Fodor's Expert Review Texas State Capitol
Downtown with Sixth Street and Rainey Street
Government Building
Fodor's Choice
Built in 1888 of Texas pink granite, this impressive structure is even taller than the U.S. Capitol (yes, everything is bigger in Texas). The building dominates downtown Austin, and the surrounding grounds are nearly as striking. Stand in the center of the star on the ground floor under the rotunda and look up, up, up into the dome—it's a Texas rite of passage. Catch one of the free historical tours, offered 9:30–4 on weekdays and 12:30–4 on weekends. You can also go on a self-guided tour of the building and its grounds.
