Austin is overflowing with thrilling attractions. Everyone knows about Lady Bird Lake‘s lovely hiking trails, Mount Bonnell‘s supreme beauty, and Barton Springs Pool‘s refreshing waters, but there’s so much more to discover in Central Texas. These are 9 of the greatest destinations most Austinites overlook.
- James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons Located in Smithville, Texas, The James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum is full of fascinating finds. You’ll come across artifacts dating back to 1886 and a colorful playground for the kiddos to explore. This park is wedged between two train cabooses, and it’s the perfect place for a picnic. The James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum is located at 100 NW 1st S., Smithville, TX 78957.
- Sparky Park
leiris202/Flickr Enter a world full of colorful mosaics. Sparky Park was once an electrical substation, but it’s now a colorful art park. These breathtaking displays can be found at 3701 Grooms St., Austin, TX 78705.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Government Canyon State Natural Area
mlhradio/Flickr Government Canyon State Natural Area boasts of over 12,000 acres of untouched wilderness. You can explore over 40 miles of trails and recharge in a relaxing atmosphere. This magnificent patch of nature is located at 12861 Galm Rd., San Antonio, TX 78254.
- Goat Cave Preserve
micklpickl/Flickr Discover mysterious sinkholes and search for wildlife on this half mile trail in South Austin. You’ll come across water-formed caves, shimmering limestone, and shady trees. Goat Cave Preserve is located at 3900 Deer Run, Austin, TX 78744.
- Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center/Facebook There’s an endless supply of adventure at the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. Here, you can hike through a rustic upland trail, venture to a mystical grotto, and explore a gorgeous limestone crevice. The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is open from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday - Friday and 9:30 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This exciting nature center is located at 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd., Round Mountain, TX 78663.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Valerie Jobe/All Trails This breezy 2.5 mile hike has so much to offer. At The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, you’ll come across expansive hill country views, unique birds, and babbling creeks. You can find this nature preserve at 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, TX 78746.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Buescher State Park
Buescher State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife/Facebook There’s no better place to relax and unwind than Buescher State Park in Smithville, Texas. The crystal-clear lake is perfect for fishing and kayaking, and the hiking trails are pure bliss. Stay the night in one of their cozy cabins and feel the peaceful nature surrounding you. Buescher State Park is located at 100 Park Rd 1-C, Smithville, TX 78957.
- Lake Buchanan’s fascinating underwater city.
Merinda Brayfield/Flickr There’s a mysterious city hiding underneath Lake Buchanan, and it’s only noticeable during periods of drought. People have discovered an old tank and cotton gin above the dirt. If you’re lucky enough to see this eerie city first hand, it’s a truly mesmerizing sight. Lake Buchanan is located in Bluffton, Texas.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Muleshoe Bend
Rockin’Rita/Flickr Muleshoe Bend is especially breathtaking in the Spring when the wildflowers have bloomed, but it’s gorgeous any time of year. Take a day trip to Spicewood, Texas and frolic along the rolling hillsides. This scenic getaway is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying a picnic. Muleshoe Bend is located at 2820 County Rd. 414, Spicewood, TX 78669.
What’s your favorite under-the-radar attraction around Austin?
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons
Located in Smithville, Texas, The James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum is full of fascinating finds. You’ll come across artifacts dating back to 1886 and a colorful playground for the kiddos to explore. This park is wedged between two train cabooses, and it’s the perfect place for a picnic. The James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum is located at 100 NW 1st S., Smithville, TX 78957.
leiris202/Flickr
Enter a world full of colorful mosaics. Sparky Park was once an electrical substation, but it’s now a colorful art park. These breathtaking displays can be found at 3701 Grooms St., Austin, TX 78705.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
mlhradio/Flickr
Government Canyon State Natural Area boasts of over 12,000 acres of untouched wilderness. You can explore over 40 miles of trails and recharge in a relaxing atmosphere. This magnificent patch of nature is located at 12861 Galm Rd., San Antonio, TX 78254.
micklpickl/Flickr
Discover mysterious sinkholes and search for wildlife on this half mile trail in South Austin. You’ll come across water-formed caves, shimmering limestone, and shady trees. Goat Cave Preserve is located at 3900 Deer Run, Austin, TX 78744.
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center/Facebook
There’s an endless supply of adventure at the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. Here, you can hike through a rustic upland trail, venture to a mystical grotto, and explore a gorgeous limestone crevice. The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is open from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday - Friday and 9:30 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This exciting nature center is located at 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd., Round Mountain, TX 78663.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
Valerie Jobe/All Trails
This breezy 2.5 mile hike has so much to offer. At The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, you’ll come across expansive hill country views, unique birds, and babbling creeks. You can find this nature preserve at 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, TX 78746.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
Buescher State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife/Facebook
There’s no better place to relax and unwind than Buescher State Park in Smithville, Texas. The crystal-clear lake is perfect for fishing and kayaking, and the hiking trails are pure bliss. Stay the night in one of their cozy cabins and feel the peaceful nature surrounding you. Buescher State Park is located at 100 Park Rd 1-C, Smithville, TX 78957.
Merinda Brayfield/Flickr
There’s a mysterious city hiding underneath Lake Buchanan, and it’s only noticeable during periods of drought. People have discovered an old tank and cotton gin above the dirt. If you’re lucky enough to see this eerie city first hand, it’s a truly mesmerizing sight. Lake Buchanan is located in Bluffton, Texas.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
Rockin’Rita/Flickr
Muleshoe Bend is especially breathtaking in the Spring when the wildflowers have bloomed, but it’s gorgeous any time of year. Take a day trip to Spicewood, Texas and frolic along the rolling hillsides. This scenic getaway is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying a picnic. Muleshoe Bend is located at 2820 County Rd. 414, Spicewood, TX 78669.
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