Each evening around sunset the Congress Avenue bats emerge like a black cloud from the crevices of the bridge, covering the area in search of food. You can view them for free by standing on the bridge and also in a bat viewing area located on the southeast corner of Congress Bridge and Lady Bird Lake. You can also take a river boat cruise. More information is available here: https://www.austincityguide.com/listings/congress-bridge-bats

Taller than the US Capitol, the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Austin and a favorite spot for the locals as well. The Texas State Capitol looks South down Congress Avenue. 11th Street runs East-West past the front gates. Colorado and San Jacinto Streets border it to the West and East. Grounds are free and tour information is available here: https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc/capitol.html

The Bullock Texas State History Museum includes three floors of exhibitions and displays original historical artifacts and produces dynamic exhibitions that illuminate and celebrate Texas history and culture. Named for the state's 38th Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, the Museum's iconic building is located in downtown Austin, three blocks north of the Capitol. https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tshm/tshm/tshm.html

One of the foremost university art museums in the country and holds the largest public collection in Central Texas. https://blantonmuseum.org/

Promotes the growth and appreciation of contemporary art and artists in Texas. https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/

Entirely outdoors, this stunning lakeside sculpture park is housed along a walking path that leads visitors through an alluring circuit of contemporary art.https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/

Located in East Austin, one of the city's historically Black neighborhoods. The museum’s mission is to celebrate and honor the global contributions of Black people to Texas and the world. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/george-washington-carver-museum-cultural-and-genealogy-center

Located in South West Austin across from the Velloway, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the state botanical garden and arboretum of Texas. The center features more than 900 species of native Texas plants in both garden and natural settings and is home to a breadth of educational programs and events. https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/lady-bird-johnson-wildflower-center/

Celebrating traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latin and Latin-American art. https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/visiting-mexic-arte-museum/

This living history museum is located in North Austin, and offers seven themed historic areas with educational experiences for any age. Explore Texas history in real time as you venture across their site of over 90 beautiful, wooded acres. https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/pioneer-farms/

The UMLAUF offers all visitors the unique experience of interacting with world-class art in a serene, natural setting, adjacent to popular destinations like Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park. https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/umlauf-gardens/

The LBJ Presidential Library, is the presidential library and museum of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. https://www.lbjlibrary.org/

Walk or grab an e-bike or scooter and enjoy a tour of some of Austin’s iconic murals.

Downtown - curated by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation as part of Writing on the Walls to help you experience a collection of inspirational and iconic murals in and around downtown Austin. https://downtownaustin.com/explore/downtown-mural-map/

East Austin - This Austin Biking Adventure was originally developed for the Smart Trips Austin SmartTripsAustin.org program, which served residents of the 78702 and 78722 neighborhoods in 2018. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Transportation/ST_DIY_Bike_Maps_2-11-2019_Mural_Tour.pdf

The Dougherty Arts Center's Art Is Everywhere Map is your complete interactive guide to art you can enjoy all over the city of Austin. From hidden gems to public art installations, from sculptures to street art, this map has everything you need to enjoy the free art that exists all over Austin. https://sites.google.com/view/artiseverywheremap/home