What to do in Austin?
   
   
  Texas Capitol, Museums & the University of Texas at Austin
   
 

The first must see in Austin is the Texas Capitol, home to the state government of Texas. Texas Capitol is among the most distinguished state capitols of the country (source) and is rumored to be slightly taller than the national capitol in Washington. Although this might or might not be true, you would definitely enjoy the unique architecture of the Capitol that is not commonly found in this Southern state.

Several museums conveniently located in the downtown area are also attractive destinations for tourists to Austin. These include: The Austin Children Museum, Austin Museum of Art, the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. For a more complete list, visit this website.

Another venue of interests for tourists is the University Tower - the famous landmark of the University of Texas at Austin located on UT campus.

 
  capitol museum
 

Texas Capitol

Photo courtesy: Texas State Preservation Board

Austin Museum of Art

Source: link

   
   
  Austin Nightlife & Live music
   
 

If you haven't been to 6th street (at night), you haven't been to Austin! 6th is by far the most popular venue for young Austinites to catch up, hang out, get a few drinks and have a lot of fun. There are hundreds of bars centered around the first few blocks of 6th street west of Congress Avenue. During weekend nights, this area is so packed with people that the police have to block the traffic coming into the hot spot. At the beginning of 2006, most bars in Austin started going non-smoking, which makes 6th an even more desirable rendez-vous place many people. People pour into 6th street on every special occasion of the city, be it Hallowen, a UT game victory, back to school or just another long weekend. You go to 6th street and you know what's going on in Austin.

If you want to get wasted, you have 6th street. But if you just want some live music, be it country, jazz or Latin, you have a whole lot more options. Live music is played across town almost every night, with many special shows offered during the weekend. Follow the link above for more information on where to find live music performances in Austin.

   
   
  Outdoor activities: Lakes & Parks
   
 
One of the biggest charms of Austin is the Colorado river running through the heart of the city fertilizing a large green belt that keeps the city lively and fresh. Austin also has many lakes that make it a wonderful environment for outdoor activities, especially water sports and recreation such as water skiing, kayaking, rowing, swimming, canoeing. It is also a nice experience just to cruise along the river on a boat for a few hours and enjoy the wonderful landscape along the banks.
   
 
Popular recreational water bodies include Lake Travis, Town Lake and Barton Spring. You could find more about boat renting and reservation at the following links.
 

 

Beach Front Boat Rentals: http://www.beachfrontboats.com/

Capital Cruises: http://www.capitalcruises.com/

Just For Fun Watercraft Rental: http://www.jff.net/austin/equipment.htm

Lonestar Riverboat: http://www.lonestarriverboat.com/tours.html

Zilker Park Boat Rentals: http://www.zilkerboats.com/

Austin Duck Adventures: http://www.austinducks.com/

 
  Here are some more parks and gardens for a half-a-day picnic:
       
    Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (link)
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Austin, TX 78739
512-292-4100  
    Mount Bonnell (link)
3800 Mount Bonnell Dr.
Austin, TX 78731
512-974-6700  
    Zilker Botanical Garden (link)
2220 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78746
512-477-8672  
    Barton Creek Green Belt
3755-B Capital of Texas Hwy.
Austin, TX 78745
512-974-6700  
   
  One day trips
   
  If you have one whole day to spare, we might suggest that you take a one day trip to some places outside of Austin.
   
    San Antonio (1.5 hours from Austin, for more information go to Texas Guide --> San Antonio.
     
    Shopping at San Marcos Outlet Mall (40 minutes from Austin).
     
    Texas Hill Country Wineries (1-1.5 hours from Austin, for more information go to Texas Guide --> Top Attractions)
       
    Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort (link) 305 W. Austin St.
New Braunfels, TX 78310
   
 

Links
   

http://www.austintexas.org/home/

http://www.austin360.com/

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/home

Lonely Planet Guide