Austin is bursting with unique attractions, from its vibrant music scene to its towering murals and sculptures. Get ready to explore the city’s offbeat side – here are some of the quirkiest and most unusual things to do in Austin!
- Take a Swim in Barton Springs
- Visit the Cathedral of Junk
- Check Out the Graffiti Park
- Explore the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
- Tour the Capitol Building
- Check Out the Weirdest Museum in Town
- Go for a Bicycle Tour
- Hunt for Street Art
1. Take a Swim in Barton Springs
Barton Springs is a natural swimming pool located in the heart of Austin and a top destination for locals and visitors alike. The pool is fed by an underground spring, and its year-round temperature of 68-70 degrees makes it perfect for a refreshing dip! Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer day or just want to experience something unique, Barton Springs is a must-visit.
This beloved spot has been a popular gathering place since the 1830s. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, from turtles and fish to herons and ducks. You can even spot the occasional bat at dusk! The pool is surrounded by lush vegetation and tall trees, making it a peaceful and picturesque spot to take in some sun.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Barton Springs Pool Party every Saturday night from 8pm-10pm. There’s live music, food and drinks, and plenty of dancing and socializing. It’s a great way to meet some of the locals and immerse yourself in Austin’s vibrant culture.
No matter how you choose to experience it, Barton Springs is one of the quirkiest and most unique attractions in Austin. So if you’re looking for an exciting, offbeat way to explore the city, make sure to add this destination to your itinerary.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Junk
- A unique, ever-changing sculpture made of found objects. Austin’s Cathedral of Junk is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the city’s offbeat side. Constructed of discarded items from all over Austin, the ever-changing sculpture is constantly being updated and shifted to create a truly unique experience. Whether you’re looking for a fun photo opportunity or a place to marvel at the creative use of found objects, the Cathedral of Junk is sure to impress. Plus, it’s free to enter!
- Explore Austin’s creative side at the Cathedral of Junk. The Cathedral of Junk is a one-of-a-kind attraction that will leave you marveling at the creativity of its creator. Located in the backyard of a private residence, it’s a great spot to wander and explore. The sculpture is made up of a variety of items, from rusty bicycles to old appliances, and visitors can take pictures or just observe the ever-changing landscape. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of Austin’s creative side!
- A constantly-changing sculpture with free entry. One of the most unique aspects of the Cathedral of Junk is that it’s constantly being updated and modified. Each time you visit, you can expect to find something new or different. Whether it’s a new addition or something that’s been reimagined, the Cathedral of Junk is sure to surprise and delight. Plus, it’s free to enter, so it’s a great way to explore Austin without breaking the bank!
- Discover Austin’s creative side at the Cathedral of Junk. No matter what type of traveler you are, the Cathedral of Junk is sure to be a memorable experience. It’s an excellent spot to explore, take pictures, and discover the city’s creative side. So, the next time you’re in Austin, be sure to add the Cathedral of Junk to your list of quirky and unique attractions. You won’t be disappointed!
3. Check Out the Graffiti Park
- Explore the ever-changing graffiti park in SoCo The HOPE Outdoor Gallery is an iconic street art destination located in Austin’s SoCo district. This constantly changing graffiti park is a must-see for any visitor to the city, as its murals, sculptures, and colorful murals are sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just a casual observer, the HOPE Outdoor Gallery is an unforgettable experience that will make your trip to Austin truly unique.
- Capture the perfect moment at the Graffiti Park The vibrant murals at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery are the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. From solo shots to group shots, you can capture the perfect moment at the Graffiti Park. With its ever-changing landscape, you’re sure to find the perfect mural or sculpture to make your photos stand out from the crowd. Don’t forget to tag #HOPEOutdoorGallery for a chance to be featured on the official Instagram page!
- Experience the city’s unique art scene The HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a great way to experience the city’s unique art scene. With its ever-changing landscape, it’s a great place to explore different styles of street art. From intricate stencils to abstract murals, there’s something for everyone at the Graffiti Park. After exploring the art, don’t forget to check out the local shops and restaurants in the area for a true Austin experience.
- Discover the city’s quirkiest attractions Austin is bursting with unique and quirky attractions, and the HOPE Outdoor Gallery is one of them. This ever-changing graffiti park is a great way to explore the city’s offbeat side. From its vibrant murals and sculptures to its vibrant street art scene, the Graffiti Park is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience that will make your trip to Austin truly unique.
4. Explore the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
Austin is an exciting city full of unique attractions, and one of the quirkiest and most unusual things to do is explore the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge. This bridge is home to the largest urban bat population in the world, with an estimated population of over 1.5 million bats. Every night, hundreds of thousands of these bats emerge from under the bridge to feed on insects. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that is sure to make a lasting impression on any visitor.
There are plenty of great spots to watch the bats. The Congress Avenue bridge offers the best view, but there are also plenty of viewing spots along the banks of the Colorado River. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even float down the river and watch the bats fly overhead. There are also plenty of nearby restaurants and bars that offer great views of the bats.
The best way to experience the bats is to go to the bridge around sunset, when the bats start emerging from under the bridge. You’ll be able to watch thousands of bats take flight and feed on insects until the sun goes down. This is a great opportunity to witness a truly unique spectacle of nature, and it’s an experience you won’t forget.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in Austin, exploring the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge is definitely something you should check out. It’s a great way to explore Austin’s offbeat side and get a glimpse of nature’s incredible beauty.
5. Tour the Capitol Building
- Explore the history of Texas at the State Capitol building. The Texas State Capitol building is a must-see for any Austinite. Take a tour to learn the history of the building and the state, from the famous rotunda to the intricate murals and sculptures. As you explore the building, you’ll be greeted by a number of art pieces, from large-scale murals to sculptures of historical figures. You’ll also learn about the history of the state, from its founding to the present day. Not only is it a unique experience, it’s also an educational one!
- Explore the quirky features of the State Capitol building. The Texas State Capitol building is also home to a number of quirky attractions. From the ‘Singing Trees’ to the ‘Tunnel of Flags’, these quirky features add a bit of fun to the building. The ‘Singing Trees’ is a series of speakers set up in the trees outside the building, playing a range of classic and modern songs. The ‘Tunnel of Flags’ is a winding corridor filled with flags from all 50 states, making for a unique photo opportunity!
- Take a guided tour of the State Capitol building. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Texas State Capitol building, look no further than the Capitol Tour. This guided tour takes you through the building, giving you a unique insight into the history and culture of the state. The tour includes a detailed history of the building and its art pieces, as well as a look at some of the quirky features mentioned above. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the state in an interesting and engaging way!
- Experience special events and performances at the State Capitol building. For those looking for a unique experience, the State Capitol building also offers special events throughout the year. From historical re-enactments to live music performances, these events are the perfect way to experience the history and culture of the state. They’re also a great way to meet other locals and explore the building in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Experience all that the State Capitol building has to offer. The Texas State Capitol building is the perfect place to explore Austin’s unique attractions. Whether you’re exploring the history of the state or looking for something quirky and fun, there’s something for everyone at the Capitol. So, take a tour, explore the art pieces, and make sure to check out the special events – you won’t be disappointed!
6. Check Out the Weirdest Museum in Town
The Museum of the Weird is one of the quirkiest and most unique attractions in Austin. Located downtown, it’s a museum unlike any other – here you can find exhibits of shrunken heads, a live two-headed turtle, and a variety of other oddities. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else!
The museum is filled with unique artifacts from all over the world. You can see a variety of strange and unusual items, from exotic taxidermy to ancient artifacts. The museum also has a variety of interactive activities, such as a “mystery tour” and a “ghost hunt”. It’s a great way to explore the weird and wonderful side of Austin.
The Museum of the Weird is a great place to take the family or a group of friends. It’s a fun and entertaining way to explore the city’s eccentric side. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about different cultures and traditions from around the world.
If you’re looking for an offbeat experience in Austin, the Museum of the Weird is the place to go. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else. So grab your friends and head to the Museum of the Weird for an unforgettable day.
7. Go for a Bicycle Tour
Austin is a great city for biking, and there are plenty of cycling tours to choose from. Whether you’re interested in getting a close up look at the city’s iconic murals and street art, or an offbeat exploration of the city’s quirkiest attractions, there’s a tour for you.
For a truly unique experience, you can explore the city on two wheels with the Austin Weird Bike Tours. With tours ranging from the all-encompassing Weird Austin Tour to the more focused Graffiti Art Tour, you’ll get to discover some of the city’s most interesting and lesser-known spots.
From iconic landmarks like the Giant Bat Bridge to funky sculptures like the HOPE Outdoor Gallery and even the mysterious Will Rainey Statue, you’ll get to experience the quirkiest of Austin’s attractions. Plus, you’ll get to learn a bit about the city’s history from the knowledgeable guides.
Each tour is tailored to your interests and needs, and you can opt for a 3-hour tour, or take your time and enjoy a full day of cycling. Plus, the tour company offers electric bikes, so you don’t have to worry about getting too tired.
So, if you’re looking for a creative way to explore Austin’s unique attractions, why not go for a bicycle tour? With a knowledgeable guide to show you the way, you’ll get to experience the city’s quirky side in a more intimate and memorable way.
8. Hunt for Street Art
What better way to get to know Austin than by exploring its street art! From the vibrant murals of East Austin to the graffiti in SoCo, and the colorful sculptures of Zilker Park, the city is full of incredible works of art. For those looking to get to know the city’s more offbeat side, a street art hunt is just the thing.
Start your hunt in East Austin, where colorful murals can be found on nearly every corner. The walls of the city come alive with the art of local and international street artists, making the East Austin mural scene one of the most vibrant in the world. Take a stroll down East 6th Street to see some of the area’s most iconic works of art.
From there, make your way to South Congress to explore the graffiti scene. Here you’ll find an array of art styles, from classic graffiti pieces to modern installations. Don’t miss the iconic “Hi, How Are You” mural, which has become an iconic symbol of Austin’s creative spirit.
Finally, head to Zilker Park, home to some of the city’s most unique sculptures. From the massive “Hippo” sculpture to the whimsical “Catfish” installation, the park is a feast for the eyes.
Exploring Austin’s street art is the perfect way to get to know the city’s quirky and unique attractions. So grab a camera and get ready to go on a street art hunt – you won’t regret it!
