Driving across the Congress Avenue Bridge, you'd never know the world's largest urban bat colony (1.5 million at summer peak) lives under it ... unless you show up at sundown to see them.
East Sixth Street has plenty of bars, but if it's live music you're after - and you should be; this is the Live Music Capital - go around the corner to Red River Street.
South Congress Avenue - SoCo - embodies Austin's spirit. Browse homegrown shops like Creatures, Allens Boots and Mi Casa. Check out art at Yard Dog. Grab a marg at Güero's Taco Bar or coffee at Jo's.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, operated by the University of Texas, showcases the beauty of Texas' Hill Country, as well as South and West Texas, in 16 gardens.
You're not in Texas till you've been to the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Here's where you'll learn about every facet of Texas: cattle, oil, space and, of course, the big battles.
For shopping and dining downtown, try 2nd Street. Get a new outfit at Estilo or Minx or buy your dog a sweater at Lofty Dog. Eat at Taverna, Crú Wine Bar or La Condesa. Park at City Hall.
The Blanton Museum of Art is a reflection of Austin's eclectic nature: There's something for everyone at this art museum.
It has a Gutenberg Bible and holdings that include documents of authors such as John Steinbeck, Tennessee Williams and Norman Mailer, along with Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's Watergate notes.
Dining al fresco gets the "Keep Austin Weird" treatment at South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery. But it's more than a gimmick. The food's really good here; that's why you often have to stand in line.
Brace yourself: The water in Austin's iconic swimming hole is a constant 68 degrees, and that's eye-poppingly cold, especially when you're jumping in on a 100-degree day.
"Driving across the Congress Avenue Bridge, you'd never know the world's largest urban bat colony (1.5 million at summer peak) lives under it ... unless you show up at sundown to see them."
