Planning a short break to Austin? Check out Travel Library's recommended Top 10 Things To Do in Austin. It's a perfect companion for weekend city breaks to Austin. Once you've been you can add your own tips and suggestions to help other visitors.
Located at 2201 Barton Springs Road, in Zilker Park, the Native Americans who settled here believed the water had spiritual powers, and visitors and residents alike still find the soothing power of the water magical even today.
32 million gallons of water from the underground Edwards Aquifer feed the spring daily and maintain a constant 68°F (20°C) temperature.
Admission Adults $2.50 Mon-Fri, $2.75 Sat-Sun, Children (12 – 17)$1, Children (11 and under) 50¢ Phone 512/476-9044.
Located at 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, for the best views of the city and Hill Country get to the highest point in Austin, 106 stone steps, and 785 feet high. The belief in Austin is that any couple that climbs the mountain and its steps together will fall in love. Admission is free.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Cutural Attraction
4801 La Crosse Ave., There are 178 acres of wildflowers at this center, which is dedicated to the study and preservation of indigenous flora. Although the centre is about half and hours drive from Austin, he trip is worth it, and visitors should plan on lunching at the centre, either at one of the picnic spots or at the Wildflower Cafe.
11th and Congress Sts., They say in Texas everything is improved, and to prove it check out the State Capitol. Covering 3 acres and at least seven feet taller than the US Capitol, it is indeed, and imposing building. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you decide to take a tour of the Capitol, and wear comfortable shoes. Free Admission. There are available free guided tours on Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm.
1006 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701. Phone. (512) 477-5961, Fax. (512) 477-2874. Open Monday through Friday. 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (closed on most holidays) Saturdays in December (prior to Christmas). 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. This multifaceted senior citizen crafts project has established a permanent sales outlet for the handwork of older Austin residents. Located in a lovely old building, and selling delightful handwork and divine confectionery, a visit to the Old Bakery & Emporium is worth every minute spent there.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Cent - Cutural Attraction
Located at 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702, The George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center is the first African American neighborhood museum in the state of Texas. The history of African Americans is documented and recorded in the artifacts that have been carefully collected and persevered and the centre strives to promote African American artists and their culturally diverse heritage.
Austin Nature & Science Center - Cutural Attraction
Located at 301 Nature Center Drive, Austin, the centre can be found directly off Stratford Drive within the Zilker Park area. The centre provides educational and recreational activities, such as the interactive Discovery Lab Exhibit with seven mini science labs, and a Hill Country cave that visitors can crawl through. Visitors can stroll through the woods and hear the sounds of nature in the Birds of Prey exhibit, or learn about paleontology in the outdoor Dino Pit exhibit.
Located at 304 East 44th Street, Austin, Texas 78751, the museum can be found between 44th and 45th Streets, Avenues G, and H in Hyde Park. The museum is the former studio and portrait collection of the 19th century sculptor Elisabet Ney. Considered one of the oldest museums in Texas, the museum offers an insight to the history of early Texas, and the life of the spirited and ardent Elisabet Ney.
Situated at 409 East Fifth Street, Austin, Texas 78701, the O. Henry Museum provides a glimpse into the life of William Sidney Porter, the real name of the author O. Henry. William Porter lived in this 1886 Queen Anne-style cottage from 1893 to 1895, which has been restored and filled with memorabilia from his life in Austin. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
On the Colorado River northwest of Austin in Travis and Burnet counties, Lake Travis offers the visitor fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking and camping.
With the wonderfully hot summer weather of Texas, Lake Travis is a destination for all lovers of the great outdoors.
Barton Springs Pool
Mount Bonnell
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
State Capitol
The Old Bakery & Emporium
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Cent
Austin Nature & Science Center
The Elisabet Ney Museum
O. Henry Museum
Lake Travis