10 Best Parks in Austin

Zilker Park sprawls over 350 acres (140 hectares) in central Austin. This charming urban park is home to relaxing areas, such as the serene Zilker Botanical Garden, and high-energy zones, including a disc golf course, volleyball courts, and several hiking trails. Kids will love swimming in the Barton Springs Pool with its spring-fed waters, and the Austin Nature and Science Center is also a huge hit thanks to its exciting, interactive exhibits.

Locals flock here for the festivals, including a colorful kite show and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, where you can sing along to over 100 different performances. Be sure to book early for this huge event as tickets sell out quickly.

Barton Creek Greenbelt is a great spot to enjoy nature year-round. Located west of the city, it’s around 7 miles (11 km) of lush greenery, rugged cliffs, creeks, and beautiful waterfalls. Fetch a towel and enjoy a swim or stroll along the hiking trails and enjoy spotting the rare and colorful birds that call this park home.

When the mercury rises, you’ll see locals cooling off in the water or lazing under shady trees. On cooler days, this is a popular spot for rock climbing and mountain biking too. There are several access points to the trails, but Main Access Point is a good choice as there’s lots of parking available and you’ll also have easy access to the waterfalls from here.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center lies southwest of the city and extends over 284 acres (100 hectares). Named after the former First Lady, who was a passionate environmentalist, this beautiful park was created to honor and preserve around 900 species of native Texas plants. You’ll be awestruck at the magnificent colors, such as the fiery red of the Flameleaf sumac, and you’ll marvel at the tranquility and delightful fragrances throughout your walk.

The center is popular with locals who come here for the programs and workshops. You can learn garden design, yoga, or plant photography and there are lots of nature-inspired events for kids too, including butterfly and bird workshops.

Butler Metro Park sits in the heart of the city, giving fantastic views over the Colorado River and the skyline. Locals flock here for lunchtime picnics on weekdays, and you’ll see city workers mingling with dog walkers and couples taking a romantic stroll. It’s a great choice for families thanks to the Alliance Children’s Garden, a modern, adventure playground for youngsters to get creative and tire themselves out with scramble nets, slides, and climbing towers.

The park is also home to the Palmer Events Center and the Rollins Theatre. Check the online calendars and choose from spectacular events, including rodeo galas, culinary arts festivals, stand-up comedy shows, and classical music concerts.

McKinney Falls State Park is a lovely mix of wooded areas, creeks, and pools of water where you can go hiking, biking, or swimming. It’s famous for its majestic cypress tree which dates back over 500 years and is affectionately known by locals as Old Baldy. Head here if you’re looking for a romantic weekend camping under the stars to enjoy breathtaking scenery.

As you hike along almost 9 miles (14 km) of trails in the serene woodlands, you’ll only hear the crunching of leaves underfoot and beautiful bird calls, even though you’re just a few miles from the airport. Please be aware that Onion Creek can flood after heavy rainfall, so be sure to check the weather before visiting.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail stretches over 10 miles (16 km) of the city center. It weaves through urban parks and along the picturesque shoreline of the Colorado River, giving you magnificent views of the skyscrapers and greenery. Named after a former Austin mayor and his wife, this path is hugely popular.

Locals love this trail, and you’ll see them jogging early in the morning or unwinding after work on a late afternoon stroll or bike ride. It’s a great way to enjoy a gentle walk whilst taking in Austin’s sights. Download the free trail map online and don’t forget your camera as you’ll get some great shots of the river and city skyline.

Balcones Canyonlands Preserve lies approximately 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Austin. It’s an outstandingly beautiful conservation area and a popular spot with photographers. Capture extraordinary photos of the lush green carpet of juniper and hardwood trees covering the hilly landscape. Or head to Sunset Deck observation point to take stunning shots of the orange glow over the water and hills as the sun goes down.

Birdwatchers love this park for its rich variety of wildlife, especially 2 endangered songbirds. Observation decks are scattered along the 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails, so bring your binoculars. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot the bright yellow feathers of the golden-cheeked warbler and the mesmerizing black-capped vireo.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park will seduce you with its wilderness landscape even though you’re just a few miles northwest of the city center. Once known as City Park, it sits on the shore of Lake Austin and it’s a hilly park popular with campers and hikers alike. Laze on the grassy slopes and watch the boats launch gently into the water or fire up a barbecue and toast marshmallows as you watch the sunset.

The atmosphere here is laidback and friendly, and it’s a lovely spot to choose for a relaxing weekend. Please be aware that you’ll need to reserve online well in advance for the campsite. It can get very busy, especially during the summer months.

Mayfield Park and Preserve is a tranquil oasis north of the city. Enjoy a gentle walk on the short trails to soak up the calm beauty, do some yoga, or simply relax with a good book under the palm trees. Mayfield is known for its glorious peacocks which roam freely in the grounds and their vivid colors are simply breathtaking. You’ll also be able to spot cardinals, swans, and herons on your stroll through the park.

You’ll love the delightful cottage, surrounded by landscaped ponds with their beautiful lily pads. If you’re looking for a haven of peace to escape from city life and recharge your batteries in a picturesque setting, this is a lovely site to visit.