CRC Symposium: Sightseeing in Austin
If you’re joining us in Austin, Texas, for the 2017 CRC Symposium, why not extend your stay and check out everything the city has to offer? We’ve already covered dining (especially barbecue) and nightlife in Austin, but don’t miss the sights that make it a one-of-a-kind city. Explore some of the historical, natural, and weird spots that give Austin its unique character.
Cathedral of Junk
4422 Lareina Drive (Approx. 15 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
www.facebook.com/cathedral.of.junk
Description: Austin prides itself as a weird city and there’s no better example than the Cathedral of Junk. The cathedral and its 30-foot tower are constructed entirely out of found objects. The cathedral is located in the backyard of a quiet residential home and doesn’t have official hours of operation so call the homeowner/artist to make an appointment (512-299-7413).
Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
Congress Avenue (Approx. 3 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Right before sunset, thousands of bats emerge from the gaps in the bridge to hunt for the night. To catch this spectacle, find a spot to stand on the sidewalk along the bridge or head over to Austin-American Statesman Park.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery
1100 Baylor Street (Approx. 7 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
http://hopecampaign.org/hopeprojects/hope-outdoor-gallery/
Description: Visit this unique art park featuring works by street artists and muralists. If you’re feeling artistic and want to get in on the action, register in advance with the non-profit Hope Campaign.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue (Approx. 20 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: Spend your day exploring this internationally recognized 279-acre botanical garden featuring more than 800 species of plants and 100 species of trees native to Texas.
LBJ Presidential Library
2313 Red River Street (Approx. 20 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: History buffs should take time to visit the library and museum dedicated to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. Check out the life-sized animatronic President Johnson, which tells stories and jokes.
Mount Bonnell
3800 Mt. Bonnell Road (Approx. 15 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
www.austinparks.org/parks/mount-bonnell/
Description: This popular tourist attraction provides a great view of the city’s skyline and Lake Austin from the highest point in the city, 775 feet above sea level. To reach the pavilion at top, you can either hike along a trail or climb the stairs.
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue (Approx. 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency)
www.doingthestreets.com/southcongress
Description: Take a stroll through this neighborhood filled with quirky shops, art galleries, and restaurants. For live music and great food, stop by the block party held on the first Thursday of the month where local artists and small business owners set up booths along the street.
Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Avenue (Approx. 7 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: Recognized as a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Texas State Capitol sits on 22 acres of grounds featuring numerous statues and monuments.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
605 Robert E. Lee Road (Approx. 7 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: This 4-acre museum and outdoor garden features dozens of stone and bronze statues by American sculptor Charles Umlauf.
University of Texas at Austin
110 Inner Campus Drive (Approx. 20 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: Take a stroll around the massive campus of the University of Austin at your own leisure, join a regularly schedule guided tours, or reserve a ticket to visit the observation deck at the top of the 300-foot tower located in the center of campus. And try to check out any of the university's seven museums and 17 libraries.
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road (Approx. 7 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency)
Description: This system of interconnected themed gardens provides a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Come explore 26 acres of flowers, plants, ponds, streams, and waterfalls.