Weird and Wonderful Things to Do in Austin, TX

Austin, Texas is a city that is known for its Austin weird and wonderful attractions along with Texas history. If you’re visiting and are looking for fun things to do in Austin TX then you’ll want to check out some of these attractions! From checking out the Austin bats to exploring the museums, eating bbq and spending time outdoors. Keep reading for our list of weird and wonderful things to do in this amazing city!

Live music capital of the world

Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, and for good reason! There are countless venues throughout the city that offer a variety of performances. Whether you’re into country music, rock ‘n’ roll, or jazz, Austin has something to offer everyone. Be sure to check out some of the iconic Austin landmarks, such as the Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theater in downtown Austin and the Texas State Capitol.

Austin City Limits in downtown Austin is a live music venue. Make sure you check Austin City Limits calendar for concerts and events.

Another great venue is the Continental club, also in downtown Austin. Continental Club features Rock, country, jazz & blues acts, national & local, are found at this legendary South Congress club.

South by Southwest (SXSW). SXSW is a week-long music and film festival that takes place in Austin every March. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is a great opportunity to experience Austin’s unique culture.

There are many other music venues in Austin, such as Stubb’s BBQ, The Parish, and Antone’s.

Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin Texas is the perfect place to explore on foot. There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you entertained.

Driskill Hotel, located on the famous 6th street, Austin’s oldest iconic operating hotel, opened in 1886. Stop inside for a cocktail or some appetizers and listen to some great live music. This hotel is definitely my favorite place to take visiting friends to see.

Sixth Street

Sixth Street or Dirty Sixth Street is Austin’s most famous nightlife district. The street is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, then Sixth Street is the place for you!

One of my favorite things to do on 6th St is to visit Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is a sing-along, clap-along, drink-along, a good time bar! Another fun bar with live music is Friends Bar, live performances from local musicians and a dance floor.

Food Trucks

Austin is known for its food trucks, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s cuisine than by trying out a few of these mobile eateries. From tacos to barbecue, Austin has something for everyone when it comes to food trucks. Be sure to check out the Austin Food Truck Guide online before your trip so you can plan which trucks to hit up!

My favorite food trucks are La Barbacue offering bbq brisket, pulled pork & sausages, plus outdoor tables.

Torchy’s Tacos is another favorite food truck to bring myy out of town friends to (my favorite is the Baja Shrimp).

If you are looking for something sweet then Gourdough’s Big Fat Donuts located on 1st St, is definitely the best. My favorite one is the Mother Clucker (fried chicken and honey butter on a donut). But don’t just try one and they are big to share!

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is a man-made swimming pool that is fed by natural springs that is 68 degrees. Barton Springs pool is located within Zilker Park and is open to the public year-round. The pool offers a refreshing break from the Texas heat. Coolers are not allowed and parking is first come.

Zilker Park. Zilker Park is a must-visit for outdoor activities. With over 350 acres of land, a playground, the park offers plenty of activities for everyone. Take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, go for a hike on one of the many trails, or relax under the shade of a tree.

Lady bird lake

Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir located in Austin. The lake offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, bike riding, boat rentals, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding (no swimming). There are also several restaurants and bars located on the shores of the lake. On a nice day you will see many people walking or jogging around the lake.

Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue

The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue is located on the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. The statute was erected in 1994 and honors the late Austin musician.

Congress Avenue Bridge

Visit the Congress Avenue Bridge located on South Congress Aveue, just before sunset and see the bats. The sunset is beautiful too! Austin is home to the largest bat colony in North America. the Mexican Free Tailed Bats. Every night, over one million bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in search of food. The best time to see the bats is at dusk. You can stand on the bridge, under the bridge or rent a boat tour and watch it from the water.

 

Rainey street

This nightlife area is filled with old houses that have been converted into bars and restaurants. My favorite restaurant and beer bar is Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden (200+ beers on tap, 20+ homemade sausages, an off-leash dog park, & a live music).

After a night of drinks, get a bag of Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts from the food truck on the corner until 2 am.

Museums

Art Museum – The Blanton Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Austin. With more than 21,000 works in the collection, the Blanton showcases art from across the ages, from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism. With a year-round schedule of traveling exhibitions, art lovers are sure to discover new and old favorites at the Blanton. Admission to the museum is free for everyone on Thursdays.

The Contemporary Austin’s Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria is named in honor of a founding grant by the Edward and Betty Marcus Foundation. This contemporary art destination presents exhibitions and permanent outdoor art installations on a site of great natural beauty on Lake Austin.

LBJ Presidential Library. The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Bullock Texas State History Museum Visit the Bullock Museum to experience ever-changing exhibitions, innovative films, and unique programs, events & gift shop.

The Texas Capitol .The Texas Capitol is the state capitol building of Texas. The building is located in Austin Texas and houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Visitors can take a tour of the Capitol or simply admire the exterior of this historic building.

 

Natural Springs

If you’re looking for a place to cool off during the hot Texas summers, be sure to check out one of Austin’s many natural springs. There are several springs located within the city limits, including Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool. These springs offer a refreshing respite from the Austin heat and are perfect for a summer day trip!

Hamilton Pool. Hamilton Pool is a natural pool located in the Texas Hill Country west of Austin. The pool is fed by Hamilton Creek and is open to the public from May to September. Swimming is not allowed, but visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch or take a walk around the area.

Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell offers stunning views of Austin and Lake Austin. The hike to the summit is only about .75 miles, but it is a bit steep in places. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Lake Austin

Lake Austin is a water reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. The reservoir was formed in 1939 by the construction of Tom Miller Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Lake Austin is another great spot for boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The lake is located just outside of Austin and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Lake Travis

If you’re looking for a place to go swimming, then Lake Travis is the perfect spot. The lake offers ample opportunities for water sports, boating, fishing, and simply relaxing in the sun. Be sure to visit one of the many restaurants and bars located on the lake shore.

Oasis Texas Brewing is one of my favorite craft breweries located high in the Hill Country overlooking Lake Travis. If beer is not your thing then right under the brewery is the Barrel Room. They have a high-end cocktail lounge specialize in craft cocktails and a curated Whiskey selection. The views of Lake Travis are to die for.

RV Park by Lake Travis

Sun Outdoors Lake Travis This RV park is our home base when we are not traveling around America. We spend our winters here. They have a pool, adult pool, spa, gym, dog park, laundry, playscape, mini golf and weekly activities. The location is great, walking distance to restaurants, beer bar and a distillery.

Restaurants near the RV park Saigon Cafe, Thai food, Los Pinos and Flores both serve Mexican food, all are walking distance from the RV park.

Infamous Brewing Located about a mile away is a locally owned craft brewery serving craft beers, cider, live music and beer to go. Pet & kid friendly.

Behind the brewery is a food truck park, Waypoint Food Truck Park. They have rotating food trucks, playground and games. We take our e-bikes there from the RV park.

Just across the street is Planet Rock Vodka Distillery. They have vodka cocktails, bloody Mary bar, BBQ food truck, speak easy lounge with whiskey cocktails, playground, fire pits, and live music. Pet & kid friendly.

So if you find yourself visiting Austin, be sure to check out some of these weird and wonderful things to do! You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for reading! Austin weird is a great place to live, work and play!

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