Austin Texas
Spectacular sunset views at The Oasis on Lake Travis
The Texas State Capitol building, completed in 1888
Fancy footwear on display at Allens Boots
Concert in Zilker Park on the banks of the Colorado River
The neon lights of Sixth Street in the downtown entertainment district
Live music and dancing at Guero's Taco Bar and Oak Garden
One of the many quirky food trucks in the city
Swimming in a natural pool at McKinney Falls State Park
- Major Airports:
- Austin-Bergstrom (AUS)
- States:
- Texas
Eclectic experiences in a capital city
Dance to the Music
Austin’s live music scene is legendary, and the action is concentrated in the Warehouse District as well as the Sixth Street and Red River entertainment districts. The city’s musical crown jewel is the Continental Club, featuring a solid lineup of rock, blues and country performers. Other popular venues include Broken Spoke, Antone’s, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, Elysium and Emo’s. Be sure to browse the extensive music selection at Waterloo Records, one of the few independent record stores left in the nation.
Meals on Wheels
With well over 1,000 mobile food vendors, Austin’s food trucks offer a world of culinary creativity. Among the local favorites are Korean tacos from Chi’Lantro, vegan specialties from Arlo’s, oversized desserts from Hey Cupcake! and Asian-fusion from the The Peached Tortilla. You’ll even find several food-truck courts – places where multiple vendors set up together food-court style, making it nearly impossible to resist a sampling of Austin’s on-the-go eateries.
Museums and More
Learn the fascinating story of the Lone Star State at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, brimming with exhibits, artifacts and a can’t-miss IMAX experience. The Blanton Museum of Art on the University of Texas campus is an art-lover’s dream, featuring more than 21,000 objects of European, American and Latin American art. Stop at the visitor center at the Texas State Capitol and take a free, guided tour of the massive building. At 92 meters tall, this National Historic Landmark is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Fun Fact
Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, with about 1.5 million bats at peak bat-watching season.