Must See Sights and Landmarks in Lake Austin Area

"Completed in 1888 using sunset-red granite, Texas’ state capitol is the largest in the US, backing up the familiar claim that everything’s bigger hereabouts. Tasked with creating a bigger space for the state... Museum in UT & Central Austin"

"Capitol Building – straight Texas brownstone architecture If you’re around for a UT football game, try to go (or at least tailgate). There aren’t any pro sports in Austin, so UT is treated like a pro team."

"The Texas State Capitol, established in 1888, is the Texan seat of government. Found in downtown Austin, it is within range of many other tourist hotspots, eateries, and shopping districts."

"If you’re looking for something unique to do in Austin, head over to Vince Hannemann’s backyard where you’ll find the Cathedral of Junk. This quirky construction consists of over 60 tons of discarded items, such as bicycles, televisions, and other bits of scrap metal that Vince has been collecting since he started the project in 1989. Combined, these items form a sculpture with various rooms and staircases to explore — all structurally sound — and with so many intricate details that you’ll want to allow at least an hour to explore."

"Why You’ve Got to Go: This is, quite literally, a massive cathedral-like structure made up entirely of junk and waste of all kinds—who would not find this fascinating?. This is a great use of innovation and I think kids will have fun looking at how a can of coke, for example, became a light fixture at the Cathedral of Junk. What to Do: There is not much else to do here other than simply walking around and appreciating the artistic innovation that has gone into this massive installation."

"The Cathedral of Junk stands quietly in the backyard of a small house on a suburban street in South Austin with over 60+ tons of well, junk."

"Every year up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats make their home upon a platform beneath the Congress Ave Bridge, forming the largest urban bat colony in North America. It's become an Austin tradition to sit on the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake and watch the bats swarm out to feed on an estimated 30,000lb (13,500kg) of insects per night. It looks a lot like a fast-moving, black, chittering river. Don't miss this nightly show; best viewing in August."

"However, if you’re into bats, you can also get to Congress Bridge and see thousands of bats fly out at dusk. If you’re feeling like staying close to downtown Austin but still want an adventure, make sure to go check out the Escape Game. The games last an hour, so it’s a perfect activity that won’t take up too much of your day. And with five unique games to choose from, it’s perfect for any group or member of your crew."

"In addition to farmers’ markets, Austin has a time-honored tradition of locally owned farms that not only sell produce to local restaurants but also open their doors to the public. Boggy Creek Farm, located in East Austin, includes one of the oldest structures still standing in the city, with the farmhouse dating to the 1840s. The current farm is a little more recent, dating to 1992, and offers seasonal produce and other homemade products."

"Nestled in the heart of East Austin, the five acres of Boggy Creek Farm represent one of the most veteran urban farms in the whole country, let alone in Austin. The house on the lot was built in 1840 along with its sister house, The French Legation Museum, which is close by. Carolann and Larry Sayles started their original farm in 1991, about 80 miles away in the Oak Hill area."

"Our last outdoor activity for things to do with kids in Austin Texas has to be visiting local farms in the area. Austin is a foodie city and we share our love for food with the kiddos too!. Visiting local farms is a fun time, specially during the fall!"

"Originally built in the 1800s, it’s housed every single Texas governor since its creation, and it’s weathered everything from crazy storms to arson attempts from anarchist groups. Free tours are available, but they only take place on certain days, so you’ll need to call ahead. Once you’re inside, you can enjoy a peek behind the governmental curtain as you explore the rooms, halls, furnishings, offices and stairways of Texas’s most prominent politician."

"If it’s between 2pm and 4pm, make your way over to the Governor’s Mansion for a tour of the historic home that some think is haunted. Before evening descends, get a copy of the Austin Chronicle and look at the entertainment section. Pick a show—any show—and plan to have your socks blown off by a great night on the town. For an authentic Austin night out, catch a country band at the Broken Spoke."

"There’s also the University of Texas campus and a couple interesting post graduate neighborhoods like Hyde Park. To be honest, most of North Austin, apart from UT, is pretty boring to me. The Domain is kinda cool, and it has things like Topgolf, but The Domain seems like every other city in the states. It’s not very unique."

"Wander about this historic college campus for a fun and free activity. You can see the University of Texas tower, which is the center point of the university. Check out the behemoth football stadium, which serves as home to the Texas Longhorns."

"August to December, the University of Texas’ indomitable football team, the Texas Longhorns, play at the top level of college football in the United States, in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. In its time, this member of the Big 12 Conference (the country’s strongest athletic colleges) has taken four national titles and another six that are unclaimed. A team with this kind of pedigree has a stadium to match, at this 100,000+ arena, one of the ten largest stadiums in the world."

"They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that even applies to their football games. Before kickoff, you’ll see the world’s largest Texas flag and Big Bertha, the world’s largest bass drum. Don’t expect a mascot clad in polyester to come out and hype the crowd."

"The South Austin Museum of Popular Culture collects, conserves, and exhibits vintage posters and live music ephemera from the 1960s through today to educate future generations on the rich and unique culture that makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. SouthPop seeks to enrich a growing and changing the community by becoming the premier source in Texas for art and artifacts of local music history from the 1960s to the present and its impact on local, national, and international culture. To learn more about South Austin Museum of Popular Culture click here."

"To get a glimpse of this integral part of Austin’s culture, head to SOUTHPOP!. Also known as AusPOP, the museum has over 3,000 artifacts and 10,000 photos to peruse. The collection includes a huge assortment of music posters spanning decades, from the 1960s to today."

"Then, you should definitely pop by Pacific Star Restaurant & Oyster Bar during your upcoming trip to Austin. It has an airy and casual interior making it ideal for enjoying family lunches and relaxed afternoons. Some of its delicacies include the catfish nuggets, fried shrimp, and Gulf Coast oysters."

"Yep, it’s a chain, and if it’s elegant, Michelin starred food that you’re expecting, you’re going to be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you’re willing to sacrifice the fine dining element of your meal-out for an affordable, lip-smackingly good menu of New Orleans’s style seafood, cooked with care, served with generosity and packed with a whole heap of flavor, you’re in the right place. Key things to look out for on the menu include the New England Lobster Bites (Maine lobster swimming in lemon garlic butter served with wilted spinach and grilled cheese bread), the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and the Jumbo Shrimp Brochette."

"Give your taste buds a parade with our 🆕 Costa Rican Mahi & Crawfish—pan-grilled mahi, crawfish, andouille sausage and... Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a much loved chain with outlets in various states across the USA. Fortunately, there’s several Pappadeaux’s in Texas that include two in Austin."

"Representing one of the city's largest cultural influences and populations, the Mexic-Arte Museum showcases traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. Founded in 1983, the museum features rotating exhibits, many of which are thought-provoking statements about current issues, like immigration, border control, and acceptance of Mexican culture in Texas. There are numerous installations and topic-focused galleries that include the artwork or sculptures of one or more artists, and several that are collections of photography, painting, and multimedia work that represent populations within the culture."

"Take a break from the stresses of life by visiting these hilarious comedy clubs in Austin!. Afterwards, be sure to check out the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide page and let us know what you want to see next!. Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and tag us in your photos @StuffToDoInAustin!"

"Since its founding in 1984, the Mexic-Arte Museum has been designated the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas by the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas. The Museum is free on Sundays."

"The Austin Toy Museum is a non-profit museum suitable for the whole family – Mums and Dads will enjoy a nostalgic walk down memory lane as they show their children the very different toys that they used to play with. In addition to old favorites like Smurf and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figurines, there are several vintage video arcade games you can introduce your children to including Pac Man, Donkey Kong and many more – free to play with your admission ticket. Girls will be able to see what the original Barbie and Ken looked like (and how they were dressed back in the 60’s)."

"Why You’ve Got to Go: If you grew up loving action figures or if your kids are into them, this is the perfect place to bring them. You can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage toys, old video games and more. What to Do: Simply let yourself go and have a great time playing vintage video games and admiring action figures along with your little ones."

"A fine place to ogle vintage toys, action figures, retro toys, classic toys, or console video games of childhoods past or present. Though seemingly targeting fanboys/girls, the museum is in fact focused on childhood education and also has a lot of hands-on activities, like vintage video games. View this post on Instagram"

"One of the most visited attractions in Austin, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum boasts more than 45 million pages of historical documents and papers from President LBJ's lengthy career. The museum, dedicated in 1971 and refurbished in 2013, contains exhibits relating to the president's time in office, as well as important issues of the day, including the rise of the civil rights movement. Also of interest is an impressive scale replica of the Oval Office as it would have been during Johnson's presidency, and many temporary exhibits related to American history are hosted throughout the year."

"Kick off today with a trip to the most visited presidential library in the United States, the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. You’re sure to be moved by the exhibit about the president’s life, and may well up with tears when you walk into the JFK assassination exhibit, or feel a sense of pride at seeing the pen LBJ used in signing the Civil Rights Act. Follow up the LBJ experience with lunch at Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ for some smoky beef brisket. If it’s not over 100 degrees, make your way to Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which is close by."

"This facility – housed in a contemporary, ten-story, travertine-clad structure – is a virtual treasure trove of papers and memorabilia from the often flamboyant and much beloved former president's life. Exhibits include a replica of the Oval Office from LBJ's era, along with gifts of state received by him, displays from his boyhood, and a tribute to Mrs. Johnson's humanitarian and environmental works. Read more about LBJ Presidential Library →"