Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and Lady Bird Lake always make the top of Austin bucket lists, but there’s so many more attractions hiding under the surface. Get off the beaten path and explore these 10 underrated Austin attractions! From quirky art galleries to bizarre museums, there’s really no shortage of amazing things to see in Austin, Texas.
- Museum of Natural And Artificial Ephemerata
Ligaya T./Yelp Located in East Austin at 1808 Singleton Ave, The Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata is like none other. This house museum celebrates the art of collection and is full of fanciful wonders. The collection is divided into five sections: The celebrity collection. naturalia & artificialia, urban phantasmagoria, the snowglobe collection, and an entire space dedicated to sleep. Guests can take tours most Saturday afternoons at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit www.mnae.org//
- Casa Neverlandia
Tara M./Yelp Built by a local artist named Talbot, Casa Neverlandia is every bit as enchanting as it sounds. This eco-friendly home is full of colorful tiles and artistic decorations, and it even has a tree house! Tours are scheduled on a private basis. For more information, visit www.talbotworld.com.
- Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Peter Pan Mini-Golf/Facebook This quirky mini-golf course, located at 1207 Barton Springs Rd, has been an Austin staple since 1948. At Peter Pan, you can play putt putt amongst a plethora of colorful characters. It’s also BYOB!
- The Harry Ransom Center
Harry Ransom Center/Facebook Tucked away at 300 W 21st Street sits a museum full of fascinating exhibits. At The Harry Ransom Center, you can see the first photograph ever taken in addition to one of 21 complete Gutenberg Bibles. The exhibits change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover!
- Elisabet Ney Museum
Elisabet Ney Museum/Facebook Who knew there was a castle in Austin, Texas? The Elisabet Ney Museum, located at 304 E 44th St, is so much more than just a beautiful building. This museum celebrates the life and sculptures from trailblazing artist, Elisabet Ney. Within these walls, you’ll get a feel for the lavish parties she threw back in late 1800s Austin!
- Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden/Facebook Everyone knows about Zilker Park, but tucked around the corner sits this gorgeous 30-acre paradise that not enough people visit. Venture through the dinosaur landscape and relax in the Japanese zen garden. You could spend all afternoon soaking up the beautiful nature at The Zilker Botanical Garden.
- Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In
Michelle L./Yelp This drive in theater will whisk you back in time. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In is a South Austin gem located at 12419 Lowden Lane. They show everything from indie films to classics like Grease and Princess Bride.
- ART on 5th
ART on 5th/Facebook Don’t be mislead by the name, ART on 5th is actually located in the shopping center at 3005 S Lamar Blvd. Not only does ART on 5th boast of over 6,000 square feet of gallery space, they also have the largest collection from The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss. You’ll find everything from his wild and wacky taxidermy animals to classics from his cherished children’s books. Of course, ART on 5th also features diverse pieces from local and national artists. There’s no shortage of gorgeous art here.
- Mayfield Park
Emmanuelle Bourgue/Flickr This park seems straight out of a fairy tale. The hiking trails are shady, the green lily pads float in the pond, and majestic peacocks stroll through on a daily basis. If you haven’t been to Mayfield Park, located at 3505 W 35th St, you’re missing out.
- Big Top Candy Shop
Big Top Candy Shop/Facebook This SoCo shop is bursting with sweetness. Classic and tempting, Big Top Candy Shop has over 300 types of bulk candy and more than 2,000 kinds of packaged sweets. You must stop by for an old fashioned float or malt.
What is your favorite attraction in Austin?
Ligaya T./Yelp
Located in East Austin at 1808 Singleton Ave, The Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata is like none other. This house museum celebrates the art of collection and is full of fanciful wonders. The collection is divided into five sections: The celebrity collection. naturalia & artificialia, urban phantasmagoria, the snowglobe collection, and an entire space dedicated to sleep. Guests can take tours most Saturday afternoons at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit www.mnae.org//
Tara M./Yelp
Built by a local artist named Talbot, Casa Neverlandia is every bit as enchanting as it sounds. This eco-friendly home is full of colorful tiles and artistic decorations, and it even has a tree house! Tours are scheduled on a private basis. For more information, visit www.talbotworld.com.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf/Facebook
This quirky mini-golf course, located at 1207 Barton Springs Rd, has been an Austin staple since 1948. At Peter Pan, you can play putt putt amongst a plethora of colorful characters. It’s also BYOB!
Harry Ransom Center/Facebook
Tucked away at 300 W 21st Street sits a museum full of fascinating exhibits. At The Harry Ransom Center, you can see the first photograph ever taken in addition to one of 21 complete Gutenberg Bibles. The exhibits change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover!
Elisabet Ney Museum/Facebook
Who knew there was a castle in Austin, Texas? The Elisabet Ney Museum, located at 304 E 44th St, is so much more than just a beautiful building. This museum celebrates the life and sculptures from trailblazing artist, Elisabet Ney. Within these walls, you’ll get a feel for the lavish parties she threw back in late 1800s Austin!
Zilker Botanical Garden/Facebook
Everyone knows about Zilker Park, but tucked around the corner sits this gorgeous 30-acre paradise that not enough people visit. Venture through the dinosaur landscape and relax in the Japanese zen garden. You could spend all afternoon soaking up the beautiful nature at The Zilker Botanical Garden.
Michelle L./Yelp
This drive in theater will whisk you back in time. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In is a South Austin gem located at 12419 Lowden Lane. They show everything from indie films to classics like Grease and Princess Bride.
ART on 5th/Facebook
Don’t be mislead by the name, ART on 5th is actually located in the shopping center at 3005 S Lamar Blvd. Not only does ART on 5th boast of over 6,000 square feet of gallery space, they also have the largest collection from The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss. You’ll find everything from his wild and wacky taxidermy animals to classics from his cherished children’s books. Of course, ART on 5th also features diverse pieces from local and national artists. There’s no shortage of gorgeous art here.
Emmanuelle Bourgue/Flickr
This park seems straight out of a fairy tale. The hiking trails are shady, the green lily pads float in the pond, and majestic peacocks stroll through on a daily basis. If you haven’t been to Mayfield Park, located at 3505 W 35th St, you’re missing out.
Big Top Candy Shop/Facebook
This SoCo shop is bursting with sweetness. Classic and tempting, Big Top Candy Shop has over 300 types of bulk candy and more than 2,000 kinds of packaged sweets. You must stop by for an old fashioned float or malt.
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