Top 10 Things to Do in Austin
1. Get Political Tour the State Capitol of Texas,
Completed in 1888, the pink granite statehouse stands 311 feet high and is 14 feet higher than our nation’s capitol. Guided tours begin every 15 minutes from the south entrance foyer on weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and every 30-45 minutes on weekends from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission. 463-0063
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library
Experience life on Capitol Hill as it played out during the days of LBJ at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. This museum on the University of Texas campus includes thousands of volumes of presidential papers, a scale replica of the Oval Office during his presidency, and a First Lady’s Gallery devoted to the work of Lady Bird Johnson. Open daily, except Christmas, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Free admission. Free parking. 916-5136
Governor's Mansion
This premier historic home of Texas has served as the official residence of Texas governors and their families since 1856. It is the fourth oldest governor’s residence continuously occupied in the United States and the oldest governor’s mansion west of the Mississippi River. Visitors to Austin can take guided tours of the state governor's residence. For security purposes, ALL visitors must make a reservation at least one business day prior to their desired tour date. Please call 512-463-5518 to make your reservation.
2. Go Natural Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
See the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country up-close at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where planting areas, wildflower meadows, exhibits and an observation tower pay homage to Mrs. Johnson’s devotion to native landscaping and preservation. Open Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Open Mondays starting March 18th – April 30th from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tel: 292-4200
Mount Bonnell
Ascend all 99 steps to the top of Mount Bonnell to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. Open daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Free admission. 974-6700
Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail
The heart of Austin is found along the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a 10.1 path bordering the lake on its flow through downtown. 974-6700
Barton Springs Pool
Swim in the constant 68-degree waters of Barton Springs Pool, an artesian spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park. Open daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Thursdays until 7 p.m. Nominal admission charge. 867-3080
3. Historic and Educational Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Relive the pages of Texas history at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Interactive exhibits, artifacts never publicly displayed before, an IMAX Theatre and the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theatre bring the myth, legend and fact of the Lone Star State together under one roof. A special exhibit, “The Life, Legend and Legacy of Davy Crockett” continues through August 18. Open Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 12-6 p.m. 866-369-7108
University of Texas
Take in all the sights on The University of Texas campus, the largest public university in the nation. Tours area available of the UT Tower, Thurs. and Fri., 6-8 p.m. and Sat., 1- 8 p.m. Reservations recommended 475-6633
French Legation
The oldest existing home in Austin that was the oldest foreign legation in the U.S. built outside of Washington D.C. Location: 802 San Marcos, Austin, TX 78702 Call 512-472-8180 for more information
Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
A description of some of the items that are contained in the center Attraction type: Library; Art gallery
Austin Children's Museum,
Kids tired of those historical tours? This museum entertains - and painlessly educates - children of all ages. 201 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701 Tel: 512 472 2499 URL: http://www.austinkids.org/
4. Go Batty Congress Avenue Bats
Enjoy the spectacle of the Congress Avenue Bats, the largest urban bat colony in North America, as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats depart nightly at sunset, April through October, from beneath the bridge. Free bat viewing area behind the Austin American Statesman building. 327-9721
Play Ball with the Round Rock Express
The Round Rock Express is the AAA minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros. The team plays a 140-game schedule from April-September at the Dell Diamond.
Austin Ice Bats (WPHL)
A Southern Conference champion hockey team, the Austin Ice Bats play at the Chaparral Ice Center, October-March. To purchase tickets, call 512-927-PUCK.
5. Go Shopping
Central Market
Grocery shopping is anything but a chore at Central Market, an European-style market that stocks fresh produce, specialty food items, baked goods, hundreds of kinds of cheeses, and flowers from all over the world. Two locations, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd. and 4477 S. Lamar Blvd. Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 206-1000
South Congress Avenue
Discover SoCo! South Congress Avenue is lined with unique shops and restaurants. Join in on the monthly street fairs every first Thursday of the month and experience something uniquely Austin.Street lined with lots of great restaurants.
6. Take a walk in the park
Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin
Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination.
Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train, Austin
Free ride for children on a miniature train that encircles Zilker Park.
Zilker Botanical Gardens, Austin
Botanical Gardens includes 31 acres of land with plants that thrive in arid southwestern conditions.
Attraction type: Garden
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, Austin
Sculptor Charles Umlauf's home and studio, featuring over 250 sculptures.
Attraction type: Art museum
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue, Austin
This bronze statue commemorates the life and music of singer/songwriter Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Attraction type: Statue
Town Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, Austin
Scenic trail through lush green parks and peaceful lakes: a great place to bike, hike and run.
Attraction type: Hiking trail; Biking trail; Jogging path/track; Trail
Wild Basin Preserve, Austin
Home to two species of endangered birds, golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.
Attraction type: Nature reserve
7. Eat, Drink and be Merry
Sixth Street
Busy street lined with clubs, restaurants, pubs, galleries and of course – Live Music. Discover why Austin is the Live Music Capitol of the World.
The Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke is Texas' most definitive dance hall. It's has a musical history that dates back to Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys. If you're ever in Austin, stop by for some traditional country music by some "real" country musicians. While you're here, check out our site and have yourself a big Texas Time...3201 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 Tel: 512-442-6189
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
There is bar-b-q and then there is Stubb’s. A mixture of good food, good fun and always there is good music to be found in their outside open air venue. 801 Red River, Austin, TX 78701 - Tel: 512-442-6189
Esther's Follies
Texas Premiere Magic and Comedy Troupe! For more than a quarter century, the folks at Esther's Pool have kept Austin rolling with laughter. Part magic show, part vaudeville review, part improv tour-de-force, Esther's Follies takes no prisoners, offering biting, hilarious satire on all the news makers and events fit to parody.525 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 - Tel: 512-320-0198
Waterloo Records
Music lovers should not miss this one! Providing Austin, Texas, with
a large and diverse selection of music from every genre and style since 1982. 600A. North Lamar, Austin, TX 78703 – Tel 512-474-2500
8. Experience the Finer Side
Austin Museum of Art, Downtown
Temporary exhibition space displays contemporary art by local and international artists.
Attraction type: Art museum
Paramount Theatre
Luxurious theater dating back to 1915 now hosts Broadway shows.
Attraction type: Theater
Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art
Art is the ultimate experience at the new Blanton Museum of Art! In April, the eagerly anticipated new museum opened the doors of its new building, issuing in a new cultural era for Austin. Located...
Attraction type: Art museum
Austin Symphony Orchestra
Attraction type: Symphony
9. Go to the Zoo
Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo and provides sanctuary to displaced animals from a variety of unfortunate and often neglectful situations. Open 10:00am – 6:00pm daily CONTACT US
Phone Number (512) 288-1490
Address: 10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
10. Go for a Walk
Austin Ghost Tours
Walk in the tracks of ghouls and ghosts with Austin Ghost Tours through downtown. Reservations required. Call for hours. Tickets available at Austin Visitor Center, 209 E. Sixth St. Phone: 512-853-9826 URL: http://www.hauntedtexas.com
Austin Historic Walking Tours
Learn about the history and architecture of downtown Austin on free, guided walking tours of the Capitol grounds, Congress Ave. and E. Sixth St., the Bremond Block. March-November.
