Austin Hot Spots

Congress Bridge Bats

The Congress Avenue bridge is home to the largest bat colony in North America with an estimated 1.5 million bats calling it home. Every evening between March and November the bats blanket the night sky in their daily trek for food. If you want to experience the bats from the water, many boat companies offer batwatching tours.

The State Capitol

Located on the top of the hill at the end of Congress Ave., the State Capitol is home to the state House Chamber & Senate Chamber, the original Governer's Office, the Texas Capitol Visitor's Center and the Texas Capitol Gift Shop. Guided tours are available or explore the 22 acre grounds at your own leisure. Be sure to check out the Governer's Mansion and the famous Paramount Theater both with in walking distance.

Town Lake

10.1 miles of hike and bike trails along the Colorado River in the heart of downtown Austin. On the southside of the lake is Auditorium Shores where concerts and events are held year-round. Town Lake Park boasts 17 ball fields for baseball, football, soccer and rugby, and volleyball.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum & IMAX Theater

Located at the corner of Congress Avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd., the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is just a stone's throw from the State Capitol. Here you will find everything Texas in seven large areas showcasing temporary & permanent exhibits, an IMAX theater, gift shop and cafe.

2nd Street District

The newly renovated 2nd street district is home to trendy sidewalk cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Check out home furnishings at Loft and Area Furniture, the latest trends in fashion at Girl Next Door and Estilo or enjoy a cup of coffee from Austin Java Co. or a delicous sandwich from Which Wich.

The University of Texas at Austin/ The Drag

Home to the Texas Longhorns, 46,993 to be exact, the UT campus is home to many museums,sculptures, fountains and the UT Tower and is a great place to explore. Parellel to the campus is the drag. Here you'll find eclectic stores such as the Cadeau & By George and the University Co-op where you can pick up a few Longhorn souveniors.

The SoCo District

One of the hippest neighborhoods in Austin, SoCo, located on South Congress, is home to trendy boutiques and restaurants. First Thursdays held on the first Thursday of every month, brings vendors of all sorts and has a block party feel.

Lake Travis

The largest of the Highland Lakes, Lake Travis stretches over 65 miles from Horseshoe Bay down to Marble Falls. Dine at one of the restaurants on the lake as you watch the sunset over the water. Devil's Cove, Hippy Hollow and Windy Point are all popular hangout spots on the shores of the lake. If it's watersports you like, rent a waverunner or party boat and cruise the lake in style.

Zilker Park & Barton Springs

Zilker Metropolitan Park is comprised of 351 acres of fun for the whole family. Attractions include a large multi-age playground, full- service picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, a 9-hole disc Disc Golf course, soccer fields, a rugby field, the Zilker Botanical Gardens, and one of Austin's favorite cool spots, Barton Springs, a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees.

Nightlife:

6th Street

Said to cater more toward the college crowd, 6th street is lined with numerous bars and clubs such as Moosenuckel, The Dizzy Rooster, Aquarium, and many more that offer nightly drink specials and spectacles.

The Warehouse District

Comprised of three city blocks, the Warehouse District is home to a mixture of bars, clubs and restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment from Cedar Street's open-air bar, enjoy a three course meal at Sullivan's Steakhouse or enjoy a pint of Guinness at Fado's Irish Pub.

W. 6th

What once was known more as the business end of 6th street has now blossomed into its own as a sought after destination in Austin nightlife. Union Park, Molotov, Little Woodrow's, Mother Eagens, J Blacks amongst others, are all with in walking distance of one another and offer a unique experience.

Shopping:

The Domain

Located in Northwest Austin, The Domain features 700000 sqft of luxury shopping and restaurants. High-end retailers include Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, Barney's Co-Op, Louis Vuitton, and Intermix and fine dining including Jasper's and Kona Grill. The Domain also includes 400 high-end apartments and a full- service hotel.

The SoCo District

Antique stores and kitchy boutiques can be found in Austin's SoCo district. If you're looking for something unique to Austin or made by a local Austinite, this is the place to come.

Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall

Located just 15 minutes north of Austin lies the Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall. With its 125 various stores including Banana Republic, Coach, BCBG Max Azaria and Micheal Kors, there's sure to be a shop for everyone.

San Marcos Premium Outlet Mall

Recently ranked 3rd in best places to shop in the world, San Marcos Outlet Mall sits 20 minutes south of Austin in the college town of San Marcos. The newest addition to the mall is architectually modeled after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy and features gongola rides. Here will you find stores such as Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Tommy Bahama, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani General Store, Kate Spade and many many more.