Make your vacation complete with a visit to Austin attractions

Part of the charm of Austin is its Southern heritage combined with modern amenities. Austin attractions offer a myriad of things to see and do, whether you're looking to fill an hour or a day. With choices as varied as museums, theaters, and historical sites, you'll never have a dull moment during your visit to Austin. So let us show you some of our favorite places to play.

Austin Zoo
Many Austin Zoo animals are exotic ex-pets and illegally purchased creatures. These animals arrived at the zoo malnourished, sick, or close to death. The Austin Zoo rescues, rehabilitates, and provides a safe living environment for these animals. The zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Contact the zoo at (800) 291-1490 for information about admission rates.

Austin Nature and Science Center
The Austin Nature and Science Center, a free attraction, strives to provide hands-on exhibits that are educational and enjoyable. The Eco-Detective Trail, one example of the center's unique activities, requires that visitor's grab a detective pack and try to find wildlife indicators around a pond. The Dino Pit, currently under development, will be a hands-on paleontology exhibit. The nature center - located at 301 Nature Center Drive - also houses a Discovery Lab, animal exhibits, and the "Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer" exhibit. Call the Austin Nature and Science Center at (512) 327-8181 for information about its hours.

Austin Steam Train Association's Train Rides
The Austin Steam Train Association offers vintage train tours through the greater Austin area. The Hill Country Flyer and the Betram Flyer offer various journeys through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The River City Flyer takes passengers on a two-hour excursion through some of Austin's parks and historic neighborhoods. The Twilight Flyer offers entertainment such as the Storybook Special (children's bedtime stories) or the Murder Mystery Special (adult-oriented). Contact the Austin Steam Train Association at (512) 477-8468 for each train's departure location, schedule, and rates.

State Capitol
The State Capitol, located on 11th and Congress streets, was built in 1888. It underwent a $186.7 million restoration that returned the building to its original glory and added an underground annex. The State Capitol of Texas is taller than the nation's capitol in Washington D.C. Guests can tour the building and learn about the state's governmental history, or visit a legislative session. The State Capitol, which charges no admission fee, can be reached at (512) 463-0063 for information about its hours.

Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue befits a city so enmeshed with music. Stevie Ray Vaughan is a blues/rock guitar legend. The statue is on the south side of Town Lake, and immortalizes Vaughan with his guitar. The statue even features a created shadow of the star. Admirers often set flowers, candles, cards, and poems around this bronze tribute.

Museums

Austin Children's Museum
The Austin Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits that are fun and educational. One permanent exhibit, the "Global City,"; gives children a chance to role-play in different urban environments. The "Global City" exhibit includes the "Global Grocery," "Global Diner," "Global Train Depot," "Health Clinic," "Bat Bridge," and "Under the City" displays. Admission prices to the Austin Children's Museum, located at 201 Colorado St., are $4.50 per person and $2.50 for children under 2 years old. Contact the museum at (512) 472-2499 for information about its variable hours and free admission times.

French Legation Museum
The French Legation was built circa 1840 for Count Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, France's representative to the Republic of Texas. Members of the Dr. Joseph W. Robertson family resided in the house until 1949, when it became state property. The French Legation Museum, located at 802 San Marcos St., is the oldest intact structure in Austin. It has been restored and furnished to reflect the era of its original construction. The museum is open for tours Tuesdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call the French Legation Museum at (512) 472-8180 for its admission rates.

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center features photographs, oral histories, videos, artifacts, and archival materials. Exhibits focus on historical and contemporary contributions of the surrounding African-American community. The museum provides many services to the community, including a children's photography program that allows kid's to showcase their work. Admission to the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, which is located at 1165 Angelina St., is free. Visitors may contact the museum at (512) 472-4809 for information about its hours.

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
The Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, open Sundays through Wednesdays at variable hours, is a living history museum. Costumed interpreters, recreating prairie life in 1880s central Texas, work on the farms. Visitors can participate in activities like butter churning or watch demonstrations. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for children, $3 for groups, and $3 to $10 for special events. The Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms is located at 11418 Sprinkle Cut Off Road. Call the attraction at (512) 837-1215 for more information.

LBJ Library and Museum
Lyndon B. Johnson said the following about the LBJ museum: "I hope that visitors who come here will achieve a closer understanding of the presidency and that young people who come here will get a clearer comprehension of what this nation tried to do in an eventful period of its history." The museum's 1908 to 1973 exhibit details Lyndon Johnson's life and his place in history. Other highlights of the museum include a stunning "Gifts of State" exhibit, a "White House" exhibit, and "The First Lady's Gallery." The LBJ Library offers extensive research materials. The LBJ Library and Museum, located at 2313 Red River at the University of Texas, doesn't charge for admission. Call the museum at (512) 916-5136 for information about its hours.

O. Henry Museum
William Sidney Porter, also known as O. Henry, wrote 381 remarkable short stories before his death. Porter's writings, particularly his Texas stories, have influenced America's stereotypes of the West. The author's Victorian cottage, located at 409 E. Fifth St., displays furniture, silverware, china, and the author's writing desk. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. Call (512) 472-1903 for additional information.

Texas Memorial Museum
The Texas Memorial Museum, located at 2400 Trinity St., is part of the University of Texas campus. A skeleton of the largest flying creature ever discovered resides in this museum. This Pterosaur, over 65 million years old, has a 40-foot wingspan. The "Natural Wonders" exhibit, featuring rare gemstones and fossils, is another museum highlight. Call the Texas Memorial Museum, which charges no admission but accepts donations, at (512) 471-1604 for information about its hours.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, located at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and N. Congress Avenue, tells the story of Texas. Each of its three floors focuses on a particular aspect of the state's history. The exhibit themes are Land, Identity, and Opportunity. The museum also houses an IMAX theater with 2- and 3-D capabilities, and the multimedia special effects Texas Spirit Theater. Contact the museum at (866) 369-7168 for its varying admission prices and hours.

Women & Their Work Gallery
The Women & Their Work Gallery is a non-profit art organization that focuses on the cultural contributions of women. The organization also provides financial and technical support for artists. The Women & Their Work Gallery, which charges no admission fee, offers innovative performances and exhibitions to the public. The gallery, located at 1710 Lavaca St., is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Women & Their Work at (512) 477-1064 for additional information.

Historical

Bremond Block Historic District
The Bremond Block Historic District is roughly bounded by Guadalupe, San Antonio, Seventh, and Eighth streets. The houses of Bremond Block Historic District were residences for the Eugene Bremond family. The block features Greek Revival and late Victorian architecture. All the houses are great examples of ornate 19th-century homes. There is no charge to visit the historic district.

Governor's Mansion
Texas law requires a governor to live in the Governor's Mansion when visiting Austin. The magnificent mansion, built in 1856, is located at 1010 Colorado St. Free tours are offered at 20-minute intervals between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11:40 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Visitors should arrive early to insure that they get into a tour. Contact the Governor's Mansion at (512) 463-5516 for additional information.

Neill-Cochran Museum House
The Neill-Cochran Museum House, located at 2310 San Gabriel St., offered many uses throughout its existence. It served as Austin's first Blind Institute and as a hospital for Union prisoners during the Civil War. Today, the house features furnishings circa 1855 to 1878. The Neill-Cochran Museum House, which charges a $2 per person admission fee, is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours, lasting about 20 minutes, are available to visitors at no additional charge. Call the house at (512) 478 2335 for more information.

Paramount Theatre
The opulent Paramount Theatre was originally built in 1915, and underwent an extensive restoration in 1980. Past entertainers included Houdini and the Marx Brothers. Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and Billy Joel are a few contemporary artists that performed at the theatre, which is located at 713 Congress Ave. Paramount Theatre offers Broadway shows, local theatrical productions, celebrity performances, live acts, and old films. Contact the theatre at (512) 472-2901 for additional information or at (512)472-5470 for tickets.

Nature

City of Austin's Nature Preserves
Austin's nature preserves allow for peaceful retreats within the city. Blunn Creek, located at the 1100 block of St. Edwards, features 40 acres of wood and meadows traversed by water. Adventurers can tour the limestone caves found at Goat Cave, 3900 Deer Lane. Mayfield Park, located at 3505 W. 35th St., offers lily ponds, roaming peacocks, and trails. Zilker Preserve, located at Barton Springs Road and Loop 1, provides a cliff view of Austin. All parks are open from dawn until dusk, and admission is free. Contact the Austin Nature Center at (512) 327-8181 for information about tours in Goat Cave.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park
The Emma Long Metropolitan Park, located at 1600 City Park Road, is named after the first woman to sit on Austin's city council. The park, which runs one mile along the Austin River, has swimming areas, fishing, boat ramps, and docks. It also houses a 2.5-mile bike trail and a 6.5-mile motorcycle trail. Sixty-six campsites, 151 picnic tables, and 102 barbeque units are available at the park. Contact the park at (512) 346-1831 for hours and information about camping and parking fees.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center is one of the top attractions in Austin. It houses 178 acres of wildflowers for study and preservation. The center is most popular for its stunning display gardens, but it also has the largest research library for native plant study in the United States. Guests should not overlook the visitor complex and observation tower. Call The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at (512) 292-4100 for information about its hours and admission rates.

Westcave Preserve
Westcave Preserve is located approximately 45 minutes from downtown Austin. Tours leave on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Tours are limited to the first 30 visitors, and no reservations are accepted. Part of the tour requires that visitors hike one mile into a canyon. A view of a 40-foot waterfall, cave formations, and unique plant life make the walk worthwhile. Hikers will also notice a distinct temperature change in the canyon. Contact the Westcave Preserve at (830) 825-3442 for directions and additional information.

Zilker Park
Zilker Park is Austin's premier outdoor destination. Its 347 acres comprise Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature Preserves, Umlay Sculpture Garden and Museum, Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train (25-minute rides around the park), Philosophers' Rock, and the intensely popular Barton Springs (swimming). Various athletic fields and a Frisbee golf course also populate the park. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (512) 476-9044 for additional information.

Wineries

Fall Creek Vineyards
Fall Creek Vineyards, located at 1820 County Road 222 near Tow, is a 1.5-hour drive from Austin. It is most notable for its award-winning white wines. There is no admission charge to tour the state-of-the-art winery and taste its products. Vineyard guests can participate in many events throughout the year, including a grape stomp in late August. Call Fall Creek Vineyards at (915) 379-5361 for information about its hours.

Hill Country Cellars
Hill Country Cellars is a 20-minute drive from Austin. It is located at 1700 Hwy. 183 North in Cedar Park. The tasting room is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays through Sundays. The winery tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Hill Country Cellars also hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year. Contact the winery, which doesn't charge admission, at (512) 259-2000 for additional information.

Slaughter Leftwich Winery
The Slaughter Leftwich Winery is located at 4209 Eck Lane. The winery, the first to produce chardonnay in Texas' high-plains region, is situated in a native stone structure. It costs $3 for a tour and $3 per glass of wine. For a bargain, spend $5 for the tour and one glass of wine. Contact the winery at (512) 266-3331 for hours and wine availability.