Top Sites of Austin
Founded in 1839 as Waterloo and renamed after Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” Austin was chosen as the Republic of Texas capital for its central location.
It evolved from a frontier town into a major center for education, government, and technology, becoming the state capital in 1845 and hosting the University of Texas in 1883.
The Houston and Texas Central Railway connected to Austin in 1871, followed by the opening of the Driskill Hotel in 1886 and completion of the current Capitol building in 1888.
Austin is also known for its unique “Keep Austin Weird” culture, with historical roots influencing its current identity as a hub for both tradition and innovation.
Austin’s top sites include the historic Texas State Capitol, the scenic Zilker Metropolitan Park with its spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, the bat colony at Congress Avenue Bridge, the vibrant live music hub of Sixth Street, and the scenic hiking/paddling hub of Lady Bird Lake.
Texas State Capitol: An iconic 1888 building offering free tours, showcasing Texas history and government.
Zilker Metropolitan Park & Barton Springs: Known as the city’s heart, featuring vast green spaces, picnics, and the 68°F natural spring-fed pool.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony: Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America; from March to October, millions of bats fly out at sunset.
South Congress Avenue (SoCo): A bustling district filled with trendy boutiques, restaurants, and iconic Austin photo opportunities.
The Cathedral of Junk: A unique, massive art installation built from recycled materials.
Lady Bird Lake & Trail: A popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and walking or biking the Ann and Roy Butler Trail with downtown views.
LBJ Presidential Library: A significant historical site at the University of Texas.The library , is a 10-story monolith housing the legacy of the 36th U.S. President. Dedicated in 1971, it was the first presidential library built on a university campus and currently preserves over 45 million pages of historical documents.
The Great Hall features a four-story, glass-encased view of the archives collection and a massive photo-engraved mural.
There is also a 7/8th-scale recreation of LBJ’s oval office, historically accurate down to the multi-line phones and the books on his desk.
LBJ’s Limousine is here too. Its a 1968 Lincoln Continental stretch limo he used, complete with a car phone and a built-in television.
Austin’s Food Scene
Austin’s food scene is defined by its iconic central Texas barbecue (especially brisket), Tex-Mex (migas, queso), and a vibrant food truck culture. Top staples include brisket from Franklin or La Barbecue, breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural, and unique fusion spots like Loro.
Key Culinary Experiences
BBQ: Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, Micklethwait, and Leroy and Lewis. KG BBQ offers a unique twist with Egyptian-influenced lamb ribs.
Essential Tex-Mex: Migas, enchiladas, and queso at staples like Matt’s El Rancho or Habanero Cafe.
Breakfast Tacos: A staple of the city, especially from spots like Veracruz All Natural.
Diverse Eats: The city boasts amazing food trucks (Webberville Road Food Truck Park), top-notch pizza at Allday Pizza, and unique Asian fusion.
Iconic Drinks/Desserts: The “Mexican Martini” is a local staple. For dessert, try Tiny Pies or Upper Crust Bakery for pecan pie.
Top Neighborhood Spots
East Austin: Famous for BBQ (KG BBQ, Micklethwait) and Comadre Panaderia.
South Austin: Known for Leroy and Lewis and Loro.
Downtown: Home to Franklin BBQ.
Destination: Texas
