Whether you’re visiting the Texas Capitol for the 2025 legislative session, or you just haven’t been in a while, we’ve got you covered with things to do, and places to eat and drink nearby:
⭐ Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave.
Hear us out. Bullock Texas State History Museum is even better than you remember it from your eighth grade class trip. The museum has great events, an IMAX theater, a perfect Texas gift shop, and of course, wonderful exhibits on the Lone Star State. Tickets are $15 for adults.
🎨 Blanton Museum of Art, 200 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Follow your Texas history lesson up with an afternoon at the Blanton Museum of Art. The museum isn’t too big or too small, and includes the dazzling “Austin,” by Ellsworth Kelly, which is worth the price of admission alone. Tickets are $15 for adults.
- Pro tip: Bring snacks for a picnic beneath the three-story petals outside, or visit after Justine’s Brasserie opens a museum cafe.
🥨 Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
Perhaps you need another very old building to round out your visit. Try Scholz Garten. Opened in 1866, the biergarten is roughly a half-mile from the Texas Capitol and is home to German menu favorites like weinerschnitzel, bratwurst, and giant pretzels. It’s also been a favorite of politicos and reporters over the years.
🍸 The Cloak Room, 1300 Colorado St.
You won’t have to walk far to find this dive. The Cloak Room is across the street from the Texas Capitol. It’s dark and moody inside, perfect for sharing gossip, and you can practically feel the Texas history it’s home to vibrating throughout the place.
🫓 Clay Pit, 1601 Guadalupe St.
Clay Pit serves up really delicious Indian food just about a half-mile from the Texas Capitol. It’s also located in a spot full of history: The 1853 Bertram Building, which is rumored to be haunted. 👀
- Hot tip from our Eva Ruth Moravec, who has covered many a Texas Legislature session: Try Phoebe’s Diner nearby if Clay Pit is busy! Opt for a smoked beet wrap and tots.
👋 Bye! Hope your visit is full of history, art, and good food!
