We all know that we're supposed to keep Austin weird. These days, however, that slogan seems to slip away. Yes, the city is changing, but there are still plenty of places that will make you scratch your head and say "what??" Stare at shrunken heads and weave your way through a whimsical fairytale house. These quirky spots are absolutely mind-boggling. You'll love visiting the nine oddest places in Austin.
1. Fairy Alley
This whimsical piece of local art sits in the alleyway near 1507 Treadwell Street. Artist Suvi Aika has made her property a haven for mystical creatures. The pavement is painted to resemble a koi pond and the fencepost exemplifies Austin's quirky spirit. If you look closely, you'll see an entire fairy neighborhood at your feet! Tiny homes, walkways, and parks sit against the fence -- perfect for any winged creature.
To see more photos of Fairy Alley, check out our feature article here.
4. Whip In
This Austin business is truly keeping the city weird. What was once a typical convenient store ended as a wine, beer, and curry house. You'll dine on the most scrumptious Indian/Tex Mex fusion and sip on a local beer while a local bluegrass band plays tunes on the back porch. You wouldn't think that these things would go together, but at The Whip In, they couldn't be more perfect. Visit The Whip In at 1950 S I-35.
You can learn more about their unique menu in our feature article here.
3. Museum Of The Weird
The name says it all. In here, you'll come across all kinds of eye-catching oddities. Shrunken heads, Fiji mermaids, and a frozen yeti are all available for your viewing pleasure. You can even watch a thrilling sideshow performance on their big stage. The Museum of The Weird is located in the heart of Austin's entertainment district at 412 E 6th St.
4. Sparky Park
Art in Public Places turned this drab piece of land into a eye-catching display. Sparky Park once operated as an electrical substation, but today it's a wondrous hidden gem. Explore the rock formations and mosaic sculptures at 3701 Grooms Street.
To learn more, read our feature article here.
5. Lala's
It may not feel strange to visit this bar in December, but if you come around in March you might be taken off guard. The truth is, Lala's celebrates the holiday season all year long. Twinkling lights, vibrant trees, and mischievous elves are everywhere you look. Get into the jolly spirit at 2207 Justin Ln.
This unique watering hole has a fascinating story behind it. To learn more, read our feature article here.
6. Casa Neverlandia
Austin Artist Talbot has turned his living space into a treasure trove of color. This eco-friendly home is as magical as a trip to Neverland, and it's often open for tours! Talbot will lead you through his playful home, take you up to his treehouse, and give you a peek into his artistic process. To learn more about the location and to book a tour, visit Casa Neverlandia's Facebook page.
If you want to learn more about this famous house, read our feature article here.
7. Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata
This isn't your typical museum. This collection sits inside the home of Scott and Jen Webel. The couple have been gathering odd and intriguing artifacts for years, and you can see it all at 1808 Singleton Ave. It's only open by appointment, so you will need to reach out to schedule a tour. You can find more information on their website.
8. Sekrit Theater
This event space began as a local hotspot for movies and concerts. Of course, like many things in Austin, it had to adjust and change in recent years. You can still visit this incredible spot, but you'll have to reserve your time. Occasionally, the owner allows the public back for a good old-fashioned movie screening. The vibrant greenhouse and rustic atmosphere will take you right back to the days of old Austin. This one-of-a-kind property is located at 1145 Perry Rd. To learn more, visit The Sekrit Theater website.
9. The Cloak Room
You just don't see bars like these anymore, folks. The Cloak Room is clouded in a wild political history, and the bartenders are always happy to divulge a little gossip. It's not easy to find this underground dive bar. Look for a yellow building at 1300 Colorado St and go to the basement. It's a tiny establishment, but the drinks are cheap and the company is friendly.
Want to learn more? Read our feature article here.
What's your favorite weird Austin attraction?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
