Explore the Majestic Texas Capitol: A Historic Gem in Austin
Discover the historic Texas Capitol, a stunning architectural wonder in Austin, rich with history and vibrant gardens, perfect for every tourist's itinerary.
A brief summary to Texas Capitol
- 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, Downtown Austin, Texas, 78701, US
- +1512-463-4630
The Texas Capitol stands proudly in the heart of Austin, embodying the spirit and history of the Lone Star State. As one of the largest state capitols in the United States, this architectural marvel is renowned for its stunning Renaissance Revival design, complete with a distinctive pink granite façade. Visitors are often awed by the sheer scale of the building, which towers impressively over its surroundings, making it a prominent feature in the Austin skyline. Inside, the Capitol is just as magnificent, offering guided tours that delve into the rich history of Texas's government and its people. Tourists can wander through the grand halls adorned with historic portraits and artifacts, each telling a story of Texas's past. The rotunda, with its breathtaking dome and intricate murals, is a highlight not to be missed. The Capitol grounds themselves are beautifully landscaped, featuring monuments and sculptures that reflect Texas's diverse heritage. Whether you're exploring the architecture, learning about the legislative process, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the grounds, the Texas Capitol serves as a welcoming hub for tourists. Its strategic location in downtown Austin also means that visitors can easily access nearby attractions, dining, and shopping, making it an ideal starting point for your exploration of the city.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
- Don't miss the free guided tours available throughout the day for a deeper understanding of the Capitol's history.
- Check the schedule for special events or legislative sessions that may be happening during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking both inside and outside.
- Bring your camera; the architecture and grounds provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Getting There
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Public Bus
If you are near the UT Austin campus, you can catch MetroBus Route 1 from the bus stop at 21st St & Guadalupe St. Take the bus towards the 'South Congress' direction. The bus will take you directly along Congress Ave. Get off at the stop at 11th St & Congress Ave, which is just a block away from the Texas Capitol. From there, walk north on Congress Ave, and you will see the Capitol building at 1100 Congress Ave.
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Bicycle
Austin has a bike-sharing program called 'BCycle'. You can rent a bike from any BCycle station. If you are near the university or downtown, head south on Guadalupe St until you reach 11th St. Turn right onto 11th St and bike east towards Congress Ave. Turn left on Congress Ave and bike north for a few blocks until you reach the Texas Capitol at 1100 Congress Ave. There are bike racks available near the entrance.
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Walking
If you are in downtown Austin, you can easily walk to the Texas Capitol. Start by heading south on any main street towards 11th St. Once you reach 11th St, turn left and walk east until you reach Congress Ave. Turn right on Congress Ave and continue walking south until you arrive at the Texas Capitol at 1100 Congress Ave. The Capitol building is large and hard to miss!
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Ride-Sharing Service
You can use ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft. Open the app and set your destination to 'Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX'. The driver will pick you up from your current location, and you will be dropped off right in front of the Capitol building. Make sure to check for any drop-off zones that may be designated for ride-sharing services.
Attractions Nearby to Texas Capitol
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Texas Governor's Mansion
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Waterloo Park
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Bullock Texas State History Museum
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The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
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Blanton Museum of Art
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Museum of the Weird
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Mexic-Arte Museum
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O. Henry Museum
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Brush Square (O. Henry Museum)
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Republic Square
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Littlefield Fountain
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Texas Toy Museum and Arcade
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Austin Visitor Center
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French Legation State Historic Site
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The Original and Locally Owned Austin Ghost Tours and Investigations
Landmarks nearby to Texas Capitol
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Terry's Texas Rangers Monument
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Volunteer Firemen Monument
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Ten Commandments Monument
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Hood's Confederate Texas Brigade Monument
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Texas African American History Memorial
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The Price of Liberty
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Gold Star Mothers Memorial
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Old Bakery and Emporium
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Moonlight Tower - W. 15th St. and San Antonio St
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SEYMOUR LIPTON, CATACOMBS - sculpture, UT Landmarks
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Moonlight Tower - 12th/Rio Grande
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Space cowboy mural
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John Bremond House
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RAOUL HAGUE, BIG INDIAN MOUNTAIN - sculpture, UT Landmarks
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Robinson-Macken House