Visit the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. This preserve is on the east side of Loop 360 a few miles north of Bee Caves Rd. Guided tours are available to take visitors through the scenic hills and canyons.

Take a ride on the Austin Steam Train. Take the Hill Country Flyer 66 miles through the Hill Country from Cedar Park to Burnet.

Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens in Zilker Park. Open normally from 7:00 AM until 5:30 PM, the 30 acres is home to theme gardens, streams and Koi ponds. Just minutes from downtown Austin, the Zilker Botanical Gardens are very easy to get to.

Visit the Whole Foods in downtown. Many people know that Whole Foods started in Austin and is headquartered in Austin. Many people love visiting the downtown store when here even if they have been in a Whole Foods somewhere else.

Visit the Bull Creek Greenbelt. This is a great place in northwest Austin to hike along Bull Creek. A series of falls and pools makes it a great place to cool off as well.

Take a University of Texas campus tour. Visitors can take a nighttime, guided tour and learn about the campus of this great Texas institution. A map is available for self-guided tours as well.

Visit the Live Oak Brewing Company. This place uses old world brewing techniques practiced extensively throughout Germany and the Czech Republic. You will not find this in many breweries in the States.

Take a cruise in downtown Austin with Capital Cruises. There are lunch and dinner cruises and evening cruises to view the 1.5 million bats leaving the Congress Street Bridge.

Visit Hamilton Pool Preserve. This is a great place in western Travis County. The trail takes visitors into the valley where the pool with the 50 foot waterfall is. Visitors can also hike in the other direction down to the Pedernales River.

Take a University of Texas Tower tour. Observation deck tours in this 307 foot high structure are by reservation only, but visitors get tremendous view of Austin in all directions.

Tour the O. Henry House Museum. The famous short story writer lived in the home that is now a museum for 3 years while in Austin. In the museum are rare books, old photos and original furniture.

The Lone Star River Boat also provides opportunities for Austin visitors to cruise on Lady Bird Lake.

Written by Austin real estate, Sam Chapman. If you are planning a trip to Austin and need a place to stay, check out Austin hotels.