Austin, Texas

When Austin locals talk boastfully how beautiful their hometown is, they have all the right to do so. There are numerous factors why Austin, the dashing capital of Texas, is one of the best places to see in America. Sitting in the Hill Country, Austin becomes world-popular due to its entertainment scene, making the capital the “live music capital of the world.” With perfect weather embracing the entire Central Texas, it becomes easy to explore and witness Austin’s many wonders.

For a visitor with a very limited travel time, seeing the Downtown alone grants a one-of-a-kind experience. Topping the line-up of attractions is The Capitol Building, a significant building that highlights the old-fashioned architecture and classic beauty. The imposing building is one of Austin’s landmarks and is considered one of the most important symbols of Texas history and politics. Next in line is The Governor’s Mansion nestled west of the Mississippi River. The grandiose home, considered the state’s oldest executive house, was once a home of Sam Houston, a hero of Texas Revolution. The oldest surviving entertainment hall is also in the Downtown—the Paramount Theater.

If visiting Austin in March to September, take time to look at the Congress Avenue Bridge where millions of migratory bats use it as their temporary home. And when it comes to nighttime offerings, the Downtown’s Sixth and the Fourth Streets are the best places to be. These two districts have a line-up of bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment establishments for carrying-out energetic night time activities. Having a compact size, it is very possible to explore the Downtown by foot, thanks to its many pedestrian-friendly destinations.

The other side of Austin presents destinations for nature trips and outdoor pursuits. Thanks to its array of natural attractions, various recreational activities can easily be carried out. Zilker Park, the capital’s most famous park, has the Town Lake as its backdrop and has several trails for hiking and biking. It is also in this park where the Barton Spring Pool is found, a unique spring-supplied pool three times bigger than a football field. Other nature-inspired destinations in Austin include McKinney Falls State Park, Mt. Bonnell, Lady Bird Lake, and the San Marcos River.

Austin getaway is not complete until the music scene is experienced.  Music and entertainment being highly-regarded, live performances in all sorts of forms are found in the capital’s every corner. Two of the top entertainment venues here are Continental Club and The Broken Spoke, and performers here, as well as the service and other on-the-sides features, never disappoint. Austin has about 250 entertainment halls and music venues, so many it becomes hard to determine where to start. If music is in the roots of Austin, so are its festivals. May it be small-town festivals or city-wide events, Austin’s lively happenings are worth celebrating. Some of the festivals that draw huge crowds are Austin City Limits Festival, Texas Relays, Chaos in Texas, and the Austin Film Festival.