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Austin Things to Do
The Austin Things to Do page is designed for local and visitor alike. Whether you're going to be here for the rest of your life or just the next few days, there is no shortage of things to do in Austin.
Other related pages:
Austin Tourism Guide
10 Popular Austin Attractions
Austin Things to Do - Amusements
Austin Zoo - The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is definitely not a big budget zoo. It's more of an animal rescue shelter. But hey, some of those animals are lions and tigers and bears. And the zoo is kid-friendly, of course (there's also a small petting zoo). So if you have kids, or love disadvantaged animals, this could be worth considering.
Grackles - If you're here for any length of time, chances are this is one Austin attraction you're going to see whether you want to or not. Grackles are always present in Austin. But during certain times of the year - such as fall - they're really present. They aren't exclusive to Austin, of course, but when you consider the quantity and volume of these birds, you might suspect that they are. This page also includes cool photos and stories related to Austin Grackles. Browse this fun section and make your own contribution.
Austin Things to Do - Outdoors & Activities
Lady Bird Wildflower Center - The Wildflower Center, founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and the actress Helen Hayes, is an educational facility that promotes the use of native Texas plants and flowers. But it's also a picturesque retreat. At 279 acres, the center is nearly the size of Zilker Park and features 16 separate gardens, including the popular Butterfly Garden, extensive hiking trails, kids activities, and special event facility rentals.
Mount Bonnell - A great place to take your out of town friends or family when they visit, Mt. Bonnell is easily accessible and offers terrific panoramic views of Lake Austin below, the Hwy 360 Pennybacker Bridge in one direction, and the skyline of Austin in the other. Popular hangout for tourists and locals alike, often used for special event photographry, and has that rare distinction of being both dog-friendly and romantic at the same time.
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue - One of the more familiar images of Austin, the SRV Statue is a friendly musical beacon on the southern shores of Lady Bird Lake right along the Austin's heavily trafficked hike and bike trail with the Austin skyline as a backdrop. It's always a good time to pay your respects and to reflect on some of the greatness this city has produced.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden - Located at the eastern edge of Zilker Park, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum features the sculpture of the late artist Charles Umlauf in a picturesque and relaxing outdoor setting.
Zilker Park - Austin's work horse park and my personal favorite. It may not be the biggest or the most breathtaking, but it packs a wallop of things to do in Austin. The park is named in honor of A.J. Zilker who donated much of the land to the city. At 350+ acres, the park isn't the largest in Austin, but it borders downtown Austin and it's still plenty big enough to host numerous special and recurring Austin events and annual festivals while featuring other great Austin attractions such as: the Zilker Botanical Gardens, Barton Springs Pool, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, the Austin Nature and Science Center, and the outdoor Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theater.
Zilker Botanical Gardens - Located on 31 acres in the midst of Zilker Metropolitan Park, the Botanical Gardens are popular without being crowded. This is not your typical Austin tourism hotspot, but it's conveniently located and a great place to enjoy some quiet time in a place of beauty while you recharge your batteries.
Austin Things to Do - Children & Families
Austin Children's Museum - Featuring numerous hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and week long half day and full day summer camps, the Austin Children's Museum is an invaluable resource for Austin families with children under the age of 12.
Austin Things to Do - Day Trips
Hill Country Portal - Bordering Austin to the west and south, and comprised of 20+ counties, the famous Central Texas Hill Country, with its rugged and scenic limestone hills, offers endless opportunities for great day trips from Austin. With attractions encompassing everything from wildflowers, lakes, dance halls, shopping and antiquing, picturesque B&Bs, acclaimed vineyards, and more, there's pretty much something for every taste.
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