Austin, the second top high-tech city in the U.S.! Let’s head out on a sightseeing adventure where art and nature come together

Austin is the capital city of the state of Texas. When people think of Texas, they often picture longhorns, country music, cowboys, and steaks. However, Austin is a city full of tourist attractions. Among these, music is especially famous—so much so that it’s known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Beyond nightlife, arts, and museums, the area around Austin is rich in nature, including lakes, waterfalls, and parks! There are also many outdoor attractions to enjoy. Because Austin is the southernmost state capital besides Honolulu, Hawaii, it has a comfortable climate year-round. It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Texas.

1. Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

One of Austin’s most iconic tourist attractions is the sight of bats flying from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. People line up on the bridge to enjoy the incredible sight of countless bats soaring through the sky, appearing almost like a dragon swimming across the heavens.
From late March to early November, the bats begin their evening flight from under the bridge toward Lady Bird Lake, located to the south of Austin, in search of insects to feed on. Astonishingly, these bats live in a massive roost built beneath the bridge, adapting to city life.
The peak season for watching the bat flight is August, when it’s said that up to 1 million bats can be seen! These bats can consume nearly 10,000 kilograms of insects in a single night. In August, not only tourists but even locals gather on the bridge to witness the bat spectacle.
The best viewing spot is the south side of the bridge, about 30 minutes before sunset. You can also find unique bat-themed souvenirs here, which make perfect gifts!

2. Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a large park located near downtown Austin, spanning approximately 1.5 square kilometers. It is filled with activities you can enjoy all day long. With many tourist attractions, even Austin locals come here to enjoy running, swimming, canoeing, and more.
Start by riding the mini-train called the “Zilker Zephyr” that circles around the park — it’s a fun way to see the sights! You’ll enjoy the beautiful trail views along the way. There are also many playgrounds, bike rentals, and canoe rentals available, allowing tourists to fully enjoy outdoor activities all day.
Beyond recreation, the park also features artistic attractions like the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and a botanical garden, making it a great destination for those who want to explore art. In the fall, the park becomes a lively venue for music festivals, concerts, and other seasonal events — it’s a vibrant place year-round.

3. Barton Springs

Located within Austin’s Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a massive public pool covering about 12,000 square meters. This natural spring-fed pool is supplied by underground water. Despite being a hot spring in nature. The deepest point reaches around 6 meters, and the average water temperature is about 20°C, allowing swimming year-round.
Since the hippie era of the 1970s, this park has been loved by locals and remains a popular tourist spot in Austin. It is famously known that actor Robert Redford learned how to swim here as a child. In recent years, about 800,000 people visit annually, making it a cherished relaxation spot for the community.
Interestingly, the pool is also home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, which has been confirmed to live in the area. The pool is closed every Thursday for cleaning and water quality checks but is otherwise available year-round. Tourists are welcome! Be sure to check out “The Splash!” exhibit at the main entrance, where you can learn about the history of the springs.

4. Texas State Capitol

Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol has the largest floor area of all 50 state capitols in the U.S. With its vast space and Italian neo-Renaissance design, the building has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It is truly one of Austin’s most beautiful and historically significant structures.
Visitors can enjoy more than just the building’s stunning exterior. Entry is free, and guests can explore the interior while learning about the historical background of the Texas legislature.
Inside, the rotunda displays portraits of former Texas governors, and the hall features detailed carvings. Among these, the portrait of former President George W. Bush, who served as a Texas governor, draws particular attention from visitors.
There are guided tours available, but if you prefer a self-guided experience, you can go to the information desk on the first floor.

5. Lake Travis

Travis County, which includes the city of Austin, is home to three major lakes: Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake. Lake Travis is located about 30 km northwest of Austin and features a beautiful natural environment made up of lakes, forests, hills, and grasslands.
Despite its proximity to Austin, the area around the clear aquamarine lake is rich in nature and bustling with water activities. Facilities abound for rental boats, jet skis, wakeboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and more.
Numerous parks surround Lake Travis, with Pace Bend Park standing out in particular. This park spans about 14 km and offers visitors a chance to explore a dynamic natural landscape of limestone cliffs, rocky canyons, dedicated bike trails, and scenic walking paths. Visitors can enjoy more than just water activities. In addition to hotel accommodations, there are well-equipped campsites, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Westcave Preserve

Located about 50 km southwest of downtown Austin, this nature preserve spans around 300,000 square meters and features caves and canyons that are home to many endangered plants and birds.
The tour experience begins with a walk across wide grassy meadows, eventually arriving at the cave. From there, you’ll encounter a crystal-clear pool surrounded by ferns. Between the canyons flows a travertine waterfall that looks like a curtain of water—regarded as one of the most stunning and rare waterfalls in Texas.
Due to the area's protected status, tours to the cave are only available with English-speaking volunteer guides. The hike is approximately 1.5 km round trip and takes just under two hours. It’s guaranteed to be a breathtaking experience!

7. The University of Texas at Austin

One of the most prestigious public universities among the "Public Ivies" is located here in Austin. Its campus is one of the largest among state universities and is just about 1.6 km from the Texas State Capitol. The university's symbolic main building, the campus tower, is an impressive 95 meters tall.
The iconic clock tower is a popular attraction, drawing many tourists. Aside from admiring the tower, it’s also enjoyable to stroll across the vast campus and mingle with students.
The campus houses the Blanton Museum of Art, the Cactus Café (a live music and performance venue), the Texas Memorial Stadium, a history museum, and a library. The surrounding area is full of university merchandise shops, clothing stores, and cafés—perfect for window shopping. The campus is so expansive that you might even question, “Am I really still on a university campus?”

8. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made reservoir formed from the Colorado River. It’s located just under a 20-minute walk from downtown Austin along a trail by the river. The trail around the lake is paved and mostly flat, with a total perimeter of about 16 km.
You’ll find cyclists, joggers, and people enjoying canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding—time moves more slowly here. It’s a great spot to take a relaxing break from downtown sightseeing.
Nearby attractions include Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, the gardens created by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, and the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can watch bats take flight. It’s a peaceful lakeside tourist spot surrounded by greenery and water.

9. Circuit of the Americas

Located near Austin, the Circuit of the Americas is a relatively new racetrack established in 2010. It hosts the F1 United States Grand Prix, the MotoGP World Championship, the World Endurance Championship, and other major racing events.
The circuit spans approximately 5.5 km, with 9 right-hand corners and 11 left-hand corners, and a maximum elevation difference of 41 meters. It ranks as the third-highest elevation circuit, following Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
Races are contested over 56 laps in a counterclockwise direction. As a dynamic and relatively new track, it has become a favorite among many racers.
As race day approaches, various events are held. During F1 weekends, Austin becomes lively with race fans and tourists, and popular female musicians often perform.

10. Mount Bonnell Park

While Austin doesn’t have many large mountains, Mount Bonnell—made of limestone and rising about 240 meters above sea level—is the city’s highest point.
You can drive close to the top, then climb about 70 stone steps to reach the summit! From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Austin, the surrounding greenery, luxury lakeside homes, and even downtown Austin.
Dating back to the 1850s, it is considered Austin’s oldest tourist spot, and it remains popular with tourists, families, couples, and runners who enjoy jogging along the trail.
There are picnic areas and photo spots, and the sunset and night views from here are so stunning that it’s even considered a romantic spot for couples.

11. Driskill Hotel

The Driskill Hotel is a Romanesque-style hotel located in downtown Austin. Originally built in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill as a showplace for his cattle empire, it has remained a luxurious destination for over a century, welcoming countless visitors.
Upon entering the building, you'll feel as though you've time-traveled to old America—the weight of history is unmistakable. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Austin's internationally renowned live music hub, 6th Street, as well as shopping centers, theaters, and the opera house, making it a lively spot filled with tourists.
Inside the hotel, the Driskill Grill restaurant has earned accolades, including being named one of the Top 25 Hotel Restaurants by the American restaurant guide Zagat Survey. It also boasts an impressive wine selection, and its award-winning sommeliers serve up delicious wines. While a bit pricey, it offers a truly refined dining experience.

12. 6th Street

Located at the heart of downtown Austin, 6th Street is renowned across the U.S. as the "Live Music Capital of the World" for its vibrant entertainment and deep musical heritage. At dusk, the area comes alive with live music bars and dance clubs lining the street. On weekends, it becomes a pedestrian-only zone.
From country and jazz to blues and beyond, all kinds of music genres play here, evoking the charm of vintage America. The sounds of music spill into the streets, delighting both locals and tourists. With its variety of dart bars and billiard halls, bar hopping through 6th Street at night is a recommended experience.
This street is also home to the world-famous South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival. Nearly 40 bars and clubs lining both sides of the street keep the music going into the early morning hours, making it a landmark that truly embodies Austin’s musical spirit.

13. HOPE Outdoor Gallery

This location was originally intended to be the site of a condominium building, but the construction project was abandoned midway, leaving the area desolate. Utilizing the unfinished concrete structures, the globally renowned street artist Shepard Fairey created a mural here, marking the beginning of the HOPE Outdoor Gallery.
Subsequently, anonymous artists from across Austin came to this place and expressed their creativity by painting freely on the walls. Today, the once-bare concrete is now completely covered with vibrant, individualistic artworks, making it one of the largest outdoor galleries in the United States.
While you won’t find masterpieces by Monet or Picasso here, the walls are full of remarkable modern art such as murals and street art created using chalk and spray paint. It's a place that perfectly captures American-style artistic expression.
The HOPE Outdoor Gallery has also played a major role in revitalizing a once-neglected corner of the city. Now, it draws numerous visitors and has become a must-see attraction in Austin.

14. Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library is a public archive that exhibits documents from the tenure of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States.
Although it is located within the University of Texas at Austin campus, the library is actually operated by the federal government and is independent from the university.
Inside, you can find a replica of President Johnson’s Oval Office and even the limousine he used. The exhibits include personal collections from the president and his family, campaign memorabilia, awards, family heirlooms, and diplomatic gifts from foreign dignitaries.
There are also fun exhibits like a baseball signed by Babe Ruth and a Beatles showcase. The library attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually who come to learn about presidential history and Texan culture. It is closed on weekends and U.S. public holidays, but it is open for visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15. McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls is a state park located about 20 kilometers from downtown Austin. Surrounded by nature, it exudes a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The biggest attraction of McKinney Falls State Park is the upper and lower falls along Onion Creek. The creek forms natural pools surrounded by trees, where visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing, listen to the sound of cascading waterfalls, and spend quality time. On weekends, it becomes a popular outdoor spot bustling with families and couples.
Of course, there are also well-equipped campsites. Notably, no license is required for fishing! Largemouth bass and catfish are commonly caught here, but there are restrictions on the number of fish you can keep, so be careful not to overfish.
Native plants grow in abundance, with various species of oak and cedar trees on display. The best season to visit is spring, when the fields bloom beautifully with flowers. Due to its proximity to Austin, it is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

16. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool near Austin was formed when a cave on an underground river collapsed after thousands of years of erosion. It is a unique natural pool surrounded by a canyon.
A 15-meter-tall waterfall and lush greenery make this area popular for swimming during hot seasons. Visitors can also climb rocks and dive into the emerald green pool. You can also experience standing under the waterfall. However, swimming is sometimes prohibited depending on water conditions, so checking in advance is necessary.
When there's little rain, the waterfall may slow down, but even without swimming, the area offers hiking trails, picnicking, and opportunities for plant and nature observation. Because it's a protected area, there are many regulations. Located about 37 kilometers south of Austin, the preserve is visited by both locals and tourists alike.

17. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Operated by the University of Texas at Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by the late First Lady Lady Bird Johnson along with actress Helen Hayes to preserve Texas's native plants and natural landscapes.
The center features 650 species of native Texas plants and supports ongoing research on native plants and habitats. Along the trails, you'll find beautiful flowers, and in the courtyard, there’s a gift shop and a café where you can relax and enjoy tea.
From the courtyard, various paths lead in different directions, allowing you to choose your own route and explore. One top recommendation is climbing the observation tower for a panoramic view of the entire center. It’s especially stunning during the wildflower season when the meadows burst into vibrant colors and the garden is filled with floral fragrance.

18. South Congress District

The South Congress District is marked by a bustling main street lined with restaurants, shops, bars, and food trucks. Beloved by Austin’s youth, it’s affectionately known as “SoCo” and is a lively neighborhood.
As Austin is known as the live music capital, the highlight here is the legendary Continental Club, where you can even catch performances by major artists. On the first Thursday of each month, a block party is held with special prices at shops and bars.
If you time your visit right, you might snag some unique finds! There are vintage clothing stores, antique shops, accessory boutiques, and gift stores—it’s a fun place to browse even without buying anything. While you won’t find high-end luxury brands here, you’re sure to discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
There’s also a great selection of restaurants. Austin’s famous food trucks line the streets here, making it a perfect spot for a food crawl.

◎ Summary

Austin is known as the second largest high-tech city in the U.S., home to numerous IT companies. It's also a student city, thanks to the presence of the University of Texas at Austin.
Despite its reputation as a tech hub full of young people, Austin also preserves its traditional architecture and museums. Moreover, although it's a bustling urban center, it's rich in nature with many parks in the surrounding areas.
Above all, what makes Austin truly attractive is its vibrant music and arts scene—featuring live houses and theaters that showcase global music. Austin is packed with all kinds of experiences and is a treasure trove of tourist attractions. Be sure to visit and explore it for yourself!