16 Must-See Spots for Your Austin, Texas Motorcycle Trip

Wondering what to do on your Austin, Texas, motorcycle road trip? Austin is a beautiful city nicknamed the World's Live Music Capital. And, true to the name, it is home to some of the best music festivals nationwide and hundreds of live music venues.

However, music is not the only attraction. Austin has beautiful weather, a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether cruising through scenic hill country routes or exploring vibrant urban streets, Austin offers an array of must-see spots that promise an unforgettable adventure. Here are 16 must-see spots for your Austin, Texas, motorcycle trip.

Hippie Hollow Park

Hippie Hollow Park is located 20 miles northwest of downtown Austin on the shores of Lake Travis. It's the only clothing-optional public park in Texas. The park is characterized by rocky limestone cliffs descending into Lake Travis's clear, blue waters.

The rugged terrain provides numerous secluded spots to sunbathe, swim, and relax in privacy. Keep in mind that only people over 18 can access the park. Visitors must also respect everyone's privacy, including not staring and asking for permission before taking photos.

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake was originally known as Town Lake but was renamed to honor Lady Bird Johnson. The lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River, created by the construction of the Longhorn Dam in 1960. Since then, it has become a central feature of Austin's downtown, promoting both ecological preservation and recreational use.

One popular lake feature is the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. It's popular for walking, jogging, biking, and even rollerblading. The lake is one of Austin's most popular spots for paddling activities. You can rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats at various locations along the lake. Moreover, you can fish from the shores or non-motorized boats. The lake is home to many fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Barton Spring Pool

Feeling like diving? Head to Barton Spring Pool, nestled in Zilker Metropolitan Park. This spring-fed swimming pool is a refreshing escape from the Texas heat. The pool is fed by underground springs and maintains a temperature of 68 to 70 degrees all year round.

The pool has been a popular gathering spot for centuries. There is evidence of Native American tribes using it for their therapeutic properties.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

This 350-acre park is located on the banks of the Colorado River and is Austin's central hub for outdoor activities, cultural events, and community gatherings.

Zilker Metropolitan Park houses some of Austin's most popular attractions, such as Barton Spring Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Zilker Hillside Theater, Austin Nature and Science Center, and Zephyr Miniature Train. It also holds annual events like the Zilker Kite Festival, Trail of Light, and Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival.

Mt Bonnell

Do you want to park your bike and hike to Austin's highest point? A hike to Mount Bonnell at Covert Park will quench that thirst. The summit, 775 feet above sea level, offers panoramic views of the city skyline, Colorado River, and the surrounding Hill Country.

The ascent is relatively short but involves a steep climb of 102 steps that will take about 15 minutes. The summit is good for bird watching and observing local flora and fauna. The best time to climb is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and experience the best lighting for views and photography.

Rainey Street

Originally, Rainy Street was a residential area with early 20th-century bungalows. In the early 2010s, many homes were converted into bars and restaurants. This area has become a major attraction for locals and tourists who want to indulge.

The culinary scene is diverse and exciting, offering everything from gourmet food trucks to high-end dining experiences. And, when night comes, the area becomes lively and loud as people move from one bar to another.

Texas Capitol

The Texas Capitol is a grand and historically significant building that serves as the seat of government for the state of Texas. It houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. It was constructed between 1882 and 1888.

The Capitol's dome is one of its most striking features. The dome stands 311 feet tall, which makes it taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Atop the dome is a statue of the Goddess of Liberty holding a star. The dome symbolizes Texas's independence and freedom. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum in Vanderpool is a popular stop for motorcycle enthusiasts. Allen John and Deborah John founded it in the early 2000s. The museum houses 60 motorcycles from several decades and countries of origin, including rare and vintage motorcycles from the early 20th century.

Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater

Do you want to sing along to your favorite music at a state-of-the-art facility? Head to Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (ACL Live). This premier live music venue is located in the heart of downtown Austin. It is home to the long-running television show "Austin City Limits."

ACL Live hosts about 100 concerts annually, so you can be sure there will be a concert anytime you are in Austin. Although it has a sitting capacity of 2,750, you should book in advance as the concerts are very popular. However, you can still tour the venue if you are unlucky to visit when there's no concert.

Museum of Weird

Are you into weird, strange, and unusual stuff? If yes, you should visit the Museum of Weird on 6th Street.

When we say weird, we mean that. The Museum of Weird has unusual attractions like the Fiji mermaid, mummies, monsters, Minnesota Iceman, bigfoot, and freaks of nature. It also has items related to ghosts, hauntings, and other supernatural phenomena, including haunted dolls and cursed objects. The museum has mixed reviews, so you need to do more research to understand if it's something you would want to do.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a man-made reservoir formed by the construction of the Mansfield Dam on the Colorado River. It is approximately 63.75 miles long and covers over 18,000 acres.

The lake is famous for its outdoor recreation opportunities, such as boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, zip lining, and scuba diving. The surrounding area also offers various attractions, including the Oasis on Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow Park, Pace Bend Park, and Lakeway Resort and Spa.

Duchman Family Winery

Duchman Family Winery is a premier destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a taste of Italy in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It is located in Driftwood and is renowned for its Italian varietals and picturesque setting. The winery offers a unique blend of exceptional wines, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The most unique thing about Dutchman Wine is all the grapes are grown in Texas. This means you will be supporting local businesses. Remember to bring a designated rider to take over the wheel after tasting. Otherwise, you can hire a cab.

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas is an education hub boasting close to 52,000 students. It is one of the leading public research universities in the United States.

However, that may not be the reason you want to visit. The university houses the Moody Center, which regularly hosts music concerts featuring big artists and UT basketball games. You can also visit the Blanton Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center, and the LBJ Presidential Library.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin is home to North America's biggest urban bat colony. Every evening from March to October, around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset. The bats consume tons of insects nightly, providing natural pest control. The bat colony has helped raise awareness about the importance of bats in ecosystems and the need for their conservation.

Paramount Theatre

The Paramount Theater opened in 1915 as the Majestic Theater but was rebranded to Paramount in 1930. It is a must-attend if you love film screenings and live performances. The Paramount Theatre hosts numerous notable events, including the annual four-day Moontower Comedy Festival in April and the Summer Classic Film Series during the summer.

Twisted Sister

We cannot close this list without mentioning Texas's most famous motorcycle route: the Twisted Sister. The route is a must-do for motorcycle riders visiting the Texas Hill Country. It is known for challenging curves, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling rides.

This iconic route combines three of the state's most scenic and demanding roads—Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337. Along the route are several attractions, such as Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, a popular spot for bikers to rest, refuel, and socialize, Mill Creek Café, and the Frio River.

Conclusion

Austin is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. You can explore its historic landmarks, enjoy the natural beauty of its parks and lakes, or immerse yourself in its vibrant music and arts scene. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, music enthusiast, or simply looking for a thrilling ride through scenic routes, Austin has something for everyone.

That said, do you need a new or used bike for your Texas motorcycle trip but don't have enough cash? Worry not! You can finance either a new or used Harley Davidson through a trusted online lender like myAutoloan.