Texas State Capitol Tours

Texas State Capitol showing a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Austin which includes heritage architecture
Austin showing heritage architecture
Austin featuring a statue or sculpture
Texas State Capitol which includes heritage elements and interior views as well as a small group of people


An architectural marvel that rivals anything you might see in the great cities of Europe.

The Texas State Capitol building houses the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas. The structure is an example of 15th-century Italian Renaissance-style architecture, with a cylindrical granite dome and many large granite columns.

At first glance, the Texas State Capitol looks quite similar to the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. In fact, it's 15 feet (4.5 meters) higher than its D.C. counterpart, and is the largest state capitol in the country when including overall land size. It was built mainly by convicts and immigrants in the late 1880s, and paid for with land grants of around 3 million acres (more than 1 million hectares). It has been the center of power in Texas ever since. The building is significant for its striking beauty and grand presence. Views of the capitol from various vantage points around the city are protected by state law. Tall buildings cannot block the line of sight to the capitol.

Take a free tour of the building to get a view inside as well as some fascinating historical background. Tours run every 45 minutes, seven days a week, and begin in the Capitol South Foyer. Pick up a brochure from the information and guide service desk, on the first floor of the Capitol building. You can also take a self-guided tour of the surrounding 22 acres (nine hectares) of beautifully manicured grounds. There are historic monuments dotted throughout the gardens.

The Texas State Capitol building is located in downtown Austin, four blocks south of the University of Texas. Admission to the building is free. Food is not readily available on site, so bring a packed lunch or picnic basket and find a quiet spot in the gardens.

Plan a trip to see Texas State Capitol

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Posh & Serene 2BR w Private Patio
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel
South Congress Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Texas State Capitol

citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
citizenM Austin Downtown
Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Omni Austin Hotel
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Aloft Austin Downtown

Aloft Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
109 E 7th St, Austin, TX
Aloft Austin Downtown
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

2.5 out of 5
805 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
211 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown

3 out of 5
300 E 11th St, Austin, TX
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel

Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel

4 out of 5
701 E 11th Street, Austin, TX
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel
Element Austin Downtown

Element Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
109 East 7th St, Austin, TX
Element Austin Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Texas State Capitol

When visiting the Texas State Capitol in Austin, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with live music, local festivals, and captivating theater performances. Explore various venue options for events, consider comfortable bus tours around the area, and don't miss the informative guided tours of the Capitol itself. Scene tours can also enhance your experience, showcasing the rich history and culture of Texas.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Barton Square Mall, located 4 miles from the Texas State Capitol, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family and entertainment vibes. Closer to the Capitol, Wild About Music (0.4 miles away) is perfect for unique souvenirs, while Southwood Center (4 miles away) combines city and business atmospheres.

Recreation

Zilker Park, located 2 miles from the Texas State Capitol, offers lush green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities. Nearby, the Barton Springs Pool invites families for refreshing swims in a natural setting. For music lovers, Austin City Limits, also 2 miles away, provides vibrant entertainment amidst a lively atmosphere.

Adventure

Embark on the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail, located 2 miles from the Texas State Capitol, offering scenic views and outdoor adventure. For tennis enthusiasts, the Texas Tennis Center is a thrilling spot, only 0.9 mile away, while Caswell Tennis Center, 1 mile away, promises more exciting matches.

Nightlife

In Austin, the Moody Theater, just 0.8 miles from the Capitol, offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment. The nearby Paramount Theatre, 0.4 miles away, captures the charm of live performances. Bass Concert Hall, located 0.9 miles from the Capitol, completes the city's lively nightlife scene.

Find the best attractions near Texas State Capitol

When visiting the Texas State Capitol in Austin, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the historic Texas Capitol building, check out local museums, and stroll along the vibrant streets. With options for families and history enthusiasts alike, there's plenty to discover in and around the Texas State Capitol. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and lively atmosphere of this iconic location.

  • University of Texas at Austin: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this prestigious university, located 0.8 miles from the Texas State Capitol. Explore its stunning architecture, expansive campus, and engaging art installations, all while enjoying the lively college town vibe.
  • Sixth Street: Experience the heart of Austin's nightlife on Sixth Street, just 0.7 miles from the Capitol. This iconic street is famous for its live music venues, eclectic bars, and unique shops, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak in the city’s energetic culture.
  • Austin Convention Center: Situated 0.8 miles away, the Austin Convention Center is a hub for business and events. While primarily a professional venue, its modern design and surrounding amenities offer a glimpse into Austin's thriving business community and the dynamic events it hosts.

Best time to go to Texas State Capitol

Visitor numbers around Texas State Capitol is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Texas State Capitol can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Texas State Capitol falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Texas State Capitol falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July85.1°F (29.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Texas State Capitol

To save money on your visit to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, plan your trip during the off-peak months of August or December to January, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Enjoy free entry to the Capitol and consider using Expedia to compare hotel rates and book packages that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Look for eco-certified hotels to support sustainability while saving costs. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Texas State Capitol are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Texas State Capitol is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Texas State Capitol is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Texas State Capitol with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.