State Capitol

Standing stoically in the heart of central Austin is Texas' legislative center, the State Capitol. Constructed in 1888, this pink-granite landmark occupies three acres and stands a mere (yet significant) seven feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. One TripAdvisor user describes the State Capitol as "one of the most beautiful and interesting government buildings I've visited."

Visitors to the State Capitol are welcome to explore the building and the grounds on their own using the self-guided tour pamphlets provided by the Capitol Visitors Center, or they tag along on a free guided tour, which generally last between 30 and 45 minutes. Tours are offered daily. For more information, check out the State Capitol website.