Most visitors hit the same list in Austin: Sixth Street, Zilker Park, and the bats on Congress Avenue Bridge. Those stops are worth it, but locals know there is more. Austin sits at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, with limestone cliffs, springs, and a long art and music history. This guide covers lesser-known spots that give you a different view of the city. Check hours and rules before you go.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Mayfield Park sits on 35th Street in west Austin. The 21-acre preserve has a historic cottage, lily ponds, walking trails, and peacocks that roam freely. It is quiet, free, and close to downtown. Bring a camera and walk slowly. Read More about the city’s parks and natural areas.
Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is a multilevel structure in a backyard in south Austin. Its builder used more than 60 tons of discarded furniture, home goods, and other items. It is weird, whimsical, and very Austin. Check the artist’s visitor rules before you go, since it sits on private property.
Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria is part of The Contemporary Austin. It is a sculpture park and art space on the shore of Lake Austin. You can walk among outdoor works while looking at the water. It is a calm break from a busy day. Check hours and ticket details online.
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook
The Pennybacker Bridge, also called the 360 Bridge, crosses Lake Austin along Loop 360. A short trail on the west side leads to a view of the bridge and the Austin skyline. Go near sunset for the best light, and wear shoes with good grip.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve sits about 23 miles west of Austin. It has a jade green swimming hole and a 50-foot waterfall inside a collapsed grotto. The preserve covers 232 acres. It is popular, so reserve a spot in advance. Check swimming rules, since conditions can change.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt runs about 7.25 miles from Zilker Park toward the southwest. It has limestone cliffs, shady trails, and swimming holes like Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, Gus Fruh Pool, and Campbell’s Hole. Water levels depend on rain, so check conditions before you go. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water.
Deep Eddy Pool
Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest human-made swimming pool in Texas. Its water stays cool year round. It sits near Lady Bird Lake and Red Bud Isle, a small island with a dog park. Many locals swim here when Barton Springs gets crowded.
Moonlight Towers
Austin has 15 of the original 31 moonlight towers still standing. These 165-foot towers were built in the late 1800s to light the city. They are historic landmarks, and none remain in the other cities that once had them. A tower also appears in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused. During the holidays, one tower in Zilker Park becomes the base of the Zilker Tree.
Clarksville
Clarksville is one of the oldest surviving freedomtowns west of the Mississippi River. Former enslaved people founded these communities after the Civil War. Walk the neighborhood, read the markers, and learn about its history. Be respectful, since people live here.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Wildflower Center covers 284 acres and features more than 800 native Texas plant species. It sits about 10 miles southwest of downtown. Spring is the best time to see bluebonnets, but the gardens offer color through much of the year.
Mount Bonnell and Beyond
Mount Bonnell offers wide views of Lake Austin and the Colorado River. It is better known than the other stops, but many visitors still skip it. Go early to avoid crowds. The Victory Grill, a historic venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit, and the Austin History Center also give a deeper look at local culture.
Tips for Finding Your Own Gems
- Ask locals where they take their own guests.
- Visit on weekday mornings.
- Check parking rules, since some spots are small.
- Respect private property and posted signs.
- Pack water and sunscreen. Austin gets very hot, with 29 days above 100 degrees in a typical year.
A Sample Day
Start at Mayfield Park. Drive to Laguna Gloria for art. Eat lunch, then watch the sunset from the Pennybacker Bridge overlook.
Many of these shady spots, from Mayfield Park to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, owe their cool air to old live oaks. Read about reliable certified tree services in Austin, TX to learn how to protect the trees at your own home.
Austin has many layers. Slow down, go off the main strip, and enjoy what you find.
