An escape to the southwest is a welcome experience no matter what time of year it is. There is no place better in the southwest than Austin for your next vacation getaway. Austin is the Texas capital for a reason, with tons of family friendly activities and attractions found all around town. You can also find some activities off the beaten path that are a way to experience Austin that are not as well known. Here are five unique things to do in Austin.
5 Unique Things To Do in Austin
It is no surprise that music is found at the heart of Austin; the city is home to nationally known venues that have hosted local artists who eventually hit the nationwide stage. However, Austin is also known for its sprawling art community that continues to thrive here in the area. One of the best ways to experience local art here in Austin is by tracking down the local art murals found all over the city. Some of the murals such as the “i love you so much.” murals are well known for their Instagram worthy views, while others are not quite as well known. Stop by 1700 S Congress Ave to find the Carlos Hernandez “Punk Cowboy” mural that is very unique. The “Til Death Do Us Part” mural is a little off the beaten path and is found on the corner of Waller and E 7th Street. This mural shows an incredible skull and crossbones mural. Additional murals include the “Willie for President” and “Greetings from Austin” with a postcard that can be found too.
Grab a Cone from Amy’s Ice Cream
Finding something do in Austin is always the most important aspect of planning your itinerary. However, this means finding something for dessert can be on the backburner until you are ready for that sweet treat. Amy’s Ice Cream is the one stop shop you want to find your ice cream fix. This local institution features a variety of handmade ice cream including their classic flavors along with rotating ones too. The shop features a quirky vibe and is decorated in bright colors, making it very hard to miss. Some of our favorite flavors include the Shiner that features your favorite Texas beer in it making it an adult treat. Don’t miss out on this local ice cream shop here in Austin!
Find the Moonlight Towers
Austin has been around for over 100 years with its inception taking place back in the 1800s. During this time frame electric streetlights did not exist. Starting in 1894 the city put up 13 different moonlight towers that would provide the only form of light at night. The towers continue to remain up here in the city and are often referred to in famous movies and TV; you can hear Matthew McConaughey himself refer to them in the movie Dazed and Confused when he utters “Party at the moontower”. Finding the moontowers is a great way to plan for a bike tour of Austin. Finding a map of them is easy enough online and will give you a path to navigate the city with. Simply find the closest bike shop to your vacation rental and get to searching!
Drive In Movies at Blue Starlite
Austin is one of those rare cities that still offers a few different options for drive-in movies. This is an activity that most do not think of when visiting somewhere new so this unexpected activity will be a treat. Do not settle for any drive in theater and instead make your way to Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In Movies. What started as tiny lots for barely a handful of cars is now a business with much more space. Bring a lawn chair and some snacks so you can enjoy the film outside. They play double features of the hit new movies on the big screen. You will find three locations for Blue Starlite here in Austin.
Batfest
Everyone knows about the bats under Congress Avenue Bridge, but do you know about Batfest? This is a unique and Austin-like festival that takes place in August each year. You can never predict what is going on with the Batfest each year, but you can expect live music and a lot of fun. One year had the Batmobile for the original 1960s series show up. Talk about unexpected but still seems very on brand for Austin.
Austin Is Ready for Fun
These are just a few of the many unexpected activities waiting for you here in Austin. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today and come see for yourself. A trip to Austin is just what everyone needs around this time of year. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by type here.