Gray Line Austin invites you to discover the unique blend of vibrant culture, live music, and outdoor beauty that defines Texas' capital city. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is home to a thriving music scene, with countless venues offering performances ranging from country to indie rock. Explore the Texas State Capitol, a stunning piece of architecture surrounded by lush grounds, or stroll along the scenic Lady Bird Lake Trail for beautiful views of the skyline and nature. Visit the eclectic South Congress Avenue for unique shopping and dining experiences, or take a boat tour on Lady Bird Lake to spot local wildlife and learn about the city's history. Gray Line Austin’s expert guides ensure a memorable experience, showcasing the city’s local culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re enjoying the city’s renowned food scene, experiencing its rich arts culture, or exploring its stunning parks, Austin is a city full of surprises, and Gray Line will help you uncover all of its hidden gems.
Tour Expert, Gray Line Austin
Located in downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol was constructed from 1882 to 1888 following the destruction of the previous structure in an 1881 fire. Built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the capitol stands at 308 feet tall and is 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC (Austin’s building is also the highest state capitol in the nation). Housing the offices and chambers of the Texas legislature, the Texas State Capitol was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The rotunda features a “whispering gallery” within which even the faintest words can be heard across the wide space. The capitol’s grounds are also adorned with 22 statues and monuments honoring various figures and events in Texan history. Take advantage of a free guided tour that lasts about 30 minutes.
As the designated “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin’s Sixth Street houses a variety of live music venues popular with locals and residents alike. Originally called Pecan Street, Sixth Street dates back to the late 19th century as a commercial hub before evolving into an entertainment district. On weekends, guests can immerse themselves in a pedestrian-only atmosphere without worrying about moving vehicles. Notable venues include the Parish, Antone’s Nightclub, and the historic Ritz Theater that originally opened as a movie theater in 1929. After watching a show, grab some grub at one of the many food trucks and restaurants lining the street. The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival typically takes place on Sixth Street as well.
For stunning views of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is a must-visit. The lake is motorized watercraft-free, which means that visitors can enjoy sounds from the natural environment rather than noisy engines. You can, however, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at places like Rowing Dock and Texas Rowing Center. For dog lovers, the lake is home to Red Bud Isle where dogs can practice their paddling skills. Bass and carp are plentiful for ardent fishermen, and donut boats and swan pedal boats are a typical mainstay on the lake. Note that swimming in the lake is largely prohibited except for emergency reasons due to fast currents and submerged safety hazards. If you’re in town, don’t miss the lake’s famous rubber duck derby!
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is the official history museum of Texas and dedicated to telling the story of the state. Boasting 34,000 square feet of exhibit space across four stories, the museum is a perfect place to explore for a day. View the three main galleries dedicated to Texas history from ancient times to the present day with special emphasis placed on the Texas Revolution and space exploration. The museum is also home to the largest IMAX screen in Texas, which regularly plays educational documentaries and blockbuster films. The Texas Spirit Theater is a rollicking and immersive show that uses special effects to enhance the narrative. Don’t leave before checking out the 300-year-old hull of the La Belle ship and a 16,000-year-old projectile point representing the earliest evidence of human presence in North America.
One of the more unique experiences you can have in Austen is viewing the 750,000 to 1.5 million population of Mexican free-tailed bats. Located under the Congress Avenue Bridge, the bats begin to emerge about 20 minutes before sunset. The bats collectively consume approximately 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects per night! These feeding patterns actually benefit agriculture because it eliminates harmful bugs and reduces the need for pesticides. Interestingly, the bat colony is made up predominantly of females who give birth to one pup each around early June. The bats roost in narrow crevices that are formed between the concrete beams of the bridge. Watch as columns of bats emerge and climb thousands of feet into the air, which makes for an incredible viewing experience for onlookers. Since the bats are an integral part of Austen’s tourism industry, it’s no surprise the area is nicknamed “Bat City.”
South Congress Avenue (colloquially known as SoCo) is a lively arts scene filled with galleries, street performers and boutiques. The area is also famous for its many colorful murals, including the popular “I Love You So Much” mural at Joe’s Coffee. As one of the oldest streets in Austin, SoCO evolved into a high-end shopping center complemented with diverse dining options. Don’t be surprised if you see live performances while walking around and keep an eye peeled for some of Austin’s quirkier hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Many shops and eateries in SoCo are pet friendly, and annual events like the South Congress Avenue Art Walk are always a good time.
On the University of Texas’ campus sits the largest university art museum in the nation: the Blanton Museum of Art. Established in 1963, the museum houses over 21,000 works of art and is consistently ranked as one of the finest art museums of its kind. Collections include European paintings, modern American art, and Latin American art. There are also significant exhibits dedicated to Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. Among the museum’s most famous installations is Cildo Meireles How to Build Cathedrals, which incorporates materials like pennies and cattle bones. Modern artists like Jasper Johns and Roy Lichtenstein are given prominent displays, and the Latin American art collection is one of the largest in the United States. Make sure to check out Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, a 2,715-square foot structure that integrates contemporary art with architecture.
Located in Austin’s Zilker Park, the Barton Springs Pool attracts 800,000 tourists a year, which easily makes it one of the city’s top attractions. With year-round temperatures that remain around 68-70°F, the pool is fed by the Barton Springs, which itself is part of the Edwards Aquifer. All water entering Barton Springs originates from rainfall that seeps into the surrounding limestone bedrock. The Barton Springs Pool is about 18 feet deep and spans 3 acres, which also makes it a critical home for endangered species like the Barton Springs Salamander. Because of this ecological role, there’s a decent chance you might view wildlife in the area. Time to get your bathing suit on and relax in Austin’s natural pool!
Found on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the LBJ Presidential Library is one of 15 such establishments managed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The library houses over 45 million pages of historical documents, including presidential papers from Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ). There are also over 650,000 photographs and a large audio-visual collection with 5,000 hours of recordings. Including a replica of LBJ’s Oval Office, the library also has a special exhibit dedicated to Lady Bird Johnson’s environmental initiatives. Perhaps one of the best displays is LBJ’s recorded phone calls of conversations with Martin Luther King Jr. (who was assassinated when Johnson was President) and Richard Nixon. The Great Hall features a towering wall of glass-protected archives. Check the calendar and see if the library is offering free admission for federal holidays before you go!
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Excellent experience, highly recommend.
Very good. Great service generally, we will be booking with this company on our next visit (we fell in love with Iceland and can't wait to be back!). Thanks so much for making our much needed holiday so memorable.
Great experience, would recommend.
Very easy.
Reliable, efficient and comfortable.
Easy to do.
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