Attractions in Austin, Texas
Austin is the capitol of Texas and home to the largest university in the nation, University of Texas. With a population of just under one million, Austin is a city filled with culture, attractions, and outdoor fun. Located in the Texas hill country and by three major lakes, there is so much to do in this beautiful city.
Austin Town Lake
Town Lake Park boasts 17 ball fields for baseball, football, soccer and rugby, and volleyball. The area on the south side of Town Lake from Lamar Boulevard east to South First Street is known as Auditorium Shores, and many concerts and large events are held there. East of IH 35 favorite spots for large Town Lake gatherings are Fiesta Gardens and Festival Beach, which stretches from IH-35 east to Canadian Street. All along Town Lake, people flock to the hike-and bike trails to walk, jog, bicycle, or otherwise enjoy the beauty of the Colorado River. Rowing Dock is a Town Lake Austin Parks and Recreation concession whose mission is to promote rowing and other family watersports. They offer rentals, camps, private lessons, classes and memberships.
Lake Austin
Lake
Austin starts at the Mansfield Dam and ends at the Tom Miller Dam in the city of
Austin. Boating is popular on Lake Austin. Lake Austin also has high
cliffs in places along the shore of the lake which provide shelter from the wind
for the best in boating activities. The cliffs are dotted with expensive homes
overlooking the lakeLake Travis
Lake Travis is 63.75 miles long, and its maximum width is 4.5 miles. The lake covers 18,929 acres. With it's crystal clear aquamarine water, Lake Travis naturally attracts water sport enthusiasts. From multi class sailboat and windsurfing regattas to competition ski boat, cruisers, cigarettes and mansion-like houseboats, Lake Travis maintains the marina facilities, public parks, boat ramp access and glorious hot summer weather making it a destination summer resort for outdoor enthusiasts from around the state and the country.
Mount Bonnell
The Colorado River is seen winding through the Hill Country from atop Mount Bonnell. It has always been the "hidden attraction" in Austin. Over 700 feet above sea level, this natural limestone formation stands about 200 feet above the surrounding area. The top of Mount Bonnell provides a great view of the hill country. Mount Bonnell also offers a nice little hike up and around the "mountain." Directions: from downtown Austin take Loop 1 (Mopac) north to 35th Street then west to Mount Bonnell Road.
Zilker Botanical Gardens and Zilker Park
Lone Star Riverboat
The
Lone Star Riverboat in Austin is a double-decked, paddle-wheel riverboat
sure to charm you with nostalgia and Austin's gorgeous city skyline; experience
the exhilaration of the outdoors, the abundant waterfowl, and beauty that is
Austin. Hop onto their narrated sightseeing cruise or witness the spectacular
emergence of the famous Mexican free tail bats on their sunset cruise! Come see
the sights and learn about Austin. Or jazz up your next occasion and have a
private party aboard the Lone Star Riverboat.
Lyndon
B. Johnson Library and Museum
The LBJ Library in Austin, Texas is the repository of a large collection of documents, photographs, and audio recordings from Lyndon Johnson's Presidency. Of particular interest are memos and documents relating to planning for major escalation of the Vietnam War in 1964 and 1965, and also transcripts and audio recordings made while Johnson was President.
Highland Lakes
The Highland Lakes are located in the Hill Country of central Texas in Llano and Burnet Counties just 50 to 60 minutes Northwest of Austin and 85 minutes north of San Antonio. Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls and all of the towns around the Highland Lakes. Three of the four Highland Lakes are normally constant level lakes for ideal boating and other water activities. In the spring from the middle of March through most of June the Highland Lakes area turns into a virtual paradise with the fields of wildflowers. First, the Bluebonnets bloom, and they are quickly joined by the red Indian Paintbrush flowers for beautiful fields of red and blue. As these flowers start to fade the fields are taken over by other red, yellow and white flowers.