Texas

As a Central Texas native and Austin resident for decades, I have been to the Texas State Capitol many times. Because it is a quick drive to downtown for me, I am reserving the final stamp in my State Capitols Passport for my home state.

In the meantime, learn more about the Texas State Capitol or plan your visit.

Since I know the area well, I can still provide my insights and tips from my many trips there. This is my favorite capitol building, but I’m sure the home state bias plays a role, because I have seen some amazing buildings.

Located at 11th and Congress in downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol is the largest in the United States. You can’t miss it, though the pink granite makes it look softer than the classic white domes.

The Texas Legislature, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, meets here every January-May in odd-numbered years. The last time I was there in March 2025, it was in session, and it was lively that day. Sadly, no pictures are allowed in the House when representatives are on the floor.

Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center at the southeast corner to get your passport stamped, shop at the awesome gift shop, and pay homage to the LEGO replica* of the Capitol.

(The gallery below has a few photos from previous trips I have taken, but I cannot take good outside shots until they remove the scaffolding. Since I live in Austin, I can wait.)

Austin is the second-largest U.S. capital city, behind Phoenix, AZ. You can see the Capitol from many points in Austin (when I do the official visit, I’ll make sure to include the shot of the Capitol looking up Congress Avenue).

It’s within walking distance to my alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘Em Horns). Going to campus makes me happy.

Also, near the capitol is one of my favorite museums, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. I will cover this on Annie All Around and include my story of interviewing Bob Bullock himself for my college newspaper. He was great!

*LEGO projects are another hobby of mine, so I have a deep appreciation for these replicas. There is another one of the University of Texas Tower at the Student Union between the Drag and the Tower.

State Capitols Home