Austin, Texas:
Top 10 Things to Do in Austin
Whether it's boating on Lake Travis or bat-watching on Town Lake, Austin, Texas provides visitors and residents alike with something to do almost every day of the year.
1. Tour the State Capitol of Texas, one of the most beloved landmarks in the Lone Star State. Completed in 1888, the pink granite statehouse stands 311 feet high and is 14 feet higher than our nation's capitol. Guided tours begin every 15 minutes from the south entrance foyer on weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and every 30-45 minutes on weekends from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission. 512-463-0063
2. Experience life on Capitol Hill as it played out during the days of LBJ at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. This museum on the University of Texas campus includes thousands of volumes of presidential papers, a scale replica of the Oval Office during his presidency, and a First Lady's Gallery devoted to the work of Lady Bird Johnson. Open daily, except Christmas, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Free admission. Free parking. 512-721-0200
3. Relive the pages of Texas history at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Interactive exhibits, artifacts never publicly displayed before, an IMAX Theatre and the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theatre bring the myth, legend and fact of the Lone Star State together under one roof. Open Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 12-6 p.m. 866-369-7108
4. Enjoy the spectacle of the Congress Avenue Bats, the largest urban bat colony in North America, as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats depart nightly at sunset, April through October, from beneath the bridge. Free bat viewing area behind the Austin American Statesman building. 512-327-9721
5. See the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country up-close at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where planting areas, wildflower meadows, exhibits and an observation tower pay homage to Mrs. Johnson's devotion to native landscaping and preservation. Open Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Open Mondays starting March 18th – April 30th from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 512-292-4200
6. Grocery shopping is anything but a chore at Central Market, a European-style market that stocks fresh produce, specialty food items, baked goods, hundreds of kinds of cheeses, and flowers from all over the world. Two locations, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd. and 4477 S. Lamar Blvd. Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 512-206-1000
7. Swim in the constant 68-degree waters of Barton Springs Pool, an artesian spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park. Open daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Thursdays until 7 p.m. Nominal admission charge. 512-867-3080
8. Take in all the sights on The University of Texas campus, the largest public university in the nation. Tours are available of the UT Tower, Thurs. and Fri., 6-8 p.m. and Sat., 1-8 p.m. Reservations recommended. 512-475-6633
9. Ascend all 99 steps to the top of Mount Bonnell to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. Open daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Free admission. 512-974-6700
10. The heart of Austin is found along the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a 10.1 mile path bordering the lake on its flow through downtown. 512-974-6700
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