Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Austin, Texas (TX)
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By 493michellac - Seattle, United States
We went to the off leash dog area with our 5 year old labradoodle and he has the best time getting to run around and export off leash as well as say hi to the other doggos in a safe and contained area. Walking the whole park was about 1.3 miles so pleas try of space for him to run!
2. Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,071 reviews
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Located a quick but quiet ten miles from downtown, we are a botanical garden open to the public year-round and have become a favored venue for everything from conservation-focused conventions to beautiful weddings. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation and application of native plants through our gardens, campus, research, education and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance human health and happiness. Visit, learn and make a better world with us. The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 and became a part of The University of Texas at Austin in 2006.
Reviewed By Susan05821 - Barnet, United States
As with most places in TX the signage for finding this place was abominable. Not all of us have GPS. We happened upon the visitor's entrance and parking quite by chance after following a veritable rabbit warren of roads. Would have been lost had we not found a volunteer just arriving for her shift who showed us the way in around construction debris. Once inside, however, we found a lovely courtyard, beautiful buildings, and an expanse of trails that enabled us to wander through meadows, woods, and somewhat formal gardens filled with native plants and trees that were relatively well-marked and curated with signs for those who like to know what they are looking at. The volunteers were very friendly and graciously answered all of our questions. The gift shop and cafe were surprising gems. We also enjoyed meeting the resident owl. Well worth the trip!
4. Town Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
Visitors can rent canoes or rowboats along this part of Lake Austin that flows five miles through the heart of downtown Austin.
Reviewed By rtnw - Austin, United States
When in Austin Town Lake is a beautiful place to spend some time. Whether you are boating, walking, paddle boarding, eating lakeside, walking, or just enjoying the beauty; this is a great place.
5. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 927 reviews
Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination.
Reviewed By U909KEchrist - Northampton, United Kingdom
We had a very relaxing walk alongside the river, watching the people on their paddle boards and the turtles sunbathing.
6. Barton Springs Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,720 reviews
Over the years, people have come to this 1,000 foot long natural limestone pool, fed by several underground springs, for everything from fishing and swimming to baptisms and beauty pageants.
Reviewed By susanmF9763WG - Gaithersburg, United States
This is the perfect place to be on a hot day! We rode bikes around the lake to get to the springs so we were good and hot, perfect for enjoying the cold water! Wear water shoes if possible because it's very slippery. There are plenty of places to leave your things on the ground while you venture in. There's a diving board and life guards. Many families enjoying the cooling waters. Quite a view of downtown too! We thoroughly enjoyed this unique and cooling experience in Austin.
7. Austin Nature & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Free admission and family friendly. Established in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center's (ANSC) mission is to provide hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Centrally located on the western edge of Zilker Park in the Zilker Nature Preserve, the ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the Naturalists Workshop's Trade Counter, and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin. The site hosts homeschool groups, school programs, family events, environmentally focused camps, and adventure programs.
Reviewed By lauraduggan2015 - Austin, United States
We visited this beautifully designed nature campus today as the laughter of children drew us in. Kids of all ages, some camp counselors and some visiting parents with children were exploring the grounds, the trails, the native birds and animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated over the years, the creek, a large pond filled with fish and a paleontology dig site where kids could try their hand at unearthing large “bones”. It was really fantastic. W can’t wait to bring our grandson back to play and explore. It’s open Mon-Sat. 9-5 and Sunday Noon-5:00. Admission is free.
8. Wild Basin Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Home to two species of endangered birds, golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.
9. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Prepare yourself - the majestic beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve will leave you breathless! Our expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below. (Canyon Tours offered every Saturday & Sunday - weather permitting). Self Guided Hikes Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 1:30pm (no Canyon Access weekdays without prior reservation)
Reviewed By karenq692
You won't believe you are in Texas, the cave, trees, waterfall, are fantastic. Beautiful place, excellent for a day trip. Our tour guide did an amazing job, they take people's safety very seriously and their COVID plan works very well. We had a great time, my daughter loved it.
10. Mount Bonnell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,604 reviews
Beautiful park looming almost 800 feet over Austin.
Reviewed By richmn1 - Naples, United States
We visited this viewpoint on a sunny Sunday recently and were very impressed with the view that you have on the top. One way you are looking at the city of Austin in the distance and immediately below you there is a wide lake in the Colorado River with some spectacular houses dotting the shoreline. It is rocky on top so you need to watch your footing. There are guard rails also which you should go around. Little children need to be watched also. Highly recommended on a sunny day.
