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Austin
Texas' state capital has kept its small-town heart, earning the love with great music, culinary prowess, whip-smart locals and a sociable streak impossible to resist.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Bat Colony Under Congress Avenue Bridge
Austin
Austin is known as the capital of Texas quirk, so it shouldn't be surprising that it's a city tradition to sit on the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake and…
Austin
Completed in 1888 using sunset-red granite, Texas’ state capitol is the largest in the US, backing up the familiar claim that everything’s bigger…
Austin
This 350-acre park is a slice of green heaven, lined with hiking and biking trails. The park also provides access to the famed Barton Springs natural…
Austin
Whatever you do, don't call it 'Texas University' – them's fightin' words, usually used derisively by Texas A&M students to take their rivals down a notch…
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Austin
Big, glitzy and bursting with high-tech interactive exhibits, this showcase museum celebrates the story of the Lone Star State, from its earliest…
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library & Museum
Austin
Devoted to the 36th US president, who launched his political career in Austin, this museum is still attracting the crowds more than 50 years since he left…
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Austin
Anyone with an interest in Texas' flora and fauna should make the 20-minute drive to the wonderful gardens of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,…
Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail & Boardwalk
Austin
You can gaze at the downtown skyline from a series of photogenic boardwalks on this scenic 10-mile trail, which loops around Lady Bird Lake. Shorten the…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Austin
This wonderful, eclectic downtown museum features works from Mexican and Mexican American artists in exhibitions that change every two months. Many are…
Austin
Whatever you do, don't call it 'Texas University' – them's fightin' words, usually used derisively by Texas A&M students to take their rivals down a notch…
Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail & Boardwalk
Austin
You can gaze at the downtown skyline from a series of photogenic boardwalks on this scenic 10-mile trail, which loops around Lady Bird Lake. Shorten the…
Austin
This 350-acre park is a slice of green heaven, lined with hiking and biking trails. The park also provides access to the famed Barton Springs natural…
Austin
Drawing from current events and pop culture, this long-running satire show has a vaudevillian slant, thanks to musical numbers and, yep, even a magician…
Austin
Colorful and over the top, this South Congress staple has been outfitting Austinites for years. You can rent or buy costume pieces, which is this place's…
Austin
This wonderful, eclectic downtown museum features works from Mexican and Mexican American artists in exhibitions that change every two months. Many are…
Austin
These lush gardens cover 31 acres on the south bank of the Colorado River, with displays including natural grottoes, a Japanese garden and a fragrant herb…
Austin
A big university with a big endowment is bound to have a big art collection, and now, finally, it has a suitable building to show it off properly. With…
Austin
Well of course you're going to pull over and take a photo in front of this wall-sized postcard. It's awesome. The eye-catching mural adorns the southside…
Austin Nature & Science Center
Austin
In the northwestern area of Zilker Park, this center has exhibitions of native Texan mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that have been…
Bat Colony Under Congress Avenue Bridge
Austin
Austin is known as the capital of Texas quirk, so it shouldn't be surprising that it's a city tradition to sit on the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake and…
Austin
Set in a sprawling former feed-and-seed store from the late 1800s, this Austin classic always draws a crowd. Güero's may not serve the best Tex-Mex in…
Austin
This intimate, subterranean jazz club has a cool vibe, and live music almost every night. The cover charge stays low, mostly free except on weekends, and…
Austin
This 350-acre park is a slice of green heaven, lined with hiking and biking trails. The park also provides access to the famed Barton Springs natural…
Austin
An ongoing (and climbable!) backyard sculpture that turns one man's trash into everyone's treasure. Visitation is by appointment, by phone. Owner Vince…
Austin
The super-chill Saxon Pub, presided over by 'Rusty,' a huge knight who sits out the front, has music every night, mostly Texas performers in the blues…
Austin
Completed in 1888 using sunset-red granite, Texas’ state capitol is the largest in the US, backing up the familiar claim that everything’s bigger…
Austin
This simple expression of devotion draws legions of photo-taking lovebirds. Spray-painted on the side of Jo's Coffee on South Congress, it now joins the…
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Austin
If the weather's just too perfect to be inside a climate-controlled building, stroll the open-air UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, located in the south…
Austin
This funky little cinder-block building, 5 miles north of downtown, is one of those dive bars that Austinites love so very much. They did even before it…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Neighborhoods
Each of Austin's neighborhoods showcases a different aspect of Austin's character – the political, historical, academic, techy and funky.
Read articleDay Trips
Austin may have an incredible wealth of attractions but don't sleep on what's beyond the city limits. These are 7 of our top picks for day trips.
Read articleTransportation
Though the car may be king in Texas, Austin is doing its best to provide sustainable options to travelers. Here's how to get around Austin.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Austin's popularity has made it more expensive but there are still free delights to be had. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Read articleTraveling with Kids
Though known more for music than being a family-friendly destination, the joyful city of Austin is an exciting and enjoyable place for kids of all ages.
Read article5 Shops
From unique handmade crafts to one-of-a-kind artworks, explore Austin's diverse and inclusive shops that support local talent.
Read articleLGBTIQ+ Travel
Austin’s progressive and artsy vibe make the city perfect for LGBTIQ+ travelers. Here are the best places to go for an unforgettable visit.
Read articleArticles
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