Tourism in Austin, Texas

Austin Texas has much to offer tourists.

Austin serves not only as Texas' state capitol, but as the "Live Music Capitol of the World," according to the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau. As such, Austin is a cultural center that provides tourists the opportunity to enjoy plenty of live music, as well as historic sites and museums.

Lodging

Tourists here will find ample lodging of every sort. In addition to the more than 5,000 hotel rooms in downtown Austin, there are upscale resorts such as the Barton Creek Resort & Spa as well as camping at Cyprus Creek Park for those who prefer a more rustic experience. Austin has a number of bed and breakfast-style establishments as well.

Tours

There are a number of ways to see all that Austin has to offer. Tour operators, such as Austin Overtures, run bus tours of Austin's sights. Austin Duck Adventures offers amphibious excursions on Lake Austin, and SegCity Segway Tours offers a unique way of exploring downtown Austin's landmarks.

Music

Austin is home to 200 music venues that provide visitors with the opportunity to see live shows every day of the week. There are larger music festivals from which to choose as well: the Pachanga Festival features Latin acts, the Urban Music Fest celebrates urban culture and the Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual event that spans three days and features more than 100 bands.

Historic Sights

Austin's Sixth Street and Congress Avenue are on the National Register of Historic Places, and contain a mix of modern skyscrapers and 19th-century sites. St. Mary's cathedral and the Millet Opera House both represent some of the old world architecture of Austin.

Museums

Showcasing a collection of modern and 20th-century art, the Austin Museum of Modern Art is a facility with open galleries geared toward a general audience. There are opportunities for the whole family as well; the Austin Children's Museum gives kids hands-on opportunities to see and touch a number of exhibits designed just for the 10 and under set.

References

• Austin Live Music Capitol of the World - Music
• Austin Visitor Center
• Austin Live Music Capitol of the World - Accommodations

Resources

• Barton Creek Resort & Spa
• Cyprus Creek Park
• Austin Overtures
• Austin Ducks Tours
• SegCity Segway Tours
• Austin Museum of Modern Art