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Historic sites to visit in Austin, Texas this summer

The Driskill, as seen from the street

The Driskill hotel has been serving Austinites for more than 130 years. | Photo by @where_is_brandy

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Close your textbooks, Austin — it’s time to learn about history firsthand.

Austin is home to several historic sites, with some dating back as far as the 1850s. Whether you’re a local Austinite or an eager tourist, here are some spots to check out in the Capital City that will take you back in time this summer.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

The Driskill hotel, 604 Brazos St.

Spend the night at Austin’s oldest operating hotel. The Driskill sits in the heart of downtown, ready to welcome guests since its opening in 1886.

Boo-lieve it or not, some say the hotel is haunted — take a look at these urban legends.

The Historic School Inn stage, lit in purple

You might know it as a great spot for a show, but the Historic Scoot Inn is also the oldest bar in Central Texas. | Photo by @thagreatcarlos

Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.

Visit this popular East Austin spot for live music + an outdoor patio. Built in 1871, Scoot Inn is the oldest bar in Central Texas.

Here’s a list of upcoming events at the historic venue.

Mount Bonnell, 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd.

Put your hiking boots on and take a trip to one of Austin’s most popular tourist destinations since the 1850s. At 775 ft above sea level, Mount Bonnell offers a special view of the city.

Looking down on Deep Eddy Pool

Deep Eddy Pool is more than a century old. | Photo by @veronicactx

Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave.

Cool off by taking a dip in Texas’s oldest swimming pool. Opening in 1915, Deep Eddy Pool gets its clear, blue water from two nearby wells.

The pool remains at a temperature of 66º-75°, making it a perfect place to survive the Texas heat.

The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.

Located in Downtown Austin, the Paramount Theatre has brought entertainment to the city since 1915.

Check out the 2022 Summer Classic Film Series + enjoy classics such as “Casablanca” and “Singin’ in the Rain.


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