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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