Texas State Capitol Tours and Activities

Texas State Capitol
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An architectural marvel that rivals anything you might see in the great cities of Europe. 

The Texas State Capitol building houses the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas. The structure is an example of 15th-century Italian Renaissance-style architecture, with a cylindrical granite dome and many large granite columns.

At first glance, the Texas State Capitol looks quite similar to the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. In fact, it's 15 feet (4.5 meters) higher than its D.C. counterpart, and is the largest state capitol in the country when including overall land size. It was built mainly by convicts and immigrants in the late 1880s, and paid for with land grants of around 3 million acres (more than 1 million hectares). It has been the center of power in Texas ever since. The building is significant for its striking beauty and grand presence. Views of the capitol from various vantage points around the city are protected by state law. Tall buildings cannot block the line of sight to the capitol.

Take a free tour of the building to get a view inside as well as some fascinating historical background. Tours run every 45 minutes, seven days a week, and begin in the Capitol South Foyer. Pick up a brochure from the information and guide service desk, on the first floor of the Capitol building. You can also take a self-guided tour of the surrounding 22 acres (nine hectares) of beautifully manicured grounds. There are historic monuments dotted throughout the gardens.

The Texas State Capitol building is located in downtown Austin, four blocks south of the University of Texas. Admission to the building is free. Food is not readily available on site, so bring a packed lunch or picnic basket and find a quiet spot in the gardens.

Plan a trip to see Texas State Capitol

Hotel Van Zandt
South Congress Hotel
Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Texas State Capitol

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 1, 2020

Actually worth going through the whole building. Some fascinating stories and history

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
May 27, 2019

Beautiful old building, ornate wood construction, grounds well maintained.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Apr. 29, 2019

This is a must see. The inside is beautiful. You must go through metal detectors fyi

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Best Lodging Options Near Texas State Capitol

Omni Austin Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel
4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
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La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
2.5 out of 5
300 E 11th St, Austin, TX
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Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
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citizenM Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
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The LINE Austin
The LINE Austin
4 out of 5
111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
The LINE Austin
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
3 out of 5
68 EAST AVE, Austin, TX
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol
Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol
3.5 out of 5
701 E 11th Street, Austin, TX
Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District
Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District
3.5 out of 5
301 West 17th Street, Austin, TX
Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.