions and activities that’ll have the air conditioning blasting all summer.
Cold Treats: Indulge in icy, sweet treats that’ll cool you down in minutes.
Cool Dining Hot Spots: We’ve got bars and restaurants that feature delicious food, cold drinks, and top-notch air conditioning.
Escaping the Heat With a Shopping Retreat: It’s a great time to get inside your favorite boutiques and shop for your summer wardrobe.
Refresh With Some R&R: Get off your feet and relax with a massage, pedicure, or a dip in the pool.
It’s official: Summer in Austin is here in full effect. And as the months heat up and the temperatures inch past 90 degrees, staying cool and beating the heat is top of mind. Austin's 2nd Street District is a fun and refreshing way to avoid the heat while enjoying your day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your time while keeping cool.
Stay Chill this Summer: Explore the 2nd Street District’s top attractions and activities that’ll have the air conditioning blasting all summer.
There’s nothing better than a good blast of air conditioning, and these destinations definitely won’t disappoint. Head to our local movie theater, catch a live performance or create a DIY masterpiece, complete with a cocktail. No matter your mood, there’s a place to pop in, sit down, and cool off.
Violet Crown Cinema: This locally owned cinema shows indie, documentary & foreign films, with reserved seating, and features alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Watch the latest movies in a comfortable, air-conditioned theater with plush seating and gourmet snacks. Plus, all summer long at 10 am Daily, they're featuring the KidFlix Movie Series with $1 family-friendly films. Check out all showtimes here.
ACL Live: You’re in the heart of the live music capital of the world, so catch a live performance at ACL Live to escape the heat. This theater is Downtown Austin's ultimate live entertainment venue that's as vibrant as Austin's music scene. Catch endless live performances all summer long.
Upstairs Circus: They’re pouring creativity into every glass at Upstairs Circus! Sip on signature cocktails while you DIY your way through an artsy adventure. Upstairs Circus is a DIY-workshop-meets-bar experience where people can gather to create unique leather working, woodworking, jewelry making, art & design DIY projects while enjoying craft cocktails, mocktails, beer & wine. Come one, come all, and create, drink & be merry — all while staying cool and comfortable.
Cold Treats: Indulge in icy, sweet treats that’ll cool
you down in minutes.
There’s never been a scorching day that an ice-cold ice cream or smoothie couldn’t cure. The 2nd Street District is packed with treats that’ll keep everyone happy, from vegan ice cream to cold-pressed juices and iced coffees. The entire family will cool off with something they’ve been craving.
Yummi Joy: Yummi Joy is the District’s beloved candy, coffee, and ice cream shop! Founded in 2017 as an extension of the world-famous Toy Joy, Yummi Joy has offered a finely curated selection of confections and tasty treats for folks of all ages. Cool off and savor a variety of vegan ice cream flavors by Gati Ice Cream at this popular spot.
The Well: This local, wellness-focused favorite offers a delicious menu that’s completely free of gluten, dairy, seed oils, soy, refined sugar, and GMOs. The Well blends clean ingredients, local and sustainable farming, and authentic flavors for a culinary experience that redefines eating well in Austin. Try a cold-press juice or a refreshing smoothie, like the Chill Smoothie made with blue spirulina and coconut yogurt.
Jo's Coffee: Jo's Coffee is a great place to grab a cold brew or a frosty treat. Head over to Downtown Jo’s for happy hour from 4-6 PM and treat yourself to some well-deserved cold drinks and snacks. Their shaded patio area is a gorgeous, breezy spot to sip your beverage and take a break from the summer heat.
Cool Dining Hot Spots: We’ve got bars and restaurants that feature delicious food, cold drinks, and top-notch air conditioning
Sushi, Mexican, BBQ, and more delicious eats can be found at 2nd Street District’s amazing selection of restaurants. Whether you’re sitting inside to cool off or outside in the shade, there’s no shortage of spots to have a seat, cool off, and enjoy a delicious culinary experience.
Barchi Sushi: Just one block from the W Hotel, BarChi Sushi is the perfect spot to take a break from walking in the heat. Take advantage of happy hour specials Mon-Sat from 4–7 PM, Fri-Sat 10 PM–12 AM, and all day Sunday. Bar Chi is ranked #2 in Austin City Guide’s Top 25 Austin Restaurants and #1 on their list of Best Happy Hours in Austin.
La Condesa: Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays! Enjoy modern Mexican cuisine and refreshing frozen margaritas in La Condesa’s chic, air-conditioned environment any day of the week. Enjoy $3 tacos during happy hour, every day from 5–7 PM, and head over for their Summer of Ceviche, which runs through the end of August.
Lambert’s Downtown BBQ: Lamberts serves the best slow-smoked BBQ in Austin, Texas, with local beers, classic cocktails, new-world wines, and a world-class whiskey selection. Located in the carefully restored & historic Schneider Brothers Building, and situated in the heart of bustling 2nd Street, Lamberts is a fun destination to lounge, enjoy live music, and relish the air-conditioned ambiance.
Local Foods: From salads to wellness bowls and snacks, Local Foods has your healthy cravings covered, all within a lovely, air-conditioned space.
They offer fresh, hyper-seasonal, and just plain great dishes made from scratch every day with only the best local ingredients.
Escaping the Heat With a Shopping Retreat: It’s a great time to get inside your favorite boutiques and shop for your summer wardrobe.
If shopping’s more your thing, get out of the heat and head into one of the many 2ND Street District boutique stores and shops. You’ll find everything from Austin-themed apparel to Tito’s merch, and beauty supplies to the latest trends.
Hemline: Refresh your summer style with a visit to Hemline, where you can find all your wardrobe essentials. From trendy clothing and stylish shoes to chic accessories, Hemline offers everything you need for a fashionable and effortless summer look. Plus, with their air-conditioned store, you can shop in comfort and beat the heat while you curate your perfect summer outfit.
Love, Tito's Retail Store: This is a dog-friendly store, so bring your furry best friend to cool off too! Outfit yourself in Tito’s tees, hats, and socks, grab gear for your next day on the green, and pick up a few new tools for at-home happy hour...or yappy hour. Speaking of dogs, pick up a new collar, leash, and dog toy, then snap a photo at our doggy photo booth. The best part? 100% of the net proceeds from your purchase benefit the nonprofits Tito's supports, from animal rescue to the environment.
Second Street Boutique: Second Street Boutique is the ultimate destination for both trend-seekers and devotees of timeless, classic style. This eclectic boutique offers clothing and accessories, novelty gifts, locally made goods, and the most sought-after lines in apothecary and hair care. Many of their lines are made by local Austinites. Their apothecary boasts a collection of many of the most sought-after hair and skincare products, such as Kerastase, MoroccanOil, Dermalogica, Mario Badescu, and more.
Stella Dallas: Specializing in good clothes for bad babes, Stella Dallas brings you the latest trends at an affordable price. Curated for women who live through fashion, art, music & travel, they are passionate about representing a wide range of styles and ages. Sourced locally & globally, they constantly strive to provide styles at an affordable price, while reflecting a high level of quality, femininity, and creativity through design.
Refresh With Some R&R: Get off your feet and relax with a massage, pedicure, or a dip in the pool
Let’s be real: there’s simply nothing better than a dip in a gorgeous pool on a hot day. Among the many places to cool down In the 2nd Street District, you’ll find places to relax and unwind, like at a spa, the W Austin Hotel’s pool, and a nearby nail salon. Go ahead and indulge!
W Austin: Escape the summer heat with a staycation at the W Austin Hotel, where the excitement never ends. Dive into the fun at the WET Deck, known for its lively pool parties, or unwind with exclusive deals for locals at the AWAY Spa. The WET Deck offers food and beverage service daily from 11am-6pm, with pool passes starting at just $35 for adults and $15 for children. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, upgrades to cabanas and bungalows are available. Spa guests also have access to the WET Deck and the fitness center.
Celebrate the 4th of July all weekend at the WET Deck: With the 4th of July approaching, the WET Deck at W Austin has everything you need for a festive celebration. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the pool oasis, featuring food and drink specials, live DJs, and an all-around good time. DJ’s will play July 4-7 from 1-5pm. Day passes are now available on ResortPass.
milk + honey: Start your summer with a fresh facial or haircut at milk + honey. They have customizable options for massages, waxing and facials designed to rejuvenate from the Texas heat. Enjoy being pampered by expert staff in a serene and air-conditioned oasis in the heart of downtown.
Lacquer Nail Spa: Step into LACQUER for a mani or pedi at Austin's favorite safe + clean nail salon. They have elevated the nail salon experience with innovative, soakless manicures and pedicures in a safe and clean, acrylic-free environment. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff will work with you to improve and maintain your natural nail health and offer a no-chip guarantee on all of their services. They are open seven days a week, with easy online booking at ilovelacquer.com
Conclusion:
When you’re ready to cool off, Austin’s 2nd Street District is the perfect place to do it. Discover the best food in town at our many eateries, shop in our endless selection of stores, and relax with a day at the pool or a trip to see a movie. No matter what you and your family or friends are in the mood for, there’s something cool for you to check out.
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