Austin, Texas, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the entire country. It offers beautiful parks and monuments to see, and it also has a bustling nightlife. Unfortunately, as in any city, it can be easy to fall into tourist traps. Here are the hidden gems to look out for when visiting Austin, Texas, so that your visit is exciting and memorable.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a museum and outdoor garden that artist Charles Umlauf donated to the city. It contains over 168 of Umlauf’s sculptures, which he created over his 50-year career; many employ a bronze wax technique you won’t commonly find elsewhere. The garden also periodically has galleries to showcase the work of other local artists.
Memories of Buddy Holly in Lubbock, Texas
Lake Austin
Lake Austin typically falls in the shadow of the more popular Lake Travis. Both are great, but Lake Austin often doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves. There are some great trails right off the lake, you can immerse yourself in the local wildlife at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. If you want to spend more time on the water, consider renting a boat for you and your friends to enjoy!
Congress Avenue Bridge
Austin has some incredible sunsets, but what makes the evening incredibly special here are the bats. Every evening around sunset, over a million bats fly out from under this bridge and into the sky to go feast on insects. It’s one of the largest bat colonies in Texas. You can watch the event on the bridge or rent a kayak and watch from Lady Bird Lake, which sits underneath the bridge.
These are a few of the best hidden gems to look out for when you’re visiting Austin, Texas, but many more are waiting for you to find! The whole city itself is a hidden gem, and every corner you turn has something unique to offer. This is part of why Austin is one of the most exciting cities in the country.