Keepin' it Weird: Your Guide to Not-Be-Boring Austin
Ah, Austin, Texas. The land of breakfast tacos, quirky characters, and enough live music to make your ears bleed (in a good way, of course). But what if you're visiting this funky city and, gasp, don't want to spend your entire trip inhaling breakfast tacos (although, we can't blame you if you do)? Fear not, weary traveler, for this here guide will be your compass on the wild ride that is Austin.
 |
| What is There To Do In Austin |
Let's Get Cultured (Without Being Snooty)
Austin boasts a surprising number of museums that tickle every fancy. The Blanton Museum houses an impressive collection of modern art, perfect for pretending you understand those abstract squiggles. Want something a little more...unique? The Museum of the Weird promises a journey into the bizarre and unsettling, where you might just find yourself face-to-face with a two-headed goat (don't worry, it's taxidermied...probably).
Pro Tip: Museums are notorious for their highfalutin' cafes, but Austin keeps it real. Pack a picnic basket and chow down on your spread in the Zilker Park Botanical Garden for a delightful dose of culture and carbs.
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
Nature Calls (and it Might Involve Bats)
Austinites are an outdoorsy bunch, and for good reason. Lady Bird Lake is a haven for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply chilling lakeside. Feeling adventurous? Zilker Park offers hiking trails, a Zilker Metropolitan Park disc golf course (because, duh, it's Austin), and even a hidden waterfall (perfect for pretending you're Indiana Jones...minus the snakes...hopefully).
The Bat Show Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Watches): Every night at dusk, under the Congress Avenue Bridge, you'll witness a truly bizarre spectacle: a MASSIVE exodus of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats taking flight. It's creepy, it's cool, it's undeniably Austin.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Feed Your Inner Foodie (and Your Inner Live Music Junkie)
Austin's food scene is a glorious mess of Tex-Mex staples, trendy fusion joints, and enough food trucks to rival a monster truck rally. Franklin Barbecue is legendary, but be prepared to wait in line for what feels like an eternity (trust us, the brisket is worth it). For something a little less meat-centric, East Austin is a haven for trendy vegan and vegetarian spots.
Music is the lifeblood of Austin. Sixth Street is a neon-lit gauntlet of bars with live music spilling out onto the street. But the real magic happens in the countless dive bars and hidden gems scattered throughout the city. Catch an up-and-coming singer-songwriter one night, a legendary blues guitarist the next – that's the beauty of Austin's music scene.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
 |
Pro Tip: Download the Do512 app to see what concerts are happening during your visit. You might just stumble upon your new favorite band!
How to Austin: Your Crash Course in Weirdness
How to survive the heat? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Pack breathable clothing and sunscreen, and don't be afraid to embrace the power of the air conditioner.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to get around? Ridesharing services are readily available, but renting a bike is a fantastic way to experience the city (just be mindful of the heat).
How to speak Texan? "Y'all" is your friend. A healthy use of "howdy" and "fixin' to" will also earn you major Texan cred.
How to deal with the bats? Relax, they're more interested in mosquitos than your hair. But maybe bring an umbrella...just in case.
How to fit in? Honestly, just be yourself. Austin celebrates weirdness, so embrace your inner oddball and have a blast!
 |
