Things to Do in Austin and the Surrounding Areas

1. Ascend all 106 steps of Mt. Bonnell to enjoy the view. 478-0098
2. Take a friend to Hamilton's Pool and experience the miracle of Nature. 264-2740
3. Take a moonlight tour of the Wide Basion Preserve. 327-7622
4. Go for a ride on the long star riverboat or Capitol Cruise. (seasonal) 327-1388, 480-9264
5. Join hundreds standing in line for a chance to see a taping of "Austin City Limits". 471-4811 ext. 310 or write from out of town: P.O.Box 7158, Austin, TX 78713
6. Walk, jog or bike the Hike and Bike Trail along Town Lake. 499-6700
7. In the summar, at dusk, sit on the banks of Town Lake and watch the nightly debut of thousands of bats coming out from under the congress Ave. Bridge. 327-9721
8. Spend an afternoon at austin History Center. 499-7840
9. On a Saturday or Sunday, take a tour of the Westcave Preserve to view native flor and fauna. 512 825-3442
10. Explor Austin's historic cemeteries where Texas Legends have been laid to rest. 478-8930
11. Stroll throug Ziker Rose Gardens and Taniguchi Oriental Garden. 477-8672
12. Drive across the award-winning Pennybacker Bridge. 478-0098
13. View the uniq, late 19th-century MoonlightTower. 478-0098
14. attend a service at the olderst Prostant church west of the Mississippi (St. David's Episcopal Church). 472-1196
15. Go to an outdoor concert at Symphony Square. 476-6064
16. Watch the UT Longhorns play at Memorial Stadium. 471-1420
17. Swim in the constant 68 degrees, spring-fed Barton Springs (476-9044) or the heated Stacy pool (477-7273).
18. Play a round of golf on one of the many first-class Austin golf courses. 478-0098
19. Prepare your bbest pun and participate in the O. Henry Pun Off (May). 472-1903
20.Run in the Capitol 10,000 (April). 445-3596
21. Enjoy live music 7 nights a week in one of the many local clubs. 478-0098
22. Go to Sixth Street on Halloween for a Spook-tacular time. 478-0098
23. Clebrate July 4th by listening to the Austin Symphony and watch the fireworks on Auditorium Shores. 476-6064
24. Take a tour of the Governor's Mansion, weekday mornings. 463-5518
25. Stroll the twelve-acre grounds at Laguna Gloria Art Meseum and enjoy an exhibit. 458-8191
26. Spend a few hours experiencing rural central Texas as it was in the 1880's at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm. 837-1215
27. Visit the George Washington Carver Museum and Library. 472-4809
28. Picnic at Rosewood Park during the Juneteenth Celebration (June). 472-6838
29. Take a tour of the University of Texas campus. 471-1420
30. Celebrate Diez Seis y Seid de Septiembre at Fiesta Gardens (Sept.). 476-7502
31. Take a Historic Walking Tour of downtown Austin. 478-0098/442-1004
32. Go sculling, paddle boating or canoeing on Town Lake. 478-0098
33. Campp and swim at Ssndy Creek. 469-6867
34. "Take a hike" on Barton Creek Nature Preserve. 478-0098
35. Stay in one of Austin's historic bed & breakfasts. 478-0098
36. Go to a play at Mary Mood Northen Theatre. 448-8484
37. Visi the 1840's French Legation, a foreign embassy. 472-8180
38. Follow the Walk of Stars on Six Street. 478-0098
39. Visit the Elisabet Ney Museum, studio and home to this German sculptor. 458-2255
40. Shop at the downtown Bluebbonnet Market Place. 476-3484
41. Spend a morning/afternoon at the Travis County Farmers' Market. 454-1002
42. Tour Austin's local wineries and sample award-winning wines. 478-0098
43. Experience unique shopping at Sixth Street's "West End". 478-0098
44. "and they're off!" Horse racing at Manor Downs. 272-5581
45. Ride the train or fly a kite in Zker Park. 477-7273
46. Spend some time at Discovery Hall, a hands-on science center. 474-7616
47.Tour our historic State Capitol Building. 463-0063
48. View the spectacular sunset from the Oasis Cantina del Lago. 266-2441
49. Research your roots in the genealogy department at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives & Library. 463-5463
50. Attend the Austin/Travis Country Livestock Show & Rodeo (March). 4733-9200
51. Spend a day or two at the Old Pecan St. Spring/Fall Arts Festivals. 448-1797 (May & September)
52. Park at Palmer Auditorium, take the "Dillo" and tour 9not narrated) downtown Austin and the UT area. 478-0098
53. Have a western hat made by the famous hatmarker Manny Gammage. 441-4287
54. Attend an outdoor theatrical or musical performance at Ziker park. 397-1463
55. Go boating on Lake Austin and stop at The Pier to listen to a local band. 327-4562
56. On a hot, sizzling day, ice skate at Northcross Mall. 451-5102
57. Take the children to the Austin Children's Museum. 472-2494
58. Tour a historic home, the 1850's Neill-Cochran House. 478-2335
59. Visit the museum and library of the 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johson, 482-5137
60. Explore the grounds of the national Wildflower Research Center. 929-3600
61. Attend a performance by hte Austin Lyric Opera. 472-5927
62. In May, go to Laguna Gloria's "Fiesta". 458-8191
63. Attend a performance at the Capitol City Playhouse. 472-2966
64. Watch the summer regattas on Lake Travis. 478-0098
65. See a play at hyde Park Theatre. 452-6688
66. Camp at almost any of the LCRA parks. 469-6867
67. Bcycle on scenic Loop 360. 478-0098
68. Enjoy the Austin Symphony at Bass Concert Hall. 476-6064
69. Attend a concert at the Frank Erwin Center. 477-6060
70. Attend the annual "Spamarama".280-7961
71. Sail, jet ski or scuba dive at Lake Travis. 478-0098
72. Take in over 400 up and coming bands performing during the annual South X Southwest Music and Media Conference. (March) 467-797973.
73. Browse around the Huntington Art Gallery. 471-7324
74. Buy something unique at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. (Dec.) 447-1605
75. Enjoy legendary Blues music on "the Drag". 478-0098
76. Attend "Safari" at the Austin nature Center. (April) 327-8181
77. Join in the Celebration at the Cinco de Mayo Festival. (may) 472-7142
78. Watch the performance of the Living Chrstmas Tree Concert. (Dec.) 338-4473
79. Visit the 126-year old authentic German Bier Garten-Scholtz's. 477-4171
80. Watch lengendary golfers at the Libberty Mutual Legends of Golf PGA Seniors Tournament. 329-1076
81. Take in a show at one of Texas's oldest theatres, The Paramount. 472-5411
82. Take a scenic drive through the Hill Country. 478-0098
83. Play Frisbee Golf at Ziker Park or Pease Park. 477-7273
84. See the peascocks while enjoying Sunday brunch at the historic Green Pastures Restaurant. 444-1888
85. Put on a costume and samba at "Carnaval". (Feb.) 476-5461
86. Attend the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival. (Apr.) 329-0770
87. visit the Austin Garden Center for Florarama. (May) 477-8672
88. Shop early for Chtistmas at the Junior League's Christmas Affair. (Nov.) 467-8982
89. Sample the best food and drink from some of Austin's top chefs at the annual "Taste of the Town". 4766-2729
90. Watch or play in the "Hoop t Up" street basketball tournament. (oct.) 474-2255
91. Expand your art collection at the Austin Artists Harvest. 473-3866
92. Watch the best in high school sports at the UIL state competitions. 471-58833
93. Windsurf at Windy Point. 345-3897
94. See a performance of "Tuna Christmas" or "Greater Tuna". 472-5411
95. Spend the day at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. 346-1831
96. Walk the historic Bremond Block and view several historical homes. 478-0098
97. Enjoy a performance by Ballet Austin. 476-9051
98. Visit the Old Bakery & Emporium - a registered national landmark, now a shop filled with arts & crafts made by local senior citizenx. 477-5961
99. Visit the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Museum. 455-5582
100. Browse through the austin Antique Mall. 451-5705
101. Enjoy an evening watching a professional Ice Hockey Team, the Austin Ice Bats. 927-PUCK(7825)

Click here for > Austin Areas and Activities for Family Fun.
1. Watch the largest urban Mexican Freetail bat colony in N. America fly from under Congress Ave. bridge at sunset. 416-5700 ext.3636.
2. Tour the restored historical and architecturally unique State Capitol. Info: 463-0063.
3. By day enjoy the history of 6th. Street and by night experience the live music that makes Austin the Live Music Capitol of the World.
4. Swim in Barton Spring Pool, a local favorite swimming hole. Always open and always 68 deg.F. Info: 478-0098.
5. Spend the day along the shore of Lake Travis, enjoying the water sports, restaurants and picnic areas. Info: 263-3188.
6. Ascend all 99 steps to the top of Mt. Bonnell, one of Austin's finest vantage points. 478-0098.
7. Explore the Historical heritage in Austin's twelve National Register Districts. 478-0098.
8. Whittle away the time in Zilker Park's 351-acres. Info: 499-6700.
9. Entertain the kids at the interactive Austin Children's Museum. 472-2494.
10. Tour the sights and history of the University of Texas at Austin.
11. Stroll along Guadalupe St. locally known as The Drag. 478-0098.
12. See the city light up at night with a horse and carriage ride around downtown. Info 478-0098.
13. Visit the Huntington Art Museum-home of the Mari-James Michener Collection, a rare extensive collection of 20th Century Art. Info: 471-7324.
14. Take a walk back through time at the Texas Memorial Museum w/Native Americans artifacts, rare Texas gems, minerals and fossils and the Lady Liberty. 471-1604.
15. Take in a concert or cultural event or cheer the home team at the Frank Erwin Center. Info: 477-6060.
16. Visit the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection of over 630,000 books,periodicals, maps and pamphlets. Info: 495-4520.
17. Explore the recreational offering around Town Lake, a piece of paradise in the middle of town. 499-6700.
18. Tour the French Legations, Austin's oldest building, build in 1841 Info: 472-5102.
19. Climb the University Of Texas clock tower for the best view of downtown, recently re-opened after 25 years. Info: 475-6633.
20. Play Frisbee Golf on one of three courses, Zilker Park, Bartholomew Park, Peace Park. Info: 477-7273.
21. Explore the Eco-Detective Trail, hands-on activities, mammals, reptiles and birds at the Austin Nature and Science Center. Info: 327-8180.
22. Explore the Austin Area Botanical Garden Center and view a one-room schoolhouse, follow the butterfly trail. Info: 477-8672.
23. Discover the Moonlight Towers located through Austin. 24. Strut with the peacocks and visit the beautiful ponds at Mayfield Park. Info: 499-6700.
25. Swim laps or just watch the kids play in the spring feed pool at Deep Eddy. Info: 472-8546.
26. Visit one of the area award-winning wineries.
27. Shop till you drop at one of Austin's many malls or specialty stores or boutiques.
28. Wander the trails through Umlauf Sculpture Gardens of 130 works by Charles Umlauf. Info: 445-5582.
29. Visit the numerous art galleries and view the works of gifted artists. 30. Ride glass bottom boats and see exhibits of endangered species at the Aquarena Center in San Marcos. (800) 999-9767.
31. Tour the George Washington Carver Museum, Texas' first neighborhood museum promoting African American heritage. Info: 472-4809.
32. Walk, jog or bike along some of the 10.1 miles of hike and bike trails along Town Lake. Info: 499-6700.
33. Take your sweetheart canoeing, sculling or paddle boating on Town Lake. Info: 499-6700.
34. Play golf on one of Austin's many first-class private or public courses. Info: 478-0098.
35. Kid size miniature train, playscape, or swim year round in Barton Creek at Zilker Park. Info: 499-6710.
36. Eat a meal at one of the many restaurants along Town Lake.
37. Picnic or camp at one of the Lower Colorado River Authority Parks. Info: 473-4083.
38. Bicycle on scenic Loop 360. Info: 478-0098.
39. Spend the day on Lake Travis with your favorite water sport.
40. Take a guided walking tour of Congress Ave, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Info: 478-0998.
41. Take sailboat lessons at Windy Point on Lake Travis. Info: 345-3897.
42. Spend the day swimming, picnicking or mountain biking at Lake Austin's Emma Long Metropolitan Park. Info: 346-1831.
43. Enter one or the many 5K and 10K runs held through the year.
44. Play Tennis at one of the many public courts. Info: 477-7273.
45. Take a nature hike or a dip at geologically unique Hamilton Pool. Info: 264-2740.
46. There's great fishing on any of the Highland Lakes, a legacy of Lyndon Bains Johnson.
47. Go horseback riding at one of the many area riding stables.
48. Learn how one affluent family of 100 years ago took care of their own, on a walking tour of the historic Bremond Block. Info: 478-0098
49. Explore the 7-mile long Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve on foot or bike and appreciate the many species of wild plants and birds. Info: 499-6700
. 50. Enjoy the Breathtaking view from Pennybacker Bridge on Loop 360 over Lake Austin.
51. Join the hundreds standing in line for a chance to see a taping of Austin City Limits. Info: 471-4811 ext.310.
52. Appreciate the finer things in life with a performance of the Austin Symphony. Info: 476-6064.
53. Enjoy the Live Music Capitol World seven nights a week at one of the many local venues.
54. Have a chuckle at one of the many comedy clubs in Town. 55. Explore the national Wildflower Research Center, Lady Bird Johnson's lifelong dream and her gift to America.
56. Taste some quality beer at one of Austin's many brewpubs, all within walking distance of each other.
57. Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Ballet Austin. Info: 476-9051.
58. Take the updated guided walking tour of the Capitol Grounds. Info: 478-0098.
59. See Texas Army & Guard airplanes, helicopters, tanks & cannons at Camp Mabry, and Military Forces Museum. Info: 406-6967.
60. Visit Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. Info: 482-5136.
61. Follow the path of famous Texans on the Walk of Stars. Info: 478-0098.
62. Walk through the prehistory era as you follow the Dinosaur Tracks in Zilker Park. Info: 478-6875.
63. Explore a rich heritage in Austin's nine National Registered Historical Districts.
64. View some of the state's most important documents and collections at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library. Info:463-5455.
65. Visit the Old General Land Office Building, Texas' oldest standing state building. Info: 305-8400.
66. Tour the Gracious Governor's Mansion, the residence of every Texas governor since 1856. Info: 463-5518.
67. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Old Bakery and Emporium, where Austin seniors' citizens sell home-baked goods and crafts. Info: 477-5961.
68. Behold the Paramount Theatre, one of the nation's most beautifully detailed and lavish historic performing arts theatres. Info: 472-5411.
69. Feel imperial as you take the walking tour of the grand Driskill Hotel, where Texas elite have stayed for more than a century. Info: 474-5911.
70. Awed by architecture- feast your eyes on the famous gothic arched doorway and Rose Window at St. Mary's Cathedral. Info: 476-6182.
71. See the historic Millet Opera House building, now the home of the Austin Club, Constructed of Texas limestone, with pressed metal cornices. Info: 477-9496.
72. Get lost in the Austin History Center's 1,000,00 items of local history. Info: 499-7480
73. Visit the studio and works of art by the state's first eminent sculptor at the castle-like Elisabet Ney Museum. Info: 477-4171.
74. Refresh yourself with a stein-full of brew from Scholz Garten-Texas' oldest German Bier garten. Info: 474-1950.
75. Open your imagination with tails of ghost stories and family histories at the Neil-Cochran House, a Greek Revival Limestone museum. Info: 478-2335.
76. Step back in time at Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm, a living history farm recreating pioneer life of Texas. Info: 837-1215.
77. Only in Austin does a tree get cans of soup and get well cards - once called North America's most perfect tree specimen, the 600 year old Treaty Oak gained world-wide attention when it was poisoned in 1989. Info: 478-0098.
78. Joke: Who's buried in Austin's tomb? The Texas State Cemetery is the resting-place of Stephen F. Austin, John Connally and other Texa heroes. Info: 463-0605.
79. Visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum. Info: 936-8746.
80.Get some old-time religion at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Austin's oldest African American church. Info: 478-2857.
81. Lose yourself in the variety of changing exhibits of American art at Laguna Gloria Art Museum on the shores of Lake Austin. Info: 458-8191
82. Two-step across one of our legendary country-western dance halls such as The Broken Spoke, The Lumber Yard, and Dance Across Texas.
83. Venture South of the river on Congress for some of the funkiest shops and unique eateries in town.
84. Cheer for your favorite steed at Manor Downs. Info: 272-5581
85. Choose from 240 plays performed in Austin's 50 area theatres. Info: 320-7168.
86. Observe sports professionals in the making at a University of Texas collegiate sporting event. Info: 471-3333 or 471-7693.
87. Cycle or in-line skate on the Veloway, which winds through 3.1 miles of scenic Hill Country savannah. Info: 480-9821.
88. Hike, bike, picnic, fish or swim in an outdoor paradise, McKinney Falls State Park. Info: 243-1463.
89. Experience nature in the 227 acres of the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Info: 327-7622.
90. Grab your binoculars - the Austin/Hill Country area is on the migration path of countless birds species and is the nesting are of many more, including several endangered species. Info: 926-8751.
91. Celebrate Austin's Latin-American musical heritage at one of the Tejano, conjunto, tropical or band venues. 92. Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic Hyde Park residential area.
93. Pay your respects to a beloved Austin Music legend at the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue on Auditorium Shores. Info: 478-0098
94. View the collection or Republic era artifacts on display at the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Museum. Info: 339-1997.
95. Explore geology, ecology and beauty from Westcave Preserve. Info: (210) 825-3442.
96. Tour Celis Brewery, where beer is brewed the same way in Belgium brewers have made it for centuries. Info: 835-0884.
97. Take in a performance of the Austin Lyric Opera. Info: 472-5927. 98. Groove on the tunes of Austin's favorite jazz clubs like the Elephant Room, Cedar Street, Jazz on 6th. St. Top of the Marc.
99. Find out why Austin is the Home of the Blues at Antone's Night Club, which launched the careers of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Charlie Saxton and more. Info: 474-5314.
100. Tap your feet to acoustic fiddling music and get down-home Southern cooking on Wednesdays at Threadgill's. Info: 451-5400.

Things to Do in Austin and the Surrounding Areas

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