Best of Austin®

Best Historic Site

Texas State Capitol

If size does matter, the Texas Capitol wins. It's taller than the U.S. Capitol by 7 feet (thanks to the statue of the Goddess of Liberty on the dome) and is a superior example of 19th century public architecture. History permeates the present. Kids can scream through nighttime sprinklers or get their first kisses on the steps for good luck. Tours have that field trip vibe to them, daring visitors to stare into the eyes of Texas political revolutionaries. So, being at the Capitol is kind of like that part in Cribs when the rapper waltzes into his bedroom chuckling, "This is where all the magic happens." Sort of.