Things to do in South Central Texas
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy Fiesta Texas. This popular theme park has plenty of rides that you must be 'this tall' to ride, for grown-ups to lose their lunch over. There are more than 25 kids' rides for the vertically challenged, as well as swimming pools and water rides over in the White Water Bay area (open May to September). The setting – against a limestone quarry that looks similar to the Arizona desert – is dramatic, and there's plenty of music and shows. Parking is $15.
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Book People Inc
Grab a coffee and browse the shelves of this lively independent bookstore across the street from Waterloo Records.
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Zilker Park
- Austin, USA
- Activities › Park
Barton Springs forms the centerpiece of this 351-acre park, which has trails, a nature center and botanical gardens. Rent kayaks at Zilker Park Boat Rentalsand paddle from the park out onto Lady Bird Lake.
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The Alamo
The folks who valiantly fought for Texas' independence from Mexico would never have imagined the Alamo as it is today, surrounded by tacky tourist attractions and having its picture taken every 17 seconds or so by people exclaiming how much smaller it looks in real life. But it's more than just a photo op. Go on in and find out why the story of the Alamo can rouse a Texan's sense of state pride like few other things. You might notice some of the visitors getting downright dewy-eyed at the description of how a few hundred revolutionaries died defending the fort against thousands of Mexican troops.
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South Lamar
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South Congress
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South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery
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Riverwalk
An essential part of the San Antonio experience, this charming canal and pedestrian street is the main artery at the heart of San Antonio's tourism efforts. Restaurant after restaurant and bar after bar vie for your attention. In mid-2009, the first part of a $259 million expansion effort connected the commercial core with the developing Pearl Brewery shopping complex to the north.
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Palmer Events Center
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Mission Trail Mission
Spain's missionary presence can best be felt at the ruins of the four missions south of town. Together, Missions Concepción , San José (1720), San Juan (1731) and Espada (1745–56) make up San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Stop first at Mission San José, which is also the location of the main visitor center. Known in its time as the Queen of the Missions, it's certainly the largest and arguably the most beautiful. And because it's a little more remote and pastoral, surrounded by thick stone walls, you can really get a sense of what life was like here in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Lady Bird Lake
Enjoy it from dry land on the hike-and-bike trail, or get out on the water at the Rowing Dock which rents kayaks for $10 to $20 per hour and water cycles for slightly more.
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John T Floore's Country Store
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John T Floore's Country Store
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Hotel San José
Transcending the hotel-bar genre, this one is actually a cool, Zen-like outdoor patio that attracts a chill crowd, and it's a nice place to hang if you want to actually have a conversation.
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Hippie Hollow
- Austin, USA
- Activities › Other
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Flip Happy Crepes
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Contigo
Big shade trees over a relaxed patio make this one of the nicest places in town to chill out with a cocktail.
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Contigo
Big shade trees over a relaxed patio make this one of the nicest places in town to chill out with a cocktail.
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Antone's
A key player in Austin's musical history, Antone's has attracted the best of the blues and other popular local acts since 1975. All ages, all the time.
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Dr Pepper Museum
The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented by Waco pharmacist Charles C Alderton in 1885. This museum celebrates his creation.
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Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
The fascinating Ransom Center is a major repository of historic manuscripts, photography, books, film, TV, music and more. Highlights include a complete copy of the Gutenberg Bible (one of only five in the USA) and what is thought to be the first photograph ever taken, from 1826. Check the website for special online-only exhibitions and the center’s busy events calendar of author readings, live music, lectures and more. All in all, this jewel of a place should be a must-see on anyone’s itinerary.
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Bohanan's
These people take their steaks seriously and, at these prices, so should you. Lots of people can appreciate a great steak, but you'll treasure the experience even more if you're the type of person who throws around terms such as 'Akaushi beef.' These cows were raised in a humane and healthy fashion, and probably given pedicures, too, from the sound of it.
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Austin Nature & Science Center
In the northwestern area of Zilker Park, this center has exhibitions of native Texan mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that have been injured and nursed back to health here. There are also outdoor nature trails lined with native plants, where you’ll see bats, butterflies and birds.
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Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Stubb’s has live music almost every night, with a great mix of premier local and touring acts from across the musical spectrum. Many warm-weather shows are held out back along Waller Creek. There are two stages, a smaller stage indoors and a larger backyard venue.
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Hyde Park Bar & Grill
Look for the enormous fork out front to guide you to this homey neighborhood haunt. The diverse menu has plenty of options, but no matter what you choose, consider an order of batter-dipped french fries, which is what this place is famous for.
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