11 Hidden Gems in Austin Most People Don't Even Know Exist
Elaine Heng
Author
There are so many wonderful and weird things to explore in Austin. These hidden gems in Austin are some that most people don’t even know exist! Get your GPS and point-and-shoot cameras ready to go on the Austin hidden gems adventure search of your life.
1. Castle Hill in Austin is a cool spot to hang out and just chill, take photos, or even add to the graffiti walls if you're an artist.
Check out some drone footage of the Castle Hill Graffiti Park in Austin in this video from Nathan D Films:
2. Hamilton Pool is a natural wonder of Austin. Come take a dip in these pristine waters.
3. Torchy's Tacos delicious, secret menu!
4. You may have heard of this legend, but clothing-optional Hippie Hollow does exist!
5. The backyard of this house in Austin is known as, "The Cathedral of Junk." Way to "Keep Austin Weird"!
Another one of our favorite hidden gems in Austin is The Cathedral of Junk - check it out in this video from The Daytripper:
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6. Casa Neverlandia is a unique home filled with peculiar art and collectibles. It is one of the greenest homes in the world!
7. Violet Crown Cinema is right in the middle of downtown Austin, yet so perfectly tucked away for an amazing boutique-style movie and dining experience.
8. The "Writing Barn" owned by Austin author Bethany Hegedus. This space is rented out for writing workshops and overnight stays. A writer's dream spot!
9. This amazing city skyline view that can be seen from Butler Park.
10. Find Texas endangered species like this Golden Cheek Warbler in the massive Balcones Canyonland Preserve.
11. Watch beautiful peacocks strut at Mayfield Park.
Head to Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve in Austin for a quiet walk in this video from Fantabulous Travels:
Take a moment to catch your breath now. Pretty incredible, right?
What Austin hidden gems did we miss? Share some of your favorite places in Austin with a comment.
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Hidden Gems In Austin, Texas
What are some of the best hidden gems near me in Austin, Texas?
Austin is a vibrant city with beautiful natural areas, as well as cool shops, restaurants, and attractions. Here are a few of the best hidden gems near you in Austin, Texas:
- Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden: One of our favorite spots to visit when traveling to Austin is Banger's. If you love a good brat and a beer for lunch, this is the place to go. With over one hundred craft beers on tap and a nice selection of brats and sausage to choose from, you can come back every day for a year and try a different combo. You can even sit outside on the patio with your furry friend while he chows down on a Woofwurst special (a plate of pork beef and veggies).
- Midnight Cowboy: If you were visiting Austin and you passed by the sign for this establishment on Sixth Street that says "Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage," you'd probably avoid it (while a devil on your shoulder whispers, go check it out, you know you want to). But this hidden gem is actually an upscale speakeasy! It's pretty small so you'll probably need a reservation, but when you get inside, you'll be instantly whisked away to the past when drinking was illegal in Texas.
- Falkenstein Castle: Who knew that Austin had an ancient castle on a hill surrounded by bluebonnets? While Falkenstein Castle isn't all that ancient, it was modeled after Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany that was built in the 19th Century. Falkenstein Castle is one of the most popular wedding venues in Texas set in the beautiful Hill Country. It is a private residence so you can't just pop in for a visit, but it can be rented for your special event.
If you happen to be near Austin in the warmer months, perhaps you'd enjoy this hidden beaches road trip. Grab one of the fine RVs from RVShare, pack up the family, and head to the best beaches near Austin.