Austin Impressions

Explore the homestead of Austin's oldest residence at the French Legation State Historic Site, where you will discover how the Texas settlement and the growth of one of the capital city’s most vibrant neighborhoods came to be. Tour the museum, whose original structure was built to accommodate the diplomatic outpost for the French chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Texas, Alphonse Dubois, after France recognized the Republic of Texas as a sovereign nation.

Lake Travis is considered one of the clearest lakes in Texas that has plenty to do for the outdoor recreationist, including fishing, boating, scuba diving, picnicking, and camping. If boating is your passion, catch one of the multi-class sailboats and windsurfing regattas. Prefer being in the middle of the action? There are plenty of marina rental stores that offer ski boats, cruisers, cigarettes, and mansion-like houseboats for weekend warriors. There are dozens of smaller parks along the banks of the lake that provide plenty of opportunities for diving and parasailing. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate easy access to some of the best fishing spots along Lake Travis. The Parks Department regularly stocks the lake with largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, white bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish.