15 fun and unique things you can only do in Austin

When your local slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” you’ve really got to deliver. Luckily, Austin has outdone itself when it comes to unique activities—some weird, some just spectacular—to entertain locals and travelers alike. Here, we’re highlighting the best ways to spend your time in Austin, from swimming in spring-fed waters in an urban park to sipping cocktails in speakeasies to attending festivals with music and tech superstars.

Austinites regularly hit up the on- and off-water activities at Lady Bird Lake, a sparkling stretch of dammed-up Colorado River. Paddleboard, kayak, or canoe with a view of the city skyline on a designated lake trail, sunbathe at Festival Beach and Red Bud Isle, or cool off in the shade of a cypress tree. Want to skip the swimsuit? Walk or bike the lush 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler trail along the lake’s edge.

Other cities have bridges that are famous for their architecture, but Austin has a bridge that's famous for, well, bats. One and a half million, to be precise. Every evening from March through late October, bats zoom out for a night of foraging from beneath Congress Bridge, which spans Lady Bird Lake in downtown. Arrive thirty minutes to an hour before sunset to see them. And don’t worry, they have no interest in humans—they eat mostly insects (so you can thank them for fewer creepy crawlies). Viewing bats from the bridge and surrounding areas is free, but consider a bat tour on the lake itself to avoid the crowds.

Also known as SXSW or South by, this festival has exploded from its early days as a local music festival to an annual cultural buffet of music, film, comedy, and tech. In 2013, musical legend Prince performed a whopping seven encores and kept Austinites up until 3 a.m.—nearly two hours later than his original set time. Kanye West and Jay Z have given a joint performance at the festival, and whistleblower Edward Snowden has Skyped in for an audience Q&A. On top of the dizzying number of musical acts, art exhibits, and speakers, you can also expect secret performances, free food (get tips from experts like @thefreenoms), and extremely hip fashion from fellow festival-goers.

Kids splashing in the water, parents floating on their backs, and a smorgasborg of sandwich-stuffed picnic baskets on the shore—you’re picturing an afternoon at Austin’s beloved Barton Springs. Even though this natural pool covers three acres, it still gets crowded thanks to the inexpensive tickets and gorgeous scenery. For an extra special experience, plan your visit around a full moon, when the park opens up reservations for nighttime swims. Speaking of reservations, make sure to book in advance online for weekends.

Here’s the perfect way to spend a warm Austin evening: Start with a fancy cocktail at Hotel Van Zandt’s bar, Geraldine’s, or grab a beer at Lustre Pearl. Then head for a quick and casual food dinner at Bummer Burrito or enjoy the massive patio at Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden. Or combine classy food and drink at Emmer & Rye, which serves up local and seasonal foods with a rotating menu from a James Beard Award finalist chef.

Why would anyone seek out a 60-ton pile of trash on vacation? Because the Cathedral of Junk is so much more than yesterday’s garbage. A single artist crafted this multi-room structure in his suburban backyard over a decade-plus, and the result defy description. Picture your local worship center, but instead of stained-glass windows there are bicycle wheels and exhaust fans. It might sound silly, but visitors say they have found it genuinely moving. (Even trash can be beautiful if it has purpose.) Plus, kids have a blast playing make believe and running around. The suggested donation is $5 per adult, and you’ll need to call ahead for an appointment.

This urban oasis in west Austin dates back to 1909, when Texas Secretary of State Allison Mayfield bought a cottage here and expanded it into a legit estate. But it wasn't until the 1970s that Mayfield Park was opened to the public so people could enjoy the hiking trails, gardens, koi ponds, and peacocks. No, you didn't read that wrong; peacocks have been strutting around on these grounds since 1935. A short drive away at Covert Park, get a workout climbing the 106 limestone steps to Mount Bonnell for a view from the highest point in the city.

Two things Texans love: trucks and BBQ. Sample the region’s most creative spins on the dish at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, which features mashups like a brisket taco, Micklethwait Craft Meats with its oak-fired meats, Rollin’ Smoke with their mouth-watering handmade cheddar jalapeno pork sausage, and Kerlin BBQ, which serves up sides of Czech-inspired kolaches.

This city’s tacos have serious personality. It’s honestly difficult to find a bad taco, but several food trucks regularly battle for the role of top taco among locals. Regular contenders are the Mexico City-style grub at Cuanto Tacos, handmade tacos at one of the four Veracruz All Natural trucks, plant-based tacos at The Vegan Nom, and Indian-inspired tacos at Kurry Takos.

If you want an authentic Austin souvenir, consider Allen’s Boots for—you guessed it—a pair of authentic Texan cowboy boots, Maufrais for a cowboy hat, or Parts & Labour, with handmade trinkets from Texan artists. You can find them all on South Congress Avenue, one of the city’s best shopping districts. Independent stores line the street, including the charming South Congress Books used bookstore, the quirky costume shop Lucy in Disguise, and STAG Provisions for Men boutique.

Brewery crawls have an edible counterpart—food crawls through The Picnic. Expect 10 different trucks at any given time, from Italian to burgers to gelato. There are usually a few boutique trucks there, too, so you can shop while you wait for your food. Bad weather? The indoor food hall Fareground has six restaurants and two bars to choose from (plus a few specialty retailers, too).

Like your drinks with a side of old-timey mystery? See if you can locate one of the speakeasies on Sixth Street. One of the oldest speakeasy-style bars in Austin is Midnight Cowboy, hidden behind the facade of Midnight Cowboy Modeling. At Firehouse Lounge, you’ll need to make your way inside via a secret passage behind the hostel’s bookshelf. Or, if you want a speakeasy-style bar without going hunting for the entrance, The Roosevelt Room has an exhaustive list of cocktails to suit every taste. (Note, some speakeasies require advanced reservations.)

Ask any local what they're doing on the weekend, chances are they're meeting up with friends at their favorite local brewery, or several! Where else can you drink beer flights working your way across light to dark suds. Follow the self-guided Austin Beer Trail (here’s a recommended two-day itinerary from the city’s tourism board), or sign up for a tour and get a bonus designated driver in the deal.

In case it’s not clear by now, Austin has some pretty impressive parks. Walnut Creek is yet another natural sanctuary just north of downtown. Don’t be surprised if you spot folks whispering and pointing in the early morning hours here—Walnut Creek entices birdwatchers listening for the tap-tap-tap of the crimson-capped red-bellied woodpeckers or the distinct songs of several other resident species.

Every year the City Limits Festival takes over Zilker Park with a nearly endless lineup of over 100 acts, and music lovers come in droves to stamp their feet, throw their arms up, and sing along until they’re hoarse. Country fans will feel at home, but performers from Billie Eilish to Doja Cat have rocked out here. And it’s not just the music that’s cranked to 11—the city’s best restaurants show up with their most beloved eats, plus there’s an endless list of between-show activities to enjoy, like art installations and yoga classes.

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