Idyllically set in the naturally scenic Hill Country, Texas’s capital city, Austin, is fondly known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ as it contains more live music venues per capita than any other American city. Music lovers flock here from far and wide to explore the vibrant mass of bars and music venues, many of which have launched the careers of iconic artists such as Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will be equally-well catered for with countless lakes and more than 300 parks offering an array of activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, climbing and boating. Notable Austin attractions include the Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and the riverside Zilker Park, which features endless hiking and biking trails, picturesque picnic spots, some impressive botanical gardens and the large Barton Springs Pool, which provides wonderful opportunities for year-round swimming.