Austin’s identity is deeply tied to the outdoors. Beyond the live music venues and legendary barbecue joints, the city offers a remarkable network of green spaces that provide shade, water access, and community gathering spots. For locals and visitors alike, understanding the layout of the city’s park system is key to enjoying the "Austin lifestyle." Whether you are looking to hike a rugged trail or simply float in a natural pool, the city has a dedicated space for your preferred activity.
The geography of Central Texas creates a unique environment for recreation. The Edwards Plateau meets the Blackland Prairie here, resulting in limestone cliffs, spring-fed creeks, and dense juniper forests. This diverse terrain means that no two parks in Austin look or feel exactly the same. Some are manicured urban squares designed for festivals, while others are protected wilderness areas where deer and roadrunners outnumber people.
Choosing the right park requires matching your needs to the specific amenities offered. A family with toddlers will have very different requirements than a trail runner training for a marathon. Similarly, a tourist looking for the perfect sunset photo will need a different vantage point than a kayaker looking for a boat ramp. The best parks in Austin succeed by serving specific niches exceptionally well rather than trying to do everything.
Seasonality also plays a major role in how you should approach these outdoor spaces. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, making water access and shade critical for survival. Conversely, spring brings wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, but also crowds and parking difficulties. Understanding when to visit a specific park is just as important as knowing where it is located.
We have curated a list of the most essential parks in the city, ranging from the iconic to the hidden gems. This selection prioritizes variety, accessibility, and the unique characteristics that make Austin’s landscape so special. You will find options for swimming, climbing, biking, and quiet reflection.
Before heading out, remember that Austin’s parks are fragile ecosystems. Drought conditions and heavy foot traffic require visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles. With that in mind, here are the top outdoor destinations that define the capital city.
McKinney Falls State Park
| Address | 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 243-1643 |
The park is big so if you want to go on a long hike, it's a good place to visit. The waterfalls though are short &small. It's an okay state park. They have a gift shop at the entrance.
Great place to day trip or camp. They have the upper and lower falls where you can get into the water.
$6 per person for $13 and older. Which is great anf supports this popular state park.
Lots of parking and many different trailhead so you can jump in at different points.
Visited on May 24, 2026, and had a great experience. This is a wonderful park for families with plenty to do, whether you enjoy hiking the trails, relaxing by the water, or camping for the weekend. The scenery is beautiful, and there are several spots where kids can safely enjoy the water.
A few tips for first-time visitors: bring plenty of food and water, and pack some ice to keep your drinks cold throughout the day. If you’re visiting with children, water tubes can make the experience even more fun. Also, plan on getting your feet wet—an extra pair of slippers or sandals comes in handy, especially around the swimming areas and at Site #2.
Overall, a great outdoor destination near Austin. Just come prepared with the right gear, and you’ll have a fantastic day. Highly recommended!
The state park offers some nice little hikes. The waterfalls are very small and I think I just had in my head that they would be a little bit bigger. The trails are well groomed and there are plenty of informational placards about the history of the area. It was a weekday the day I went and so there were very few people there. But it was very close to my hotel and I would say worth the $5 I paid to get in. If you're looking for any sort of challenging hike, this is not the place for you.
Place was definitely worth going to even though we didn’t get a chance to swim since it’s been really dry this summer. Caught up with the free tour. I would highly recommend it. The guide was super knowledgeable and friendly.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
| Address | 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
We recently visited Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. The walking trail is decent and offers about a 20-minute nature walk, which is nice for a quick visit. However, the pathways felt quite narrow and congested in several areas, especially when there were more visitors.
The pond water appeared very green and didn’t look particularly well maintained, which took away from the overall experience. The highlight of the visit was definitely the peacocks. They are well cared for, and seeing them up close was enjoyable.
While the park has potential, there is significant room for improvement in terms of maintenance, accessibility, and visitor attractions. With some upgrades and better upkeep, it could become a much more enjoyable destination for the public.
If you want to feel close to nature, this is the place. Hidden in the suburbs of Austin is a quaint park with a trail and I kid you not, peacocks! They're interesting to watch and bask in their beauty. If you walk down the trail (its narrow) you get this wonderful view of the river and its just breathtaking. I would suggest for people to go, just for that view and the peacocks!
Nice spot to take a stroll while appreciating the freely roaming peacocks who’ll entertain you with their various noises. The garden and pond area with its benches provided resting spots for us to enjoy the storm rolling in.
Went on a weekday during the summer. Pretty slow and only saw 2 peacocks. They were doing maintenance in the cottage and garden area so we went and hiked some of the trails. Some of the trails were not maintained (trees fallen on trails ways) but it was a nice stroll in nature.
This is a free park. The peacocks seem to be the star of the show.
There is also flower gardens, ponds, hiking trails.
Parking is limited,
Flower gardens are very peaceful.
Seems to be a quiet respectful park
Zilker Metropolitan Park
| Address | Austin, TX 78746 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
Such a beautiful and lively park with a wonderful atmosphere! There was always something happening—children playing, people biking, having picnics, playing basketball, and enjoying different activities. The scenery was lovely, and the park felt full of energy. A great place to spend the day!
Visiting Austin, which I consider HOME. It was great to visit Zilker Park. It has grown and changed a lot, but it is still a great place to visit. The pool was closed, but there was still a great number of people enjoying the water on the other side of the pool. The trails are marked and seem to be greatly used. It was a beautiful, let hot day to be out enjoying the area. There is construction in the area so just watch where you're going and follow the signs.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is one of Austin’s most beloved green spaces, stretching along the Colorado River and serving as a gateway to outdoor life in the city. It’s also home to major events like Austin City Limits Music Festival, which speaks to its role as both a community hub and a natural retreat.
The park offers a well-rounded outdoor experience. You’ll find a network of mostly easy, well-maintained trails that are great for walking, jogging, or a relaxed bike ride. Many of these paths connect seamlessly to the scenic Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, giving you access to roughly 5.5 miles of continuous waterfront views. The park also features kayak rentals and access to the river, along with the popular Barton Springs Pool—a spring-fed pool that stays refreshingly cool year-round.
What makes Zilker special is the balance it strikes between activity and calm. Wide open lawns, shaded picnic spots, and skyline views create a relaxing atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
That said, one issue does detract from the experience: some cyclists move at high speeds along shared paths, which can feel unsafe for pedestrians and pets. It’s surprising that clearer enforcement or designated speed control isn’t more visible, as it disrupts the otherwise peaceful setting.
Overall, Zilker is a beautiful and versatile park—ideal for a casual stroll or a full day outdoors—though a bit more attention to trail safety would make it even better.
I love this park, one of my favorite places in Austin. It's always a great time with gorgeous views. You can take a walk, go kayaking, jump off the bridge, grab some food Play volleyball. Ride your bike. Hang out with your dog, with friends, Your spouse or even by yourself.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a gem! I’ve loved biking and walking the trails here. The hippie vibes are unmatched, and the lake is perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding. You can even fish! It’s a great place to stay active and soak up the nature.
Pease District Park
| Address | 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 842-9018 |
great getaway tucked in the city. Nice for a walk or taking the kids / dogs. Great mini splash fountains, trees, bball courts, and some art. Runs along the creek
The skyline views from the boardwalk are absolutely incredible and the whole atmosphere feels so quintessential to the Austin experience. It is such a well maintained loop for a long walk, although you definitely have to watch out for the fast cyclists and big weekend crowds. I really enjoyed just sitting by the water for a few minutes to watch the kayakers and turtles go by.
We got lucky and were able to park in the small lot provided! Peace Park is really nice, clean, and relaxing! There’s a lot of cool attractions to see/interact with and there were a lot of people hanging out and having a great time! Unlike some other parks I felt safe the entire time that I was there. It’s a nice area with lots of things to do!
Austin is lucky to have parks like this. Very cool spot to spend time with family and friends in. Loved walking around seeing the trolls. Crossing the stream. Even grabbed a SnoCone. Very well kept and the kids absolutely love the play equipment.
Pretty park. i’ll have to make sure I can check it out when there’s not a festival. After learning some about the history behind the park, I will be back with some books and a picnic blanket as well.
Butler Metro Park
| Address | 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
Butler Metro Park is one of the best urban parks in downtown Austin, located alongside Lady Bird Lake.
We loved walking along the wide, well-maintained hike-and-bike trail with fantastic views of the Austin skyline. Climb up Doug Sahm Hill for a panoramic overlook of the city and lake, it’s an amazing photo spot especially during sunset.
Families will enjoy Alliance Children’s Garden playground and the splash pad to beat the Texas heat. Plenty of open grass areas for picnic, relaxing, or flying kites. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards on the lake if you want extra fun.
Free public access, dog-friendly, and easily reachable from downtown. A perfect place to slow down, enjoy nature and the iconic Austin scenery. Highly recommend for locals and tourists
Amazing experience and good food. Abit overpriced but you are paying for a great experience. There was a guy at the pit doing a great job explaining how they care for their food. Public parking 12 dollars across the restaurant on afriday Night.
Beautiful maintained park with a great view of tge city. My grandchildren loved tge splash pad! Lots of fun for kids! So many options for all ages!
Hidden Gem 💎
Hidden in plain sight! Butler Metro Park is a great place to see the city. Very spacious and hugs the river.
Pro Tip: This is a great place to park if you want to go to Terry Blacks, Parmer Event Center, and Long Horn Center.
10/10 Trees 🌳
Beautiful walking park with a great pond to watch the ducks & turtles. There's a great playground for kids, fields to play outdoor sports and great walking trails. Park is dog friendly.
Mueller Lake Park
| Address | 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 703-9202 |
Mueller Lake Park is one of my favorite peaceful spots in Austin. I started my walk at 6 AM the other day and included the park on my route, and it reminded me why I enjoy this place so much.
The rolling lawns, lake views, and abundance of wildlife make it feel like a little pocket of calm in the middle of the city. If you enjoy birdwatching, this place is incredible. Along the trail and around the lake you’ll spot all kinds of birds including raptors, ducks, geese, water birds, and so many other species. The lake is also full of turtles ranging from tiny little 2-inch babies to huge ones close to a foot long.
I especially love coming here very early in the morning when everything feels quiet and peaceful, with people walking their dogs as the city slowly wakes up. In the evenings, the atmosphere completely shifts into a lively community space where you might see outdoor yoga classes, families spending time together, people exercising, or friends relaxing on the grass. We’ve even played frisbee here together while catching fireflies on the walk over.
Another huge bonus is the surrounding area. There are food trucks and plenty of nearby restaurants, so it’s easy to grab food to-go and enjoy a picnic by the water.
This park really captures a wonderful mix of nature, community, and peaceful Austin energy.
Beautiful mini lake park for walks, runs and picnics!🧺 🏃🏻🏃♀️🏃🏽♂️🛹
This park is my favorite place to hang out with friends and walk my dog. There’s a beautiful picnic area where we enjoy nice walks, especially when the sun comes out. It also has a great playground for children.
This park is my go-to spot when I need a peaceful walk or a break. There’s plenty of free parking next to the park, including a parking garage. It’s also surrounded by lots of restaurants where you can grab a quick bite or drink. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to relax, take a walk, or spend time with friends.
I had the chance to go to the Water Lantern Festival in Austin here at Mueller Lake Park , and it was absolutely beautiful. Everyone wrote messages, hopes, or memories on lanterns and released them onto the water. When the sun went down and all the lanterns started floating and glowing, it felt magical ,peaceful, emotional, and full of meaning.
It was such a special experience to share with others. Seeing all those lights on the water felt like a reminder of connection, love, and letting go. If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it.
I absolutely adore this park. It’s spacious, lush, and clean. It’s dog-friendly, with a beautiful lake and a variety of geese and other birds. There’s a large picnic area, public restrooms, and a playground for kids. There are also plenty of parking spots available. Occasionally, on weekends and holidays, local musicians perform live music.
A beautiful place to walk and enjoy nature. After the walk we enjoyed walking in the neighborhood of homes and businesses. Very nice community plan.
Bull Creek District Park
| Address | 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
It was a blast! We had alot of fun at the slides.
The pool section of the creek where the rope swing was now sucks. The City of Austin let the vegetation take over the bank of the creek. It used to be a beautiful field with a beach to go into the water. At the rope swing area. And the water at the area with the natural water slides was super fast.
Best small park in the area so far. Has a stream and trails across the stream. Leads to other trails. Has some elevation and can get a little steep. Some photos from a different connected park with the waterfall.
A great spot for picnics and shallow-river water-wading. Some good rocks for climbing over and greenery to soothe your wretched soul.
Hikes and nature walks inside the city. Small waterfalls with clear water and swimming holes where I saw a guy catching big catfish 👍 amazing place to get away from stress
Beautiful scenery all around! A perfect spot to enjoy the water or hike along the trail. The rocks and bouldering areas are a highlight, making it great for climbers as well. There are plenty of swimming spots to cool off, and the views are stunning throughout. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a scenic hike, a refreshing swim, or some fun rock climbing.
Waterloo Park
| Address | 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78701 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
Came here on the icy weekend on a Friday. Much needed rendezvous and walk with my son before we got confined in our home that weekend. Friyayyyy. Rain or Shine. Hot or cold. Parking can be found around the perimeter. 2 hours free on the covered parking building next to it!
Waterloo Park feels like Austin’s shiny new front yard after that huge glow-up — that grassy hill alone is worth it for the skyline views. 🏙️🌾 They’ve got the Moody Amphitheater for big shows, but even on a random Tuesday it’s just a sweet spot to lay out a blanket and watch dogs chase frisbees. 🐕🥏 There’s nice creek-side walks too if you wanna escape the 6th Street madness for a sec. 🌊🚶♂️ It can get brutally hot on that open lawn though, so definitely bring a hat — still, it’s pure Austin: laid-back, a little weird, and prime for people-watching. ☀️🧢🤠
Waterloo Park is one of the best spots to relax in Austin. It’s clean, well-maintained, and perfect for a walk, picnic, or just getting outside. The trails, green space, and views make it a great place to spend an afternoon, and there’s always something going on. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area!
Waterloo park is super pretty and well maintained! I love doing loops around the park and often Moody Amphitheater has concerts out here. There are a few coffee shops nearby as well so all in all a cute part of town- my only qualm is that it’s not always well patrolled and it’s a little small
Good Morning Austin, I know....why am I up &
moving around? Lol....I don't have to be up at a specific time.... Water Loo 💯
I cannot believe the people in this country are still allowing trump to keep trying to suggest we need to invade any land. We have plenty of everything but, why has "No Other President"
since NATO began: felt Greenlands Wealth...
Belongs To America! The very thought reminds me of how horrible times are. The People Of That Beautiful Part Of The World....don't want any part of this absurd, very dangerous, sick idea.
This is about 1 thing and this President again....
Is the only 1 who has used the Country and All That The White House Use To Stand For. It is all about Him/ His Family Richer. I as "An American Citizen" With All The Love That GOD has gifted each part of the world: with the resources to exchange and sale the wealth like it Was/Is!!!!
"To Enrich The People Of Greenland." PERIOD!!
I Stand With The People as well As NATO...I do Strongly, Proudly Denounce The Lies, or Theft of Another Country! Did we forget Our Own Ugly History???
America Had A Thriving Race Of Natives Who Still Have More Love And Respect For Mother Earth and America "than any of US!" I'd be very interested in hearing from "The Only Natives" NOW and Then In America. Obviously it is the "Descendants" who could Enlightened Those Who Are Self Blinding. Lying To Ones Self Is "The Epitome Of Hatred!"
To then surround yourselves with others who are here spreading hate and now GREENLAND AND THE PEOPLE OF GREENLAND ARE AWARE OF JUST HOW HORRIBLE A VIRUS LIKE hate Is.
There Is No Place In The Future For The 🌎 and Younger Generations. I know twenty year olds who have every right in "The World To Live." 👈🏽
Don't let old men/ women/republican/democrat
Rich/Richer/any race/education etc. Don't Let The Vile History Continue As It Is, today. Pay for their resources and Leave The Natives & All The Different People Who Moved Their, Suffer The Greed of a old man and Republican Party.
GOD & LOVE TO THE WORLD...🫂♥️🔛🌎☮️
Barton Creek Greenbelt
| Address | 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy Apt B, Austin, TX 78704 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
We recently hiked a stretch of the Barton Creek Greenbelt (around 4.25 to 7.25 miles) with our 9-year-old, and it turned out to be a wonderful family experience. The trail offers a great mix of shaded paths, rocky terrain, and peaceful surroundings. Even though we saw a good number of people biking and walking, there were also stretches where it felt quiet and almost secluded, which made the hike even more enjoyable. The creek was dry during our visit, but the natural beauty of the area still stood out.
One of the most interesting parts of the hike was spotting scavenger birds and vultures, which gave us a real sense of being in a natural, living ecosystem rather than just a city trail. It added a slightly wild and adventurous feel to the experience. Overall, it’s a beautiful and well-balanced trail—perfect for families looking for a bit of adventure, nature, and calm all in one place. Definitely worth visiting, especially after rains when water is flowing.
The limestone cliffs and shaded canopy really make this place feel like a hidden world right in the middle of the city. I love how the atmosphere changes from peaceful creekside spots to that intense rocky climb at the end that always leaves my legs feeling like jelly. It is such a solid spot to just get lost in nature for a bit, especially if you have a dog that loves exploring the trails as much as you do.
I went on a weekend morning to get a few miles in and spend some time outside without leaving town. The trail had a nice mix of shade, rocky stretches, and creekside areas, with limestone walls that make it feel tucked away from the city. It was busy in spots, but still calm enough to enjoy the walk ��. The creek was mostly dry when I went, so Twin Falls and the other water spots were more like rock areas than swimming holes. The paths were in decent shape, but the markings could be better, and I was glad I had my phone map with me. Some sections were easy, while a few rocky climbs made it feel like a real workout. I saw plenty of dogs, though not everyone had them leashed, so that is something to keep in mind. Parking was not hard for me, but I would not leave anything visible in the car. Overall, it was a peaceful, pretty hike with a very Austin feel, especially if you go in knowing the water depends on recent rain.
Beautiful area and lots of trails to explore. Trails aren’t marked very well so make sure to take a GPS or download a map. I took a wrong trail and had to back track to get back on the right path. Beautiful area and trails are maintained well enough. Not much water in the creek at all. Passed by Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls and neither of them had any “falls” to them at all. Still such a beautiful area.
This is a little tricky intially to understand where is the starting point. When nearing to this address, we found some cars parking along road. We parked our car here. And there is Way right side where we need to get inside to walk into nature trail. Keep enjoying walking into about 1- 1.5 miles walking until you see beautiful waterfalls. Overall good experience.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
| Address | 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Great place to watch sunset .
Breathtaking of Austin city and the river. Also before the stairs there are two juice sellers. They are very friendly. You can enjoy refreshing juice on your way up or down.
The stairs isn't difficult. After the stairs take the trail to the right as well .
I personally was able to take the stairs in sandals. It’s not a far climb but be sure to bring water and sunglasses if visiting in the summer time. Spectacular view once at the top.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is absolutely worth visiting! The views from the top are stunning and give you an incredible overlook of the Colorado River, Lake Austin, and the beautiful Austin skyline all in one spot. It’s one of the best scenic views in the area and a perfect place to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the outdoors.
The short climb to the top is well worth it, especially around sunset when the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Whether you’re visiting Austin or you’re local to the area, this is definitely a must-see spot. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the unforgettable panoramic views!
Most of Texas is private property. In Texas private property law is taken very seriously. Criminal charges, felonies, even death are in the realm of possibilities for those who ignore posted no trespassing signs. Anyone trespassing on property, even worse, committing a crime of theft or violence. If caught be ready for law enforcement to come down hard on you. Assuming the land owner doesn’t catch you red handed in the act with his/her side arm.
That being said Texas is huge. It feels like new discoveries are being made weekly. Central Texas is one of the hotspots rewriting the history books as I type this. If you are over the age of 35 most of what was taught in school. Pertaining to the peopling of the Americans is largely wrong.
More and more evidence of human habitation going back as far as 16000, 17000, even 20,000 years in Central Texas is continually coming to light. The history books, if they include the indigenous American people. Can’t ignore the evidence. People have been living in central Texas at minimum, 20,000 years.
Texas would have been a refuge for life during the multiple glaciation periods people had endure.
Despite the colonial push to erase all memory of the indigenous American tribes. They may have been successful in the genocide of all the people. But the settlements, the rock Art, the millions of flint arrowheads, the kill sites with mammoths, giant sloths and mastodons exist. It exists in the geological record. Human beings were in North America long before mainstream archaeology is willing to admit, even with this never ending source of more and more convincing evidence.
Mount Bonnell represents something special. It’s a High Point in Austin. You can see almost the entire city. It’s open to the general public. It’s free to visit, it’s beautiful and it’s ancient.
It makes me wonder about all the ancient sites on private property just waiting to be discovered.
If visiting Austin Mount Bonnell is an absolute must.
A must see if you're in Austin! I went here with my sister and her dog on a Saturday weekend morning. The view of the Colorado river is truly breathtaking! 😍
There's a short hike on stairs at the entrance of the park. A bit steep, but manageable. There's a lot of areas to sit and just watch the river and listen to the sound of the wind. All in all, it's a 5-star experience. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
| Address | 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
One of the best park for mountain bike
Lots and lots of trails , you easily get lost. I’ve been coming here at least 10x a year and still get lost.
This is a very nice park that has trails that connect to a larger trail system. It has miles of trails and is a good place to walk with kids & dogs, hike, or bicycle.
Nice park but it smells funny and the trails have a lot of litter. I could be maintained better better, due to its size and location.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a wonderful spot for anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city. It’s one of those places where you can truly unwind, whether you’re walking, biking, or just soaking up the scenery.
The parking lot is well-designed and spacious, making it easy to find a spot early in the morning. However, it’s worth noting that it can get busier as the day goes on, especially after 9 am. Arriving earlier is a good idea if you want a stress-free start to your visit.
The trails are the park’s biggest highlight. There are well-maintained paths for both bikers and walkers, and they weave through some of the prettiest parts of the park. Bikers will love the variety in the trails, while walkers can enjoy a more relaxed pace with plenty of shady spots and scenic views.
The creek access is another standout feature. Walking in the creek is a fun and refreshing activity, especially when the weather is warm. It adds a sense of adventure to your visit and is great for kids and adults alike. The natural beauty of the park, with its tall trees and open spaces, makes the whole experience feel peaceful and rejuvenating.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is one of Austin’s gems, offering a perfect mix of nature and convenience. Whether you’re out for a hike, a bike ride, or just looking for a calm place to relax, it’s a place that won’t disappoint. Just plan to arrive early if you want to avoid the rush!
Urban hiking trail but fun. I came across lots of off leash dogs but were all well behaved and the owners were attentive to them. The trail hosts walkers, runners, cyclists, etc. There’s also a few picnic tables and a playground.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
| Address | 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-1831 |
Amazing Lil beach surrounded by nature on the beautiful lake. Almost feels private, plenty of space. Shallow enough for the littlest with dock jumping for the big kids. Riding the wakes of the boats going by was a blast!
Tldr: In summary do yourself and your family a favor and avoid this park at least on weekends.
I've been going to this park for years, the last year on a weekly basis. Last Sunday (May 3rd 2026) we were shocked what this place has turned into. It was not recognizable. Not sure what happened!
It was extremely sketchy, women in our group felt uncomfortable and unsafe.
Of course it was packed but that is nothing new for a Sunday. It was a bit surprising as it was not warm though. The shocking part was the drastic change of type of crowd.
People blasting giant speakers all over the place despite the big sign at the entrance about loud noise.
There were more (commercial) jetskis in the water than swimmers and they were violating the no wake zone all day long repeatedly without anybody doing anything about it. Endangering swimmers and even purposely speeding through a group of ducks (also in the no-wake area).
All kinds of informal sales around, fully masked individuals walking around and riding jetskis full speed in the no-wake area.
People just sitting at benches staring for hours.
They were even parking motorcycles by the water.
I called 911 twice to report the no-wake violations and swimmers endangering but it was just a waste of my time.
Park rangers are a myth here, non existing apparently.
We'll have to look for a different park for our families unfortunately. Sadly the good days of Emma Long Park seem to be behind it.
This was the first time visiting and we enjoyed ourselves. We will visit here again. Monday thru Friday, they charge $5 and Saturday & Sunday they charge $10 to park. There is no re entry and you receive a receipt that you display on your dashboard. Although we did not swim in the lake, it is permissible (At your own risk). They have restrooms and port o potty available for use. They also offer RV parking, Tent camping, and many nature trails to explore. It is a serene place to take the kiddos or the whole family...DOGS too for fun! They have benches and tables throughout for those who wish to have picnics, volleyball nets (sand included) for your entertainment and you can take your boats, jyajs and canoes.
Beautiful clean it’s the last week of August and the water is cold! It’s the best place to camp!!
Clean, fun, family oriented. Didn't see one person doing drugs unlike zilker park. Beautiful. Relaxing. Lots of easy places to get into the water.
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
| Address | 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
🥏⛳ course was nice. Many straight shots with wood and grass off the fairway. Nice bug rocks at the tee area for your bag or to sit. Only did first 9 baskets. A couple of baskets are good for birdie shots. Not much variety of holes in first 9, but good course for practicing accuracy. May be difficult for beginners.
Great nature walks. Bring a bag if your bored to help cleanup. Great little shortcut to shopping and restaurants from anywhere off billbrook.
The course has the “Texas” aesthetics going for it and it’s a very challenging course and well maintain.
I go for walks here at least once a week. There is the main trail that does a loop around the park, and which also contains little exercise bars along the way which is quite nice. They have both a soccer field as well as a baseball diamond with a tall fence. Also a great place to bring your pets. In addition to the main loop, there are also trails that are about 4 miles in length, so a great place for running as well. Some of the trails are along the water which can be really nice to look at. A great place to visit if you want to get some exercise and spend time in nature.
I have never seen this park overrun. Most of the time it's quiet and you can bring your dog and not have to worry about Running into other dogs or people trying to pet it. A great group of people made up for pokemon hunting there.
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
| Address | 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
Great time with the family!
The staff and the food vendors were all friendly.
Austin Reggae fest was amazing!
There were some technical difficulties with the surrounding system for thr bands but overall it was a great experience.
Great place to watch the fireworks on 4th of July.
It's free but get there early for seating and parking availability.
Great Independence Day celebration with spectacular symphony performance abd fireworks display. Happy 250 USA.
Great park! The space is well maintained and it has amazing city views! Parking is fairly easy especially if there's no events going on there and you get access to the river trails there as well! There's usually also a ton of dogs there which is great if you like dogs
This is a great location in Austin for quiet stroll, picnic or attending open air event like the Bat flight at sunset. This location offers a great view of Austin skyline across the river and nearby docks also offer boat cruise.
Free parking is available and many shops and restaurants are within walking distance.
Dick Nichols District Park
| Address | 8011 Beckett Rd, Austin, TX 78749 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
Nice tables in shade. Good play area for kids 2-10 age range. Sand volleyball tennis courts. Bathrooms could use some work but overall great spot
Fantastic playground- all ages partial shade. Small water feature to cool down. Big Trees lots of shade along the paved trail. Several picnic tables shaded. Large covered pavilion. I have LOVED this park for many years.
The loop trail surrounds the park and is about 1 1/2 miles long. There is a spur trail connecting with the Violet Crown Trail with many miles of wide granit trail that is perfect for everybody.
Lots of wildflowers in rhe spring, Youpon Holly are in their prime in February
It is just about 3 miles to Chuys if you want to make it an adventure.
Our little loves the pool. I like the trails especially the violet crown trail just off it's trail.
A fun open and safe place for you kiddos to come and run themselves tired with plenty of shade for the parents to relax and watch them have fun. Several picnic tables nearby in case you have to have lunch, snack, or early dinner with the family. The walk/run/bike track that goes around the park is great to get some cardio in while mostly in the shade to help keep you you not so hot in the summer months. If you fancy another type of activity, there are tennis, volleyball, basketball and even a baseball courts/field to fulfill your sports itch. People that I have encountered there have always been friendly and should feel safe while enjoying the great outdoors.
Enjoy!
Tips for Visiting Austin Parks
To make the most of your time outdoors in Austin, you need to plan like a local. The city’s popularity and extreme weather patterns can turn a fun outing into a stressful one if you are unprepared. The following tips will help you navigate parking, safety, and comfort so you can focus on enjoying the natural beauty of Central Texas.
- Arrive Early or Go Late: Parking lots at popular spots like Barton Springs and Zilker fill up by 10:00 AM on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM to secure a spot and avoid the peak UV index.
- Hydrate More Than You Think: The Texas heat is deceptive, especially in shaded areas where you might not feel yourself sweating. Carry at least one liter of water per person per hour of planned activity.
- Check Water Quality and Bacteria Levels: Natural swimming holes are subject to algae blooms and runoff after heavy rains. Check the City of Austin’s official water quality monitoring pages before swimming in creeks or lakes.
- Protect Your Feet: The limestone terrain is sharp and rocky. Flip-flops are rarely sufficient for trails. Wear sturdy sandals with heel straps or closed-toe shoes to prevent cuts and sprained ankles.
- Respect the Heat and Wildlife: Dogs are often restricted on certain trails during the summer due to heat exhaustion. Additionally, keep a safe distance from snakes and do not feed the wildlife, even the seemingly friendly squirrels.
Exploring these parks offers a direct connection to why Austin is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest and happiest cities in the country. The ability to transition from a downtown skyscraper to a secluded trailhead within fifteen minutes is a rare luxury that defines the rhythm of life here. Each visit offers a new perspective, whether it is the changing color of the leaves in the fall or the first signs of bluebonnets in the spring.
Ultimately, the best park is the one that fits your current mood and energy level. Use this guide as a starting point to explore beyond your neighborhood. By respecting the land and preparing for the climate, you will discover the outdoor sanctuary that makes Austin truly unique.
