If there's one thing all Austinites adore, Lady Bird Lake takes center stage. The stunning sunsets, pristine water, and verdant landscape makes this the focal point of the city. There's no better way to soak up all of this beauty than by floating along the water, and no one knows this better than The Lone Star Riverboat Cruises. Whether you're aching to see the bats fly out from under the bridge or you're eager to learn more about Austin's ever-changing landscape, this riverboat cruise will give you the trip of a lifetime.
Lone Star Riverboat Cruises offer something for everyone.
Perfect for private events and casual evenings out, The Lone Star Riverboat cruise can accommodate anybody.
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With three different boats, Lone Star Riverboat Cruises can provide the exact setting you're looking for.
The newest boat, The Lone Star, is a double-decked, paddle-wheel boat that's 75 feet long. This boat is perfect for wedding receptions and large events. You'll wow your guests by throwing your next function on The Lone Star. You can also hop aboard The Little Star or the Southern Star for a more intimate setting.
Lone Star Riverboat Cruises are the best way to soak up the city's skyline.
The weekly sightseeing cruises provide an hour of gorgeous views and fascinating information. Running from March to December, these tours leave every Saturday and Sunday at 3:00.
Friday moonlight cruises are perfect for date nights.
This BYOB tour leaves at 10:30 p.m every Friday night in March-December.
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But the most astounding tour features Austin's favorite flying mammal, the bat.
During peak bat season, The Lone Star Riverboat cruises leave every night before sunset. You'll see the Mexican Free-Tailed bats flock toward the skyline all at once.
It's the most gorgeous view in Austin.
Your jaw will drop when you see all 1.5 million bats fly into the night sky.
You'll get a front row seat to the breathtaking Austin sunsets.
You won't want to miss out on this iconic Austin experience.
Have you experienced the Lone Star Riverboat Cruise yet? If you want to learn more about Austin's astonishing bat population, read about Austin's South Congress Bridge.
There are so many wonderful and weird things to explore in Austin. These hidden gems in Austin are some that most people don't even know exist! Get your GPS and point-and-shoot cameras ready to go on the Austin hidden gems adventure search of your life.
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1. Castle Hill in Austin is a cool spot to hang out and just chill, take photos, or even add to the graffiti walls if you're an artist.
Check out some drone footage of the Castle Hill Graffiti Park in Austin in this video from Nathan D Films:
2. Hamilton Pool is a natural wonder of Austin. Come take a dip in these pristine waters.
3. Torchy's Tacos delicious, secret menu!
4. You may have heard of this legend, but clothing-optional Hippie Hollow does exist!
5. The backyard of this house in Austin is known as, "The Cathedral of Junk." Way to "Keep Austin Weird"!
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Another one of our favorite hidden gems in Austin is The Cathedral of Junk - check it out in this video from The Daytripper:
6. Casa Neverlandia is a unique home filled with peculiar art and collectibles. It is one of the greenest homes in the world!
7. Violet Crown Cinema is right in the middle of downtown Austin, yet so perfectly tucked away for an amazing boutique-style movie and dining experience.
8. The "Writing Barn" owned by Austin author Bethany Hegedus. This space is rented out for writing workshops and overnight stays. A writer's dream spot!
9. This amazing city skyline view that can be seen from Butler Park.
10. Find Texas endangered species like this Golden Cheek Warbler in the massive Balcones Canyonland Preserve.
11. Watch beautiful peacocks strut at Mayfield Park.
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Head to Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve in Austin for a quiet walk in this video from Fantabulous Travels:
Take a moment to catch your breath now. Pretty incredible, right?
What Austin hidden gems did we miss? Share some of your favorite places in Austin with a comment.
Maybe you've hiked the Greenbelt a million times and visited the Texas State Capitol for the past ten years. Lucky for you, there's still a whole world to discover within Austin's city limits. These are 13 unique things to do in Austin when you feel like you've done just about everything.
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1. Peruse the Austin Toy Museum
This eclectic shop in East Austin will whisk you back to the carefree days of your childhood. The Texas Toy Museum has over 20,000 different toys and offers classes on silk screening, toy casting, and prop-making. This non-profit organization is located on Congress Avenue. Stop by and soak up the sweet nostalgia!
Join David World Toys as they check out the Austin Toy Museum in this video showing off one of our favorite fun and unique places in Austin:
2. Window shop at Austin Flea
Austin Flea is an ever-changing outdoor crafts market that features goods from tons of local vendors. You'll find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage ceramics to adorable dog collars. To see where the Austin Flea is heading to next, visit the Austin Flea website.
3. Take a cooking class at Thai Fresh
Learn the art of Thai cooking at one of these scrumptiously spicy cooking classes. Thai Fresh offers public cooking classes several times a month, and each session has a different theme. Thai Fresh is located at 909 West Mary St. You can learn more about its upcoming classes by visiting the website.
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4. Hike the Turkey Creek Trail
This beautiful trail, located in Emma Long Park, will surround you in peaceful, verdant bliss. This hiking spot will transport you to another world. You can read our full article about the Turkey Creek Trail here. Be sure to check out AllTrails+ for up-to-date information about this and many more hiking trails.
5. Have a picnic at Bob Wentz Park
This park, located along Comanche Trail, has the absolute bluest water in Austin. Soak up the sunshine and munch on a hearty picnic along the shore. For more information, read our feature article about Bob Wentz Park.
6. Embrace your inner diva at Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
This South Congress costume store isn't just for Halloween; it's open year-round. Explore the colorful wigs and lavish dresses. Who knows? You may discover another side of yourself. For more information, read our feature article about this fun nostalgic shop in Austin.
Note: Unfortunately, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds has permanently closed. You can still see photos and read all about it at the link above.
7. Indulge in the best food truck food Austin has to offer
When you head to Rainey Street you'll be transported into a culinary wonderland like no other. The ambiance of outdoor patios with lights, live music, and the beautiful Austin vibe will great you with a smile. From the best tacos around with a spicy zest to a magic grilled cheese that will transform your perception of what a grilled cheese should be. You never know what you'll find on the Rainey Street Food Truck Lot. We know one thing, you'll discover some of the best food trucks in Austin that's for sure.
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One of our favorite hidden gems in Austin is the Rainey Street Food Truck Lot. Take a tour in this video from Adventures of a Traveling Don:
8. Enjoy a few of your favorite things at Lazarus Brewing Co.
Lazarus Brewing specializes in the three things all Austinites love: beer, coffee, and tacos. This glorious trifecta can be found at two locations in Austin. For more information, read our feature article about Lazarus Brewing Co.
9. Get competitive at Vigilante Gaming Bar
Bring some friends and head over to Vigilante Gaming Bar on Easy Wind Drive. With over 200 board games and a plethora of scrumptious gastropub fare, this nerdy bar will soon become your new favorite hangout.
10. Test your wits at one of Austin's 10 exciting escape rooms
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Whether you want to escape from zombies or search for buried treasure, there's a panic room that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Learn about Austin's thrilling escape games here.
11. Laugh until you cry at one of Austin's hilarious comedy and improv clubs
No matter what tickles your funny bone, there's a comedy venue in Austin that will make you laugh uncontrollably. From The Hideout Theatre's delightfully witty improv shows to The Velveeta Room's wild stand-up, there's no shortage of places to giggle and guffaw. To learn more about Austin's comedy clubs, read our feature article.
12. Relax with a tasty hot tea at Brentwood Social House
This cozy tea house, located at 1601 West Koenig Lane, will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Order a fresh pastry and read a novel on their adorable patio or enjoy a classic English high tea. No matter what you do, you'll fall in love with Brentwood Social House.
13. Explore the lush surroundings at Green Gate Farms
Green Gate Farms is the perfect place to escape from it all. Their farm stand bursts with freshness and their summer camps are perfect for kids and adults! Visit Green Gate Farms along Canoga Avenue in Austin.
Learn a little more about Green Gate Farms in Austin Texas in this video from Village Farm Austin:
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Have you done any of these exciting things before? What's your favorite way to shake up your routine? Please share some of your favorite unique things to do in Austin with us in a comment.