Additional Activities
We are so excited to welcome you to Austin. Austin has so much culture, arts, delicious food and endless live entertainment to explore.
Austin, the capital city of Texas, is a vibrant and dynamic destination renowned for its rich culture, innovative spirit, and stunning natural beauty. Situated in the heart of Central Texas, Austin boasts a unique blend of urban energy and outdoor adventure, making it a hub for creativity, music, and tech innovation. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin hosts an unparalleled music scene, with hundreds of live music venues showcasing everything from country and blues to rock and indie.
Austin is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country and the serene waters of Lady Bird Lake. The city offers countless outdoor activities, from hiking and biking on trails like the Barton Creek Greenbelt to kayaking and paddleboarding on the Colorado River. Zilker Park and the Barton Springs Pool provide natural escapes in the heart of the city.
Austin is a city that blends tradition and innovation, making it a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. Its eclectic mix of music, food, culture, and outdoor activities ensures there’s something for everyone in this thriving Texas gem.
We have created a list below of some of those iconic Austin opportunities that you can explore while you are here. To explore even more during your visit click here.
Texas State Capital
The granite Texas statehouse stands as a testament to the history of the Lone Star State. The Texas Capitol is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished state capitols. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Hours M-F 7:00 am-10:00pm, Sat-Sun 9:00am-8:00pm
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
A hub for historical memorabilia from the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration, the LBJ Presidential Library offers a unique look at American history. Experience the 1960s through a variety of interactive and engaging exhibits like a replica of LBJ’s Oval Office, numerous telephone recordings of the 36th
President and artifacts from Lady Bird Johnson’s environmental efforts.
The Library is situated on the University of Texas at Austin campus and attracts 100,000 visitors each year.
Hours 9:00-5:00 Daily
$13 for adult, $9 Seniors, $7 for former military (need ID), $4 for ages children 12-17, and children 12 and younger are free.
Texas Science and Natural History Museum
Texas Science & Natural History Museum tells the story of life in the natural world in Texas, from the
formation of our planet through the age of the dinosaurs into our current environment, and showcases
advanced research from UT Austin that is making a positive impact on life in the future
Hours Tues- Saturday 10:00-5:00 and Sunday 1:00-5:00
$10.00 General Admission, Ages 5-17 $6, Children 4 and under are free.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Explore the wildflowers and native plants of Texas in the beautiful gardens at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. See how native plants can be used to create sustainable landscapes, bring kids to play in a one-of-a-kind family garden, birdwatch on miles of wildflower-rimmed trails, and explore the
stunning architecture reflective of Central Texas.
Open daily 9:00-5:00$15 for adults, $10 Seniors, $8 children 3-17, and Children under 2 are free.
The Driskill
Austin’s original and iconic hotel features beautiful Romanesque architecture from the late 1800’s. With a grand entrance into the opulent lobby, you will be transported to an historic era, with its marble floors, stained-glass dome, and corridors filled with museum-quality artwork. Head up the grand staircase to
the most authentic Texas bar in downtown Austin, with daily live music and happy hour.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is a prominent point alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s. The mount provides a vista for viewing the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
Bullock Texas State History
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is the state’s official history museum and features three floors of exhibition galleries, IMAX® Theatre, Texas Spirit Theater, The Star Cafe, and Bullock Museum Store.
Hours 10:00-5:00 Daily
$15 for adults, $9 ages 4-17
South Congress Avenue
Walkable South Congress is a boutique shopping paradise. At the north end, visit the chic shops of Music Lane for jewelry, apparel, and home goods. To the south, Kendra Scott offers custom jewelry and a pretty counter-service cafe. Down the street, shop handcrafted paper goods, artwork, and gifts from Letterpress Play. Indulge your sweet tooth at Big Top Candy Shop, packed with candy and chocolate. Find novelty gifts, quirky toys, and specialty board games at the colorful shop Monkey See, Monkey Do!
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life at the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below.
Canyon Tours offered every Saturday & Sunday – weather permitting. Self Guided Hikes Tuesday – Friday 9:30am – 1:30pm (no Canyon Access weekdays without prior reservation).
Congress Ave Bridge Bat Watching
Experience Austin’s Bats take Flight with Austin Bat Tours! When you book one of our many Austin Bat Tours, you’ll experience the phenomenal experience of watching 1.5 million bats take flight from the most unique and relaxing perspective, the water! Join us as we paddle to the Congress Avenue Bridge and learn about Austin most famous tourist attraction and watch this spectacle of bat flight and many other tours to choose from!