Austin is the capitol city of Texas! Opened in 1888, this landmark (made of Texas sunset red granite) stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Texas Capitol was designated at National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Named for Texas's 38th lieutenant governor, the Bullock Texas State History Museum explores the Lone Star State's vibrant past with artifacts ranging from the original Goddess of Liberty statue that resided at the top of the State's Capitol dome to a 1960s missile control console from the space center in Houston. Along with galleries featuring more than 700 artifacts, the museum features rotating special exhibits to reflect the diverse history of Texas. The museum is also home to the largest IMAX screen in the state as well as the Texas Spirit Theater, a cafe with an outdoor patio and a souvenir shop.

For high-end boutique shopping in Austin, head to The Domain, a collection of more than 100 retailers sheltered in an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district in North Austin. Neiman Marcus anchors the center, but shoppers will also find Tiffany & Co., Gucci and Louis Vuitton. In addition to luxury shops, The Domain offers more affordable staples like H&M, Macy's and Zara. Shopping isn't the only activity here: Travelers will also find the Museum of Ice Cream at The Domain, where visitors can learn about the history of ice cream in 12 different multi-sensory exhibits and enjoy unlimited ice cream treats. Located adjacent, the Domain Northside's Rock Rose District offers a strip of bars and eateries ranging from Velvet Taco to Lavaca Street Bar.

Sitting on the banks of the Colorado River, this beloved park spans more than 350 acres. Zilker Metropolitan Park shelters some of the city's most popular attractions – from the Zilker Botanical Gardens to Barton Springs Pool – as well as several athletic fields and plenty of open space for strolling. You'll be able to spend a whole day here thanks to a range of activities such as swimming, canoeing or digging for fossils at the Austin Nature and Science Center's Dino Pit. Art aficionados can peruse the works housed within the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum while garden enthusiasts can peruse the specialty gardens in the Zilker Botanical Garden. After a day spent strolling the park, cool down with a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a 3-acre natural swimming hole. A theater, train for children and sports courts are also on-site.

South Congress Avenue is the section of Congress Avenue after it passes over Lady Bird Lake. From the murals around every corner – like "Willie for President" (Nelson that is) to the iconic "I Love You So Much" – people are snapping pictures everywhere. Shopping along SoCo ranges from authentic boot shops to curated boutiques attracting both travelers and locals who are in search of conversation-starting outfits. Another top activity is patio dining where you can grab delicious bites from morning to night along with choice vantage points for people-watching. When you're not shopping, eating or strolling, swing by the Continental Club to grab a drink and enjoy some live music.

Named for its co-founder Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson (wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the place to visit if you're a flower enthusiast. The former first lady co-founded the center with Helen Hayes to educate others about the benefits of planting native plants, a project that has revolutionized gardening habits in central Texas. The center features North America's most diverse collection of Texas native plants. Visitors flock from all over the country to enjoy more than 900 species of Texan flora – including bluebonnets and evening primrose – that flourish on more than 280 acres of gardens. There are also walking trails and an observation tower. The 16-acre arboretum features 50 types of oaks found in Texas. For the kids in the group, head to the Luci and Ian Family garden for play structures and a maze.