6 Best Sights in East Austin, Austin

Texans take great pride in their state history, particularly the period between 1836 and 1845 when Texas was an independent country. During the Republic of Texas era, many foreign diplomats traveled to Austin, including the French chargé d'affaires, sent to assess the new sovereign nation. He resided in this French-Creole-Greek-Revival–style house, now a state historic site just east of I–35, often referred to as the "old French embassy." It remains the oldest home in Austin (established 1841) in its original location and still boasts a protected corridor view of the Texas Capitol amid its high-rise surroundings. The small house museum is open for tours, which also tell the history of the surrounding Robertson Hill's freedman community. The 2-acre grounds, free and open to the public, are beautifully manicured with native gardens and sloping, grassy fields. Special events are hosted throughout the year, including vintage markets, Bastille Day celebrations, front porch concert series, and SXSW showcases. We suggest grabbing a picnic lunch from nearby East 11th Street (Paperboy and Franklin Barbecue are a five-minute walk) and enjoying it under the shady oak trees of this historic hidden gem.

Located on 18 acres just a mile east of the Capitol, this beautiful state cemetery (established 1851) is the final resting place for some of the state's most important figures, from former presidents to pop stars: Stephen F. Austin, Buddy Holly, Ann Richards, and James A. Michener are among those lying here in eternal peace. Once inside the gated grounds, you'll also find monuments dedicated to September 11, the Vietnam War, and the War of 1812; you'll also find special headstones for the mothers who have lost sons and daughters in wars and a Purple Heart monument.

Decidedly un-artsy in its former incarnation as an auto-body shop, this space now hosts an exciting, artist-managed gallery that has launched many a contemporary artist onto the scene. In addition to the 1,500 square feet of gallery space, there are several project studios where local and national artists create new works in a variety of media, making for a singularly unique gallery experience for visitors. Check their online events calendar to see their current programming of seasonal film screenings, musical performances, artist talks, and community outreach activities.

This sleek, modern-day art gallery in the Canopy Austin studio complex celebrates live music in the form of brilliant rock-and-roll photography. Founder and photographer Steve Walker created this fine art exhibit space in 2014, with whitewashed halls featuring never-before-seen images of the likes of Miles Davis, David Bowie, Paul Simon, and Austin's own son, Stevie Ray Vaughan. It's an incredible spot to snag a bona fide piece of musical history as an Austin souvenir. Check their online events calendar to see an updated list of in-store album releases, special rotating exhibits, and lots of programming during SXSW.

This 40,000-square-foot children's museum offers a mesmerizing variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits that blend education and play for "learners" of all ages. Explore the STEAM-based programs and themed rooms, like the Light Lab, where you can play architect with fascinating light structures, and an Innovators' Workshop that puts curious minds to work on creative problem-solving. There's a superb playground in the backyard, with climbing structures and water features.

After nearly 25 years on South Congress Avenue, this contemporary folk art, fine art, and pop art gallery moved its wares to the Canopy artist studios. Founded in 1995, the local gallery features works by artists from the great American South, in addition to Canada and Europe. The modest space is open afternoons (Thursday–Saturday) as well as by appointment.