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South-central Texas

Things to do in South Central Texas

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of 16

  1. A

    Borders Books, Music & Cafe

    This chain behemoth in the Alamo Quarry Market is favored for its good general selection.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Iron Works BBQ

    Follow the deliciously smoky aroma to this rustic former ironsmith’s shop near the convention center for smoked pork loin, huge beef ribs and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

    reviewed

  3. Hula Hut

    Outdoor bar with a sprawling deck over Lake Austin.

    reviewed

  4. C

    Twin Sisters Bakery & Café

    'Healthy' and 'natural' aren't words you'd attribute to many of the downtown restaurants, so this cheerful little cafe is a welcome addition to the bunch for weekday breakfast and lunch.

    reviewed

  5. D

    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.

    reviewed

  6. E

    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.

    reviewed

  7. F

    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.

    reviewed

  8. G

    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.

    reviewed

  9. H

    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.

    reviewed

  10. Dr Pepper Museum

    The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented by Waco pharmacist Charles C Alderton in 1885. This museum celebrates his creation.

    reviewed

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  12. I

    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.

    reviewed

  13. Contigo

    Big shade trees over a relaxed patio make this one of the nicest places in town to chill out with a cocktail.

    reviewed

  14. Contigo

    Big shade trees over a relaxed patio make this one of the nicest places in town to chill out with a cocktail.

    reviewed

  15. J

    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.

    reviewed

  16. 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.

    reviewed

  17. 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.

    reviewed

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  19. K
  20. L

    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.

    reviewed

  21. M