My Local Guide

Capital Stories Where Hill and Prairie Meet

Travis County, Texas

Travis County centers on Austin, the Texas capital and the county’s seat and largest city. The landscape crosses the transition between the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie, giving the area a geographic identity beyond its government role. The Texas Capitol provides one focused starting point for a visit. Combine it with nearby destinations according to your interests, then explore other county communities separately so that travel does not overwhelm time spent in each place.

Travis County at a Glance

Population1,389,670 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
County SeatAustin
Largest CityAustin
Established1840 ( 1840 )
ZIP Codes89
Total Area1,023 sq mi (2,650 km 2 )
Major RoutesI-35 US 183 US 290 SH 45 SH 71 SH 95 SH 130 SH 165 Loop 1 (MoPac Expressway) Loop 111 Loop 212 Loop 275 Loop 343 Loop 360 Spur 69 (unsigned; signed as RM 2222 )
Area Code512 / 737
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Travis County photograph
Discover the County

Travis County

Travis County was established in 1840 and named for William Barret Travis, who commanded the Texas forces at the Alamo. Austin serves as the county seat as well as the state capital. Those overlapping roles bring local and statewide institutions into the same city, but they remain different levels of government. The county lies along the Balcones Fault, between plateau and prairie. Reading that geographic setting alongside its political history gives a broader introduction than focusing on the capital alone.

The State Preservation Board provides information for Capitol tours and the surrounding visitor facilities. Use those pages to check current tour arrangements, maps and access before arriving. A Capitol visit can be paired with nearby Austin destinations, while longer trips across the county need their own travel plan. When seeking public services, distinguish the state offices at the Capitol from Austin municipal services and Travis County departments, each of which has different responsibilities.

What Shapes Us

Austin

Austin is both county seat and state capital. These roles connect the city with different public institutions, each serving its own responsibilities and geographic area.

Capitol Visits

The State Preservation Board provides official tour and visitor information. Consult its current pages when planning a visit to the Capitol and associated public facilities.

Plateau and Prairie

The county spans a transition between the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie. That geographic contrast adds another dimension to its identity as the capital’s home.

Capital life and varied landscapes connect a Central Texas county.
My Local Guide

Travis County

Our County. Our Stories.
All Saints' Chapel in Austin, Texas. Anderson Stadium , also known as Yellow Jacket Stadium, is a historic football and track and field facility in Austin, Texas, United States. The stadium was built in 1953 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 3, 2022. Former Arnold's Bakery at 1010 E. 11th St., Austin, Texas, United States Image of Austin, Texas This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America . Its reference number is 78002989 ( Wikidata ). The Austin History Center , Austin, Texas, United States. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 6, 1993. The former United States Courthouse in downtown Austin, Texas, United States was built in 1935 with funding provided by the Public Works Administration . The firm of C.H. Page & Son of Austin designed the building. The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 25, 2001. The NRHP item “Baker Center” in Austin Texas. A former school and Austin ISD administrative building, as of when this photo was taken it was being used as the corporate headquarters for Alamo Drafthouse . Battle Hall , located on the University of Texas at Austin campus in Austin, Texas, United States. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970. The Bertram Building, housing the Clay Pit Restaurant, in Austin, Texas, United States. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 28, 2012. Bluebonnet Tourist Camp in Austin, Texas The John Bremond Jr. House in downtown Austin, Texas, United States. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1962. The Bremond Block Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 3, 1970. The Buford Tower in Austin, Texas, United States was built in 1930 as a drill tower for the Austin Fire Department. The tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 11, 2016. Cambridge Tower in Austin, Texas Harrington-Covert House in Austin, Texas The Chapman House in Austin, Texas, United States. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 9, 2010. The Connelly-Yerwood House in Austin, Texas, United States. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 18, 2003. Exterior of NRHP item All Faiths Chapel, in 2018. Faulk Library of Austin Public Library George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Austin, TX The Comal Street entrance to the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas, United States. The cemetery became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1972 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1985. Pre-9/11 Entrance to Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, USA The William Braxton Barr House located in Travis County, Texas, United States, near Austin. The house was built about 1898. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1983 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 10, 1983. Frank M. and Annie G. Covert House in Austin, Texas in May, 2008. This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America . Its reference number is 15000619 ( Wikidata ). Deep Eddy Pool located at 30.2765° -97.7732°,Austin, Texas, United States. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Fischer House in Austin, Texas, United States was built in 1882. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1982 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 16, 1982. The French Legation , built in 1840-41, is now the French Legation Museum. This building was the home of the chargé d'affaires of France to the Republic of Texas until 1846, when the Republic of Texas ceased to exist. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 25, 1969. Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, United States. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970. As of this writing, it is an office of the Texas Historical Commission . The Haehnel Building in Austin, Texas, United States. The building was listed on The National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1985. Hildreth-Flanagan-Heierman House in Austin, Texas, USA The Henry Hirshfeld House located at 303 W. 9th St, Austin, Texas, United States. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1962 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 1973 Huston-Tillotson University Marquee Austin, TX HBCU Hyde Park Presbyterian Church located in Austin, Texas, United States. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 16, 1990. The J. J. Pickle Federal Building in Austin, Texas The A. J. Jernigan House , also known as Las Ventanas in Austin, Texas, United States. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1967 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The East Main Street Historic District in Pflugerville, Texas , United States. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 10, 2012. The Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, United States was constructed in 1855 in the Greek Revival architecture style. The building was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1962, listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970, and designated a National Historic Landmark on December 2, 1974.
County Wire

Travis County Wire

Local StoriesPhoto credits
City of Austin news

Austin Parks and Recreation Committed to Zilker Park Stewardship and Post-Event Lawn Remediation

Zilker Park is the crown jewel of Austin. Austin Parks and Recreation is fully committed to protecting the…

Read the Story Oct 6, 2026 • 3 min read
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News & resources for Travis County

Local reporting when available, plus statewide Texas news and official resources.

Austin Parks and Recreation Committed to Zilker Park Stewardship and Post-Event Lawn Remediation

Zilker Park is the crown jewel of Austin. Austin Parks and Recreation is fully committed to protecting the…

City of Austin news • Oct 6, 2026 • 3 min read

Austin Mobility News: Construction Partnership Program launches CTXGO app

In this week's edition:Construction Partnership Program launches CTXGO app to give Central Texans real-time travel and construction informationConstruction…

City of Austin news • Oct 5, 2026 • 2 min read

APD South Metro Tactical Unit Announces Multiple Arrests in Operation “Protect Our Parks”

Case:               26-5005977 Date:               Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time:               …

City of Austin news • Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read

Austin Municipal Court Streamlines Docket Schedule

Austin Municipal Court (AMC) is updating its docket schedule to improve overall efficiency. Beginning October 5, 2026, all…

City of Austin news • Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read

APD Detectives Search for Two Suspects in Connection to Auto Theft

Case: 26-2690495 Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 3:29 a.m. Location: 10100 block of Metropolitan Drive  The Austin Police (APD) Auto Theft…

City of Austin news • Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
LOCAL WEATHER

Travis County

Forecast near Austin

National Weather Service →

Tonight

64°F

Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Wednesday

88°F

Sunny

Wind 5 mph N

Wednesday Night

65°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Thursday

88°F

Sunny

Wind 5 mph NNE

Thursday Night

68°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Friday

87°F

Sunny

Wind 0 to 5 mph NE
Updated Oct 6, 7:42 pm CDT · Conditions vary across the county.
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County Resources

Useful connections for everyday life

Find public information and services through the county and relevant service providers.

Government

County & local resources

Andy Brown County Judge

County judge’s office and county administration information.

Official Website

View Commissioners Court Page

Commissioners court information, meetings and county business.

Official Website

Food, housing & family support

Central Texas Food Bank — food assistance

Regional food-bank network serving Travis County. Find a nearby pantry or distribution and confirm its schedule before visiting.

Central Texas Food Bank — food assistance — details and contacts

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance

Search community assistance by location and type of need, including food, housing and family support.

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance — details and contacts

Texas HHS — local family support

Search family-support programs and local services for parents and caregivers.

Texas HHS — local family support — details and contacts

A little local knowledge goes a long way

Find practical information before you visit or make a move.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Start with the essentials, then follow the source links for more detail.

Austin is the county seat of Travis County, Texas.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Make time for a local discovery

Plan your day around places and experiences in the county.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Thinkery — Plan a hands-on museum outing for children and their grownups. Check admission options and available visiting times.
  2. Austin Nature & Science Center — Explore nature exhibits as a family. Individual and family visits are free; organized programs have separate arrangements.
  3. Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park — A family play area with playground equipment, nature play and a treehouse observation pod. Check seasonal water-feature operation.

Restaurants

  1. Home Slice Pizza — South Congress — New York-style pizza on South Congress.
  2. Joann’s Fine Foods — Mexican and American dishes in a diner setting beside Austin Motel.
  3. Perla’s — Seafood and oysters with patio dining on South Congress.

Shopping & Retail

  1. Letterpress PLAY — Browse handmade paper goods, art and gifts.
  2. Big Top Candy Shop — A South Congress stop for candies and chocolates.
  3. Prima Dora — Austin-themed gifts, art and apparel from local makers.

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Allens Boots — Shop cowboy boots and western clothing.
  2. Feathers — A curated selection of secondhand women’s clothing and accessories.
  3. STAG Provisions — Browse menswear on South Congress.

Outdoor Fun

  1. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail — Explore the lakeside trail and the conservancy’s public art and nature activities. Check current access information before setting out.
  2. Mayfield Park — Visit this historic Austin park and its garden setting. Consult the city’s visitor information for access and park rules.
  3. Pease Park — Kingsbury Commons — Enjoy the park’s nature play spaces, observation pod and basketball court; follow posted facility rules.

Free Things To Do

  1. Texas Capitol tours — Free guided tours introduce the Capitol. Check current departure times and group arrangements with visitor services.
  2. Austin Nature & Science Center — Individual and family admission to the exhibits and grounds is free. Check current opening hours.
  3. Butler Trail community programs — The Trail Conservancy offers free activities, including guided bird walks and public art explorations. Check the calendar for dates and any registration requirements.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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