39 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Austin - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Austin

Museum of the Weird

Continuing the tradition of the dime museum in style.

Cathedral of Junk

A unique structure in suburban Austin comprised entirely of other people's castaways.

Uncommon Objects

One part antique store, one part curiosities hodge-podge.

Congress Bridge Bats

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, estimated at 1.5 million bats.

Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

DIY collection of eclectic holdings.

Mayfield Park

Free public park and gardens filled with peacocks and peahens.

Toy Joy

A store full of vintage and indie toys designed to bring out the kid in even the crustiest of adults.

Mueller SunFlowers

A grove of colossal man-made flowers built to collect the sun's rays.

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Itinerary Sponsored by Visit Austin

6 Natural Wonders to Discover in Austin, Texas

There is more to Austin than really, really, really good tacos and barbecue. The city is also home to a smorgasbord of natural wonders, many of which are free to enjoy. So burn off your breakfast tacos or brisket by swimming and strolling among Austin’s diverse wildlife and plants.

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Stories About Austin

Video: The Joys of Bat-Watching

Every evening, locals and visitors congregate at Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge to watch a show made up of 1.5 million performers. Specifically: bats.

Sponsored by Visit Austin

The Famous Fight Over the Turn-of-the-Century Trend of Spirit Photography

In one corner: Harry Houdini. And in the other: Arthur Conan Doyle.

October 29, 2021

Podcast: Big Bertha Drum

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

August 31, 2021

SpaceX's Falcon 9 leaps into the stars.

Austin Just Sent Its Favorite Queso Recipe to the Moon

One small step for cheese, one giant leap for cheese, kinda.

by Reina Gattuso

February 26, 2019

HOPE Outdoor Gallery in 2014. The gallery will be demolished next spring, and another will open 10 miles away.

An Ever-Shifting Austin Art Space Makes Its Biggest Move Yet

HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a local landmark. Will its spirit follow it to its new location?

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