Discover the Best Parks in Austin
On the edge of Texas Hill Country, perched over the Balcones Fault and surrounded by limestone slopes and broad stretches of prairie strewn with bluebonnets, Austin is a picturesque city with plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Despite the warm climate, locals and visitors alike flock to Austin’s cold water springs and creeks, disc golf courts, and gardens, bringing bicycles and kayaks to trails of all sorts.
If you’re curious about the best city parks in Austin so you can join in on the fun, here are nine favorites to explore.
1. Zilker Park
This 350-acre park is a slice of green heaven, lined with hiking and biking trails. The park provides access to the famous Barton Springs natural swimming pool and Barton Creek Greenbelt. You can find boat rentals, a miniature train, a playground, and a botanical garden too. On weekends from April to early September, admission is $5 per car. The park celebrated its centennial in 2017.
2. Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park, also known as ‘City Park,’ offers overnight camping and occupies 1,000 acres on Lake Austin, about 16 miles northwest of downtown. It features good swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. The park is popular among partygoers, especially during weekends. Reservations are required for camping.
3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Anyone interested in Texas’ flora and fauna should make the 20-minute drive to the spectacular gardens of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, located southwest of downtown Austin. Established in 1982 with the help of Texas’ beloved former first lady, the center showcases every type of wildflower and plant that grows in Texas, sorted by geographical region, with an emphasis on Hill Country flora. Spring is the best time to visit, but there’s something in bloom all year long.
4. UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
If the weather is perfect, take a stroll through the open-air UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, located south of Zilker Park. The garden and indoor museum feature more than 130 works by 20th-century American sculptor Charles Umlauf, who taught at UT for 40 years.
5. Mt. Bonnell
On weekends, Mt. Bonnell, the highest point in the city at 775 feet, is a popular spot that may host wedding ceremonies. This beautiful overlook has impressed visitors since the 1830s. At sunset, climb the short but steep stairway for expansive views of Lake Austin and the homes on the nearby hillsides. From the summit, trails extend both left and right, offering a variety of scenic views. Note that there is no parking from 10 PM to 5 AM.
6. Austin Disc Golf Courses
Bartholomew District Park features a hilly disc golf course located north of downtown, near the old airport. The Roy G Guerrero Disc Golf Course offers a newer, 2-mile-long stretch with 18 holes suited for beginners and experienced players alike. The City of Austin also manages additional courses at Zilker, Mary Moore Searight, Circle C Ranch, and Davis Spring Special Parks.
7. Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
This expansive 50-square-mile greenspace is scattered throughout the Austin metro area, encompassing many parks including the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Emma Long Park. You can explore above-ground hiking trails at St. Edwards Park and underground crevasses at Westcave Preserve, visit the cold springs at Hamilton Pool Preserve, and fish at Commons Ford Ranch. The preserve is home to eight endangered species and a variety of birds and wildlife, making it an vibrant natural destination.
8. Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, located just over a mile west of I-35, features a disc golf course, tennis courts, a playground, and hiking trails. It is named after Mary Moore Searight, whose family ranch ran cattle in this area for decades. An avid birder, she advocated for turning the land into a park.
9. Barton Creek Greenbelt
This refreshing multiuse path stretches for more than 8 miles along Barton Creek, beginning at Zilker Park. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, biking, and splashing around. There are several access points, including one near 1601 Spyglass Rd. Leashed dogs are welcome!
10. Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail & Boardwalk
The Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail & Boardwalk offers 10 miles of trails that loop around and over Lady Bird Lake, making it a popular destination for exercise enthusiasts. The trail runs along the northern side of the lake, which borders downtown Austin, and the southern side, serving South Austin. With several bridges crossing the lake, you can easily adjust your total distance.
