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Austin is located in south-central Texas, about 80 miles northeast of San Antonio, 165 miles west of Houston, and 200 miles south of Dallas. The (Texas) Colorado River drifts through town on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.
High-tech industries have also migrated to the Austin area, making it Texas's Silicon Valley. Yet, Austin is still very much a town whose roots are buried in a colorful past that the city is proud to share with visitors.
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Austin is located in south-central Texas, about 80 miles northeast of San Antonio, 165 miles west of Houston, and 200 miles south of Dallas. The (Texas) Colorado River drifts through town on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.
High-tech industries have also migrated to the Austin area, making it Texas's Silicon Valley. Yet, Austin is still very much a town whose roots are buried in a colorful past that the city is proud to share with visitors.
A good place to begin a visit to Austin is downtown, where the pink granite Texas State Capitol, built in 1888, is the most visible structure. The Colorado River, which slices through Austin, was once unpredictable and prone to flooding, but has been rerouted into a series of lakes, including two within the city limits. 22 mile long Lake Austin, which lies in the western part of the city, flows into Town Lake, a narrow stretch of crystal clear water that travels for 5 miles through the center of downtown.
Downtown Austin is laid out in an orderly grid system. The main street Congress Ave, runs from the southern end of the city across the Colorado River and continues to the steps of the Texas State Capitol in the heart of downtown.
The grand University of Texas, one of the largest universities in the United States, flanks the capitol's north end. It is home to both the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum.
Rolling hills, a chain of lakes 150 miles long, 300 days of sunshine, and acres of parks all add up to the ideal setting for enjoyment of outdoor activities. Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country offer hiking and bike trails, swimming, and golf. In addition there is ballooning, bird watching, canoeing, excellent bass fishing, rock climbing, sailing, scuba diving, spelunking, and tennis. Austin has no professional teams, but there is minor league baseball as well as college football, basketball and hockey.
Since the 1960s, Austin has been a haven for artists, musicians and writers. been on the In 1984 Austin City Limits, a showcase for bands taped at the University of Texas campus, began airing nationwide. Every March, the city hosts the annual South by Southwest conference, which draws bands and record company executives from around the world. Local musicians are known for their innovative reworkings of Texas' country, folk and R&B heritage, use Austin's enthusiastic environment as a springboard to national recognition.
Austin has its own professional symphony, ballet and opera companies; dozens of theaters combining old favorites with ground-breaking new drama; dance companies, vocal ensembles, and orchestras producing events year round. Art museums, galleries and beautiful gardens of sculptures are among the treasures found in Austin.
Austin boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Authentic Mexican food is served as well as fine cuisine from every part of the world. Texas style barbecue, slow cooked over a open pit wood fire, has its own international reputation. One restaurant even combines gospel music with its barbecued ribs and bills the affair as "Gospel Brunch."
Capital Metro is the city's public bus network, with a "rider friendly" system of inexpensive neighborhood, express and downtown routes. The latter, known as 'Dillos (short for Armadillo Express), are free.
The Texas Steam Train Association runs several tours aboard the Hill Country Flyer into and around Texas Hill Country. The train makes short half hour runs as well as a 30 mile circuit on weekends from March through December.
Austin is one of the few cities in the state where cycling is a viable alternative to driving. The city operates a free Yellow Bike Program, which repairs old bicycles, paints them yellow and makes them available free for public use. When you see a yellow bike you can pick it up, ride where you are going and leave it there for the next rider. There are about 150 yellow bikes at present and more are added all the time.
The winning combination of high tech industry, light manufacturing, and abundant cultural resources has given Austin the reputation of being one of the southwest's most livable cities. It is also one of the most visited and most loved vacation sites.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Congress Avenue & Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78704
512-416-5700
The Congress Avenue Bridge is especially popular between March and November, when 750,000 free-tail bats put on an amazing show. They live under the bridge and come out in droves at night to catch and eat thousands of insects.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 LaCrosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
512-232-0100
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center features wildflower meadows, exhibits, planting areas and an observation tower. The center honors Lady Bird Johnson for her devotion to native landscaping and preservation.
Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
512-974-6700
Zilker Park is a 400-acre park that features train rides, a children’s play area, a swimming pool and jogging trails.
Zilker Botanical Gardens
2220 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
512-477-8672
Unwind as you stroll along pathways and view the gorgeous native foliage, roses, oriental gardens, 100-million-year-old dinosaur tracks and ponds.
Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail
First Street Bridge & Town Lake
Austin, TX 78701
512-974-6700
Town Lake Metropolitan Park is popular with hikers, joggers, cyclists and nature lovers because of its many trails and its location on the Colorado River. Outdoor concerts take place here along the southern shore of the river.
University of Texas Tower
University of Texas
Austin, TX 78712
877-475-6633
The University of Texas Tower is a 307-foot tall Spanish-Renaissance landmark located on the University of Texas campus. The Tower’s clock chimes on the quarter-hour and hour. The four clock faces each measure 12 feet in diameter. Check out the view from the observation deck.
Mount Bonnell
3800 Mount Bonnell Drive
Austin, TX 78731
512-974-6700
For a little exercise with your sightseeing, take the 99 steps to the top of Mount Bonnell for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. At 785 feet, this spot offers the best view of Austin, the area’s rolling hills and the Colorado River.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
805 North Capitol of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746
512-327-7622
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is a 230-acre habitat for native flora and fauna. Take a walk through the Preserve and appreciate the sights and sounds of nature.
Lone Star Riverboat
Southeast corner of South First Bridge
Austin, TX 78716
512-327-1388
The Lone Star Riverboat takes passengers on sightseeing cruises, bat-watching tours and private charters.
Volente Beach
16107 FM 2769
Leander, TX 786541
512-258-5109
Experience the sandy beach and blue-green water of Lake Travis. Water slides, volleyball court, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and a playground for the kids. There is also boat rental and a restaurant on-site.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
605 Robert East Lee Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-445-5582
Browse through more than 100 sculptures located inside and outside at this unique location.
Texas State Cemetery
909 Navasota Street
Austin, TX 78702
512-463-0605
The Texas State Cemetery is the final resting place for several famous Texans, including Governor John Connelly, Barbara Jordan and Stephen F. Austin. Take a peaceful stroll through this 22-acre landscaped site and learn a little history along the way.
Texas State Capitol
11th Street and Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
512-463-0063
The Texas Capitol is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building stands 311 feet high, making it 14 feet higher than the nation’s capitol building. Free tours are available of this pink granite statehouse, which was completed in 1888.
Texas Memorial Museum
2400 Trinity Street
Austin, TX 78705
512-471-1604
The Texas Memorial Museum focuses on the Lone Star state’s past with exhibits of Native American artifacts, rare gems, prehistoric fossils and more.
Texas Governor’s Mansion
1010 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-463-5516
The Texas Governor’s Mansion has been the official residence for governors and their families since 1856. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is adorned with priceless antiques and works of art.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
203 East 10th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-476-6182
St. Mary’s Cathedral has been an Austin landmark for 115 years. German, Irish and French immigrants to Austin founded St. Mary’s parish 150 years ago.
O. Henry Museum
409 East Fifth Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-472-1903
This 1891 Victorian cottage was once home to William Sidney Porter, better known as short story writer O. Henry.
Madison Log Cabin
2300 Rosewood Avenue
Austin, TX 78702
512-472-6838
This preserved log cabin was actually built in 1863 by pioneer homesteader Henry G. Madison. It was relocated to Rosewood Park and now serves as a museum for historic relics and documents of Austin’s Black heritage.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
2313 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78705
512-721-0200
The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum is located on the University of Texas campus. The museum features volumes of presidential papers, memorabilia and a replica of the Oval Office. The First Lady’s Gallery is devoted to the work of Lady Bird Johnson.
Harry Ransom Center
Guadalupe Street & 21st Street
Austin, TX 78713
512-471-8944
The Harry Ransom Center features a rare Gutenberg Bible, the first photograph ever made, more than 100,000 works of art, one million rare books, 30 million literary manuscripts and more.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center
1165 Angelina Street
Austin, TX 78702
512-974-4926
The George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center was the first African American neighborhood museum in the state of Texas. The museum features a collection of artifacts relating to the history of African Americans.
French Legation Museum
802 San Marcos Street
Austin, TX 78702
512-472-8180
This is the oldest standing frame structure in the city of Austin and it served as the diplomatic outpost of France during the days of the Republic of Texas.
Elisabet Ney Museum
304 East 44th Street
Austin, TX 78751
512-458-2255
The Elisabet Ney Museum is housed in Formosa, Ms. Ney’s home, built in the 1800s. The museum showcases Ms. Ney’s art studio and sculptures. On display are 50 portrait busts and full-figure statues of Texas notables.
Austin Museum of Art Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
512-458-8191
The Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria is located in a Mediterranean-style villa built in 1916. Lush gardens surround the eye-catching villa. Inside, the museum includes works by local and international artists of the 20th century.
Austin Museum of Art
823 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
512-495-9224
The Austin Museum of Art Downtown branch features an impressive permanent collection, as well as traveling exhibits of works by local, national and international artists.
Austin’s Park ‘N Pizza
16231 North IH-35
Austin, TX 78660
512-670-9600
22 acres of pure interactive fun including miniature golf, laser tag, batting cages, arcade, climbing wall, and more! They offer a delicious buffet of pizza, pasta, and salad.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
381 East Austin Street
New Braunfels, TX 78310
830-625-2351
This family fun park has over 65-acres of thrills, spills, and slides for your pleasure! Try out the world’s first surfing machine! Bring your own picnic or try a tasty snack from one of the food vendors like Polywog Pizza or the Gator Grill.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744
512-243-1643
McKinney Falls State Park is located 13 miles southeast of downtown Austin. Bring your bathing suit and check out this 640-acre park that features a swimming pool located under a waterfall. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking and camping here as well.
Austin Nature and Science Center
301 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78746
214-327-8181
The Austin Nature and Science Center is a great family attraction because it features a mix of nature and interactive science exhibits. Tour the nature trails, dig in the Dino Pit, view live animals and birds and much more.
Austin Zoo
10807 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
512-288-1490
At the Austin Zoo, visitors can view a variety of animals. Take a train ride through the Hill Country and enjoy animals up close in the petting area.
Barton Springs Pool
2101 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-476-9044
Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs is an artesian spring-fed (at the rate of 35 million gallons a day) swimming hole that maintains a temperature of 68 degrees. Paddle-wheel riverboat rides are available during warm weather months.
Austin Duck Adventures
1605 West Fifth Street
Austin, TX 78703
512-477-5274
The Austin Duck Adventures’ amphibious duck rides will take you past historic sites around town before splashing into Lake Austin for a fun boat ride.
Volente Beach
16107 FM 2769
Leander, TX 78641
512-258-5109
Experience the sandy beach and blue-green water of Lake Travis. Water slides, volleyball court, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and a playground for the kids. There is also boat rental on site and a restaurant.
Austin’s Children Museum
201 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-472-2499
The Austin Children’s Museum is an interactive center that encourages educational play. Exhibits include “Austin Kiddie Limits,” a child’s sized grocery store and an indoor playscape.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
866-369-7108
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum features three floors of interactive exhibits along with a special effects show and an IMAX Theater that tell the Lone Star state’s story.
Deep Eddy Pool
401 Deep Eddy Avenue
Austin, TX 78703
512-472-8546
This is the oldest swimming pool in the state and offers lap swimming, a wading area, and pool-side movies in the summer months.
March
South By Southwest Music and Media Conference/Interactive/Film Conference & Festival
512-467-7979
Hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over 50 stages, informative panel discussions, Trade Show, parties, interactive technology, and independent filmmaking all in the month of March in Austin!
April
Spamarama
512-834-1827
Austin’s Potted Pork Festival – SPAM! Concert, cook-off, SPAM-Call, and other competitions. Fun, food, and lots of laughs for the entire family. Please call for additional info including pricing and exact date.
Austin Reggae Festival
512-791-0222
Dedicated to Bob Marley and the like with food, concerts, and fun.
May
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
214-904-8456
Usually occurs the first weekend after Memorial Day. Event for the young and young-at-heart with vendors, music, special events, and more.
June
Pride Texas
512-474-5475
This annual festival is right in the heart of downtown Austin at Waterloo Park. The best and brightest artists, performers, restaurants, and other vendors will be present for this family fun event. Come take part in the entertainment, good food, and non-stop fun in the sun!
July
4th of July Fireworks & Symphony
512-476-6064
This is an annual concert and fireworks show. Concessions are available but you are more than welcome to bring a picnic basket full of your own goodies!
July/August
Zilker Summer Musical
512-479-9491
Thursday through Sunday in the evenings beginning in July and ending through August catch the Summer musical at Zilker Park in the Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater.
September
Austin City Limits Music Festival
512-478-7211
This festival with headlining bands is at Zilker Park in Austin. Food, fun, and lots of live music for the whole family.
November
Victorian Christmas on 6th Street
512-443-6179
The Victorian Christmas on 6th Street celebration takes place every year at the end of November. Located on East 6th Street from Congress Avenue to IH 35, the festival promotes a turn-of-the-century Christmas theme. In addition to homemade arts and crafts vendors, the festival features costumed performers, carolers, choirs, barbershop quartets, dancers, gunfighters and other street performers.
Other Events:
Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park Summer Series
May-August
512-476-6064
Every Sunday the Austin Symphony Orchestra present their concerts to crowds in chairs, standing, and on blankets. Bring cold drinks and a picnic dinner!
Population:
681,667
Time Zone:
Central Standard
Average Temperature:
68.6
Annual Rainfall:
33.78 inches per year
Airport:
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
3600 Presidential Blvd
Austin, TX 78719
512-530-2242
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Austin:
Capital Metro
Rail and Bus
800-474-1201
Taxis:
American Yellow Checker Cab
512-452-9999
Austin Cab Company
512-478-2222
Limos:
Austin Aloha Limousine
512-458-5466
Elegant Limousines and Charter
512-477-5468
Visitor Information:
Austin Visitors Center
209 East Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
866-GO-AUSTIN
Dining:
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
320 East Second Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-457-1500
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar sets the stage for an intimate dinner with low lighting and crisp white table linens. Steak lovers will be more than satisfied here, and entrees such as tuna mignon will satisfy non-meat eaters.
Stubb’s
801 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-480-8341
Enjoy live music while you feast on some of the best barbecue in the state of Texas! They offer southern style dishes and sides including smoked brisket, ribs, and chicken.
Vespaio
1610 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
512-441-6100
Upscale Italian restaurant offering fresh vegetables, signature dishes, and traditional Italian fare along with an extensive wine list. Reservations are recommended.
Nightlife:
Sixth Street
Downtown
Austin, TX 78701
Once called Pecan Street, Sixth Street is Austin’s famous address for nightlife and entertainment. For seven blocks from Congress Avenue to Interstate 35, and incorporating various cross streets, this area is a hotbed of live music, clubs, bars and restaurants. Various musical styles including jazz, blues, country, rock, hip-hop and more can be heard on Sixth Street. Several festivals, including Mardi Gras Austin, the Old Pecan Street Spring and Fall Arts Festivals and the Victorian Christmas festival are held on Sixth Street. Sixth Street is closed to traffic on the weekends, which gives the area a Bourbon Street or Beale Street feel. Among the 50 or so nightclubs along Sixth Street are Hard Rock Café, B.D. Riley’s Pub, Barcelona, Flamingo Cantina, Joe’s Generic Bar, Maggie Mae’s and more.