Top Attractions in Austin
Austin is the capital city of Texas and a hotspot for visitors and locals alike with many great attractions to visit.
This vibrant city is surrounded by all kinds of history, outdoor activities, and things to do.
Austin boasts its own unique culture that stems from the numerous festivals held throughout the year.
With so much to see in this beautiful city, it can be difficult to know what you should go out of your way for.
Here are some top attractions in Austin guaranteed to make your visit one to remember.
Sights worth seeing in Austin
Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is the largest attraction and one of the most important landmarks in Austin.
This building houses the chambers of the legislature for both Texas’s House of Representatives and Senate, along with other offices.
The building itself was completed in 1888, but it has undergone numerous renovations over time.
It now includes an observation deck that is open to the public for a small fee.
Barton Springs Pool
The Barton Springs Pool is an outdoor swimming pool in Zilker Park that uses water from the natural springs in Austin.
It has a 3.9 acre surface area, which makes it one of the largest pools in the U.S. without being designated for competition or recreation.
The water temperature stays between 68–70 degrees all year-round, so you can visit it at any time of the year.
Just make sure to bring sunscreen, since there’s almost no shade around the pool.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is an outdoor botanical garden that spans 100 acres of the Texas Hill Country.
More than 350 native plant species can be found here, along with children’s activities and educational programs.
You will also see many animals in their natural habitat outside the designated trails, so make sure to bring your camera along.
6th Street
6th Street is an area in Downtown Austin that is infamous for its wild nightlife and live music.
The street features numerous bars, dance halls, and concert venues that run into the early hours of morning.
As a result, it tends to be crowded with very young partygoers as well as those who want to experience Austin’s culture.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is a vast reservoir that stretches for 40 miles and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Whether you want to go kayaking, canoeing, boating, or fishing, you can easily rent these items from the many places along the shoreline.
You can also visit any of the numerous restaurants and cafés near Lake Travis for a bite to eat or some coffee.
Sculpture Falls
Sculpture Falls is a man-made waterfall that was built as a part of a dam project in the 1980s.
It now serves as a center for water recreation and can be found within Lake Travis.
There are several trails to choose from, depending on how intense you want your hike to be.
Make sure to visit this site after a rainfall, since it’s best to play in the water during those times.
Typhoon Texas
Typhoon Texas is an all-weather water park that spans over 42 acres in northeast Austin.
You can easily spend a day here with your family by visiting one of the many attractions, such as Typhoon Reef and the Americana River Boat Ride.
There are also numerous food and drinks vendors throughout the park, so you can take a quick break to grab a bite.
Waterloo Park
Waterloo Park is one of Austin’s most scenic parks that offers picturesque views of the city.
A wide variety of activities can be done here, such as playing on the playground equipment, visiting the dog park, go for a walk, or simply enjoying a picnic with your family.
In addition, there are many restaurants nearby the park where you can stop for a quick bite to eat.
Austin with Kids
If you want to spend a day with your family, be sure to visit one of Austin’s numerous kid-friendly attractions.
Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is a 20-acre zoo that features over 2,000 animals from all around the world.
You can visit any of Austin Zoo’s numerous exhibits, such as the Eurasia and Australia sections, to see even more exotic creatures.
Keep in mind that there are annual passes available if you plan on visiting multiple times in one year.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Congress Avenue Bridge is a historic bridge that spans over Lady Bird Lake in Austin.
The first incarnation of this bridge was built in 1870, but it later collapsed due to flooding after only two years.
Take the time to visit the Congress Bridge for watching Austin’s famous bats emerge from underneath it at dusk.
Austin Like a Local
If you want to experience Austin’s culture, there are many local events that can be attended.
Just make sure to visit one of the numerous bars or dance halls before attending any of these events.
The live music scene is always thriving in Austin, so check out what bands are playing on 6th Street on any given night.
Although the city has much to offer, Austin tends to be overpriced for its café and restaurant selection, especially when it comes to sit-down restaurants.
If you are exploring the city on a budget, consider visiting food trucks instead, since they tend to be more affordable.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the top attractions in Austin.
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