Austin is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States! They have plenty of bike lanes, and most places have some sort of bike rack to keep your cycle safe while you explore all of the strange and wacky things that help “Keep Austin Weird.” This list contains just a few of the awesome sights you can see in Austin, so hop on one of our bikes and get out there to see which ones you think are the best!
Texas State Capitol
No visit to Austin would be complete without a visit to the Texas Capitol building! While the capitol isn’t accessible to cars, it is perfect for checking out on bicycle. The beautiful area surrounding the capitol has plenty to look at. Check out the memorials that line the paths around the building, or head inside to escape the Texas heat and check out some of the beautiful architecture inside the building!
See a Movie at the Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo Drafthouse is a movie theater crossed with a restaurant. This theater shows blockbusters like the latest Marvel flick, but they also have been known to screen indie films as well as host screening parties for series like the Harry Potter movies. You can order a full on meal (with alcoholic beverages) or just stick to the classic soda and bottomless popcorn as you relax and enjoy the show. Once you’re done, you can jump back on your bike to work off that burger, and check out these other great sights.
Take a Ride Down South Congress
South Congress Avenue, or SoCo as it is often abbreviated, embodies the spirit of the city and epitomizes the city’s motto “Keep Austin Weird.” Whether you just want to pass and sight see on your bike or actually go into the stores to look around, this street is full of colorful buildings and colorful people. Sights to see here include the “I love you so much” wall, the antique store Uncommon Objects, Big Top Candy Shop - a sweet store sure to satisfy your inner child, and much much more ranging from artist’s boutiques to street performers. If you’re hungry you could even stop in for a bite to eat at Homeslice or Hopdoddy’s. This eclectic street is sure to be one of the highlights of your bicycle trip.
The Austin Bats
Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, and from the end of spring to early fall, you can watch this massive group of animals emerge from South Congress Bridge. The sight of about 1.5 million bats all taking flight at once is a spectacle sure to impress, and it will get you plenty of likes on Instagram too. This is free to watch, and happens every night, so it is definitely worth checking out!
Learn about Latin Culture at the Mexic-Arte Museum
This little museum boasts an incredible collection of art and other exhibits that both celebrate and teach about Mexican-American culture. Their mission is to educate people and develop understanding of Latin American culture. This museum is one of only a handful of museums in America dedicated to promoting and presenting Mexican and Mexican-American art and culture, so don’t miss your chance to see these beautiful works of art and learn about a group of people who helped shape Texas into what it is today.
Take a Relaxing Ride Around Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. As beautiful as the First Lady that it was named after, this lake is a gorgeous place to relax and destress. These shady paths run right along the water and offer a welcome retreat from both the sun and the busy streets of the city. The trail is perfect for biking and is even pet friendly, so Fido can run along with you (as long as he can keep up with your bike). Locals and tourists alike love this charming path, and it is a great place to get some exercise in!
