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.