Just a short stroll up Congress Avenue sits the crown jewel of Texas architecture. Completed in 1888, the Texas State Capitol is a testament to the "bigger is better" philosophy that we Texans hold dear. It is constructed from distinct Sunset Red Texas granite and stands as the largest state capitol in the United States. It even outmeasures the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. by nearly 15 feet in height.

As you wander the meticulously landscaped grounds, look for the Alamo Monument, a tribute to the legendary 1836 battle and those who defended it. Inside, the building radiates the power and history of the Lone Star State from the rotunda overhead to the portraits of past governors. It is an essential first stop for anyone looking to understand the gravity and grandeur of Texas.

Also known as SoCo, this vibrant district is the heartbeat of Austin’s creative soul. It is the best place for a visitor to get a pulse check and catch the vibes of the city. Here, high-end boutiques sit side-by-side with vintage thrift stores and legendary eateries. Up and down South Congress are stores that embrace the spirit of Texas, like Stetson, Kendra Scott, and Lucchese. While these Texan makers are now household names, their heritage remains a staple of Austin’s unique culture.

With a direct, picturesque view of the Capitol building framing the street, it’s the perfect place to grab a pair of custom boots at Allen’s, find your new favorite artist at Paper Work, and, of course, do some world-class people-watching.

We’ll say it plainly: Austin is the best BBQ city in the world. While other regions have their merits, the Central Texas style, which focuses on simple salt-and-pepper rubs and slow-smoking over post oak, has been perfected here. In Austin, BBQ isn't just lunch; it's a craft that borders on alchemy.

The hallmark of our style is the brisket. It’s smoked for 12 to 18 hours until the fat has rendered into a buttery consistency and a thick, peppery "bark" has formed on the outside. We serve it on butcher paper, usually with a side of white bread, pickles, and onions. Sauce is always optional, and many purists would argue it’s unnecessary. And don't forget the sides.

Franklin BBQ

The place that launched a thousand pilgrimages. Aaron Franklin is a James Beard Award winner for a reason. If you’re willing to wake up early and stand in line (a rite of passage in itself), you will be rewarded with what many consider the finest brisket on the planet.

Terry Black’s BBQ

For those who want the full-throttle Texas BBQ experience without the five-hour wait, Terry Black’s on Barton Springs Road is a masterclass in efficiency and flavor. Their giant black smokers greet you at the entrance, and their beef ribs are legendary for being huge, tender, and intensely flavorful.

Loro BBQ & Asian Fusion

For a taste of how the "modern landscape" translates to the plate, look no further than Loro. Here, traditional smoking techniques meet bold Asian flavors. Think oak-smoked brisket with a chili hoisin sauce or char siew pork belly that melts on the tongue. It is casual, innovative, and perfectly captures the maverick spirit of a city that isn't afraid to reinvent tradition.

Austin’s history is as colorful as its present, and our museums are the best place to see the artifacts of our evolution.

The LBJ Presidential Library

Perched on a hill at the University of Texas campus, this library is a monumental tribute to the 36th President. It houses a staggering 45 million pages of historical documents, but the real draw is the 7/8ths scale replica of the Oval Office and the candid telephone recordings that reveal the "LBJ Treatment" in action.

For guests of The Driskill, this museum is a must-visit to see the public side of a man who is a central figure in our own lore. It was here at The Driskill that a young LBJ had his first date with Lady Bird in 1934, and decades later, he returned to the hotel’s Jim Hogg Parlor to watch the 1964 election returns that confirmed his presidency.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum

If you want to understand the "Story of Texas," this is where you start. From the remains of La Belle, a 17th-century shipwreck, to their IMAX theater, the Bullock explores the triumphs and tragedies that shaped the Republic. The museum's three floors of galleries take you from the earliest American Indigenous inhabitants to the space age.

Other Museums in Austin

The Bullock isn't the only show in town. The University of Texas - Austin campus hosts multiple public museums, including the Blanton Museum of Art and the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. For music lovers, Austin City Limits Live has recently begun giving daytime tours at the Moody Theater that offer a look into 50 years of PBS's Austin City Limits. As for the oddballs hoping to embrace the "Keep Austin Weird" mantra, take a short walk from The Driskill to the Museum of the Weird, an unabashedly gimmicky homage to monsters, the unexplained, and oddities.