Hi
Just booked a last minute Memorial Day w/e trip to Austin - leaving tomorrow! I will be staying in downtown at Intercontinental. Trying to decide if I should rent a car or not. Parking is pricey at the hotel and challenging in downtown. I'm from New York and have never owned a car so I'm used to walking (UT to Barton Springs is not prob) and public transport (which I understand exists in Austin) so would need a car less than other people. I'm considering going to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and assume I would need a car to get there. All opinions welcome.

Thanks!

You will definately need a car to get to the Wildflower Center. It's easy to go the wrong way when the highway ends - stay in the left lane. While out that way, you should go to the Salt Lick BBQ

Otherwise, walking will be fine...although UT to Barton Springs will be long...look forward to your swim. Or look out for the gold 'Dillo which will take you as far as Lamar and Barton Springs Rd (if it still runs)...capmetro.org

I'm no big expert having just moved to Austin myself but I would think that with just a weekend you could easily fill your time just downtown. Zilker Park has a botanical park and I would probably choose that over the Wildflower Center. The Center is nice but it's more of a research facility and not just wildflowers all over the place. Also, it's getting a little late for wildflowers. Just my opinion. There's tons to do downtown - you can walk around Town Lake and see the bats at dusk. There's tons of restaurants and bars. Also, don't miss the new Whole Foods at 5th and Lamar. It is not just a grocery store, believe me!

I agree with Pepper that you need a car for the Wildflower Center, but I'm not sure this is a good time of year to go there. I second the vote for the Whole Foods on 5th and Lamar. It's the most unique store I've ever seen. Be sure to bring your appetite, as they have an amazing selection of foods. Enjoy our city.

Y'know...on my last visit to Austin, I had every intention of going to the Wildflower Center since they were having a plant sale...But I spent all my time just hanging out on S Congress. Never did make it.