Austin has a culturally rich environment, trendy, hip and full of energy. Austin has a natural appeal and is known for its hike and bike trails where walkers, joggers, water users, and cyclist can be found at any time of the day. Spend your time in the Live Music Capital of the World by exploring the classic and modern art museums, and admiring the natural beauty of the city. There is a plethora of spots to see in Austin, from world-class museums to recreational areas. Here’s a list of some of the best tourist spots in Austin-
The State Capitol and Visitors Center- Rich History of Texas!
Image by Salatico via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/49203985The Texas Capitol Visitor was finished in 1888. The Capitol is the home to the office of the Chambers of the Texas Legislature and the State Governor. The State Capitol features history from the days of an independent state, Confederation state and present day scenario. Perfect spot for history buff!
Address: 112 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: 1 512-305-8400
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Website: www.texascapitolvisitorscenter.com
Zilker Metropolitan Park- Slice of Nature in Austin!
Image by Thorium.handler via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/2987409 Zilker Park is a popular recreation area for locals as well as travelers. This park holds several tourist spots, such as the Zilker Hillside Theatre, the Zilker Zephyr Miniature Railway, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, Barton Springs Pool, and the Zilker Botanical Garden. You can go for hiking, biking, or swimming at this spot. This spot has many themed gardens also. Beautiful and tranquil spot!
Address: 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Phone: 1 512-477-8672
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00am-7:00pm
Website: www.zilkergarden.org
Bullock Texas State History Museum- Rich History!
Image by Midnight Rider via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/109194358 The Bullock Texas State History Museum provides an overview of every aspect of Texas history. This spot tells the “Story of Texas” through several interactive displays, along with film and audio-video displays. Additionally, you’ll know more about the Native Americans, original settlers and natives, famous Texans, and the natural landscape. Great array of collection that portrays the story of Texas!
Address: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: 1 512-936-8746
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00-5:00pm
Website: www.thestoryoftexas.com
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
Image by olivella ferret via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/5132793 The Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library and Museum features a trove of papers and memorabilia from President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s long career and life. The museum comprises of an extensive timeline exhibits of US’s 36th president's office along with some important events, including the rise of the civil rights movement. Worth a visit!
Address: 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Phone: 1 512-721-0200
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Website: www.lbjlibrary.org
Lady Bird Lake- Trail to Walk or bike!
Image by By Dtobias via Wikimedia Commons Lady Bird Lake is a favorite recreation area in Austin. This spot is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Also, it houses Auditorium Shores which is a venue for the some of the key music and film events, such as the South by Southwest (SXSW). Perfect mix of nature and city, beauty to behold!
Address: Lady Bird Lake, First Street Bridge at Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 974-6700
Texas Memorial Museum!
Image by Larry D. Moore via Wikimedia Commons The Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History showcases a vast collection of items that describes the cultural and natural history of Texas. The museum includes over 5 million specimens, with the highlights being the dinosaur display, minerals and gems, wildlife displays, fossils, Wichita County meteorite, and medicine stone. Impressive collection.
Address: 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Phone: 1 512-471-1604
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Monday & Sunday- Closed
Website: www.tmm.utexas.edu
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum- Art and Nature!
Image by KRH via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/1856027
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, built in 1991, showcases works by twentieth-century sculptor Charles Umlauf. Most of the sculptures are nestled in the natural environment of the spots’ beautiful gardens. Beauty, tranquility and peaceful spot!
Address: 605 Robert E Lee Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone: 1 512-445-5582
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm; Monday-Closed
Website: www.umlaufsculpture.org
Mexic-Arte Museum- Arty Spot!
Image by Larry D. Moore via Wikimedia Commons
The Mexic-Arte Museum, established in 1983, features traditional and contemporary Latin American, Mexican, and Latino art and culture. This museum offers a plethora of art exhibitions and cultural events, and several temporary exhibits within the historic building with wooden planked floors.
Address: Frost Bank Tower Executive Health Club, 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: 1 512-480-9373
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Website: www.mexic-artemuseum.org
The Contemporary Austin Jones Center- Unique Contemporary Art!
Image by Larry D. Moore via Wikimedia Commons
The Contemporary Austin Jones Center has a great collection of contemporary, creative and conceptual art. The museum is popular for its innovative art programs for children, adults, and families.
Address: 700 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: 1 512-453-5312
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00am-7:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm; Monday-Closed
Website: www.thecontemporaryaustin.org
Elisabet Ney Museum- Artwork in a Picturesque Museum!
Image by WhisperToMe via Wikimedia Commons
The Elisabet Ney Museum features fine displays of works and memorabilia of the nineteenth century sculptor Elizabeth Ney. Around 50 sculptors and statues are on display. This museum is housed in the Elisabet Ney’s artistic, beautiful, castle-like studio, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751, United States
Phone: 1 512-458-2255
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm; Monday & Tuesday-Closed
Blanton Museum of Art
Image by Taylor Martinez via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/59699510 The Blanton Museum of Art is at the south corner of the University of Texas campus. This museum is the country’s largest university art museum with impressive collection. The museum has over 17,000 pieces from antiquities to modern work. It includes modern and Latin American art, contemporary art and European paintings.
Address: 200 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712, United States
Phone: 1 512-471-7324
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 110:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm; Monday-Closed
Website: www.blantonmuseum.org
A Map Guide on Best Tourist Spots in Austin
