10 Facts About Austin, Texas You Didn't Know

Austin is the state capital of Texas and its fourth most populous city. Located in the center of the state, it has scenic natural views and the hustle and bustle of big-city life. There are a few things everyone knows about the city: Austin keeps things weird and it is considered the Live Music Capital of the World, for example. But here are 10 facts you probably didn’t know.

Austin has the only nude beach in all of Texas

Texas has no laws that stop women from going topless in public. However, no other city in the state has a place designated for nudity. Hippie Hollow is a clothing-optional beach located on Lake Travis. Texas is a conservative state all-in-all, but Austin is pretty liberal.

Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America

During spring and summer, about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats migrate to Austin and emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge every night. Tourists and residents wait for and watch this unique spectacle.

Every day, crowds gather to watch bats emerging from the Congress Bridge © Peter Tsai Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

Austin is the only city in the world that still operates moonlight towers

Austin has ordinances in place to protect all 17 standing towers from being taken down.

Austin doesn’t have a professional sports team

However, the University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorns are the city’s pride and joy. Hook ’em!

The University of Texas’ Longhorns are Austin’s pride and joy © philipus / Alamy Stock Photo

Tons of movies have been filmed in Austin

Everyone knows that Boyhood was filmed in Austin. But did you know that What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? was filmed in Texas’s capital, too? Other movies that were filmed in Austin include Dazed and Confused, Office Space, Ms Congeniality, Kill Bill Volume 1 and Spy Kids.

Austin is one of the sunniest cities in America

Out of 365 days, Austin gets an average of 300 days of sunshine!

Barton Springs Pool in Austin is a popular hangout on a hot sunny summer’s day © Adam Gasson / Alamy Stock Photo

The Texas State Capitol building is the second largest capitol building

The only capitol building that’s bigger is the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.

Austin has tons of museums, including one dedicated to junk

The Cathedral of Junk is a favorite of residents and tourists. It’s located in the backyard of a small house on the south side of Austin. It’s made up of what you might consider junk, from ladders and bicycle parts to clocks. The best thing about this museum is that there’s something new to see each time you visit.

Austin celebrates Eeyore’s birthday

Austin has celebrated the birthday of the fictional character from Winnie the Pooh since 1963. Eeyore’s Birthday Party usually happens on the last Saturday of April. Attendees arrive in colorful costumes and are entertained by live music and very large drum circles.

If there is one food that describes Austin, it’s breakfast tacos

Breakfast tacos keep this city together. If you go to Austin without eating a breakfast taco, did you really even go to Austin?