DK Travel : San Antonio and Austin : Places of interest

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Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Best known for its famous winter resident, the majestic whooping crane, this coastal wildlife refuge lies along a major bird-migration route. More than 350 species arrive here every winter, making this a paradise for bird-watchers and naturalists (see Aransas National Wildlife Refuge ).
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Elegant whooping cranes, one of the rarest bird species in North America, winter in this preserve founded in 1937 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The refuge also shelters other endangered species, such as the brown pelican and aplomado falcon. Several hiking trails wind through the coastal landscape, and a paved road leads to an observation tower for spotting whooping cranes.
Art Museum of South Texas

Diverse and frequently changing works by Texan artists.
Aztec On The River

Abandoned for years, this once magnificent 1926 silent-movie palace has undergone a phenomenal restoration and opened in 2006. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur using its original paint colors, Aztec and Mayan culture is featured throughout, with huge Aztec-mask wall sconces, plaster sculptures, giant urns, massive columns, and colorful murals. The theater area offers a big screen movie experience that begins with a 10-minute presentation of Aztec history accompanied by music played on a Wurlitzer organ. A free animatronics sound and light show is offered in the main lobby (see Aztec On The River ).
Bandera

The self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World” offers ranches for overnight stays with meals, tours, and horseback riding. Rodeos are held several times a week in the summer, and there are plenty of opportunities to dance the Texas two-step in historic dance halls. It’s a good place to shop for cowboy clothes and saddles.
Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton’s collection of over 17,000 works spans the art history of Western civilization. Among the distinguished exhibits on view are the Latin American Art section, the Suida-Manning Collection of French and Italian Renaissance and Baroque art, and contemporary American art, featuring the exceptional Mari and James Michener Collection.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Three floors of exhibits, including dramatic murals, interactive features, a special effects show, and Austin’s only IMAX theater, reveal the history of Texas. Visitors are greetedby a gigantic 35-ft 10.7-m bronze Lone Star sculpture at the entrance and the floor of the rotunda features an intricate depiction of a campfire scene.
Capitol Complex Visitors Center

The oldest state office building in Texas, built in 1857, was once the headquarters of the General Land Office. Today, its exhibits tell stories of Texas, the Capitol, and the Land Office. Short-story author, William Sydney Porter (see O. Henry House ), worked here and the spiral staircase that appears in Murder at the Land Office can be seen here.
Casa Navarro State Historic Site

This restored residence was the home of José Antonio Navarro , signer of the 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence. The house, and his law office, all have period furnishings. A small museum traces his accomplishments as a lawyer, rancher, politician, and author. In the early 1840s he was captured and imprisoned in Mexico. He escaped to Cuba in 1845 and returned home in time to vote for the annexation of Texas to the United States.
Cascade Caverns

This fascinating cave is named for the spectacular 100-ft 31-m cascading waterfall nearby. Open since 1932, the cave has offered shelter to many species through its history, including a mastodon whose bones can still be seen here. The water-formed cavern is a half-mile long and 140 ft 43 m deep and has rock formations with interesting names such as Skull, Dinosaur, and Giant Turtle.