From the historic landmarks to the thriving entertainment districts, there’s something for everyone in downtown Austin. No need to go south of the river! You could spend all weekend exploring these 10 unforgettable attractions in downtown Austin.
- Sholz Garten
Scholz Garten/Facebook As the oldest restaurant in Texas, Sholz Garten is a must-visit. Their unique Tex Mex/German fusion food will tickle your taste buds, and their delicious beer will quench your thirst. Visit Sholz Garten at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
- The O. Henry Museum
Daderot/Wikimedia Commons This cozy museum at 409 E 5th St celebrates the life of William Sydney Porter. This prolific writer is widely known under his pen name, O. Henry. Porter rented this stone cottage in the late 1800s, and it became a museum in 1934. It’s also the sight of the annual “O. Henry Pun Off’ competition.
- Antone’s Nightclub
Carol I./Yelp Antone’s Nightclub was a leading force for the live music scene in the late 70s. BB King, Muddy Waters, and Ray Charles all performed at its original location over 40 years ago. Antone’s has moved several times throughout the years, but it now makes its home at 305 E. 5th St.
- The Texas State Capitol
Stuart Seeger/Flickr Perhaps the biggest attraction of them all, the Texas State Capitol sits at the end of South Congress Avenue. Built in 1886, this building is truly a testament to Texas pride.
- ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Alexis B./Yelp The Moody Theater sits at 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, and it’s home to the longest running music television show in history. Attending an ACL Live taping is always at the top of an Austinite’s bucket list. The acoustics bounce from the stage, and there really is no bad seat in the house.
- Dirty Sixth Street
Steve/Flickr There are more liquor licenses on this street than anywhere else in the U.S, so you can bet there’s always a party happening on Dirty Sixth.
- The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill/Facebook The Driskill Hotel, located at the end of Dirty Sixth Street, is pure luxury. Built in 1886, The Driskill is draped in beauty, history, and hauntings. Yes, in addition to its supreme decor, The Driskill Hotel is one of the most haunted places in America. See for yourself at 604 Brazos St.
- Rainey Street
Steve/Flickr Rainey Street is the perfect alternative for those trying to avoid the revelrous crowds on Dirty Sixth. Rainey Street is home to several homes-turned-bars, and there’s music everywhere you turn.
- Toy Joy
Toy Joy/Facebook Toy Joy, located at 403 W 2nd St, is not just for children. Toy Joy has everything from vintage action figures to modern board games. This whimsical store will make your heart flutter and your excitement accelerate.
- The Red River District
Conor S./Yelp Located on the 600-900 blocks of Red River Street, this entertainment district is home to some of the best venues in the city. This is where all of Austin’s fresh rock bands develop their following before hitting it big. You’re sure to discover some amazing musicians playing along The Red River District.
What’s your favorite thing to do in downtown Austin?
Scholz Garten/Facebook
As the oldest restaurant in Texas, Sholz Garten is a must-visit. Their unique Tex Mex/German fusion food will tickle your taste buds, and their delicious beer will quench your thirst. Visit Sholz Garten at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
Daderot/Wikimedia Commons
This cozy museum at 409 E 5th St celebrates the life of William Sydney Porter. This prolific writer is widely known under his pen name, O. Henry. Porter rented this stone cottage in the late 1800s, and it became a museum in 1934. It’s also the sight of the annual “O. Henry Pun Off’ competition.
Carol I./Yelp
Antone’s Nightclub was a leading force for the live music scene in the late 70s. BB King, Muddy Waters, and Ray Charles all performed at its original location over 40 years ago. Antone’s has moved several times throughout the years, but it now makes its home at 305 E. 5th St.
Stuart Seeger/Flickr
Perhaps the biggest attraction of them all, the Texas State Capitol sits at the end of South Congress Avenue. Built in 1886, this building is truly a testament to Texas pride.
Alexis B./Yelp
The Moody Theater sits at 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, and it’s home to the longest running music television show in history. Attending an ACL Live taping is always at the top of an Austinite’s bucket list. The acoustics bounce from the stage, and there really is no bad seat in the house.
Steve/Flickr
There are more liquor licenses on this street than anywhere else in the U.S, so you can bet there’s always a party happening on Dirty Sixth.
The Driskill/Facebook
The Driskill Hotel, located at the end of Dirty Sixth Street, is pure luxury. Built in 1886, The Driskill is draped in beauty, history, and hauntings. Yes, in addition to its supreme decor, The Driskill Hotel is one of the most haunted places in America. See for yourself at 604 Brazos St.
Rainey Street is the perfect alternative for those trying to avoid the revelrous crowds on Dirty Sixth. Rainey Street is home to several homes-turned-bars, and there’s music everywhere you turn.
Toy Joy/Facebook
Toy Joy, located at 403 W 2nd St, is not just for children. Toy Joy has everything from vintage action figures to modern board games. This whimsical store will make your heart flutter and your excitement accelerate.
Conor S./Yelp
Located on the 600-900 blocks of Red River Street, this entertainment district is home to some of the best venues in the city. This is where all of Austin’s fresh rock bands develop their following before hitting it big. You’re sure to discover some amazing musicians playing along The Red River District.
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