Things to Do in Austin

Choose from 15 Fun Things to Do in Austin

Austin Convention Center

Stretching more than six city blocks and housing almost 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, the sprawling Austin Convention Center hosts a variety of events and conferences. It’s an ideal location for meetings and conventions, with more than 54 meeting rooms and seven ballrooms, and it’s within close proximity to the hotels, restaurants, and bars of downtown Austin.

The Basics

Those planning or attending a trade show, convention, industry meeting, or event at the Austin Convention Center find its downtown Austin location convenient for exploring the rest of the city. Experience downtown Austin on any number of guided tours, including a Segway, bus, walking, or food tour. Some experiences focus on specific Austin highlights such as music, barbecue, or beer, while others focus on outdoor experiences such as kayaking or biking.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Austin Convention Center has an on-site business center for scanning, copying, printing, and other business needs. Postal services are also available.
Look for the digital flight departure and arrival board with real-time flight information from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
A limited number of motorized scooters are available for rent.
The Austin Convention Center has an on-site gift shop with lots of Austin- and Texas-focused merchandise.

How to Get There

The Austin Convention Center is bordered by Cesar Chavez and 4th Street, and Trinity and Red River streets in downtown Austin, Texas. It’s 8 miles northwest of the airport. There are two paid parking garages nearby, one on 2nd Street and the other on 5th Street. The Capital Metro light rail stops in front of the convention center on 4th Street.

When to Get There

Some of the biggest events at the Austin Convention Center are South by Southwest in March, DreamHack in April, and Wizard World Austin Comic Con in fall. If you can, tack a few extra days onto your visit for more time to explore downtown Austin and the surrounding areas.

SXSW

South by Southwest is one of Austin Convention Center’s largest events, bringing 150,000 people to downtown Austin. SXSW (or “South By”) started in 1987 as a music festival. Over the years, the conference/festival expanded its reach into multimedia, film, education, and interactive sessions. Twitter was introduced at SXSW in 2007.

500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA

From $ 75

Paramount Theatre

Located in downtown Austin, the Paramount Theatre is an important and historic live and movie theater venue. John Eberson, one of the most renowned theater designers in US history, designed the original classic revival-style building. He built approximately 1,200 theaters, but less than 25 are still in existence today.

The Paramount opened its doors in 1915, originally called the Majestic Theatre. It featured vaudeville shows, a popular style of entertainment during that era. Performers like Harry Houdini even graced the stage at the Majestic Theatre. As vaudeville began to disappear, silent and later talking films began to develop. The theatre was revamped in 1930 to include wall-to-wall carpeting, upholstered seats, and a state of the art sound system. After the art deco renovations were complete, the theater was then renamed the Paramount Theatre. It was during this time that the Paramount Theatre began showcasing live performances like ballet.

After World War II, with the subsequent invention of the home television and the rise of suburban movie houses, the Paramount Theatre went into a period of decline before rising again in 1973 and hosting live shows again.

By the 1980s, the theater was a cultural icon, attracting major events and shows like A Chorus Line and My Fair Lady. Celebrities like Rodney Dangerfield, Lily Tomlin, and George Carlin have performed here. The Paramount was chosen as one of the official theaters to rerun Casablanca on its 50-year anniversary in 1992.

Today, the Paramount Theatre hosts a number of events and theater screenings, and has even produced its own blockbuster comedy shows like Greater Tuna. Look for non-performing art speaking engagements as well, such as Rick Steves, a travel writer and published guidebook author.

Practical Info

Paramount Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is located at 713 Congress Avenue in Austin.

713 Congress Ave, Austin 78701, USA

Varies

From $ 25

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats—the world’s largest urban bat colony. Spectators gather here on summer nights, cameras in hand, to watch these flying mammals emerge from beneath the bridge to hunt in the sky above Lady Bird Lake.

The Basics

You can witness Austin’s beloved flying residents from various locations, including the eastern walkway of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, the grassy hillside at the base of the bridge, or from Lady Bird Lake in a rented kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Bat-watching tours take various forms—enjoy a guided cycling tour around the lake before arriving at the bridge in time for bat viewing, paddle to the bridge on a kayak tour, or see the bats as part of a GPS-led scavenger hunt through the Texas capital.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Congress Bridge bats are a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Austin.
The bats’ dramatic appearance usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
A typical bat tour lasts two to three hours, depending on the option chosen.
The public walkway along Congress Avenue Bridge is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Congress Avenue Bridge is located roughly one mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Austin. The easiest way to get there is on foot or by road. Parking is available near the Austin American-Statesman office, Auditorium Shores, and along East Riverside Drive.

When to Get There

The Austin bats can be seen between March and November, with their numbers peaking in summer. The mammals begin to emerge about 20 minutes before sundown; due to the spectacle’s popularity, it’s a good idea to show up an hour or so before sunset to stake out a spot on the bridge.

Austin Bat Trivia

The free-tailed bat colony that lives beneath South Congress Bridge was once feared, but today the bats are appreciated for keeping the city’s bug population under control. Each night, the colony consumes 20,000 to 30,000 pounds (9,072 to 13,608 kilograms) of insects. This particular species gets its name from its long tail, which measures about a third of the length of its body. The bats often fly up to two miles (3.2 kilometers) high and are among the fastest mammals in the world.

Austin, Texas, USA

From $ 25

Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park and Preserve, a historic site left to the city for use as a park in 1971, is part of the Mayfield-Gutsch Estate. The grounds include historic cottage and two acres of gardens, while the preserve is the 21-acre natural area that surrounds the park and contains walking trails and wildlife.

Peafowl are a common sight here; two types and approximately two dozen total call the area home. Most of the peafowl seen today are descendants from the original pair given to the Gutschs as a Christmas gift in 1935. If you are hoping to catch a peafowl with its tail fanned, consider visiting in late winter or spring, beginning around February, when they start courting the females.

Don’t miss Mayfield Park’s ponds, especially the cast iron pond near the cottage. There are six large lily ponds that are arranged in the general shape of a flower -- the center circular pond is surrounded by four oval shaped ponds (the petals) and an hourglass pond with small waterfall that represents the stem.

Practical Info

Mayfield Park is located at 3801 W 35th Street in Austin and is open from 5am until 10pm. The Mayfield-Gutsch Estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Mayfield Park does host private events like weddings and business workshops. When a private event is reserved, the general public is not allowed in the garden area.

3801 W 35th Street, Austin 78703, USA

Daily 5am-10pm

From $ 25

Barton Springs

A visit to Barton Springs Pool in Austin’s sprawling Zilker Park is a treasured experience for both Austin locals and visitors. The pool, which is more than 3 acres (1.2 hectares) in size is the result of a naturally occurring underground-fed spring. Generations have enjoyed the fresh, cool water, which stays a constant temperature of about 68°F (20°C).

The Basics

Located in Zilker Metropolitan Park near downtown Austin, the natural limestone pool ranges from dip-your-toes-in to more than 18 feet (5.5 meters) deep. You might encounter fish and turtles, and it’s home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. There’s a diving board, and a grassy area for sunbathing, and lifeguards on duty. Combine your trip to Barton Springs with an Austin bike tour that ends with a dip in the pool.

Things to Know Before You Go

During most guarded swim times, there are is a fee with discounts for seniors, youth, residents, and veterans.
Food, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
Lifeguards are on duty for much of the day.

How to Get There

Barton Springs is within Zilker Park, which you can access from Barton Springs Road. It’s immediately southwest of downtown Austin across the Colorado River. From downtown, take Congress Avenue south across the Congress Avenue Bridge, which turns into 1st Street. Turn right on Barton Springs Road, and look for Zilker Park signs and the pool. Parking is available near the pool (there’s a parking fee on weekends).

When to Get There

From March through September, the pool is open 5am to 10pm daily, with a lifeguard on duty during posted hours each day (you can swim for free at your own risk outside of these hours). The pool is closed Thursday from 9am to 7pm for cleaning and habitat maintenance. Given the cool temperature of the water, summer is the best time for a dip.

Did You Know?

Barton Springs has a fascinating history. Robert Redford is said to have learned to swim at the pool at age 5. Topless sunbathers were common in the 1970s. Barton Springs is home to the Barton Springs salamander, an endangered, federally protected species. And it’s never been more popular: a record-setting 800,000 visitors have enjoyed Barton Springs Pool in recent years.

2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78746, USA

Varies

From $ 39

HOPE Outdoor Gallery

Known for "keeping it weird," Austin is home to impressive street art all over the city, but the HOPE Outdoor Gallery—a once abandoned construction site turned community park—is a special point of interest. The largest outdoor graffiti wall in Texas, the HOPE Gallery attracts muralists and artists from around the world, and has become an important part of city culture.

Layers and layers of color, words, and design make for interesting views throughout the park, and serve as a vehicle for expression of modern Austin life. Locals agree the park has taken on a life of its own with the often impermanent wall art constantly changing and evolving. Visit the park on any street art tour of the city to take in the views and learn more about this important community space.

Practical Info

HOPE Outdoor Gallery is located at 11th & Baylor streets in downtown Austin, in the Clarksville area. The park is free to visit, and is open daily from 9am to 7pm. There’s a great view from the top of the park after a short climb, but beware of materials that may litter the park’s grounds and edges.

1101 Baylor St, Austin, Texas, USA

Daily 9am–7pm

From $ 40

Lady Bird Lake

The 416-acre (169-hectare) Lady Bird Lake, at the northeastern end of Zilker Metropolitan Park, anchors a host of outdoor recreational opportunities in downtown Austin. Locals and visitors alike hike, bike, and walk it, as well as birdwatch, canoe, paddleboard, and fish for carp, largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in and around this man-made reservoir once known as Town Lake.

The Basics

Lady Bird Lake, along with Zilker Park, form a relaxing oasis in downtown Austin, allowing views of the skyline from a bench or something more adventurous, like a canoe or paddleboard floating on the water. There are several hiking and biking trails that zigzag through the park and two pedestrian-only bridges. Bike and kayak tours help you explore the sizeable Lady Bird Lake with assistance from a guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

Maximize your fun by booking a tour to help you navigate the miles of trails and make the most of your time on the lake.
Rental equipment, from bikes to boats and paddleboards are available through tour outfitters.
It is illegal to swim in Lady Bird Lake (and has been since 1964) due to dangerous debris from bridges and dams.
Motorized boats are prohibited in the lake.
Bring sunscreen, and be sure to stay hydrated while on the water.

How to Get There

Lady Bird Lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st Street in downtown Austin. You can find parking at Zilker Park, or look for street parking along South Lakeshore Boulevard between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside. If you want to explore the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, park at Festival Beach across the river.

When to Get There

If you want to get out on Lady Bird Lake and explore, the best time to visit is March through September, when the warmer weather makes for a relaxing day on the water. You can see the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats from Lady Bird Lake in spring and late summer. Late June through early August is considered peak season.

Austin Duck Derby

An annual rubber duck derby takes place on a Saturday in August in Austin, when a huge loader deposits 20,000 yellow rubber ducks into Lady Bird Lake from the Congress Avenue Bridge. The event draws large crowds to the pedestrian walkways, bridges, and on boats in the water to watch the ducks bob around, making their way to the finish line.

Austin, Texas, USA

From $ 25

6th Street

Austin’s 6th Street, sometimes known colloquially as Dirty Sixth, is the epicenter for late nights, free-flowing drinks, and all-around good times in the Live Music Capital of the World. This historical neighborhood is lined with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and car traffic is blocked on weekends so pedestrians can take their party into the street.

The Basics

Tame by day and a bit raucous by night (especially on weekends), 6th Street should go on all party-goers’ lists of authentically Austin must-have experiences, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Go during the day as part of a guided city tour and learn more about the area’s history. Then return at night to swig a Lone Star beer, listen to live music on any given night, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this cool Texas town.

Things to Know Before You Go

While 6th Street is sleepy during the day, it’s not appropriate for young kids in the evening, when the bar crowds fill the streets.
The scene skews heavily toward college students and 20-somethings, with shot bars and honky-tonks that cater to that demographic.
A portion of 6th Street is closed to traffic on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so parking can be difficult to find.

How to Get There

“Dirty Sixth” refers to about a 7-block stretch of 6th Street between I-35 and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. You can get there by taking either of the main freeways, I-35 or TX-1 (Mopac), into downtown. Austin also has a small train line and a bus service operated by Capital Metro, and in the evenings you can usually find a pedicab to hire for a night of revelry so you don’t have to drive.

When to Get There

Thursday through Saturday nights, 6th Street is reliably jumping from about 10pm into the wee hours. If you don’t like huge crowds, you’d be wise to avoid visiting during festival weekends, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival.

Have a Laugh

If you are looking for entertainment beyond the bars on 6th Street, buy tickets for a show at Esther’s Follies. This variety show will have you doubled over with laughter as it pokes fun at life in Austin and Texas in general, with a frequently updated take on current events, plus feats of magic. The theater fronts 6th Street and often uses passersby as unknowing participants in the show.

6th Street, Austin, Texas, USA

From $ 25

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Greeting visitors with a 34-foot (10-meter) bronze star, the Bullock Texas State History Museum invites you to learn about the story of Texas. Its three floors of historical exhibits are as entertaining and engaging as they are informative. Also here are Austin’s only IMAX theater and a separate 4-D theater.

The Basics

Located right in downtown Austin, the Bullock Museum offers you a greater understanding of Texas history. Your tour begins with the museum’s earliest indigenous artifacts, starting Texas’ historical journey over 14,000 years ago. As you climb each floor, you learn about the state’s journey to independence, the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, NASA Mission Control, and more.

You can purchase tickets to see one of the historical films in the Texas Spirit Theater, which engages your senses with seat vibrations, wind, and other 4-D features. Various documentaries and first-run films are also screened daily at the IMAX theater. And you don’t have to visit the museum in order to see a show.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Bullock Museum is a very family-friendly venue and great for anyone interested in learning more about Texas history.
Admission discounts are available for military members, senior citizens, students, and children.
Museum admission does not include movie tickets or special exhibitions.
The first floor features a gift shop, with unique Texas gifts, and there’s a café on the museum’s second floor.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs are available for no fee.

How to Get There

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is located on Congress Avenue at 18th Street in downtown Austin, about a 10-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol. The museum has a paid parking garage, and there is also paid parking in nearby lots and on the street. Several CapMetro buses stop within two blocks of the Bullock; city bike rental is another option.

When to Get There

The Bullock Museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm Sunday, except for major holidays. The first Sunday of every month, admission is free—which means the museum may be more crowded than usual. Weekdays are much quieter and offer a more relaxed way to explore the museum. Note that on home-game days for the University of Texas at Austin, parking is more expensive and harder to find.

Who Was Bob Bullock?

The Bullock Museum is named in honor of Texas’s 38th lieutenant governor, Bob Bullock, who made it his cause to preserve and honor Texas history. As part of this effort, he helped establish the museum in 2001. Bullock served two terms as lieutenant governor and is remembered for his bipartisanship and the way he insisted on a government that worked best for Texas.

1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, USA

Varies

From $ 35

Texas State Cemetery

The Texas State Cemetery, in addition to being a somber place for reflection, provides a historical overview of the notable men and women whose legacy continues to shape the Lone Star State. Among the famous interred here are writer James Michener, Civil Rights leader Barbara Jordan, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas.

The Basics

The Texas State Cemetery visitor center features interactive displays on Texas history and offers audio tours for those visiting independently. The grounds also contain a 9/11 memorial and a monument to the Tennessee Native Sons who died fighting for Texas’ independence.

A guided visit offers background information to help you appreciate the legacies of those buried here, from politicians and brave Texas loyalists to Wild West outlaws. Some city tours include a stop here in addition to other Austin highlights, such as the Texas Capitol and Mayfield Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Texas State Cemetery is a must for US history buffs.
The cemetery grounds are open daily from 8am to 5pm; the visitor center is open weekdays only.
Gravestone rubbings are prohibited.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk on some uneven terrain on the grounds.

How to Get There

The Texas State Cemetery is on Navasota Street in East Austin. If you’re driving, head south on US 35 to 11th Street, then turn right on Navasota. Limited parking is available at the visitor center, on Navasota Drive between Seventh and 11th streets.

When to Get There

The cemetery is open year-round, and spring and fall can be busy with school tour groups. If you visit in the summer, arrive early to avoid the sometimes oppressive afternoon heat. In the event of a funeral (which can happen with little notice), the grounds will be closed and no tours will be allowed.

Famous Graves

Some of the most notable gravesites include those of former Texas Governor Ann Richards; Chris Kyle, Navy SEAL and author of the book American Sniper; author James Michener; Tejano leader José Antonio Navarro; and several Texas Rangers. Former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush have chosen to be buried here, too.

909 Navasota St, Austin, TX 78702, USA

From $ 25

French Legation

The Republic of Texas, as it was known from 1836 to 1845, was host to a diplomatic outpost representing the government of France. The French Legation was built in 1841 for Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, who was sent to the Republic of Texas by King Louis Philippe. Today it’s the oldest structure in Austin and an interesting museum.

The Basics

To fully appreciate this unique footnote in Texas history, take one of the regularly scheduled guided tours of the French Legation Museum, which gives you access to the inside of the house as well as the surrounding grounds. Include a stop at the French Legation with your guided tour of important sights in Austin and the Hill Country, while you relax and take in the area’s history and natural beauty.

Things to Know Before You Go

The French Legation is a must for history buffs.
Docent-guided tours last approximately 40 minutes.
There is an on-site gift shop.
The house is accessible to wheelchairs though portions of the grounds are not wholly ADA-complaint.

How to Get There

The French Legation is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) east of the Texas Capitol in downtown Austin. Several Capital Metro buses stop nearby; the closest stop is at 7th Street and San Marcos.

When to Get There

The French Legation is open from 1pm to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. If you’d like to expand on your visit, come on a second or fourth Sunday of the month, when you can partake in the French leisure sport of pétanque; equipment is provided and it’s free to play. Games are held at the Mueller Hangar, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) north of the French Legation.

Pig War

French chargé d’affaires Alphonse Dubois de Saligny is notorious for his Pig War in downtown Austin. During his brief tenure at the French Legation, he complained about troublesome pigs belonging to a neighboring hotel keeper. He and the hotelier quarreled mightily over the pigs until de Saligny, unsatisfied not to receive backing from the Texas government, took off for Louisiana, never to set foot in Texas again.

802 San Marcos, Austin 78702, USA

Varies

From $ 25

Texas Governor's Mansion

The Texas Governor’s Mansion in downtown Austin has been the official home of the presiding governor of Texas and family since 1856, and it’s the fourth-oldest continuously operating governor’s house in the United States. The Greek Revival-style mansion, a national historic landmark, is open for free tours on select days.

The Basics

An Austin landmark and the official home of the Lone Star State governor and family, this Greek Revival-style structure offers a look into Texas’ past and present. Visitors take a free tour of the Texas Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with reservations made in advance. The tour showcases the first floor, and guests get an insider’s look at historical home furnishings, ornate building details, and pieces of Texas history.

To hear more history behind the building and the state’s capital, book a tour of Austin that makes the Texas Governor’s Mansion one of its highlights. Many guided walking, running, and Segway tours include a stop outside the mansion.

Things to Know Before You Go

To take one of the free tours (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2pm to 4pm), guests must make reservations at least one week in advance. No walk-up tours are available.
As part of making a reservation, visitors receive a background security check.
There are no restrooms available for public use, and visitors may not bring any bags inside.

How to Get There

The Texas Governor’s Mansion is located at 1010 Colorado Street in downtown Austin near the southwestern corner of the Texas State Capitol Building. It’s about 10 blocks west of I-35. If driving from outside of Austin, take I-35 to 11th street and head west to Colorado. Metered street parking is sometimes available around the Capitol, or you can park in the Texas Capitol Visitors Center Parking Garage (parking is free for the first two hours).

When to Get There

Your arrival at the Texas Governor’s Mansion is dictated by your appointed tour time, but you can view the exterior of the governor’s mansion at your leisure.

Behind the Scenes

Your tour of the governor’s mansion is likely to include more than a few interesting tales. A few tidbits: Sam Houston burned a letter from Abraham Lincoln in a fireplace here after Lincoln offered Houston federal troops in an effort to keep Houston in office and Texas in the Union. More recently, the mansion was where then-governor George W. Bush watched the 2000 election that made him the 43rd president of the United States.

1010 Colorado Street, Austin, USA

From $ 25

Driskill Hotel

The oldest operating hotel in Austin, the Driskill has been legendary in Texas since it was built in 1886. Celebrities have visited the historic landmark over the years, including former president Lyndon B. Johnson, who took Lady Bird there on their first date. Today the Driskill Grill and 1886 Cafe & Bakery restaurants are here as well.

The Basics

The Driskill Hotel is a lovely Romanesque-style building in the heart of downtown Austin. Guided group tours of the area include a stop here, along with entertaining and insightful information about the history of this grand hotel, built by cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Over the years many ghost stories have arisen, leading locals to believe that the hotel is haunted. After your city tour, return to the Driskill for a drink or bite to eat and see if you agree.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Driskill Hotel is worth a peek from every first-time visitor to Austin.
On-site dining options include the Driskill Grill for upscale dinners and the 1886 Cafe & Bakery, which serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The Driskill Bar serves drinks with live music every day.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
The Driskill is pet-friendly.
Monthly local craft beer dinners and Victorian afternoon teas are popular, so book in advance.
The hotel is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Driskill is located in downtown Austin—the only hotel on famed 6th Street—just off of I-35. It’s a short walk from the MetroRail’s Downtown station and other area points of interest, such as the Texas Capitol and Lady Bird Lake.

When to Get There

A visit to the Driskill Hotel is ideal any time of year, but you might want to avoid the massive crowds associated with the city’s most popular festivals, Austin City Limits (ACL) in the fall and South by Southwest (SXSW) in the spring.

Cattle Baron’s Suite

The suites at the Driskill are some of the most opulent and unique accommodations in the area, fulfilling Jesse Driskill’s dream that the hotel would be the finest of its kind south of St. Louis. The 1,200-square-foot (111.5-square-meter) Cattle Baron’s Suite features two bedrooms, an 8-seat dining room, and living room in a building that is alleged to be among the most haunted hotels in the US.

604 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas 78701, USA

From $ 25

2nd Street District

The 2nd Street District is a new area of Austin that includes a range of trendy retail stores, cool coffee shops, restaurants, wine bars, and urban living spaces. The motto for the area is “Where Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool.”

There are approximately 50 specialty shops, services, and dining establishments within the district, which is spread out over about six city blocks. Most shops are locally owned and operated, so it's best to walk the area and look at all the unique offerings available, which helps support the local Austin economy. The 2nd Street District also has a few recognizable brands like Swatch and Ann Taylor.

If you’re visiting Austin in August, consider checking out the now annual White Linen Night, which features a separate-admission block party with fare from local restaurants and wineries, as well as an after-party.

Practical Info

2nd Street District is bordered by 3rd Street to the north, Colorado to the east, Cesar Chavez to the south, and San Antonio to the west. 2nd Street District is open daily, with stores setting their own opening hours.

2nd Street District, Austin 78701, USA

From $ 75

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol building and its stunning presence on the Austin landscape earns its place on the National Register of Historic Places with ease. An extraordinary example of stonework and 19th-century architecture, the Texas State Capitol is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most “stately” state capitols with its elaborate limestone work and impressive dome, which reaches 15 feet above its Washington counterpart.

Offering a panoramic view over all of Austin from the capitol dome, the 1888 Texas State Capitol has the largest square footage of any state capitol in the Unites States, and is only seconded by the National Capitol in Washington D.C. A tour through these beautiful grounds will do more than expose you to the history of Texas legislation, but will tell “a true Texas story.”

Austin, Texas, USA

Monday - Friday: 7am - 10pm Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 8pm

From $ 25