When you visit Rise + Smile Orthodontics, you’re getting exceptional Austin orthodontics care, but you also happen to be in one of the best spots in the city for fun, errands, and tasty treats. Whether you’re here for your regular adjustment, a new set of braces, or a quick check-in with Dr. Faulkner, there’s no reason to head straight home afterward. You can turn your appointment into a mini outing with these activity ideas near us.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite nearby spots so you can make the most of your trip, perfect for rewarding kids after an appointment or treating yourself.
Outdoor Fun & Family Time
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: A beautiful way to spend an afternoon, the Wildflower Center offers stunning gardens and easy walking paths. It’s a calm, nature-filled spot for relaxing after an orthodontic visit.
- Convict Hill Quarry Park: Perfect for stretching your legs, this nearby local park offers shaded trails and open spaces. It’s a great choice for a quick outdoor break before heading home.
- Stephenson Nature Preserve & Outdoor Education Center: If you have kids, this preserve is a wonderful hands-on learning space with plenty of opportunities to explore nature together.
Grab a Bite or a Drink
- JuiceLand: For something light and refreshing, JuiceLand is a local favorite for smoothies, juices, and plant-based snacks. The menu is loaded with braces-safe options that are nutritious and delicious—great for a quick post-appointment pick-me-up. It can also help with soreness after an adjustment appointment
- Chinos Fusion Hacienda: This is one of Dr. Faulkner’s personal picks and hidden gems! He loves to pop in to get a quick lunch on busy days and highly recommends the Adobo Chicken Taco. It’s the perfect blend of Asian food and Tex-Mex.
- Via 313: If you’re craving Detroit-style pizza with that perfect crispy-cheesy edge, Via 313 is just minutes away. They offer plenty of soft, braces-friendly options like cheesy bread and pasta, so you can still indulge without stressing your brackets or aligners..
- Hecho En Mexico Restaurant: Celebrate your smile with authentic Mexican cuisine. If you’re wearing braces, stick to softer choices like enchiladas or tamales, and skip the crunchy chips!
- Kerbey Lane Cafe: A Texas favorite known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs. With a menu featuring everything from fluffy pancakes to wholesome salads and savory entrees, it’s easy to find braces-friendly options that are both soft and nourishing
- Starbucks: Need a caffeine boost or a cozy spot to relax? We have a Starbucks just around the corner. Grab your favorite latte, tea, or hot chocolate, and enjoy some downtime before heading to your next stop.
Running Errands
- Walgreens: Pick up some snacks, medications, or toiletries at this nearby pharmacy while you’re out and about.
- H-E-B: Knock out your grocery shopping while you’re already in the area. H-E-B is known for its fresh produce and local goods, making it a one-stop shop for dinner ingredients or lunchbox staples.
- Costco: If you’ve got a bigger shopping list, Costco is nearby and ready for family-sized bulk buys. Stock up on braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, string cheese, and soft granola bars.
Bonus Spots: A Little Further Out
These places are a bit of a drive from our office, but can still be well worth your time!
- Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls: Nestled in Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt, Twin Falls is a scenic swimming spot perfect for cooling off on a warm day. The falls feature shallow wading areas and deeper pools surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Sculpture Falls is a local favorite for swimming and lounging in crystal-clear water. The falls are named for the smooth limestone formations that give the spot a special sculpted look. It’s a short but scenic hike in, with plenty of shade from the surrounding trees.
- The Broken Spoke: The Broken Spoke is Austin’s legendary honky-tonk, serving up live country music and Texas charm since 1964. Known for its authentic dance hall, cold beer, and hearty Southern fare, it’s the place to two-step the night away. Generations of musicians—from Willie Nelson to George Strait—have played here, making it a living piece of Austin music history.
- Cathedral of Junk: Hidden in a South Austin backyard, the Cathedral of Junk is an ever-evolving art installation built entirely from discarded items. Vince Hannemann, its creator, has spent decades assembling bicycles, TVs, hubcaps, toys, and more into towering structures and winding passageways. It’s quirky, colorful, and surprisingly beautiful—perfect for curious kiddos
- Zilker Botanical Garden: Known as the “jewel in the heart of Austin,” Zilker Botanical Garden spans 28 acres of themed gardens connected by meandering pathways. Visitors can explore the peaceful Japanese Garden, vibrant Rose Garden, and the prehistoric Hartman Prehistoric Garden with dinosaur tracks.
The Best of Austin
Rise + Smile Orthodontics’ primary job is designing new smiles for patients of all ages, but we also take our duty as an Austin ambassador very seriously. We hope these activity ideas near us will bring some excitement to your next office visit!
