Let’s Get Weird in Austin

There’s something about Austin. Maybe it’s the rebellious creativity pulsing through the city, the intoxicating mix of grit and glam, or the way a simple taco can change your entire outlook on life. Whatever it is, Austin isn’t trying to impress you—it just is—and that’s what makes it impossible to forget.

After spending a month soaking up every ounce of its weird, wonderful, and wild energy, I can confidently say: this is a city that solo female travelers will thrive in. It’s welcoming, it’s adventurous, and it’s got just the right amount of unpredictability to keep things interesting. And if you’ve just come from the structured, history-rich streets of San Antonio? Whew, girl, prepare for a vibe shift. Austin plays by its own rules, and you’re gonna love it.

So, grab your boots (or, let’s be real, your comfiest sneakers), and let’s explore the best cultural, artsy, and just plain weird places Austin has to offer.

Shopping & Style: Where Quirk Meets Cool

Allens Boots & South Congress Avenue

Picture this: You’re strutting down South Congress in a fabulous pair of cowboy boots, feeling like an absolute legend. That’s the magic of Allens Boots, the holy grail of Texan footwear. Even if boots aren’t your thing, this place is worth a stop just for the scent of leather and the sheer spectacle of it all.

Afterward, wander down South Congress Avenue for vintage shopping, funky boutiques, and artsy finds. Bonus points if you grab a coffee from Jo’s Coffee and snap a pic in front of the “I Love You So Much” mural—because why not embrace the cheesy moments? (please do not judge my botched manicure, when I get stressed I pick my nails)

Austin’s Artsy & Odd Side

The Sekrit Theater

Tucked away in an unassuming part of town, this hidden outdoor cinema feels like stepping into a dream. With its overgrown garden, vintage décor, and twinkling lights, it’s a where beauty and decay intertwine. It’s a little eerie, a lot enchanting, and 100% worth the hunt to find it. I was the only one there during my hour-long visit, and I seriously felt like I was trespassing—but there’s no one there to monitor the place, adding to its secret, almost illicit charm.

Cathedral of Junk

What happens when one man refuses to throw anything away? A three-story shrine to eccentricity, built entirely from discarded treasures. The Cathedral of Junk is a living, evolving masterpiece of randomness, and exploring its twisting pathways will make you rethink everything you know about “junk.”

If you read Yelp and other reviews of this must-see Austin site, you may get the impression that Vince is short, but I found him very kind and accommodating. To visit the Cathedral, you must call ahead to make an appointment (512-299-7413). I called in the morning of the day when I hoped to visit. Vince picked up quickly and was very friendly as he invited me to come that afternoon. He informed me that he welcomes donations and gave me instructions about parking — the Cathedral is located in a quiet residential neighborhood just south of Hwy 290 off S. 1st Street; there is street parking only, and you must take care not to block off neighbors’ mailboxes or driveways. On busy days, it’s best to park around the corner, on St. Elmo.

Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art, located at the University of Texas at Austin, is one of the premier university art museums in the country. Its vast collection spans European paintings, modern American works, and an extensive selection of Latin American art. The museum frequently hosts new and rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something fresh to see.

Visitors can expect to spend 2 to 3 hours fully exploring the exhibits, and admission is $15 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors, and free entry on Tuesdays. Parking is available at Brazos Garage, just a short walk away. Whether you're an art aficionado or just looking to add a little culture to your Austin adventure, the Blanton is a must-see.

One of its highlights is Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” a stunning architectural installation blending color and light in a mesmerizing way.

History, But Make It Fun

Texas State Capitol

Bigger than the U.S. Capitol (because of course, it is), this majestic pink-granite beauty is one of the most photogenic buildings in Austin. Take a free tour, soak in the Texas pride, and pretend for a moment that you could totally run for office.

I’m not going to expand more because I’m not in favor of Texas politics.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

The Bullock Museum plays host to an extensive Texas history in an expansive, well-curated way, but it wasn’t my favorite stop. While the exhibits provide an in-depth look at Texas’s journey from its earliest days to the present, some sections feel a little dry. That said, the La Belle shipwreck is undeniably impressive, showcasing a 300-year-old vessel recovered from the Gulf of Mexico. If you go, the IMAX theater and Texas Spirit Theater are worthwhile additions, offering immersive storytelling that brings history to life.

The Wild, The Wacky, & The “Only in Austin”

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony

Every evening at sunset, 1.5 million bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, creating an eerie and absolutely unforgettable spectacle. It’s an Austin rite of passage, and trust me—you’ll never look at bats the same way again.

The Little Longhorn Saloon: Chicken Shit Bingo

Yes, you read that correctly. Every Sunday, The Little Longhorn Saloon hosts a game where a chicken (yes, an actual chicken) determines the winning bingo number by doing its business on a giant board. Add live country music and a cold beer, and you’ve got yourself a hilarious, only-in-Texas experience.

Berkeley Farm Goat Yoga

If you haven’t done yoga with goats climbing on your back, have you even lived? Berkeley Farm offers a delightful mix of relaxation, chaos, and farm-animal therapy. The goats are friendly, the vibes are good, and you’ll leave with sore abs (from laughter, mostly).

Solo Dining Like a Queen

Breakfast at The Driskill

If you’re going to treat yourself, do it in style. The Driskill Hotel, a historic landmark dripping in vintage glamour, serves up a decadent Texas-style breakfast. Sip your coffee, soak in the old-world elegance, and channel your inner 1920s socialite.

There are so many fantastic places to eat in Austin, and I’ve made it my mission to try as many as possible. As I travel, I’m trying to take more and more photos of my meals to showcase the amazing cuisines across the U.S. But let’s be real—sometimes I’m just too hungry to remember before I dig in!

Why Austin is Solo Female Travel Perfection

Austin isn’t just a great place for solo travelers—it’s the ultimate place to embrace adventure, step outside your comfort zone, and make unforgettable memories. The city is safe, full of friendly and open-minded people, and packed with unique experiences that are even better when you’re doing them at your own pace.

Whether you’re shopping for boots, watching bats take over the sky, or getting a little tipsy while betting on chicken poop, Austin will leave its mark on you.

So pack your bags, book that trip, and get ready to fall in love with this delightfully weird, endlessly welcoming city.

Because solo travel isn’t just about the places you go—it’s about who you become along the way. And trust me, Austin will change you. In the best way possible.