Discover Authentic Austin From A to Z

There are so many incredible things about our city that sometimes it’s hard to keep track. We’ve made it easy for you. Here’s an essential list of authentic Austin favorites from A-Z.

A/ Alamo Drafthouse Sing-alongs

Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Once you’ve gone to Alamo Drafthouse, there’s no going back. Who wants to go to a run of the mill cinema when you can order full meals, milkshakes and cocktails from the comfort of your theater chair? And if the food isn’t enough, our favorite local film chain also hosts the best sing-alongs and special events money can buy. Be it Bowie, Beyonce, 80s hits or a running commentary from Master Pancake, there’s a show for everyone. Props included!

B/ Bats

Watching the bats from Congress Avenue Bridge (Credit: Peter17 via Wiki Commons)

From March to November, fans of the city’s unofficial mascot grab their bug spray and camp out on or near the Congress Avenue bridge to watch winged creatures make their debut across the night sky. Here in Austin, we are serious about our football and our bat shows.

C/ Cathedral of Junk

Cathedral of Junk, visit by appointment (Credit: That Other Paper via Flickr CC)

Rubber ducks, old car tires, stained glass and Barbie dolls. Who knew old junk could be transformed into a soaring sculpture, ready to be explored in someone’s backyard? Cathedral of Junk is a “junk yard” in the form of a cathedral that’s worthy of praise!

D/ Deep Eddy

Deep Eddy Pool hosts recreational and lap swimmers (Credit: City of Austin PARD, Aquatics Office)

You can’t deny that Austinites work hard and play hard, when the oldest swimming pool in Texas and a favorite vodka distillery share the same name. Cheers to local liquid!

E/ Eeyore’s Birthday

The Donkey of Liberty is one of the weird sights you’re sure to see at Eeyore’s Birthday Party (Credit: Wiki Commons)

In weird Austin fashion, Pease Park becomes the location of a birthday party for Pooh’s most woebegone friend every April. Drum circles, body paint, costumes, plus general (and not so general) merriment all take place at the annual celebration, which draws locals from all walks of life.

F/ Festivals

One of the many stages at ACL Music Festival (Credit: John Cabuena)

Do you enjoy music, motocross, European race cars, food, comedy, tech, ice cream, beer, kites or books? In Austin, there’s a festival for all of the above! It’s not uncommon for the entire city (okay, well that’s what it feels like) to migrate to a park or theater on a special weekend, to celebrate their favorite things in giant festival format.

G/ Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon (Credit: Jim Nix)

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon is known for two things: honky tonk and Chicken Sh*t Bingo. You can’t say you know Austin until you’ve stood in this little chapel of a saloon, watching with anticipation as a chicken struts its stuff over a giant bingo board, waiting for just the right moment to pick a winner. 5434 Burnet Road – Website

H/ HOPE Outdoor Gallery

Anyone can spray a new addition onto the ever-changing HOPE mural
(Credit: Terry Alexander via Flickr CC)

HOPE Outdoor Gallery is an ever-changing canvas. The voices of the city are sprayed and scrawled across its walls by anyone who wants to pick up a paint can. Here in Austin, we believe anyone can be an artist! 1100 Baylor St.

I/ Ice Cream

Amy's Ice Creams Flavors on South Congress

Amy’s Ice Creams’ list of flavors on South Congress

No matter what time of year it is, it’s always ice cream weather in Austin and there’s a local brand for everyone. From vegan to farm fresh, or covered in toppings, our ice cream scene is sure to please!

J/ Jester King

Jester King Brewery (Credit: Matthew Champion)

Austin is the place to discover your passion for craft brews, and Jester King is a great place to start. Their unique and tantalizing flavors celebrate local craftsmanship and ingredients. Plus, the brewery is tucked away in Texas Hill Country, which makes for a delicious day trip. 13187 Fitzhugh Rd – Website

K/ Kerbey Lane Cafe

Eggs Francisco at Kerbey Lane (Credit: Jessica Christine Photography)

A favorite of college night owls and brunching locals alike, Kerbey Lane Cafe is open 24/7 and offers a rotating selection of specialty pancakes, like cinnamon roll and banana pecan, plus an eggs Benedict smothered in queso. Need I say more? Website

L/ Live a Great Story

The Live a Great Story logo can be found all over Austin, and now all over the world (Credit: Adrienne Albregts)

Live a Great Story started as an Instagram movement. Today, this motto has swept the nation and world by encouraging people to live what they love and share it with pride. Yep, that was started here. I guess Austin is pretty inspirational! Website

M/ Music

Latasha Lee and The Blackties at MapJam (Credit: Spencer Selvidge/KUTX)

In the Live Music Capital of the World, we love our music anywhere and anytime: at concerts, on street corners, for free in the park or in our own homes. Don’t be fooled by our honky tonk Texas neighbors. Austin has much more than country music. We have EVERYTHING!

N/ Nude Beaches

Austin’s nude beach at Hippie Hollow is nestled along the Colorado River
(Credit: Rusty Blazenhoff via Flickr CC)

Hippie Hollow, our infamous nude beach, keeps Austin with one foot in the good ole’ days by offering up a clothing-optional paradise for anyone who wants to sunbathe or socialize by the river, free from fear of tan lines. Website

O/ Oasis

The Oasis on Lake Travis Outside of Austin

The Oasis on Lake Travis (Credit: David P Brown via Flickr CC)

Not far from Hippie Hollow, we have our very own Oasis. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Travis while sipping on Austin’s other favorite beverage, the margarita, and shop at co-located boutiques. 6550 Comanche Trail – Website

P/ Pet-Friendly

Furry friends are always welcome in Austin

Here in Austin, we love our pets. Especially if they’ve been rescued or adopted from shelters like Austin Pets Alive. Our bars and restaurants love them, too. So there’s no need to stuff a pooch into a purse. Your best friend on four legs can accompany you almost anywhere and be showered with love.

Q/ Queso

Queso and chips, staple of the Austin diet (Credit: Zach Copley via Flickr CC)

Your Tex-Mex dinner is not complete without a hot bowl of queso, full of whatever toppings your tastebuds desire. Grab those chips and dig in.

R/ Rainey Street

Bungalows have been converted into bars and restaurants on Rainey Street (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Picture a street lined with house parties, all of which you’re invited to. That’s Rainey Street.

S/ Street Art

A favorite Austin mural, located on the United Way for Greater Austin building at MLK and Alamo
(Credit: Lane Becker via Flickr CC)

Some street art just has to stick. Little did these artists know that their murals would become selfie destinations, plastered across post cards and cutting boards for all to enjoy. You never know when you’ll come across an amazing mural while walking down an Austin street.

T/ Tacos

Tacos from Torchy’s, one of Austin’s beloved taco joints

Tacos aren’t just for lunch anymore. Practically every restaurant in the city feature its own fusion of ingredients tucked away in a tortilla. Of course, here in Austin, we like breakfast tacos best of all!

U/ Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Umlauf Sculpture Garden (Credit: Rebecca Belcher)

When you need to escape the weird or the crowds, the bronze beauties at Umlauf Sculpture Garden keep quiet as you walk the beautiful green grounds of this magical outdoor museum. 605 Robert E Lee Road

V/ Violet Crown

Violet Crown Cinema keeps the city entertained with independent films (Credit: Hunter Stanford)

Famed American author O. Henry referred to Austin as the “City of the Violet Crown.” Some of our favorite establishments have taken this nickname for their own. Grab a drink at Violet Crown Social Club on East Sixth; check out an indie movie at Violet Crown Cinema; and get your fitness going along the Violet Crown Trail.

W/ Waterloo Records

Waterloo Records selection (Credit: 1138Studios.com)

A city brimming with film and music knows that a digital download isn’t as good as the real thing. Waterloo Records offers up records, DVDs, posters and a vast collection of t-shirts, including commemorative ACL designs from years past. There’s nothing like holding your favorite music and art in your own two hands. 600A N. Lamar Blvd. – Website

X/ X-treme Water Sports

Flyboarding on Lake Travis

Austinites spend a fair amount of time on the water. If your city is divided by a river, then the best thing to do is jump in, kayak, canoe, paddle board or even flyboard on it.

Y/ Yoga

Couples yoga near the Alamo Ritz theater during Viva Streets Festival (Credit: Megan Ann via Flickr CC)

We’re fitness fanatics that like to get down…on yoga mats. Classes full of downward dogs and warriors of all types run through the veins of this city, as well as on the rooftop of Whole Foods HQ.

Z/ Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a beautiful place to enjoy summer in Austin (Credit: JTPics.com)

It may not be as big as Central Park, but Zilker Park is the heart of Austin. It beats with music from ACL and Blues on the Green, flashes brightly during Trail of Lights, and its fields and trails serve as a favorite destination for any type of Austinite on our many sunny days.

@Austinot wants to know:

What is your favorite aspect of authentic Austin?