As one of Austin's finest attractions, Barton Springs Pool is the perfect outing for those hot Texas days-or even the cool ones. Maintaining a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit year 'round, you will enjoy a 100-percent natural swimming experience with no chlorine. The grassy hillsides and moss-covered rocks are perfect for sunbathing. Diving boards, concession stands and restroom facilities are also available. When the kids get tired of the water, enjoy the playscape to complete the afternoon. Lifeguards are on duty. You are encouraged to call ahead; the pool occasionally closes.

Patrons will enjoy a huge variety of activities at Zilker Park. You can check out the hike and bike trails, picnic facilities, Zilker Botanical Garden, canoe rentals, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, riverboat rides on Town Lake, concerts, festivals and even a miniature train. The wide-open stretches of grass in this park are just minutes from the downtown area. There is plenty of room and various diversions for the kids, so you can get a suntan, take long walks by the river or just curl up with a book down by the river.

As the first neighborhood museum in the state dedicated to African American history and culture, this 1926 structure houses various forms of art. The library was once Austin's main library and received a Texas State Historical Marker in 1976. The museum is named in honor of Dr. George Washington Carver, a black slave who went on to graduate from college in 1894. The museum exhibits a fantastic collection, as well as changing exhibits of black history and culture in Austin and Travis County.

Centrally located in downtown Austin, this museum features works that have a connection to Mexico and Latin America. Exhibits range from art to theater. The permanent collection includes artifacts and photographs relating to Mexican-American culture. Recent exhibits include photographs from the 1910 Mexican Revolution and other works by Mexican artists. Guest artists and performers tackle contemporary issues such as ethnicity, religion and politics. A small gift shop carrying books, artwork and handmade imports is located near the entrance.

Charles Umlauf (1911-1994), one of the more famous Austin artists, was a very prolific sculptor. This museum displays many of his works in a fantastic garden spot located close to Zilker Park and just minutes from downtown. His sculptures range from realism to abstraction and include families, religious figures, animals and mythological characters.

One of the first streets surveyed in Austin, Sixth was originally known as Pecan Street. During the day, shops, restaurants and historic buildings are the main attraction, but by night, the street becomes festive with live music, shows and special events. On Friday and Saturday nights, the blocks are closed to automobile traffic for an all-out street party. Stop by for a beer or a show, or just enjoy watching the eclectic nightlife of Austin. After the bars close at 2a, this can be a dangerous place to hang out alone.

For an enjoyable afternoon, take a scenic journey on this Central Texas vintage steam train. Traveling deep through the Hill Country, this excursion is a must-see for any train buff. Wander through small Texas towns and view the beauty of an era gone by, all while enjoying a relaxing trip in an old-time rail car. Visit the Web site for a schedule of departure times. Prices vary based on seating.

Escape from the 21st Century and journey back into the Great West aboard the Hill Country Flyer, a vintage passenger train making day-trip excursions every weekend year-round. Departing from Cedar Park, only 20 miles north of downtown Austin, each train ride offers 1920s coach cars for families on a budget and 1950s Pullman lounge cars for leisure travelers. Special excursion trains throughout the year include storybook specials for children, mystery dinner trains for adults, and holiday rides to local festivals along the train route. The vintage train is operated by the dedicated volunteers from the Austin Steam Train Association, a community-based non-profit organization.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center was established by Lady Bird Johnson, this fabulous garden brims with native Texas plants in courtyards, terraces, arbors and meadows. Along with a fantastic children's center, enjoy a visitors gallery, observation tower, café, gift store and nature trails. Take a break to enjoy award-winning architecture and fabulous scenery in this wonderful garden spot. Tours by appointment.

According to legend, Stephen F. Austin and local Native Americans signed peace treaties at this site, featuring the last of the Council Oaks. In 1991, the tree was poisoned, and a large section died. Support from the community brought an outpouring of gifts and experts to help save North America's most perfect tree specimen. But even with only one-third of the massive tree surviving, it is still a fantastic living statue to Texas history.