Just because we can’t travel in person right now, doesn’t mean we can take a virtual trip and experience our favorite Austin attractions from the comfort of our homes! Check out these virtual tours and 360-degree videos of Austin museums, attractions and iconic landmarks to help ease your current bout of travel fever.
Austin Visitor Center
The Austin Visitor Center is currently offering an outdoor pop-up to provide visitors with guides and information. Plus, the staff is still available via phone and email to help answer any questions about future travel to Austin. You can also shop the online store, full of unique Austin- and Texas-made gifts for everyone.
The African American Cultural Center & Dedrick Hamilton House
Located in the African American Cultural Heritage District of East Austin, the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility facilitates arts, business, cultural and entertainment programming. Next door, the historic Dedrick Hamilton House was built about 1880 and owned by Thomas Dedrick, one of the first freed slaves in Travis County. The home,, was in one of the earliest African American communities in East Austin. The fully restored historic house now serves as an African American Visitors Center and retail shop.
Austin Central Library
Austin’s Central Library reflects the city’s vibrant culture and unique soul. The space reflects natural characteristics of the Hill Country, bringing in mesquite and oak woods, a rooftop garden and picturesque views of Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Bake from every angle. Programming is diverse and accessible to locals and visitors alike, from cooking demos and family-friendly activities to a gift shop and literary-themed cafe and bar.
Austin Nature & Science Center
The Austin Nature and Science Center is an award-winning complex located in Zilker Park. The most popular exhibit is the Dino Pit, an outdoor paleontology exhibit that allows children to become paleontologists for the day and dig up fossils hidden in the sand. The center also hosts countless workshops and even has a nature preserve and a mammal walkway, from which you can watch live animals such as prairie dogs, foxes, and bobcats
Austin Zoo
Located southwest of the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, the Austin Zoo is a family-friendly adventure. Open year-round, the animal sanctuary and rescue houses more than 300 animals of 100 different species. Featuring a feeding area, a train ride and regular educational demonstrations, kids and adults alike will enjoy this virtual visit to the Austin Zoo.
Barton Springs Pool
Combine great swimming with people watching at the historic Barton Springs Pool, just minutes from downtown Austin. Located in the heart of the 360-acre Zilker Park, this swimmer’s paradise features clear water fed from underground springs that stays a refreshing 68 degrees year ‘round, along with grassy hills for sunbathing. The Springs serves as home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, and is listed as a federally protected habitat. Adjacent to the pool bathhouse is Splash!, an educational exhibit where patrons can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer which feeds it.
Blanton Museum of Art
There's so much to explore during a visit to the Blanton Museum of Art on the University of Texas at Austin campus. With nearly 18,000 works ranging from Greek pottery to Latin American modern art, you can spend the entire day at the museum and want to come back for more! If you don’t have all day to meander through the museum halls, take this quick virtual tour to get a taste of the space.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Located a block north of the Capitol, anyone interested in immersing themselves in Texas culture and history should check out the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Within the museum, each floor is geared to walk you through the history and story of the state, from the cultures who developed the area, colonizing battles and how the identity of Texas was built, to more modern history, and understanding how the state functions within the nation.
The Caswell House
In Austin’s early days, prominent families resided in the Judge’s Hill Neighborhood, northwest of Capitol Hill, in homes dating from 1850s to the 1900s. Today, 1899 Victorian Mansion, the Daniel H. Caswell House, hosts weddings, events and tours.
Cathedral of Junk
Invisible from the street, the Cathedral of Junk is one of Austin’s greatest oddities. Located on a quiet suburban street, the cathedral was founded in 1988 and is now a testament to both creativity and junk. From CD string lights to rooms dedicated to a specific color to the very structure itself, which is three stories and composed entirely of junk, there is something to see in every direction. Visit the Cathedral from home with this quick virtual tour.
The Contemporary Austin
Take a virtual visit to The Contemporary Austin at the Jones Center to view modern art in a renovated historic building. You can also explore its sister museum, The Contemporary Austin-Laguna Gloria, nestled on the Lake Austin waterfront. Formerly a private estate, the Mediterranean-style villa features rotating art exhibits and an outdoor sculpture park.
Elisabet Ney Museum
In 1892, Elisabet Ney, a German classically-trained sculptor, moved to Austin and built “Formosa,” a remarkable Neoclassical and Gothic Revival studio. Two famous pieces – statues of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, now in the south foyer of the Texas State Capitol – were created here. Today, the Hyde Park museum is dedicated to her art and legacy and houses the largest collection of her work in the world.
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC)
Opened in 2007, The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center was created to preserve, create, present and promote the art of Mexican Americans and other Latino cultures. The center offers two galleries and two theaters, featuring work from local, regional and national Latino and Latina artists.
Harry Ransom Center
The Harry Ransom Center is one of the top humanities research libraries and museums in the country, and the collections range from performing arts and photography to film, art and literature. Located on the University of Texas campus, the Ransom Center houses such artifacts as the First Photograph, a Gutenberg Bible and more.
Huston-Tillotson University
Chartered 1877 and opened 1881, this historic African American university is two years older than Austin's best known school, the University of Texas. Samuel Huston College merged with Tillotson College in 1952 to form Huston-Tillotson University. The Ira Evans Hall and the Anthony and Louise Viaer Alumni Hall are both listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Take a virtual campus tour today!
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Located in northeast Austin, Pioneer Farms six historic areas for families to explore, from the 1840s through the 1890s. Take the kids back in time at four different farmsteads, a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a rural village and more.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Head over (virtually) to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin to explore the beautiful botanic garden featuring various native plants. They have programs for adults and the youth to learn about the conservation of nature and experience the beauty of the outdoors.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Founded in 1984 by artists Sylvia Orozco, Sam Coronado and Pio Pulido, the Mexic-Arte Museum brings the art and culture of Mexico to Texas. Located on Congress Avenue, the museum hosts innovative and vibrant exhibitions dedicated to cultural enrichment and education. Hit up the museum store for cool collectibles like Frida trinkets and Día de los Muertos stickers.
Neill-Cochran House Museum
Immerse yourself in Greek Revival architecture and life during Austin’s 19th century. Located near the campus of The University of Texas, the Neill-Cochran House Museum is one of few Antebellum buildings open to the public in Austin. The museum showcases the city's cultural, economic and architectural transformation from 1855 to present day. Plus, discover kid-friendly virtual events and activities online.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
An Austin mini-golf tradition since 1946, players are in for a treat with a variety of characters, obstacles and surprises. And while you can’t be here in person, take a peek around the iconic Barton Springs Road locale. Plus, prepare for your next visit by purchasing game tickets and merchandise at their online store.
Springdale Farm
Feeling trapped inside? Tour the east Austin urban farm from home. Springdale Farm is still offering $20 and $30 bags of produce for pickup Wednesdays-Saturdays, along with tomato transplants. 1-2 people are allowed in the farm stand at a time and they are accepting cash, checks or Venmo payments. The farm is happy to work with those in need and can offer special prices for non-profit organizations or shelters.
Stateside at the Paramount
Built in 1935, Stateside is one of Austin’s historic venues located adjacent to the Paramount Theater. Both visually stunning moviehouses host films, live performances and events. The State also serves concessions like popcorn & candy plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
