If you’re planning a Texas road trip and Austin is on your map, don’t just zoom past the oddball stops and curious landmarks that give this region its charm. Roadside attractions near Austin offer a fun, unexpected break from the drive—each one packed with photo ops, local flavor, and Texas-size personality.
This guide highlights the best roadside attractions around Austin, whether you’re heading in from Houston, San Antonio, or looping through Hill Country. We’ll also point you toward nearby food stops and overnight stays to turn these quick detours into a full-on road trip experience.
Overview of Roadside Stops Around Austin
Austin’s offbeat spirit spills well beyond its city limits. The surrounding area is full of strange sculptures, legendary dance halls, bat-filled bridges, and roadside art installations. These spots are easy to miss—but stopping makes all the difference. You might find a UFO-themed diner, a historical oddity, or a quirky photo op that becomes the most memorable moment of your trip.
From east to west, we’ve mapped out 7 must-see roadside attractions, plus food and lodging options nearby. Whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, this list delivers fun and photo-worthy detours without taking too much time off your main route.
Must-See Roadside Attractions Near Austin
1. Cathedral of Junk
One of Austin’s weirdest and most iconic stops, the Cathedral of Junk is a towering sculpture made from thousands of salvaged items—TVs, toys, bikes, and more—built in a suburban backyard. It’s a beloved local secret and an ode to creative chaos.
Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Hours: By appointment only
Approx Cost: Donation-based
Famous For: A backyard sculpture made from over 60 tons of junk
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Call ahead to reserve your visit—this isn’t a walk-up attraction.
2. Giant Toad Statues – Bastrop
Bastrop’s quirky toad statues are scattered across downtown, each uniquely painted and placed. Kids love spotting them all, and they make a fun scavenger hunt-style stop during your road trip.
Address: Downtown Bastrop, TX (multiple locations)
Hours: Always open
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Dozens of whimsical toad statues around town
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a “Toad Map” from the visitor center to locate every statue.
3. Stonehenge II – Ingram
While not technically in Austin, Stonehenge II is worth the scenic detour through the Hill Country. It’s a scale replica of the original Stonehenge in England—complete with Easter Island heads nearby.
Address: 120 Point Theatre Rd S, Ingram, TX 78025
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 8 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Quirky Stonehenge and Moai replicas in Texas Hill Country
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit at sunset for golden light photos and fewer crowds.
4. Smitty the Giant Smoker – Lockhart
Smitty’s Market in Lockhart isn’t just known for legendary barbecue—it also features a massive, historic BBQ pit that’s become an attraction in itself. It’s where meat magic has happened since the 1920s.
Address: 208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM
Approx Cost: Free to visit; food prices vary
Famous For: Texas’s most photographed BBQ smoker
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay for lunch—this isn’t just a photo op, it’s a flavor stop.
5. Museum of the Weird – Austin
Part sideshow, part curiosity cabinet, this Sixth Street attraction is home to shrunken heads, mummies, and oddities galore. It’s as Austin-weird as it gets.
Address: 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 7 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$15
Famous For: Strange artifacts and circus-like exhibits
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Don’t miss the gift shop—packed with bizarre souvenirs.
6. Bat Bridge (Congress Avenue Bridge)
From March to October, this downtown Austin bridge becomes the stage for North America’s largest urban bat colony. Every evening at sunset, 1.5 million bats emerge in a dramatic swirl.
Address: Congress Ave Bridge, Austin, TX 78704
Hours: Evenings at sunset (March–October)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Watching bats take flight at dusk over the lake
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to claim a good viewing spot.
7. Junk Gypsy World HQ – Round Top
The home base of HGTV-famous Junk Gypsies, this boutique and design shop is packed with funky furniture, boho fashion, and Texas road trip flair. It’s worth the detour for the shopping and photo ops alone.
Address: 1215 S State Hwy 237, Round Top, TX 78954
Hours: Thu–Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free to browse
Famous For: A shopping destination full of vintage-meets-glam Texas vibes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during Round Top’s antique fairs for the full experience.
Great Eats Along the Way
1. Kreuz Market – Lockhart
A legendary barbecue joint with no forks, no sauce, and a whole lot of flavor. Come hungry.
Address: 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10:30 AM – 6 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Old-school Texas barbecue traditions
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Order brisket by the pound—then grab sides at the back counter.
2. Blue Dahlia Bistro – Austin
Charming French café with fresh, locally sourced food in a casual setting. Great for brunch after a downtown museum visit.
Address: 1115 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Tartines, cheese boards, and cozy patio dining
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Don’t skip the lavender lemonade—it’s a refreshing surprise.
3. Royers Round Top Café – Round Top
Classic Southern comfort food served with quirky flair. Famous for their pies.
Address: 105 Main St, Round Top, TX 78954
Hours: Thu–Sun, 11 AM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 8 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$25
Famous For: Homemade pies and hearty Texas entrees
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a slice of the Junkberry Pie to go.
Best Places to Stay on the Route
1. Lockhart Inn – Lockhart
Simple, clean motel stay near top BBQ spots and roadside attractions.
Address: 1200 S Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Approx Cost: $70–$100
Famous For: Affordable comfort close to BBQ royalty
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book ahead during BBQ festivals—it fills up fast.
2. Hotel ZaZa Austin
A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Austin with bold décor and great city access.
Address: 400 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Approx Cost: $250–$400
Famous For: Stylish rooms and rooftop pool
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a corner room for better views of the skyline.
3. The Frenchie Boutique Hotel – Round Top
Chic, Instagrammable, and packed with small-town charm.
Address: 311 N Live Oak St, Round Top, TX 78954
Approx Cost: $200–$350
Famous For: Artfully designed rooms and walkability to town
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ideal for antique fair weekends and romantic stays.
Packing Tips for Roadside Adventure Near Austin
- Phone charger and power bank for pics
- Reusable water bottle
- Light walking shoes or sandals
- Notebook or app for roadside journal entries
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Printed list of stops if internet is spotty
- Cash for donation-based attractions
- Snacks and picnic blanket for scenic rest stops
- Compact camera or phone tripod
- Small first aid kit for on-the-go
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
- Spring and fall are the best times for road trips—cooler weather and wildflowers
- Midweek travel avoids crowds, especially at indoor attractions
- Some places (like Cathedral of Junk) require appointments—plan ahead
- Combine shopping stops with antique fair weekends in Round Top
- Bring bug spray for evening or rural stops
- Start your trip early to visit 3–4 attractions without rushing
- Bring backup directions—some offbeat stops lack strong cell service
- Always ask permission before photographing private property
- Festivals and small-town events can offer even more local charm—check calendars
- Stay flexible—sometimes the detour becomes the destination
Final Conclusion
Roadside attractions near Austin are more than fun pit stops—they’re windows into Texas’s quirky, creative soul. Whether it’s snapping selfies at Stonehenge II, wandering through a backyard junk cathedral, or savoring pie in Round Top, these stops add personality and playfulness to your road trip.
So don’t just stick to highways and checklists—veer off the path and embrace the strange, surprising, and totally Texan side of travel. With the right route and a curious heart, every mile becomes a memory.
