Austin Area Attractions

There is plenty to see and do while visiting the Capitol City. Of course, the Texas State Capitol itself is a top draw, but Austin also boasts world class museums and other attractions.

Austin is not only home to the University of Texas and the Texas State Capitol, the city also boasts an impressive number of museums. From state history to natural sciences, an unbelievable amount of information is showcased in an entertaining and informative manner at Austin's top museums.

Visitors to Central Texas shouldn't pass up a chance to visit the Texas State Capitol and soak up some of the legend, lore and history that is Texas.

Many visitors to Austin, the Texas state capital city, are intrigued by the history of the Lone Star State. Luckily for them, the city is also home to the Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum, which encapsulates the state's history and showcases it via a variety of interactive exhibits.

Located on the University of Texas campus in Austin, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is one of 13 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that have housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs.

The Texas Music Museum in Austin is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the musical history of Texas, as well as the contributions of Texas musicians to the national and world music scene.

Located just north of Austin, Inner Space Cavern reveals relics from the Ice Age - bones of Saber Toothed Tigers, Mammoths and other Ice Age animals have been found in the cavern.

Located in Austin's famed Zilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when Barton Creek was dammed. Since its inception, Barton Springs has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.

Formed in 1994, the Austin Zoo has grown every year since its formation and now draws over 200,000 visitors annually. Keeping with its primary goal of introducing kids to animals, the Austin Zoo is family friendly and has a number of exhibits and attractions specifically designed for the little ones.

See where the top political office-holder in Texas lives. Tours of the Texas Governor's Mansion are offered every 20 minutes, Monday through Thursday.

The Texas State Cemetery was established in 1851 and is the final resting ground for such Texas icons as Stephen F. Austin, General Albert Sidney Johnston, Governor Allan Shivers, Governor John Connally, and Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock.

The Austin's Children's Museum is THE place to take the kids while visiting Austin - the perfect place to learn and have fun.

The Austin Nature and Science Center provides nature exhibits and educational information for groups and individuals visiting Austin.

Utilizing a 1916 Southern Pacific steam locomotive, the Austin Steam Train organization offers a variety of steam engine tours throughout the scenic Hill Country region.

Located in downtown Austin, the Austin Museum of Art provides over 5,000 square feet of ever-changing visual art exhibits.

The Austin area home and studio of famed sculptor Elisabet Ney has been preserved as a museum, displaying her works, furnishings and tools.

Sixth Street - Austin's famous entertainment district - boasts a variety of unique shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, live music venues and hotels.

Named after the former First Lady, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to native plants and flowers and incorporates trails, gardens, natural habitat areas, butterfly gardens and educational programs to help promote the preservation and restoration of Texas wildflowers.

Art City Austin displays original artwork in a variety of mediums and genre. The festival also includes live music, food, kids' entertainment, art activities and artist demonstrations.

Austin's Mexic-Arte Museum was founded in 1983 to preserve and promote traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latino art.

The Texas Natural Science Center is home to a variety of displays and exhibits showcasing Texas wildlife from pre-historic to modern times. The museum is housed on the University of Texas campus and often hosts well-known speakers and presenters.