Ready to embrace the strange side of Texas? A weird road trip from Austin is your ticket to ghost towns, roadside oddities, and offbeat adventures you won’t find in any ordinary travel guide. Whether you’re into crumbling courthouses, taxidermy museums, or eerie, abandoned bridges, Central Texas delivers the unexpected around every bend.
This guide takes you deep into forgotten places and fun detours — perfect for curious travelers, content creators, or anyone looking to get weird in the best possible way. Buckle up, keep your camera close, and get ready for the most unforgettable (and unexplainable) road trip within just a few hours of Austin.
Why Take a Weird Road Trip from Austin?
A Region Rich in History, Mystery & Eccentricity
Central Texas is known for its music, barbecue, and Hill Country charm — but it’s also home to crumbling ghost towns, strange roadside shrines, and eccentric locals who keep the weird spirit alive. These stops don’t just tell stories — they whisper them through dusty windows, rusted signs, and forgotten relics.
Perfect for Photos, Stories & Unforgettable Stops
A weird road trip is the ultimate content goldmine. Picture this: a junk cathedral made entirely of bicycles and scrap metal, an abandoned opera house, a haunted saloon, and a ghostly main street with no people — only shadows of the past. These places don’t just look good on camera, they spark the kind of memories you tell for years.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Means Less Crowds, More Charm
While everyone else flocks to waterfalls and wineries, you’ll be wandering through once-thriving communities frozen in time. Most of these spots see fewer visitors, giving you room to explore, reflect, and take that perfect eerie selfie with zero photobombers.
Ghost Towns Worth the Detour
1. Joppa – Abandoned Bridge & Historic Cemetery
Once a modest farming community, Joppa (pronounced “Jaw-pa”) sits about an hour northwest of Austin in Burnet County. Today, its most iconic feature is the Joppa Bridge, a long-abandoned iron truss bridge surrounded by nature — perfect for eerie photos and quiet exploration. Nearby lies a historic cemetery with graves dating back to the 1800s, shaded by oaks and heavy with Texas history.
Address: CR 200, Burnet, TX 78611
Hours: Open access; daylight recommended
Entry Fee: Free
Famous For: The photogenic abandoned bridge, pioneer-era grave markers, and secluded rural atmosphere
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit on a cloudy day for extra atmosphere. Bring water and stay aware of wildlife — this spot is remote and unstaffed.
2. Indianola – Lost Port of the Gulf
Located on the Texas coast about two hours southeast of Austin, Indianola was once a thriving seaport, second only to Galveston in its prime. After devastating hurricanes in the late 1800s, the town was abandoned. Today, visitors can walk along the ruins, see old cisterns, and read interpretive signs that reveal what life was like before the storms took it all away.
Address: Park Rd 38, Indianola, TX 77979
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Famous For: Hurricane history, coastal ghost town ruins, eerie shoreline solitude
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ideal for history buffs and solitude seekers — bring a wide-angle lens and sunscreen, as there’s little shade.
3. Sherwood – Forgotten Courthouse and Ruins
Nestled in Irion County, about two hours and fifteen minutes west of Austin, Sherwood is a ghost town that still holds its 1890s courthouse, now boarded up but beautiful in its decay. Once the county seat, the town declined after the railroad bypassed it. The remaining structures — including a one-room jail and ruins of former businesses — make for hauntingly beautiful exploration.
Address: TX-163, Sherwood, TX 76941
Hours: No official hours; visit during daylight
Entry Fee: Free
Famous For: Preserved courthouse, empty streets, western-era ruins
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: A perfect stop for architectural photography. Respect all fences and avoid entering structures — they may be unstable.
4. The Grove – Haunted Legends & Hill Country History
Located near Gatesville, The Grove is a semi-private ghost town with deep 19th-century roots and a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in Texas. Private tours are available through prior arrangement and include access to several historic homes and eerie stories about its former residents.
Address: 325 Grove Rd, Gatesville, TX 76528
Hours: By appointment only
Entry Fee: Tour fees vary
Famous For: Paranormal activity, guided ghost tours, and historic preservation
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book early — tours fill up fast, especially near Halloween. Bring a flashlight and an open mind.
Quirky Stops & Roadside Oddities Near Austin
1. Cathedral of Junk – South Austin’s Backyard Marvel
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, the Cathedral of Junk is a towering, walkable sculpture made from over 60 tons of recycled materials. Built by artist Vince Hannemann over several decades, it’s a labyrinth of color, chaos, and creativity — featuring everything from bicycle parts to old TVs. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally Austin.
Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Hours: By appointment only; usually open weekends
Entry Fee: Suggested donation of $5
Famous For: DIY architecture, funky photo ops, and total sensory overload
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Call ahead to schedule your visit. Bring a wide-angle lens to truly capture the scale and oddity of this urban art maze.
2. The Gas Station – Texas Chainsaw Massacre Landmark
Horror fans, rejoice. Just outside of Bastrop lies The Gas Station, the filming location for the infamous 1974 horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Now transformed into a themed BBQ joint and horror gift shop, this roadside haunt is both chilling and cheeky. You can even rent one of their tiny cabins for a horror-themed overnight stay.
Address: 1073 TX-304, Bastrop, TX 78602
Hours: 10 AM–7 PM (Mon–Sun)
Entry Fee: Free to visit; food and souvenirs priced individually
Famous For: Horror history, fan events, photo ops with props from the film
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: The BBQ is legit — don’t skip the brisket sandwich. And yes, they really do play the movie on loop inside.
3. Museum of the Weird – Downtown Austin Oddity
Located right on 6th Street, the Museum of the Weird lives up to its name. This tiny museum is packed with freakshow relics, cryptid artifacts, and wax figures of Bigfoot and aliens. It’s part haunted house, part sideshow, and all kitsch — an essential stop for fans of the bizarre.
Address: 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–midnight
Entry Fee: ~$12/person
Famous For: Shrunken heads, mummies, oddities, and live “freak show” performances
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine this with a nighttime ghost walk or bar hop for the full weird Austin experience.
4. Smitty’s Market – BBQ with a Side of Smokehouse Nostalgia
Though best known for its food, Smitty’s Market in Lockhart also offers a quirky, old-school setting. Diners walk right through the original smoke pits, still glowing with embers, before reaching the dining area. The walls are blackened with history, and the smell of oak smoke alone is worth the stop.
Address: 208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free to enter; BBQ varies by weight
Famous For: Open fire pit cooking, historic smokehouse interiors, meat-lovers’ paradise
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk through the smoke-filled hallway for the full experience — it’s as close to time travel as BBQ gets.
5. Luckenbach – Tiny Town, Big Personality
Made famous by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, Luckenbach isn’t quite a ghost town — but it’s weird in its own way. This tiny spot outside Fredericksburg has a population of 3 (seriously), a post office-turned-bar, and a stage for nightly pickin’ sessions. Grab a Lone Star beer, sit under the oak trees, and soak up true Texas weirdness.
Address: 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours: 9 AM–10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Famous For: Country music history, rustic charm, quirky saloon vibes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go on a weekend night to catch a live show — it’s like stepping into a country-western dream that never quite woke up.
Offbeat Places to Eat Along the Route
1. Black’s BBQ – Legendary Meats in Lockhart
Founded in 1932, Black’s BBQ is the oldest major BBQ joint in Texas owned by the same family. Inside, you’ll find worn wood tables, trophy mounts, and walls that smell of hickory smoke. It’s not just a meal — it’s a cultural experience. The giant beef ribs and spicy sausage are fan favorites.
Address: 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–8 PM
Entry Fee: Free entry; meals ~$12–$30
Famous For: Massive ribs, old-school Texas charm, and one of the best BBQ sauces in the state
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Come hungry — one beef rib is nearly a pound. Grab a picnic table out back and soak in small-town BBQ vibes.
2. Blue Bonnet Café – Pie Worth a Detour
A Marble Falls institution since 1929, Blue Bonnet Café is known for its home-style breakfast and award-winning pie. With a neon sign out front and classic booths inside, it’s an Americana dream. Their pie happy hour (Mon–Fri, 3–5 PM) is a deliciously weird Texas tradition.
Address: 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Hours: Mon–Sat: 7 AM–8 PM; Sun: 8 AM–1:45 PM
Entry Fee: Free to enter; meals ~$10–$20
Famous For: Mile-high meringue pies, chicken-fried steak, and classic diner decor
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the coconut cream pie — it’s been voted the best in Texas. Get there early on weekends to avoid the wait.
3. Roadhouse Bastrop – Funky Burgers, Funkier Decor
Hidden just off the highway in Bastrop, Roadhouse serves up juicy burgers and quirky ambiance. Expect Beatles posters, disco balls, lava lamps, and plenty of character. It’s a locals’ favorite for creative burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes in an eclectic, cozy setting.
Address: 2804 TX-21, Bastrop, TX 78602
Hours: Mon–Sat: 11 AM–9 PM; Sun: 11 AM–3 PM
Entry Fee: Free to enter; meals ~$10–$18
Famous For: Decor from another decade, award-winning burgers, and casual Hill Country comfort
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: The “Big Kahuna” burger is legendary — loaded with pineapple, bacon, and spicy sauce. Perfect fuel for the next oddball stop.
Overnight Options for the Bold & Curious
1. The Cell Block – Sleep in a Former Jail in Clifton
This boutique hotel used to be an actual 1930s jailhouse, and it still shows — in the best way. The Cell Block in Clifton has one luxury room inside the restored jail cell, complete with bars, concrete floors, and exposed brick. There’s even a rooftop terrace overlooking the tiny downtown.
Address: 120 Clifton Art Alley, Clifton, TX 76634
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Entry Fee: From ~$145/night
Famous For: Jail cell aesthetics, artsy neighborhood, perfect for a one-night story
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book well in advance — there’s only one room, and it’s popular with couples and creatives looking for something different.
2. El Cosmico – Bohemian Glamping in Marfa
Farther out west but worth every mile, El Cosmico in Marfa offers a surreal overnight experience in vintage trailers, safari tents, and yurts under a massive West Texas sky. It’s equal parts Burning Man and desert hideaway — with hammocks, outdoor showers, and a DIY vibe that’s pure magic.
Address: 802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX 79843
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Entry Fee: ~$130–$200/night depending on lodging style
Famous For: Stargazing, communal vibes, artist retreats, and quirky architecture
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a teepee or trailer during a full moon for unforgettable night shots. No TVs, no AC — just cosmic charm and creative calm.
3. Hangar Hotel – WWII Aviation Theme in Fredericksburg
Styled like a 1940s military hangar, the Hangar Hotel is located right on a small working airport runway. It’s fully committed to the theme — from bomber jackets and Big Band music in the lounge to aviation artifacts in the lobby. You can even watch small planes land just feet from your room.
Address: 155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Entry Fee: ~$165–$220/night
Famous For: Aviation nostalgia, themed bar, proximity to wineries and quirky stops
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a room with runway views, and grab a cocktail at the Officer’s Club before turning in — it’s straight out of a different era.
Weird Travel Tips & Packing Guide
Essentials for Exploring the Odd & Abandoned
- Flashlight or headlamp – especially useful in dark buildings or cemeteries
- Closed-toe shoes – protection from debris, critters, and uneven ground
- First-aid kit – minor cuts and scratches happen more often in remote areas
- Sunscreen & insect repellent – ghost towns often mean exposed, brushy terrain
- Snacks and bottled water – quirky doesn’t always come with convenience stores
- Backpack or sling bag – to carry gear without slowing you down
Tech for Capturing the Weird
- Camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens – for full shots of large ruins or art installations
- Tripod – helps with low-light photography or filming in ghost towns
- Portable charger/power bank – remote stops may mean no outlets for miles
- Offline maps or saved GPS coordinates – some ghost towns and quirky stops have poor cell reception
- Notebook or voice memo app – jot down strange encounters, fun facts, or ideas for content
Optional Gear for the Truly Weird-Ready
- Binoculars – for distant ghost town structures or spotting wildlife
- EMF detector – if you’re into paranormal tracking at haunted sites like The Grove
- Polaroid or instant camera – adds a fun vintage vibe to your memories
- Costume or vintage outfit – because weird places make great photo shoot backdrops
- Reusable shopping tote – many quirky stops have local art, odd souvenirs, or antiques for sale
Pro Travel Tips
- Always ask before entering private property, even if it looks abandoned
- Respect the site – take photos, not souvenirs
- Plan your fuel – ghost town roads don’t always come with gas stations
- Travel in daylight – especially for first-time visits to remote locations
- Bring a friend or tell someone your route – safety matters, even on the weirdest road trips
Final Thoughts: Stay Weird, Stay Adventurous
A weird road trip from Austin isn’t about checking off destinations — it’s about discovering the odd, the forgotten, and the completely unexpected. From abandoned bridges to haunted saloons, junk cathedrals to horror film BBQ pits, these stops tell stories that perfectly blend mystery, history, and hilarity.
So fill your tank, grab your gear, and take the road less traveled — because in Texas, the weirdest trips are often the most memorable. Stay curious. Stay respectful. And above all… stay weird.
