Things to do in Travis County

A wonderful insight into student and varsity life awaits at the University of Texas at Austin. Founded in 1883 as a one-building institute, today it boasts 19 colleges spread across a 433-acre (175-hectare) campus. Singer-songwriter Janis Joplin and NBA basketball star Kevin Durant are among its esteemed alumni.

Escape to Lake Travis for a getaway filled with adventure, relaxation and awe-inspiring scenery. This vast reservoir of the Colorado River spans more than 60 miles (100 kilometers), providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Come to Sixth Street for an unforgettable night on the town, Texas-style. Stretching between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35, this seven-block area is affectionately called “Dirty Sixth.” Eat, drink and be merry alongside locals and tourists in Austin’s premier entertainment district.

Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s main recreational park and is located directly across Lady Bird Lake from downtown. There are enough activities here to entertain you and your family for a whole day.

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made lake and a point of pride for locals. It covers 470 acres (190 hectares) in the center of Austin, dividing the city evenly. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake (with the exception of electric motors under 5 horse power), so it's the perfect spot to canoe or kayak. Fishing is also popular, with an impressive population of largemouth bass, as well as redbreast sunfish and carp. There is a limit on the amount of fish you can catch and keep per day. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for details.

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.