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The logical place to begin an exploration of the city is downtown, where the pink-granite Texas State Capitol, built in 1888, is the most visible manmade attraction. The Colorado River, which slices through Austin, was once an unpredictable waterway but has since been tamed into a series of lakes, including two within the city limits. Twenty-two-mile-long Lake Austin, in the western part of the city, flows into Lady Bird Lake, a narrow stretch of water that meanders for 5 miles through the center of downtown. There are also 10 miles of riverside hiking and biking trails.
The sprawling University of Texas, one of the largest universities in the United States, flanks the capitol's north end. Among other things, it is home to several world class museums. Just to the northwest of the university is a fun and funky student-centered commercial street called Guadalupe ("The Drag").
Almost every street in downtown, from Cesar Chavez to 15th, is hopping with bars, music venues, and restaurants. The best shopping is either in the Second Street District or on South Congress Ave.
From March to October, check out the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, under which the world’s largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats hangs out (literally). The bats make their exodus a half an hour after sunset to feed on insects.
This locally owned gallery is a one-of-a-kind in the Austin art community, attracting both emerging and established international artists with a modern aesthetic. It features original drawings, sculptures, film, photography, and paintings in its main gallery space. Additionally, the "Project Room" showcases up to six installations annually.
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.
With a collection more akin to a first-class art museum than a commercial gallery, WCC has a long-standing reputation as the go-to place in Austin for serious art collectors. The permanent collection has more than 100 original works, some dating back to the 1600s, including pieces by Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, and more displayed year-round. Contemporary artists are also a main attraction here, with work from the likes of Cody Hooper, Michael Kessler, and Yayoi Kusama. Check their website for special events and rotating exhibits hosted throughout the year, and don't miss out on their incredible on-site gift shop.
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.
