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Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, is renowned for its bustling music venues, lush green spaces, and historical landmarks. Visitors have no difficulty keeping busy as they explore the likes of the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and Mount Bonnell.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and venture off the beaten path when you travel, you might be more interested in Austin’s lesser-known attractions. Here are 16 hidden gems to check out next time you want to explore this dynamic city.
1. Bullock Texas State History Museum
Photo Credit: Stephen B. Goodwin
- Website: thestoryoftexas.com
- Address: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
The Texas State Capitol understandably attracts many visitors keen to learn about the state’s history, but the Bullock Museum is a great alternative.
It uses audio-visual displays, film, and interactive exhibits to paint a picture of the state’s origins, critical moments in its history, such as the fall of the Alamo, and key events that have influenced the industry and culture of Texas.
There’s a wide range of artifacts on display, including the hull of the La Bell,e which was shipwrecked in the 17th century.
2. Harry Ransom Center
- Website: hrc.utexas.edu
- Address: The University of Texas at Austin, 300 W 21st St, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday / 12 pm – 5 pm Saturday & Sunday
The University of Texas is home to several cultural attractions but be sure not to miss the Harry Ransom Center. It’s home to a collection of rare literature, art, photography, and printed research materials.
Its goal is to share insights into the creative process of some of the world’s most renowned artists, writers, and performers. Highlights include the world’s first photograph, which was taken in 1827, and pieces of the Gutenberg Bible, which dates back to the 1400s.
3. Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Photo Credit: Fotoluminate LLC
- Website: umlaufsculpture.org
- Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Zilker Botanic Garden and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are considered some of the best places to experience natural beauty in South Austin, but Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a great alternative.
Impressive outdoor sculptures created by 20th-century artist Charles Umlauf are set amongst trees, gardens, and ponds. In the onsite museum, you can learn more about Umlauf’s life and creative process and see temporary exhibits that showcase the works of other artists.
4. Museum of the Weird
- Website: museumoftheweird.com
- Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Monday to Thursday / 10 am – 9 pm Friday to Sunday
If you’re looking for the eccentric side of ATX, you’ll find it in the Museum of the Weird on the famous Sixth Street of Downtown Austin. There are oddities and curiosities sourced from all over the world, including two-headed creatures, shrunken heads, waxwork statues, and lifesize skeletons.
There are lots of great photo ops and chances to see live demos from folks who consider themselves to be “professional human oddities.”
5. Cathedral of Junk
- Website: austintexas.org/listings/cathedral-of-junk/5938
- Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (by appointment only)
The Cathedral of Junk is far more attractive than its name would have you believe. It’s comprised of a huge range of waste items, including tires, car parts, toilets, building materials, dolls, mannequins, toys, baskets, bottles, bells, and signs.
Its creator, Vince Hannemann, started building it in 1988, and he’s still adding to it to this day. It’s a truly impressive work of art that shows that beauty can be found in almost anything. Keep in mind that the cathedral is in Hannemann’s backyard, so be sure to call ahead to make an appointment with him if you want to see it.
6. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Photo Credit: LindaPerez
- Website: parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve
- Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5.30 pm daily
If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the popular Barton Springs Pool, consider the Hamilton Pool Preserve. This historic swimming hole is set amongst stunning limestone outcroppings, and a 50-foot waterfall adds a gentle soundtrack that makes swimming in this peaceful pool an unforgettable experience. Reservations are needed to visit the preserve, so be sure to plan ahead.
7. The Contemporary Austin’s Laguna Gloria
- Website: thecontemporaryaustin.org/lagunagloria
- Address: 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday / 9 am – 9 pm Thursday
Laguna Gloria is a branch of The Contemporary Austin that lies on the shore of Lake Austin. It houses The Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, which thoughtfully places its impressive array of artworks within the local landscape so that natural and human-made beauty intertwines.
A diverse range of local, national, and international artists are represented. You can combine a visit here with a trip to nearby Mayfield Park to see peacocks, palm trees, and ponds.
8. Mexic-Arte Museum
- Website: mexic-artemuseum.org
- Address: 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Friday & Saturday / 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday / 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Thursday
The Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American culture. Since its opening in 1983, it has featured exhibitions that highlight current issues faced by Mexican and Latin American residents of Texas, such as immigration, border control, and cultural acceptance.
There is a wide range of work on display, including paintings, photography, and multimedia works. Look out for free family days, which take place multiple times throughout the year and allow visitors to participate in hands-on activities.
9. Hippie Hollow Park
- Website: parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hippie-hollow
- Address: 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily
Hippie Hollow lies on the shores of Lake Travis and it’s a peaceful, relatively unspoiled spot to hang out as long as you don’t mind that it’s a clothing-optional venue. Its origins go back to the Free Love era of the 1960s. Today, it’s the only clothing-optional park in all of Texas. There are designated swimming areas, paved nature trails, hiking trails, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
10. Uncommon Objects
- Website: uncommonobjects.com
- Address: 1602 Fort View Rd, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily
Uncommon Objects might look like a museum,, but it’s actually a quirky antique store. Twenty sellers work together under one roof to maintain a stock of unique items representing American history and culture.
You’ll find all sorts on the shelves, including crockery, glassware, jewelry, knick-knacks, folk art, sports memorabilia, and much more. If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone or a souvenir to remember your Austin trip, you’re bound to find something weird and wonderful in Uncommon Objects.
11. Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Photo Credit: albedo20 via Flickr CC 2.0
- Website: peterpanminigolf.com
- Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Sunday to Thursday / 9 am – 11 pm Friday & Saturday
Peter Pan Mini-Golf has been in operation since 1948, and it’s renowned for its enormous T-Rex figure that looks out over Downtown Austin. There are two 18-hole courses dotted with unusual obstacles and statues, some related to the timeless tale of Neverland and others that appear to have no discernable link at all.
The operators have a bring-your-own-beverage policy, so this is a great place to kick off a fun night in Austin’s entertainment district.
12. Jacob’s Well Natural Area
- Website: hayscountytx.gov/jacobs-well-natural-area
- Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
This 81-acre park surrounds Jacob’s Well Spring, which serves as the headquarters of Cypress Creek’s waterway and supplies millions of gallons of water for drinking, farming, swimming, and fishing. The area is preserved to protect its water quality and wildlife. It’s a 35-mile drive southwest of Austin, but it’s a peaceful spot to stop off at if you’re taking a road trip to San Antonio.
13. Pedernales Falls State Park
Photo Credit: Christian Perry
- Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls
- Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily
Pedernales Falls State Park is a great alternative to the popular McKinney Falls for those looking for outdoor activities. It boasts rugged limestone cliffs, enormous builders, pretty waterfalls, and the scenic Pedernales River cutting right through the landscape.
There are miles of hiking trails with options to suit all experience and fitness levels and opportunities to mountain bike, birdwatch, geocache, and more. Since the park is out in Texas Hill Country, you might want to consider camping for a night to make the most of it.
14. San Antonio
San Antonio is an hour’s drive from Austin and a great place for a day trip. It’s renowned for its bars, eateries, and art galleries, particularly in the vibrant Riverwalk area.
The food scene in San Antonio leans very much toward Mexican, so if you’re looking for great tacos, you’ll find them here, as well as exceptional Texan BBQ.
San Antonio is also one of the oldest cities in Texas, so be sure to check out its renowned historical sites, such as The Alamo and The Missions.
15. Snake Island
- Website: austintexas.gov/page/lady-bird-lake
- Address: Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Lady Bird Lake, also known as Town Lake, is one of Austin’s most famous attractions, but there’s a curious spot within it that is often overlooked. Snake Island, also known as “Hobo Island,” is a small, leafy island that is not officially recognized. Over the years, it has shown signs of frequent use, such as picnic tables, firepits, and rope swings.
Swimming in the lake is not permitted, and only unpowered watercraft can reach the island, limiting Snake Island visitors to those skilled with a kayak or paddleboard. Access is easiest from the east side. Look out for snakes, which are said to give the island its name.
16. New Year’s Eve on Lady Bird Lake
- Website: lonestarriverboat.com/austin_new_years_eve_dinner_cruise.html
- Address: East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX
If you happen to be visiting Austin over New Year, head down to Lady Bird Lake to see the epic firework display at Auditorium Shores. One of the best ways to celebrate is to take a New Year cruise on the lake. Enjoy dinner with a view of the twinkling city skyline, then get exceptional views of the fireworks from the water.
Explore Austin’s Hidden Gems
Now you’re clued in on Austin’s best-hidden gems and secret spots, you can start planning a truly unique sightseeing itinerary. Which of these must-visit spots will you be checking out once you reach the Lone Star State’s capital city?
