2 Best Sights in Austin, Texas

Part of the University of Texas, the Ransom Center is one of the world's greatest collectors and exhibitors of important literary papers and other artifacts related to the arts and humanities. Among its fantastic riches are the papers of Norman Mailer, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Arthur Miller; Woodward and Bernstein's Watergate research materials; more than 10,000 film, television, and radio scripts; more than 10,000 film posters; and one million rare books, including an original Gutenberg Bible. Traveling exhibitions bring artifacts from classic masterpieces like Gone With the Wind and artist Frida Kahlo's "Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird" to the space. 

Many documents can only be seen with advance notice, so call ahead if you have a specific item in mind.

The nearly 450-acre campus breeds Texas Longhorns, as passionate about football (and other sports) as they are about academics (UT has one of the country's top research libraries). The university is the largest employer in Austin (even more than the state government), employing more than 80,000 people. The number of students here is staggering, too: 39,500 undergraduates and more than 51,000 university-wide. Come to the grounds any time to stroll on your own, visit one of the museums or libraries (the Harry Ransom Center, for example, is the repository for the Watergate papers), or attend a fun annual event like Explore UT, Gone to Texas, or commencement, which includes fireworks.