Top 20 Weird and Fun Activities for Adults in Austin, TX
Hey Cupcake airstream food truck.
Austin is all over everybody's radar right now. It's got a unique blend of hipster cool, bohemian western and a touch of weird which can't be found anywhere else. With endless options for good food, shopping and funky hangout spots, Austin has established itself as a go-to destination for those seeking a getaway jam-packed with new experiences and some adventure.
The always entertaining city of Austin makes for an excellent destination friends trip because thereβs just so much to see and do. This guide is filled with more unique and alternative ideas for those who want a relaxing and off the beaten path trip. I give you a lot of outdoor-friendly options, foodie favorites and even adult crafting fun!
Side note, I am very fortunate that both my parents and sister live in Austin, giving me the perfect local guides when I visit. Although I live in Sacramento, California, I have been to Austin more times than I can count and spent several long stretches of time crashing with family. This blog post is filled with all the fun things Iβve done over the years in Austin. These photos were taken over the course of 10 years, but all the content is current up to the year 2022!
Plaid Pigeon dinosaur planters for sale inside the Maya Star boutique in South Congress.
Top Places to Enjoy the Outdoors in Austin
Hike Around Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is one of the most recognized and iconic natural features of Austin. Take your crew out for some exercise and fresh air on a sunny Austin day. During the daytime you can enjoy a scenic hike along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This urban walking trail runs along the banks of Lady Bird Lake and you have panoramic views of the water and the bridge.
See the Bats Fly Under the Congress Bridge
Thereβs a famous colony of bats that live under the Congress Bridge. At dusk all the bats fly out in unison, making for a spectacular natural show. Visit Austinβs website has a complete guide to the when and how of bat watching. If youβre planning on walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, you can make your schedule coincide with the flying of the bats.
Watch the Bats Fly from a Rooftop Restaurant
The LINE Hotel Austin is a very trendy place to stay and the perfect spot to book a sunset dinner to watch the bats fly. From their outdoor terrace you can see panoramic city views of the city, Lady Bird Lake and its a prime viewing spot to see the Congress Bridge Bats. They serve contemporary American cuisine and cocktail drinks.
Go Swimming in Barton Springs
If youβre visiting Austin during one of the hot summer months, then you may be looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors without overheating. Barton Springs is a very big 3 acre outdoor swimming pool inside Zilker Park. This is a really fun way to enjoy some natural beauty and cool off in fresh water. Thereβs plenty of surrounding grassy areas for picnics too.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Another place to enjoy some nature outdoors is the Zilker Botanical Garden. This 28 acre collection of gardens has all kinds of backdrops for fun group photos. They even have nighttime garden raves and light shows called The Surreal Garden.
The Natural Gardener
Located just 20 minutes outside Austinβs city center is a huge garden oasis where ladies with green thumbs can find their newest plant baby. The Natural Gardener is a popular place to shop for little cactus, succulents and all things garden related. Even if youβre not in the market to shop, itβs pretty fun to walk through the gardens, see the animals and take Instagrammable photos with friends.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurantβs outdoor patio.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant has swan visitors that you can see from the outdoor patio.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant has swan visitors that you can see from the outdoor patio.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant has swan visitors that you can see from the outdoor patio.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant.
The County Line by the Lake BBQ restaurant.
Foodie Favorite Spots in Austin
Black's BBQ
Texans really love their BBQ and Black's hits all the marks for a famous Texas style meal. The brisket has everything you could ever want in a BBQ dinner, slow cooked and full of flavor. But for me the selling point are the side "fixings" (as they say in Texas). The cream corn and mac-n-cheese followed by a dessert of peach cobbler and pecan pie is a real dose of southern hospitality. One thing to note, this place is so popular that sometimes they will run out of food. So do your due diligence and call ahead before you make the trip to the restaurant.
The County Line on the Lake
My sister had her wedding at Austin BBQ joint County Line on the Lake. This large venue not only has great BBQ, but more notably has a very calm and scenic outdoor venue that sits adjacent to a lake. You can sit on the dock and feed the enormous fish (seriously theyβre like 3 feet long) and watch the swans swim by. Enjoy the twinkling lights and music at night with a margarita in hand.
Torchy's Damn Good Tacos
One time while I was on the plane ride to Austin, I overheard the flight attendants talking about their favorite Austin food spot. Apparently every time they flew to Austin they would all go to Torchy's. Several passengers chimed in and gave their favorite food recommendations for this popular joint. You know if the locals love it then it has to be good.
Naturally I had to try it out and I quickly discovered that Torchy's is a taco joint with a twist. From unusual names to unpredictable ingredients, there's big choices to make when ordering. I chose my food options based solely on the irony of the names. As one could predict, the Democrat taco was dramatically different than the Republican taco, but both equally as delicious.
Amy's Ice Cream
A must-visit in Austin is the famous Amy's Ice Cream shop. Known for their odd and boozy flavored ice creams, it is very tough to pick a final contender. I settled on the flavor "Saturday Morning Cartoons" which literally tasted like Captain Crunch and milk in an ice cream form. My sister ordered the Rum and Raisin with lots of toppings pilled on. Take note, all flavors are not always available so if you see something that peaks your interest, EAT IT! Besides the amazing ice cream, best part of Amy's is that they're open until midnight during the week and 1 AM on weekends, making the perfect late night cravings spot.
Hey Cupcake
Hey Cupcake has been making Austinβs favorite cupcakes since 2007. They are located inside a cute airstream and have fun flavors such as colorful galaxy cupcakes, strawberry shortcakes, carrot cake, red velvet, double chocolate and more. They also have gluten free and vegan cupcakes.
Juiceland
Juiceland is a local Texas smoothie chain with freshly squeezed juices and all kinds of smoothies. They have locations all over Austin. If youβre looking for a light and healthy food options, they have plant-based meals, smoothie bowls and protein shakes. They also have coffee lattes and matcha lattes for those in need of a caffeine pick me up.
Juiceland is a local Texas fresh juice, smoothie and plant based meals chain.
Juiceland is a local Texas fresh juice, smoothie and plant based meals chain.
Torchyβs Tacos can be found all over Austin and theyβre delicious.
Torchyβs Tacos can be found all over Austin and theyβre delicious.
Torchyβs The Republican taco.
Torchyβs The Democrat taco.
Amyβs Ice Cream has funny ice cream flavors and theyβre open late.
Amyβs Ice Cream has funny ice cream flavors and theyβre open late.
Amyβs Ice Cream has funny ice cream flavors and theyβre open late.
Amyβs Ice Cream has funny ice cream flavors and theyβre open late.
Tesoros Trading Company store in South Congress sells Mexican and international goods.
Party at Craft, the adult crafting studio.
Party at Craft, the adult crafting studio.
More Places to Explore in Austin
Shopping in South Congress
South Congress is definitely one of the most popular hangout spots for Austin visitors. On this main downtown strip youβll find plenty of funky antique and vintage shops, curated thrift stores, hipster and modern fashion boutiques, restaurants and Instagram-worthy murals. A few noteworthy places Iβve been to are Allens Boots, Featherβs Boutique Vintage, Tesoros Trading Company, Perlaβs Seafood and Snack Bar Austin.
The Famous Austin Motel Letter Board
In the heart of South Congress is the famous Austin Motel with a super large letter board. Over the years they have written funny and nostalgic little quotes and sayings. Take a picture for a DIY postcard! The motel recently went a major renovation and itβs looking very cute and welcoming. Check out how Insta-worthy the Austin Motel looks here!
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds Costume Store
I promised you weird things on this list and hereβs one! Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds is an enormous costume and dress-up store located in South Congress. You can find all things weird, sparkly with sequins, fan memorabilia and more. This is a fun place to walk around and browse with friends. You can also shop for your next Halloween costume here!
Maya Star
In South Congress thereβs a trendy and whimsical fashion boutique called Maya Star. Itβs located right next to Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds on South Congress Ave. They have cute mini, midi and maxi dresses for warm Texas days. They also have some home decor including those super cute and colorful Plaid Pigeon dinosaur planters.
Craft
Have you ever wanted a place where you can let your inner child out for a couple hours and you can do arts and crafts to your heartβs desire? Craft is a one-of-a-kind craft studio where you can have fun making all kinds of things with your adult friends. Iβve been to Craft a few times and they have every kind of crafting supply you can think of available to inspire your next creation. They also offer classes if you need some guidance and lessons. This is a place for grown-ups, no kids allowed.
Uncommon Objects
If youβre a fan of vintage, antique and quirky items, Uncommon Objects is an emporium of transcendent junk. Collectors can find everything from old books, porcelain plates and dishes, quilts, figurines, vintage clothing, baskets, vintage luggage, furniture and home decor and everything else you would expect to stumble upon at a flea market.
Uncommon Objects used to be located in the heart of South Congress but they have since moved to 1602 Fortview Rd.
Austin, TX.
Texas Capital Building
Austin is the capital of Texas and the capital building is located in the heart of downtown. If youβre in the mood to stretch your legs and do some urban hiking, itβs worth it to stop into the capital building and see the impressive dome from the inside. The building is open to the public and thereβs gardens and a gift shop onsite.
Maya Star fashion boutique and Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds costume store located in South Congress.
Tesoros Trading Company store in South Congress sells Mexican and international goods.
Allenβs Boots store in South Congress sells a huge variety of cowboy boots.
Youβre My Butter Half mural is located at 2000 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
View of Lady Bird Lake while standing on the South Congress Bridge.
View of downtown Austin while standing on the South Congress Bridge.
View beneath the bridge while walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
View of downtown Austin while standing on the South Congress Bridge.
Entrance to The Natural Gardener nursery.
Goats who live at The Natural Gardener nursery.
Goats who live at The Natural Gardener nursery.
Green house plants inside The Natural Gardener nursery.
Cacti and succulent plants inside The Natural Gardener nursery.
Cacti and succulent plants inside The Natural Gardener nursery.
Potted flower plants inside The Natural Gardener nursery.
Colorful patio furniture inside The Natural Gardener nursery.
South Congress trendy menβs clothing and home goods boutique store.
South Congress home goods boutique store selling geode agate bookends with vintage books.
South Congress home goods boutique store selling geode agate drink coasters.
South Congress vintage boutique stores selling cowboy boots.
South Congress vintage boutique stores selling boho jewelry.
Uncommon Objects selling vintage trunk luggage.
Uncommon Objects selling antique leather bound books.
Vintage thrift store on South Congress.
Boutique gift store in South Congress selling cactus plant refrigerator magnets.
Plaid Pigeon dinosaur planters for sale inside the Maya Star boutique in South Congress.
Plaid Pigeon dinosaur planters for sale inside the Maya Star boutique in South Congress.
Sparkly shoes inside Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds costume store located in South Congress.
Sparkly shoes inside Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds costume store located in South Congress.
Sparkly shoes inside Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds costume store located in South Congress.
Austin Motel letter board in South Congress.
Tesoros Trading Company store in South Congress sells Dia de los Muertos Mexican skeleton figures.
Hey Cupcake airstream food truck.
Perlaβs seafood restaurant in South Congress.
I love you so much mural in South Congress on the side of Joβs Coffee.
Austin Motel letter board in South Congress.
Austin Motel letter board in South Congress.
Austin Motel letter board in South Congress.
Outside Austin state capital building.
Dome inside the Austin state capital building.
Dome inside the Austin state capital building.
Inside the Austin state capital building.
Planning a Destination Bachelorette Party in Austin
Austin is a very popular place to travel with your gal pals for a destination bachelorette party because thereβs so much to do. Traditionally bachelorette parties are filled with raucous and naughty behaviors - think tons of alcohol and male strippers. And yes, if this is what youβre into youβll find it in Austin. But in this guide Iβm giving you all kinds of alternatives for a more tame and relaxing bachelorette party experience.
Unique Things to Do for Bachelorette Parties in Austin
In an a hens party, the focus is on making meaningful connections with lady friends and sending the bride off to married life in style. In this Austin guide, your crew can enjoy the outdoors, be creative, find vintage treasures, score some cosplay outfits, eat yummy food and most importantly make memories to last a lifetime.
Driving around Austin with my sister.
Barton Springs pool.
View beneath the bridge while walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
Love birds tiny mural along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
Pedestrian view while walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
View beneath the bridge while walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
My Favorite Hotels in Austin:
The LINE Austin is a super trendy hotel located downtown, right next to the South Congress Bridge and Colorado River. Guests love the skyline views and the fact that you can walk to so many sightseeing spots.
The Otis Hotel is located right outside the University of Texas which makes it a great place for students and family visitors to stay. They have a fabulous pool and modern design interiors.
Tommie Austin is another trendy hotel with modern design and a great location. You can walk to downtown and Rainey District.
Shop for Your Trip to Austin:
Get super cute matching tees to sport together with your crew during your Austin trip.
Look cute as a prickly little cactus in a comfy graphic t-shirt. Pair with denim shorts and youβre good to go!
Embrace the local fashion in Austin and sport a western inspired bandana look along with some killer cowboy boots.
