2 Best Sights in Austin, Texas

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.

First Light Books

North Austin

Opened in 2023 with great fanfare, this historic post office–turned–new-neighborhood-bookstore and café has quickly become an always-happening Hyde Park institution. Early birds show up at the walk-up window and charming front patio seating for coffee and select baked goods starting at 9 am. The cozy, brightly colored interiors stay filled throughout the day, with small groups browsing the curated shelves of books, periodicals, and children's literature, and remote workers perched at a small smattering of tables and counter space. The shop stays open until 9 pm, and it's next door to a wonderful Tiny Grocer location and the Bureau de Poste restaurant. Check their events calendar in advance for free community events like author talks, book signings, and live outdoor music.

Greetings From Austin Mural

South Austin

If you're in need of an Instagram-able memento of your trip to the capital city, head to the Greetings from Austin mural on South 1st Street. The welcoming phrase is depicted in the form of a colorful 1940s-inspired postcard that draws crowds of snapshot-happy visitors for a quick photo op. On any given day, you'll see tour bus groups, costumed bachelorette parties, high-end fashion shoots, and even locals taking their annual Christmas card photo with an on-site Santa Claus, at this popular public artwork. The mural is on the side of Roadhouse Relics, a small art studio and gallery showcasing the incredible work of local neon artist Todd Sanders.

Austin

Austin

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