Austin is the state capital of Texas, an inland city bordering the Hill Country region. Home to the University of Texas flagship campus, Austin is known for its eclectic live-music scene centered around country, blues and rock. Its many parks and lakes are popular for hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. South of the city, Formula One's Circuit of the Americas raceway has hosted the United States Grand Prix.
Between Austin and San Antonio, the lovely college town of San Marcos boasts the biggest outlet mall in the nation, a picturesque downtown area, and a variety of waterways for kayaking, paddleboarding, and floating.
San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a museum, marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico. Following the San Antonio River, the miles-long River Walk is a landmark pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and shops. HemisFair Park’s 750-ft. Tower of the Americas overlooks the city.