By Foot

Austin is full of places to see and experiences to be had. Most longtime residents still have yet to see all the beauty Austin has to offer. Whether you are a nature lover, an art lover or a music lover, there is plenty for you to explore.

Texas State Capitol/Congress Avenue

Start with a visit to the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, where you will find information on the Texas State Capitol and all that goes on under its roof. After your visit in the Capitol, take in the ruins of the original State Capitol, which was destroyed by a fire in 1899. Just a block away sits the Greek Revival-style Governor’s Mansion, where the Governor of Texas has lived since 1856. Once you walk back to Congress Avenue you will find a number of shops, eateries and businesses. Grab a snack at the Old Lundberg Bakery and Emporium or a cup of coffee at Little City. Take in an evening performance at the State Theater Company or the historic Paramount Theatre. The Austin Museum of Art and Mexi-Arte Museum offer the chance to view fine national and international artwork in a non-pretentious environment. Tesoros Trading Company offers unique imported goods from Brazil, Mexico, Nepal, Germany and Vietnam. Many locals spend their weekend afternoons browsing through new treasures in this eclectic shop. Several months out of the year, Mexican free-tailed bats leave their nesting place underneath Congress Avenue Bridge for their evening feeding. Hundreds of locals and visitors gather along the bridge at dusk to watch the bats fly out.

East Sixth Street

During the day, stroll along Old Pecan Street and venture inside the tattoo parlors, boutiques and restaurants, including Jazz, Dan McKlusky’s Restaurant and Pho Cong Ly. By night, play pool at the Ritz, watch a show upstairs at the Ritz Lounge or walk a few steps and run into another live music venueóthere are quite a few along this street. The Mercury books a number of touring bands and musicians, ranging from dub to jazz. Emo’s offers an edgy atmosphere with a random assortment of punk bands, indie rockers, mainstream pop/rock and local talent. Flamingo Cantina showcases a variety of local, national and international acts, often playing host to reggae. Casino El Camino is a hip bar with a great outdoor patio, attracting a good deal of regular customers. For a full-on live music assault, book a room at the Driskill Hotel during the South By Southwest Music Festival, when Sixth Street clubs showcase hundreds of bands over a four-day period from here, you will be able to walk to most of the venue locations.

The O. Henry Trail

William Sidney Porter was one of Austin’s most famous residents, residing here from 1884 to 1898. He wrote short stories under the pen name O. Henry. The O. Henry House Museum is located in the cottage where he lived with his family from 1893 to 1895. You will find many of Porter’s personal belongings displayed. You can also pick up information for a self-guided walking tour of downtown sites related to or frequented by O. Henry.

South Congress Avenue

If you prefer a one-street shopping experience, head over to South Congress Avenue. With many places to rest and grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, this part of the avenue is lined with boutiques, antiques and galleries. Therapy offers unique, chic clothing and locally designed accessories. Yard Dog showcases folk artists from the American South, including many who are self-taught. For the perfect costume, visit Electric  Ladyland/Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, where you can get lost in the mass of costumes they have on offer. New Bohemia also resides along this street, selling vintage clothing and furniture.

The University of Texas

The University of Texas Visitors Information Center offers a guided campus tour; you are also welcome to wander around the campus on your own. Parking spots are scarce, so either park your vehicle and walk, ride a bike or take the bus. Lyndon B. Johnson Library

houses 45 million historical documents and offers year-round exhibits from the Johnson era. The Drag (Guadalupe Street) borders the university and offers a plethora of shopping and dinning experiences. There are quite a few street kids and vagrants residing up and down this street, but the boutiques and eclectic shops make it worth the effort. For funky clothes, wigs and accessories, try Garb-A-Go-Go. For used vintage clothing or vintage rental, stop by Blue Velvet. For a good selection of new and used CDs, albums and tapes (yes, cassette tapes), check out Sound Exchange. The shop also sells music from local artists and has a variety of in-store performances from local bands. Legs Diamond prides itself on having an extensive selection of shoes that you won’t find in department stores. For handmade jewelry, artwork and crafts stop by the open-air Renaissance Market located at West 23rd and Guadalupe Street.

Texas Hill Country

To catch a glimpse of why so many people love it here, you should take a drive on Loop 360, also known as Capitol of Texas Highway. Your drive will take you through Westlake Hills and out of town into the Hill Country. A variety of bird species migrate through this part of the country, which is home to several endangered bird species. If you have the energy to climb, visit Mount Bonnell. After climbing its 99 steps, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and an amazing spot to enjoy the sunset.