Austin’s local mountain isn’t really a mountain at all.

A small island hides in plain sight on Austin's Lady Bird Lake.

Home to an endangered salamander, a full moon celebration, and a large spring-fed outdoor swimming pool.

A free, canine-friendly alternative watering hole near the more famous Barton Springs.

Just like the real 36th president of the United States, animatronic LBJ amuses visitors with jokes and stories.

This simple frog painting created by musician Daniel Johnston embodies the spirit of Austin.

This small stone building, the final work of a renowned artist, offers a peaceful environment with radiant, colorful glass windows .

Roadside Americana, fairy tale characters, and Austin quirkiness come together at this magical course in the heart of Texas' capital city.

A high-octane shrine to the greatest Texans who ever lived.

After 97 years of constant vigilance from the dome of the Texas State Capitol, the original Goddess of Liberty retired to a life of climate-controlled leisure.

This failed condo development was reborn as a street art hub.

This massive oak tree has ties to the first native tribes of the region and the founders of Texas.

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

Turning night into day in Victorian-era Austin to thwart a serial killer.

Locals dubbed it the "Owl Building" because of its bird-like appearance.

This strange, small castle on the bayou has withstood the test of time and weather.

The world-record holder for the longest bridge stretching continuously over water.

This Art Deco airport was once deemed “the air hub of the Americas.”

Before becoming a public park, this spot was a shell midden, a fort, and an amusement park.

This knobby, drooping New Orleans oak is a favorite place both for climbing and for meeting giraffes.

The stone labyrinth in this New Orleans city park was laid to symbolize healing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans' famous cemetery, located on the site of a former race track.

The first patented shaved-ice machine heralded a snowy wonderland of iced treats at a favorite New Orleans summer shack.

A prime example of New Orleans' unique architecture these early 20th century homes were built to look like steamboats.