15 Hidden Gems in Austin That You Need to Visit

Austin, as such needs no introduction because of its popularity and being one of the prime American cities for tourists around the world. And because it’s widely well-known, there are countless tourist spots in the city, whether you want to visit an outdoor attraction or an indoor visit like a museum or an art gallery, you will find it in Austin.

However, because of being so popular, there is a big part of this city that remains unnoticed by the masses. That’s why, in this article, I tried my best to come up with the best hidden gems in Austin, Texas, that you shouldn’t ignore while you are in Austin. In the end, I also shared 5 underrated restaurants for an even better experience of the city.

1. Austin Nature & Science Center

Address: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, Texas 78746

The Austin Nature & Science Center is one of the most underrated destination for family-friendly activities, whether you like indoors or outdoors.

This place is near the Zilker Park and is free to visit. As you go there on the outdoors, which is more than 8 acres big, you will see different walking trails, trees and flowers, a pond, a shallow stream of water that is surrounded by the rocks, and small plants that make it look more beautiful. Not to forget the dino dig area, where visitors (especially kids) dig to find fossils of dinosaurs.

In the indoors, there are different buildings with various exhibits and artifacts. There is a building where you’ll see an aquarium, animals (including those that are rescued) like hawks, owls, bobcats, vultures, and many others up close.

At the same time, various fossils and animal remains have also been preserved for visitors to see. In another exhibit, you will find displays where you will learn about local geology and the Texas ecosystem. 

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2.  The Contemporary Austin

Address: 3809 W 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703

The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria is another underrated spot that deserves a visit in Austin. Basically, it’s a sculpture museum with an Italianate-style villa and lake views upfront. All of these features make this place unique in its own way.

Start your tour by visiting the villa, which gives classic American vibes with stunning views of the lake from its terrace. The real reason for visiting this place is the sculpture garden. This villa is surrounded by lush greenery, which spans around 16 acres. In this garden, you will see plenty of sculptures that will make your visit worth.

Along the garden, you will see walking trails which will lead you to the lake nearby. The lake is close to the villa, so while reaching the lake, you’ll also witness various sculptures as well. Then, end your visit by spending some time roaming around the lake and garden for a perfect end.

3. O. Henry Home & Museum

Address: 409 E 5th Street, Austin, Texas 78701

If you are an English literature enthusiast, you’ve probably heard about William Sydney Porter, who was a short story writer back in the late 1800s. This house was once in use by the writer, and if you want to learn about his life and work, then visiting this hidden gem in Austin is a must.

It’s a Queen-Anne-style cottage where the writer lived during 1893-1895. Inside the house, you’ll see artifacts and displays about his career as a writer, the challenges he faced, such as his imprisonment for embezzlement, etc, and much more. At the same time, you’ll also see other artifacts like a piano and classic furniture decor inside.

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4. Wild Basin Preserve

Address: 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, Texas78746

If you are looking for a place with an abundance of outdoor activities in Austin, simply head to the Wild Basin Preserve. This 227-acre piece of land has everything that will keep you engage, whether you are alone or with friends and family, this place is perfect.

In this preserve, you’ll see a hiking trail of approximately 2.5 miles. During the hike, the environment around will keep you engaged. You will see waterfalls and shallow lakes along the hike. Not only that, but the local flora and fauna are also impressive. The hiking trails can vary in difficulty, but genuinely speaking, it’s not that hard and will be a fine hike for the majority.

Lastly, if you precisely like bird watching, here you might see the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo, both are endangered species and are rarely seen in other parts of America.

5. Texas Science & Natural History Museum

Address: 2400 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas78712

Those with a keen interest in geological history and scientific advancements should definitely visit the Texas Science & Natural History Museum, which is located at the University of Texas.

As you enter, the first thing that will impress you will be the collection of skeletons of different extinct species like dinosaurs, which includes Tyrannosaurus rex and the native-to-Texas Alamosaurus and marine animal fossils as well.

After that, in the Texas Wildlife Gallery and Texas Transformation Gallery, you will learn about the native wildlife of Texas and how Texas has transformed over time with the help of different animations.

Lastly, there is a gift shop where you can purchase some gifts related to that topic and the geology and paleontology section, where you’ll find a wide range of fossils of different plants and animals.

6. Turkey Creek Trailhead

Address: 1401-1711 City Park Road, Austin, Texas78730

Turkey Creek Trailhead is another underrated hiking spot for nature lovers. This trail is specifically loved by families because of how beautiful the surroundings of this trail is. The only issue can be the muddy area, as sometimes it can get a little muddy, and wearing the correct type of shoes is important.

It is a 2.8-mile out-and-back trail where, along the hike, you will see local flora, shaded areas, and most importantly creek crossings. The area near the creek is considered the most beautiful and is also the prime photography spot as well.

Not only that, you’ll also encounter different bird species and animals, which makes this place even better.

7. Ao5 Gallery

Address: 10000 Research Blvd Ste 118, Austin, Texas78759

Ao5 Gallery is where you will find the work of artists from around the globe. With artwork of artists from six different continents, this art gallery deserves much more recognition.

As you enter, you’ll see a wide range of art pieces all around you, whether you like abstract, landscape, figurative art, paintings, Disney art, or other posters, here you’ll find it. And because of this variety, not only adults, but kids also enjoy their time here.

The best thing about this gallery is the freshness of the art pieces that are on display. Because of quality stock, they kept changing the display. Because of that, whenever you visit this gallery, you’ll see something different on the display.

8. Boggy Creek Farm

Address: 3414 Lyons Road, Austin, Texas78702

If you like visiting farms and want to spend some time in one, then there aren’t better options than Boggy Creek Farm in Austin. This underrated place should definitely be on your list if you want to spend some time in peace.

This farm spans over 5 acres of land with guided tours where you’ll learn about different farming techniques and the importance of fresh food, etc. As you go inside, you’ll see the fields in front of you with different plants and veggies in there. Along with that, there is also a section where you’ll see chickens all around.

In the middle of the farm, there is a historic farmhouse where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. And on the back is another field area, where you’ll see plenty of plants growing.

9. Museum of Illusions Austin

Address: 11010 Domain Dr #100, Austin, Texas 78758

Museum of Illusion is another underrated spot in Austin. It is one of the most rare type of museum in the city, and definitely deserves a visit.

This museum has over 70 exhibits, each has something different than the other. These exhibits include optical illusions, holograms, puzzles, and interactive installations, which will be enough to make you confuse.

Along with that, there are different rooms, like the ames room, where you’ll appear to shrink and grow as you move. The ames room is also the best for some photography sessions.

And there are different rooms like the Infinity Room, the Vortex Tunnel, the Smart Playroom, and many others that make this place worth visiting.

10. Elisabet Ney Museum

Address: 304 E 44th Street, Austin, Texas78751

The last hidden gem tourist spot in Austin is the Elisabet Ney Museum, which is solely a sculpture museum where you will find works of Elisabet Ney, a well-known sculpture of the 1800s.

The building of this museum is a work of art itself. And as you enter inside, you will see an abundance of sculptures all around. These sculptures also hold historical significance, and you will see her celebrated statues of notable figures such as Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin.

Some of these sculptures are of huge sizes, while some are of medium and small, which makes the collection look even better.

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Austin, Texas

11. Siena Ristorante Toscana

Address: 6203 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, Texas 78731

If you ever crave for eating Italian food, simply head to Siena Restaurant. The building of this restaurant is very old, which gives classic vibes from the outside. And as you enter, you will see the interior as well. With chandeliers, candles, brick design walls, wooden tables, and chairs, the decor inside gives traditional Italian restaurant vibes, which will surely catch your attention.

As for the food, you will get a wide range of Italian dishes to choose from, whether you like pasta, spaghetti, or other items like steak, fish, octopus, wagyu steaks, dessert, and many more. The overall menu is satisfying. 

12. Saffron

Address: 3616 Far W Blvd #113, Austin, Texas 78731

For Indian food lovers, visiting the Saffron restaurant is a must. This hidden gem restaurant serves authentic Indian and Nepali food. The ambiance and decor inside the restaurant are modern, with designed walls and the lightning system made it even better.

If we talk about the menu, here you’ll see a wide range of items, which includes samosas, pakoras, manchurians, kebabs, chicken lollipops, momos, tandoori chicken, lamb chops, prawns karahi, salmon korma, a whole different veg option side, and many more items. One thing is that I have to say that the menu is too extensive, and you will definitely find your preferred food.

13.  Revue

Address: 101 Red River Street, Austin, Texas78701

Revue restaurant offers both Asian and Italian food. The ambiance inside the restaurant is cozy and they had a modern decor with colorful lighting and a seating area that made it look unique. Not to forget the brick design in some parts of the walls also looks good.

On the menu, they offer a mixed variety of both Asian and Italian food, which includes a wide range of pizza, pasta, antipasti, chicken wings, shrimp, chicken pad thai, tofu bowl, fried rice, noodles, benedicts, cakes, and other dessert options.

14. Jeffrey’s Restaurant

Address: 1204 W Lynn Street, Austin, Texas 78703

Jeffrey’s Restaurant, which specializes in steaks, should also be on your list. As you reach this place, you’ll witness an interior with mixed modern and classic decor. Not to forget the different sitting options and paintings on the wall which made the ambiance even special.

On the menu, you are going to have options like beef tartare, crab & sesame beignets, caviar options, different appetizers, soup & salads, and most importantly, on the steak menu, you are going to have tenderloin filet, ribeye, new york strip, bone-in ribeye, colorado rack of lamb, and other options like potato and veggies as well.

15. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

Address: 123 W 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78701

The last restaurant in this list of hidden gem restaurants in Austin is Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. This restaurant offers lunch and dinner. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll feel the coziness around. The overall decor inside is modern with a hint of uniqueness with guitars on the wall and a unique seating experience.

On the menu, you are going to have a variety of options, which includes roasted bone marrow, Oysters, manchego, serrano, shrimp, duck, crabs, bison ribeye, Rabbit ravioli, lamb chops, caviar, and many others including desserts, which make the menu unique.

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