Outdoors in Austin

Bull Creek District Park

Tranquil, undeveloped park along the river with a variety of dog-friendly trails & picnic areas.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

351-acre, urban park with botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool, a theater & sports facilities.

Republic Square

This public square located downtown is host to events such as outdoor movies & farmer's markets.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

Abundant sausages & beers on tap inside a rustic-chic cottage or outside in the leafy beer garden.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Center focused on native Texas plants & their benefits, founded by & named for a former first lady.

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park

This urban greenspace features an off-leash dog area, seasonal events & picnic tables.

McKinney Falls State Park

Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.

Red Bud Isle

Lakefront off-leash dog park with 13 acres of recreational space, plus hiking, canoeing & kayaking.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

12 miles of forested trails on Lake Austin, with boat docks, BBQ pits & several swimming areas.

Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

Over 300 acres of land with facilities for hiking, horseback riding, grilling, disc golf & more.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.

Pennybacker Bridge Overlook

Butler Metro Park

Winding park with city vistas, a night-lit fountain, a pond, walking paths & other features.

Mueller Lake Park

A large lake anchors this park featuring an amphitheater, loop trail & picnic area.

Zilker Botanical Garden

31-acre garden in Zilker Park with plants, ponds & trails, plus educational programs for kids.

River Place Nature Trail

Picturesque, riverfront park offering a popular forested hiking trail, waterfalls & wildlife views.

Pease District Park

Urban park features trails, picnic space, sports courts & an annual public party in honor of Eeyore.

Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

At 785-feet tall, or 106 steps, this hilltop park is the highest point in the city.