What's there to see in Austin? (Spring, Alamo: house, live, shops)

[santcek]

My husband & I will be in Austin towards the end of this month for a few days, what are some must-see spots/activities for first time visitors to the area?
I'm excited! We're in our mid-late twenties.


Thanks for any suggestions in advance!

[satanoid]

Hippie Hollow!
The only (legal)nude beach in texas!

[McJ]

I volunteer at the Austin Visitor Center on 6th street/Brazos so I highly recommend stopping in there. They will give you maps, info on the goings on, and you can pick up town tours from there as well.

Some highlights:

Mt. Bonnell
Watching the bats come out of Congress bridge at dusk
walking on the trail next to town lake
6th street in the evenings
80,000sq foot Whole Foods
checking out the shops on South Congress
the Capitol
Alamo Drafthouse

[txgal78]

Here are a couple more things to do:

Barton Springs Pool - spring fed natural pool in Zilker Park (after a long, hot day of walking around)

Barton Creek Greenbelt - if you need some more cooling off, wear your bathing suit and check out Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls

Drive out beautiful 2222 to Lake Travis; go the Oasis to watch the sunset and have margaritas (although the food isn't great)

Take a trip out to the Salt Lick for some Texas BBQ

Kayak on Town Lake

[Phisch]

RE: bats...make sure you're actually on the bridge. We tried this a couple of days ago and sat on the north side. I couldn't see them!

But that's just a reason to go back again.

[malarkey]

We sat on the grass by the statesman offices, just east of the bridge. I posted a short vid on this thread: http://www.city-data.com/forum/austin/50946-bats-3.html

[AustinTraveler]

Here's a good thread:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...hould-see.html

[OntheMoveAGAIN]

Last Saturday I had a wonderful day. My DH gave me a day by myself without children and encouraged me to go out of our home and check out down town. We don't know anyone to mind our children yet so going together isn't an option.

I took the overture tours, (which I highly recommend). It gives you a good feel for some of the highlights of the city. It was also a great way to hear about the history and feel for the area. It took 90 mins and I loved it. I was able to book this tour at the tourist information center downtown.

Being Irish (100%) after the tour I found my way to Fados (4th street) for an Irish Breakfast and watch a GAA game. From there I made my way to Whole foods to see what it looked like and then made my way over to the state capitol for a tour there.

I'm not necessarily into tours all the time but I love the fact that these people can give you information about places. If you are interested in the areas you will take the time to learn more believe me.

I did loads of other things too but rather than bore you I won't go on.

I love this city & think most aspects about it really suit most backgrounds and personalities. Having lived in quite a few states (& countries) I would sincerely be quite happy to be here for the foreseeable future.

T.

[santcek]

thanks for all the great suggestions!! can't wait to visit and give an update!

[achtungpv]

The great thing about Austin that there very, very few tourist attractions. Those that are here, are pretty mediocre in the grand scheme of things.

First Thursday on South Congress is the best thing IMHO. The bats are pretty cool too. Barton Creek pool is good. Do the Central Texas BBQ Trail - Cooper's, Louie Mueller's, Kruez's, Smitty's, Black's, Luling City Market, Sam's, Ruby's, House Park, and Salt Lick.