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Home > Things To Do in Austin
Things to do in Austin
The capital of Texas, home to a metro population of over 1,652,600, Austin is know for its thriving arts scene – particularly live music. In fact, the city’s official slogan is “The Live Music Capital of the World”. The city’s unofficial slogan, “Keep Austin Weird”, is something that reflects Austin’s great culture and general vibe. While there are a number of large businesses and major chains present in the city, Austin prides itself on its innumerable independent shops, and very popular shopping districts, full of great local finds. These independent shops are what keeps Austin “weird”, and keeps it unique.
Aside from the arts and shops, the city boasts a number of interesting sites, historical buildings, world-renowned restaurants, and countless other things to do. Below is just a quick look at some of the things going on in town.
Attractions and Sights
The Austin Nature and Science Center is in Zilker Park and features nature exhibits with live animals as well as a dinosaur exhibit and naturalist workshop.
The Austin Zoo is home to over 300 animals and sees more than 200,000 visitors a year.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a botanical garden in Austin that covers 280 acres and is home to many works of art.
Zilker Park is a popular south Austin park that covers 350 acres and is home to the Zilker Botanical Garden, Barton Springs pool, and many other attractions.
Landmarks
The Texas Governor’s Mansion was built in 1854, and is typically open for tours, however a fire in 2008 has postponed entry to the building.
The Texas State Capitol building was built in 1885 and is the largest state capitol building in the US.
Shopping
East Sixth Street is one of Austin's centers for great boutique shopping, local restaurants, bars, art galleries, coffee shops and more.
South Congress Avenue (SoCo) is one of Austin's great areas for trendy shops, music stores, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and more.
Festivals and Events
Austin City Limits is a famous music festival featuring over 130 bands each year ranging from pop and rock to country, jazz, electronic, reggae and more.
Keep Austin Bizarre is a free-to-enter arts festival featuring more than 100 local artists and art vendors each year.
Arts and Entertainment
The Austin Museum of Art has a main location downtown and a second in a restored 1916 Italianate mansion called Laguna Gloria.
Originally home to sculptor Elisabet Ney, this building and its grounds now serve as the Elisabet Ney Museum, showing her many impressive works.
Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin showcases Mexican and Mexican-American works.
Nightlife
Antone’s in Austin is known across the country as one of the best live music venues around, seeing names like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, U2, ZZ Top and many more.
Convention Centers
The Austin Conference Center covers a total of 881,400 square feet and hosts hundreds of events each year.
The Palmer Events Center is located in Butler Park, making it a great place to host events in a relaxed atmosphere.
Arenas and Stadiums
The Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is home to the Texas Longhorns of the NCAA.
Austin's Frank Erwin Center is located on campus of the University of Texas, and hosts many major sports and other events.
Food and Drink
Uchi restaurant in Austin offers fine Japanese-American dining in a sleek atmosphere.
Chuy’s in Austin serves great Tex-Mex food in a family-friendly diner.