Austin, Texas has thriving art and music community. The city is full of history and the streets are alive with music and festivals. There is so much to do in Austin and if that in not enough then you can take hundreds of different day trips that are equally informative and exciting, Austin offers travelers a chance to experience some of the best attractions that Central Texas offers.

Downtown Austin

Austin day trips of the downtown area will showcase much of what makes Austin unique. Start at the Capitol building and tour be sure to check out the structure itself; it is one of the largest and most elaborate city Capitol buildings in the country. From the Capitol building, walk to the nearby governor’s mansion and the Texas State History Museum. Continuing your walking tour, you can head to Town Lake and Barton Springs Pool. Near Town Lake is a well-kept trail for hikers, bikers and runners, where you can take a stroll or just hang out in the park. Meals are easily found on your Austin tour of the downtown area, as some excellent restaurants can be found there.

University of Texas

It may sound odd to take a tour of a University campus, but the University of Texas is more than a major university in Austin. It is also the site of much of the city’s history and home to some excellent museums and art work. Austin day trips through the university campus can include trips to the LBJ Library and Museum (the first presidential library to be built on a university campus), the Performing Arts Center, the Texas Memorial Stadium, the Texas Memorial Museum, the Littlefield Memorial Fountain and the Harry Ransom Center. Many of these buildings and memorials are full of history and well worth touring. Bring along a picnic lunch or plan to eat campus food at one of the university cafes.

Day Trips from Austin Texas

Picking just one of the many alluring day trips from Austin Texas can be difficult. The city is surrounded by interesting wildlife and geography on all sides. Austin day trips in the right season can include a trip along the Bluebonnet Trail. The Bluebonnet Trail is a favorite Austin tour and a gorgeous look at some of the most striking wildflowers in Texas. Between March and April, scores of colorful wildflowers, most prominently the Texas bluebonnet, are in full bloom and draw thousands of visitors each year. The main trail, known as the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail, starts in Austin and goes north from there.

Austin Zoo

Although the Austin Zoo is on the small side, it can still be a great way to spend a day or an afternoon. Families in particular will enjoy strolling through the zoo, and children will love the way it is easy to get close to the animals themselves.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a favorite spot among both locals and visitors. In addition to more than 170 acres of wildflower fields, the Center features a number of display gardens. Butterflies abound in the summer, as many flowers are planted specifically to attract them.

Zilker Park

If you still haven't had your fill of parks, check out Zilker Park. More than 300 acres comprise this park, and the area is truly magnificent. From the Barton Springs Pool and extensive botanical garden to the Austin Nature Preserves, this is a favorite attraction in Austin for a reason.

So, whether your Austin day trips take you through the city, around the city or both, travelers will find that there are endless options when planning a great day trip through or in Austin. Texas is also widely known for the birds, bats and other interesting wildlife existing within the city limits, so as you tour the city keep an eye out for these interesting creatures.