Here are some links that we hope you find fun. There is so much to do and see around Austin. The Greater Austin Metropolitan area is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere without big city hassle, great scenery and recreational opportunities, a reasonable cost of living, and a great music and cultural scene.
Zilker Park
Considered "Austin's most loved park." This 351 acre park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events for the individual or the whole family.
Barton Springs Pool
For the swimmer, Zilker Park offers Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees.
Zilker Botanical Gardens
18 acres of gardens include a Japanese garden, xeriscape demonstration garden, rose garden, cactus garden, bedding displays, floral display garden, butterfly trail, butterfly garden, and herb & fragrance garden and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden.
Austin Nature and Science Center
Nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation resources for countless visitors, teachers, and children of all ages.When you come by for a visit you will be able to meet a coyote and red-tailed hawk in our Wildlife Exhibits. You can follow the path of Texas fossil hunters and un-cover evidence of pre-historic life in the Dino Pit. You can explore natural science specimans and add to your own collection through the Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter. Come on by and help us celebrate natural wonders of Austin.
Take a tour of the Texas State Capitol Visitors to Central Texas shouldn’t miss an opportunity to tour theTexas State Capitol Complex. Legend, lore and history combine to make a tour of the Capital Complex educational, inspirational, and awe-inspiring.
The Governor's Mansion
The most historic house in Texas, sits on a beautifully landscaped city block in Austin near the Capitol building. Built in 1856, it is the oldest continuously occupied executive residence west of the Mississippi. The building has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
University of Texas at Austin
The largest single-campus school in the country, the University of Texas at Austin is home to remarkable museums and collections. The UT Tower Tour is a treat.
Texas Memorial Museum
The Texas Memorial Museum is the exhibit hall of the Texas Natural Science Center. It is located at 2400 Trinity Street, on the University of Texas at Austin campus.
Blanton Museum The Blanton welcomes and engages all visitors by offering personal, extraordinary experiences that connect art and ideas, reaching within and beyond campus to stimulate the thriving, creative community that is Austin, Texas.
Arthouse at the Jones Center Arthouse (formerly the Texas Fine Arts Association) was founded in 1911, and for more than ninety years it has advocated for the support of contemporary art in Texas, organizing exhibitions and presenting them in Austin and statewide. From its home, the Jones Center in downtown Austin, Arthouse pursues its mission: to promote the growth and appreciation of contemporary art and artists in Texas. Through its exhibitions and programs in Austin and statewide, Arthouse helps nurture artists careers and deepen public understanding of contemporary art.
Harry RansomCenter One of the world's finest cultural archives, the Harry Ransom Center houses 36 million literary manuscripts, one million rare books, five million photographs, and over 100,000 works of art. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible (c. 1455), the First Photograph (c. 1826), important paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and major manuscript collections of James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, D.H. Lawrence, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Tennessee Williams, to name but a few. The Center is used extensively for research by scholars from around the world and presents numerous exhibitions and events showcasing its collections. Exhibitions and events are free and open to the public.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is the nation’s most visited presidential library and highlights LBJ’s life and presidency and the office of the President in general.
First Thursday
The first Thursday of each month, merchants of the historic, pedestrian friendly, South Congress Avenue keep their doors open until 10 pm (and later in some cases) playing host to an array of events and activities.
Austin City Limits For over 30 years, Austin City Limits has presented live music, pure and simple, to audiences across the world. The award-winning series spotlights artists of every musical genre — from rhythm and blues to rock, jazz, and alternative music. Austin City Limits is a co-production of KLRU-TV and Capital Sports & Entertainment.
Austin Childrens Museum Exceptional exhibits for all kids! The Austin Children's Museum exhibits are designed to educate and entertain the curious minds of children and their parents. With over 7,000 square feet of gallery space, there is plenty of room to learn, explore and play.
Austin Chamber Ensemble The Austin Chamber Ensemble was formed in 1981 as a wind quintet. It began with a series of six concerts in 1985 as a tribute to the Texas Sesquicentennial with the "Six Flags Over Texas" concerts featuring composers from France, Spain, Texas, Mexico, the Confederacy, and the US. These were performed in the Elizabeth Ney Museum and included Austin Chamber Ensemble members and guest artists.
Austin Lyric Opera Founded in May 1986 as Austin’s first professional opera company, the Austin Lyric Opera has rapidly become a cultural touchstone for the fine arts community in the Central Texas Region and gained national-acclaim as a producer of great opera.
Austin Symphony The Austin Symphony offers a "Passport to Excellence" in a variety of concerts, including eight classical concerts, four pops concerts and three family concerts. The ASO also performs a selection of free concerts throughout the year for the Austin community.
Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble Under the leadership of Artistic Director Kenneth Sheppard, the Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble (AVAE) begins its sixteenth season in pursuit of its continuing mission: to inspire audiences of all ages and cultures with performances of exceptional artistry.
Ballet Austin Ballet Austin is classically innovative.
Through excellence and faithful stewardship, we create, nurture and share the joy of dance.
Capital City Men's Chorus The purpose of the Capital City Men's Chorus is to provide a creative and welcoming environment for gay men to rehearse and perform high quality , diverse choral music that is entertaining and inspirational to its audience. The Chorus offers a safe social outlet to its members and presents a positive and respected image of the gay community.
Chorus Austin The history of Chorus Austin spans more than forty years. During this time, Chorus Austin has striven to "Build Community through Vocal Music" by providing excellent musical performances of quality choral literature throughout the Austin community and beyond.
La Follia Austin Baroque La Follia Austin Baroque, founded in 1980 and based in Austin, Texas, performs Baroque music using instruments and performance styles proper to the Baroque period (c. 1600-1750).
Esther's Follies For more than a quarter century, the folks at Esther's Pool have kept Austin rolling with laughter. Part magic show, part vaudeville review, part improv tour-de-force, Esther's Follies takes no prisoners, offering biting, hilarious satire on all the news makers and events fit to parody.
Capital City Comedy Club Top ranked on the stand-up circuit, Cap City books nationally recognized comedians like Dave Chapell, Carlos Mencia, and Bobcat Goldwaith. The cream of the crop turn up on Friday and Saturday, of course, but you'll find plenty to laugh at (including lower cover charges) the rest of the week.
The Hideout The Hideout Theatre is your place for comedy, film, music, live theatre, and more in downtown Austin, Texas.
The Velveeta Room Right next door to Esther's Follies, its sibling act is a venue for local and visiting comics. Featuring all the elements of the stand-up comic's typical venue—dimly lit, crowded audience, bar, central stage—it has sustained the careers of many a local comedian for ages.
Learn to Dance AustinRicardo Moncada understands that students want to learn to dance while having fun. He can help you learn to dance easily and quickly, without skipping technique or the finer elements of dancing. Ricardo is a dedicated dance professional who teaches dancing full-time. This is not his hobby, it is his career.
One World Theatre This auditorium has a 300-seat capacity and fills a gap in the local arts scene for a smaller, elegant venue for music, dance and theatre performances. State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, a mezzanine and a raised stage mean that every seat is a good one. It's part of the Barton Creek Arts Center, an entire complex dedicated to the arts, education and environment. Located on a hillside overlooking picturesque tree canopies and streams, it's about ten minutes from downtown. The theater is the brainchild of One World, a local non-profit arts organization.
Schlitterbahn Schlitterbahn offers three unique family fun experiences. Visit
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resorton the edge of the beautiful Texas Hill Country in New Braunfels and experience the waterpark that has been "Voted the Best Anywhere!" eight years in a row.
Austin Steam Train Escape from the 21st Century and relax with us on a ride through American railroading’s romantic past. Let the rivers and ranches of the Texas Hill Country, or the historic neighborhoods and lush parks of the heart of Austin, slip by your window as you, your family and friends share the delights of an adventure on Central Texas’ very own vintage passenger train!
Austin Zoo Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo and provides sanctuary to displaced animals from a variety of unfortunate and often neglectful situations.
LCRA LCRA plays a variety of roles in Central Texas: delivering electricity, managing the water supply and environment of the lower Colorado River basin, developing water and wastewater utilities, providing public recreation areas, and supporting community and economic development.
Duck Adventures The narrated driving/boating tour, approximately 90 minutes in length, starts near West First Street, near the Radison by Town Lake. Riding aloft in your British Alvis Stalwart (a.k.a. duck), you'll visit the Capitol Building, Governor's Mansion, LBJ Library, Sixth Street, Congress Avenue and splash down in scenic Lake Austin. The "duck" can hold 45 people; larger groups, family or corporate parties can be accommodated at the party pavilion on Fifth Street.
Austin Overtures Whether you're new to Austin, just visiting, or a native Texan, there is more Texas history right here in Austin than you could ever see on your own. Let us take you to the historic hot spots! It's fun, fast and informative, and best of all, you can leave the driving to us.
Blazer Tag Adventure CenterLaser tag—high tech hide & seek for ages seven to 97—is better here, Texas' largest laser tag arena, where a maze-like collection of towers, ramps and bridges (up to three floors high), as well as lights, sounds, music and fog, create the ultimate laser tag experience.
Volente Beach Waterpark Make a Splash at Austin's New Family Waterpark!
Austin Park 'n Pizza At Austin's Park 'n Pizza you'll find more than 22 acres of fun-filled attractions, event areas, an interactive game pavilion and delicious pizza, pasta, and salad!
AISD Summer Camps Summer high school and summer middle school programs run by the Austin Independent School District.
Terra Toys The store is packed full of unique, hard to find gifts and toys. A great place for souvenirs or stocking stuffers, this wide-ranging toy shop will entertain the kids—and their parents. A notable collection of children's books rounds out the selection.
Zachary Scott Theatre Center With two stages, a marvelous pool of talent, and an abundant repertoire of musical theater events, the Zachary Scott Theatre is a music lover's version of heaven.
Inflatable Wonderland Austin's original indoor, inflatable playground designed for children 10 and under!
Texas State Cemetery Welcome to the Texas State Cemetery, the Lone Star State's version of Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is where some of Texas' most notable citizens are buried and where we honor our history.
French Legation Museum Nestled in a quiet, green corner of the bustling modern capital of the State of Texas, the French Legation was originally built in 1840-41 to be the residence of the chargé d'affaires who represented the government of France in the Republic of Texas.
Driskill Hotel Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas stands as a landmark of Texas hospitality. Austin's legendary luxury hotel occupies a dynamic site in the city's business district, convenient to the capitol building, convention center, entertainment district and other key destinations.
O. Henry Museum The O. Henry Museum offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter, the man who became famous under the pen name O. Henry. Known as "the master of the short story," Porter lived in this 1886 Queen Anne-style cottage from 1893 to 1895. His home has since been restored and now contains artifacts and memorabilia from Porter's life in Austin.
Texpert Tours Texpert Tours gives you much more than history and scenery—you get the insider’s scoop on everything from hand-dipped ice cream to live music. Spend a few eye-opening hours with one of Austin’s most respected and renowned tour designers, and come away with an unforgettable perspective that will satisfy you long after your return home.
Inner Space Cavern Explore Texas' most accessible cavern, where Ice-Age animals were found amid fantastic cave formations. Located just 20 miles north of Austinand directly under Interstate 35.
Longhorn Cavern State Park Longhorn Cavern State Park features Longhorn Cavern, a Texas Hill Country wonder created over thousands of years by the dissolving and cutting action of water on the limestone bedrock of the area. Fossil remains show that many Ice Age animals once occupied the cave.
Natural Bridge Caverns Take the North Cavern Tour and see what millions of others have seen - an incredible world of natural beauty. This 75-minute tour travels through a half-mile of the largest and most spectacular show cavern in Texas.
Wonder World Park Looking for a special place to take your family and friends? How about Wonder World Park in San Marcos? Ever see an earthquake from the inside out? Wonder World Cave, located at the Park, begins with a tour of the Balcones fault line cave. Like no other cave, the unique descent through the middle of an ancient earthquake, is an awesome adventure.
Guide to Texas Outside This site is a Guide to Texas and has a wealth of information and history about Texas cities and things to do in or near the city (dining, lodging, cultural activities, amusement parks, bike trails, music festivals, and much, much more).
Austin Parks & Recreation Department : Boating Laws The Austin Park Police Lake Patrol Unit offers Basic Boater Education Classes. The topics included in the course range from choosing the right boat to boating laws and handling accidents.Please call (512) 329-8841 for more information and registration.
Run-Tex The RunTex Foundation's mission is to improve the health of our community, state and nation through the support of events and training programs.
Austin Runners Club The Austin Runners Club is over 300 members strong. We are organized exclusively for charitable, health, and educational fitness in the Austin community through running and related activities for the general public, to provide a forum for runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels, and to aid in training to all members.
Inside Texas Running The September issue of ITR includes: Texas high school cross country preview, annual fall shoe review, 2005 TexStats Texas 10K rankings, second in a series of articles on the 1982 Boston Marathon, race photos from across the state, Fartleks - the world's only running crossword puzzle, and the best calendar of running events in Texas!
Austin Ridge Riders The Austin Ridge Riders is Austin's largest and most active mountain bike club. We are a non-profit, membership organization that promotes awareness of safe and environmentally conscientious off-road bicycling. The Ridge Riders is an affiliated club of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), the National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA), the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association, and a member of the Texas Bicycle Coalition.
Austin Cycling Association Welcome to the Austin Cycling Association web site. Serving a paid membership of over 1500 Central Texas recreational riders and transportation cyclists, ACA provides scheduled bicycle rides, usually free of charge, almost every weekend. Our rides are open to everyone including non-members.
Bicycle Sport Shop Bicycle Sport Shop hasthe best bicycle rental department in Austin.
Austin Tri-Cyclist We have everything you'll need to get from your first day of training to your last race of the season.
Discovery Cycle Discovery Cycle is the most helpful bike shop in Austin, Texas. We comb our industry to find the best bicycle products for Austin conditions. We give individual attention to help you find what is best for you--no hard sell, just professional advice. Our bicycle repair service is superb. And we offer bike maps and directions to the best bike rides near Austin.
Freewheeling BicyclesWe offer a wide selection of bicycles for different people and uses. And we provide expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model.
Ozone Bike Dept. Ozone Bike Dept. was created over 12 years ago in Austin, Texas as a grassroots bicycle business, and we are definitely not your typical bike shop - we're the "Austin" bike shop.
Waterloo Cycles We're a full-service bike shop with a convenient central location.
University Cyclery University Cyclery is your store for mountain, road, comfort and BMX bikes - we also stock a large selection of bicycle parts and accessories to fit your unique needs.
Buck's Bikes Superstores Buck's Bikes is a family owned bicycle shop in Austin Texas. We sell bikes of all shapes and sizes and we have a great repair department.
Salt Lick Barbeque Take a deep breath and inhale the aroma of some of the best BBQ the Hill Country has to offer. You've found "The Salt Lick" so named by owner Hisako Roberts and her husband, the late Thurman Roberts, because "a Salt Lick is something where all the animals congregate. There is something good, something essential about it."
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony Every summer night, hundreds of people gather to see the world's largest urban bat colony emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.These 1.5 million bats are fun to watch, but they're also making our world a better place to live.
Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo Around March of each year, enjoy two weeks of bull-riding, livestock competitions, and star-studded concerts at the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Each year the rodeo and livestock show serves up hundreds of thousands fo dollars in scholarships and auction proceeds for the benefit of Texas youth.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Welcome to the wonderful world of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! The Wildflower Center is a botanical garden in Austin, Texas, dedicated to native plants.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is Austin's only independently owned and operated movie theater. They serve a full menu of dinner and drinks to your seat while you watch the movie.