Travel Channel

Recommended Tours

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
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. Nearby 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.

Paramount Theater
Take in an evening performance at the State Theater Company or the historic Paramount Theatre. The Austin Museum of Art and Mexic-Arte Museum offer the chance to view fine national and international artwork in a non-pretentious environment. Grab some great Tex-Mex at Manuel's Downtown, or try Louie's 106 for a variety of Italian and Mediterranean fare.

East Sixth Street
The East Sixth Street area is filled with interesting things to see and do. If you're lucky, you may get to stroll along Annual Pecan Street Arts Festival or venture inside the tattoo parlors, boutiques and restaurants, including Roux, Dan McKlusky's Restaurant and Mekong River.

The O. Henry Museum
The O. Henry House Museum is located in the cottage where the famous writer himself lived. A good spot to have lunch in this area is Mr. Natural or Azul. Nearby, the Colorado River turns into Town Lake; some will refer to it as Lake Austin, but it is all the same body of water. Capital Cruises offers romantic evening dinner cruises, paddleboat rentals for the family, and canoes and kayaks for rent.

University of Texas
To see theUniversity of Texas at Austinhead on over to the Visitor's 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 Lyndon B. Johnson Library houses 45 million historical documents and offers year-round exhibits from the Johnson era.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. Ruby's BBQ or Sampaio's are both excellent options for dinner.

There are many tour companies that operate in Austin. It is always helpful to have an experienced guide to show you around, and there are many different ways to go about seeing the city.

Walking Tours
University of Texas Campus Tours ( +1 512 471 1988/ http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/services/tours.html )
Austin Promenade Tours ( +1 512 498 4686 )
Austin Steam Trains ( +1 512 477 8468/ http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/ )
Austin Ghost Tours ( +1 512 853 9826/ http://www.austinghosttours.com/ )
University of Texas Tower Tours ( +1 512 475 6633/ http://www.utexas.edu/tower/ )

Boat Tours
Capital Cruises ( +1 512 480 9264/ http://www.capitalcruises.com/ )
Town Lake Tours ( +1 512 480 9264 )
Lone Star Riverboat ( +1 512 327 1388/ http://www.lonestarriverboat.com/ )

Carriage Tours
Austin Carriage Service ( +1 512 243 0044/ http://www.austincarriage.com/ )
Die Gelbe Rose Carriage Tours ( +1 512 477 8824/ http://www.diegelberosecarriage.net/ )

Historical Tours
Austin Promenade Tours ( +1 512 498 4686 )

Diving Tours
Clearwater Divers ( +1 512 452 6990/ http://www.io.com/clearwater-divers/?clkd=iwm )

Adventure Tours
Austin Duck Adventures ( +1 512 477 5274/ http://www.austinducks.com/ )

Train Tours
Hill Country Flyer ( +1 512 477 8468/ http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/ )
Austin Steam Trains ( +1 512 477 8468/ http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/ )

Ghost Tours
Austin Ghost Tours ( +1 512 853 9826/ http://www.austinghosttours.com/ )
Round Rock Ghost Tours ( +1 512 314 5070/ http://www.roundrockghosts.com/ )

Segway Tours
Austin Segway Tour ( +1 512 495 9250/ http://www.glidingrevolution.com/ )

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