Congress Avenue Bridge shelters the largest urban bat colony in North America. Between 750,000 and 1.5 million bats fly out near dusk.

Congress Avenue Bridge shelters the largest urban bat colony in North America. Between 750,000 and 1.5 million bats fly out near dusk.

Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin at 781 feet! The peak is named for George Bonnell, who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Texas Republic.Visitors to Austin’s Covert Park will find stunning views of the Colorado River and the city after hiking up the 102 steps to get to Mount Bonnell’s scenic overlook. The peak’s 775-feet make it one of the highest spots in the city and an ideal spot for watching the sunset.

Many spots in America claim they have the best barbecue, but no one does barbecue like Texas. Instead of the sticky and sweet sauce you get elsewhere, the Lonestar State goes with simple rubs and smoke, making sure the barbecue tastes like meat. Traveling to Austin and not getting some brisket is borderline blasphemy. You’re bound to find great barbecue wherever you go, but Franklin Barbecue is the best.

It’s the kind of place that attracts famous chefs like Anthony Bourdain when they’re in town. Be prepared to wait in line – this spot is always hopping.

Take a break from all the eating and drinking to relax in the sun like a true Austinite at the Zilker Metropolitan Park. Situated across the river from downtown Austin, Zilker’s 351-acres feature swimming holes, botanical gardens, and the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.

There’s no shortage of the activities you’ll find here. The park also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Austin City Limits Music Festival, ABC Kite Festival, and the Zilker Summer Musical.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to jog, a tanning session, or a dip in the pool, Zilker Park is every Austininte’s backyard.

BROKEN SPOKE.The Broken Spoke, on South Lamar in Austin, was established in 1964 by proprietor James White and claims to be the "last of the true Texas dance halls." The Broken Spoke is a bastion for traditional country music. Its standard honky-tonk decor—red-checkered tablecloths, low ceilings, pool tables, and neon lights—appeals to city folk as well as those from the country.

The granddaddy of live music venues, the Continental Club has enjoyed a coast-to-coast and worldwide reputation as the premiere club for live music in Austin since 1955 and in Houston since 2000.

Esther's Follies is a modern-day vaudeville theatre located on 6th Street in downtown Austin, Texas. Acts incorporate magic, juggling, singing, dancing, and sketches on current events. The show is fast-paced, and most of the acts incorporate a comedic theme.

Jo’s Hot Coffee holds a sweet corner spot in the heart of the SoCo neighborhood. It’s recognizable by its sage green exterior and the constant flow of photo-hungry visitors. If you stop to watch, it’s like a choreographed dance – the flocks of people waiting for their chance to spin, step in, smile, and capture the shot of the infamous red graffiti message displayed on the north-facing wall. The message simply states, “I love you so much.”

Everything is bigger in Texas and the Don Juan at Juan In A Million is massive. Don Juan El Taco Grande (try saying that 5 times fast) is a secret combination of potato, egg, bacon, and cheese in a homemade tortilla

Over the years, Home Slice has evolved from a scrappy local mom-and-pop pizzeria into an iconic Austin landmark. We vow, humbly and with devotion, to make the world a better place through pizza.

These are not your ordinary doughnut shop doughnuts. Gourdough’s serves up the biggest doughnuts that you’ve ever tasted in #foodcoma inducing flavors like mother clucker (fried chicken), miss shortcake, and blue balls.

HANDMADE IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN, MOHAWK WAS BUILT IN 2006 AS A ONE OF A KIND LIVE MUSIC VENUE, EVENT SPACE AND BAR.

Once a quiet residential neighborhood, Rainey Street Historic District has become Austin’s most popular nightlife destination and giving way to high-rise buildings. Morning, noon, night or late night... Rainy Street will not disappoint with it's eclectic Austin vibe and great mix of food trucks, restaurants and bars.

The Texas State Capitol building is one of the top Austin attractions. You can learn about Texas history and visit key areas of the Capitol on one of the free tours that happen throughout the day.

We self distribute every can and keg so we can oversee our beer from 'tanks to taps.' From grain to glass. From over there to your mouth. This guarantees the highest quality brews for you and allows us to sleep better at night.

Deep Eddy Vodka is inspired by the oldest swimming hole in Austin, Texas — a place where people come together to enjoy good times that never seem to end. Where strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.

All seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, so you do not need a reservation. We recommend getting here early, especially on Saturdays!

Speakeasies are a paradise for lovers of craft cocktail. Hidden in a former brothel behind a nondescript door, Midnight Cowboy might be one of the only reasons a local would head to Dirty 6th (the strip of raucous bars otherwise known as 6th Street). Its dark leather interior and top-notch service create a welcoming environment to try one of their signature tiki drinks or a classic cocktail.

Texas sunsets are legendary. About 15 miles from downtown, The Oasis on Lake Travis is one of the best places to see them.

With a multi-deck patio overlooking the lake, the Oasis has unparalleled views. There is a restaurant, but it serves up to 2500 people and doesn’t accept reservations, so set your expectations and patience accordingly if eating there is a priority (though it probably shouldn’t be). Best for drinks, not dinner.

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters might be the prettiest spot in Austin to sip a latte. Overlooking Lake Austin, the café is the perfect place to be for a moment of Zen, enjoying a pastry, and watching the boats bob by just a few feet away.

Located in south-central Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt contains 12 miles of gorgeous trails where you can bike, run, or walk. There are even beautiful limestone bluffs for rock climbing. If you are looking to get out and enjoy the nice weather, this is one of the best places to do it. It’s a favorite of everyone in the city and one of the best things about Austin!

Escape the city and head to the countryside to visit the famous Salt Lick BBQ. Taste the flavors of Texas at this unique and popular eatery, then wind through the hills, stopping at 2 different award-winning Texas wineries to taste delicious local wines.