Best Parks & Green Spaces in Austin, Texas, United States

Austin, United States, Austin, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Parks & Green Spaces

Best Parks & Green Spaces in Austin, Texas, United States

1. Zilker Metropolitan Park

A 351-acre urban park offering Barton Springs pool, hiking trails, and live music events.
  • Natural Swimming Pool: Provides a refreshing swim in the Barton Springs Pool, a constantly fed, cool water hole
  • Hiking and Biking Trails: Offers scenic trails for hikers and bikers to explore the park's beautiful landscapes
  • Live Music Venue: Hosts live music events like Austin City Limits Music Festival and Zilker Summer Musical

2. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail

A 10-mile loop trail along Lady Bird Lake with scenic views and opportunities for canoeing or kayaking.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol, and the Colorado River
  • Outdoor Activities: Allows visitors to engage in various activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking
  • Wildlife Sightings: Offers chances to spot local wildlife such as armadillos, raccoons, and various bird species

3. Barton Creek Greenbelt

A network of trails along Barton Creek featuring limestone bluffs, natural pools, and wildlife.
  • Natural Swimming Holes: Provides several refreshing swimming spots in the clear, cool waters of Barton Creek
  • Hiking and Rock Climbing: Offers challenging hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Wildlife Viewing: Allows visitors to observe local wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and various bird species

4. Mueller Lake Park

A 36-acre park with a lake, sports fields, a playground, and picnic areas.
  • Lake Activities: Offers fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking on the scenic lake
  • Sports Facilities: Provides multiple sports fields for activities like soccer, softball, and Ultimate Frisbee
  • Community Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, such as farmers' markets, concerts, and festivals

5. Brushy Creek Trail

A 9-mile multi-use trail connecting Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock with parks, lakes, and shopping.
  • Scenic Views: Provides views of Brushy Creek, farmlands, and local wildlife
  • Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding opportunities
  • Connectivity to Amenities: Connects visitors to various parks, lakes, shopping centers, and neighborhoods along the trail

6. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

A 1,154-acre park offering camping, hiking trails, and beaches along Lake Austin.
  • Camping Opportunities: Provides campsites for overnight stays with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables
  • Hiking Trails: Offers various trails for hiking, exploring the park's natural beauty, and wildlife spotting
  • Beach Activities: Provides access to Lake Austin for activities like swimming, fishing, or boating

7. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

A 625-acre park featuring a disc golf course, sports fields, and scenic views of Walnut Creek.
  • Disc Golf Course: Offers an 18-hole disc golf course for enthusiasts to enjoy
  • Sports Facilities: Provides multiple sports fields for activities like soccer, softball, and Ultimate Frisbee
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of Walnut Creek and opportunities to spot local wildlife

8. Spring Lake Park

A 132-acre park with a hike-and-bike trail, fishing pier, and the historic Texas State Capitol view.
  • Hike-and-Bike Trail: Offers a scenic trail for hiking, biking, or jogging along Spring Lake
  • Fishing Pier: Provides a fishing pier for anglers to catch bass, catfish, and other fish species
  • Historic Sightseeing: Offers panoramic views of the Texas State Capitol and its historic architecture

9. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Town Lake

A popular 10-mile trail along Lady Bird Lake with stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of downtown Austin and the Texas State Capitol
  • Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, running, and rollerblading opportunities
  • City Skyline Views: Allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant city skyline of Austin at sunrise or sunset

10. Shoal Creek Trail

A 3.5-mile urban trail connecting downtown Austin to Zilker Park with scenic views and outdoor activities.
  • Scenic Views: Provides views of the city skyline, Shoal Creek, and various neighborhoods
  • Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, running, and rollerblading opportunities
  • Connectivity to Amenities: Connects visitors to downtown Austin, Zilker Park, and various shops and restaurants

11. Hamilton Pool Preserve

A natural pool created by the collapse of an underground river with a waterfall and hiking trails.
  • Natural Swimming Pool: Provides a refreshing swim in the clear, cool waters of Hamilton Pool
  • Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the park's beautiful landscapes and wildlife
  • Waterfall Viewing: Allows visitors to enjoy a stunning waterfall created by the collapsed grotto

12. Camp Mabry Park

A historical park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a military museum.
  • Military Museum: Houses the Texas Military Forces Museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits
  • Walking Trails: Offers walking trails for scenic exploration of the park's landscapes
  • Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for families and friends to enjoy a meal together

13. Pease Park

A neighborhood park with sports facilities, a playground, and the Pease District Dog Park.
  • Sports Facilities: Provides multiple sports fields for activities like soccer, softball, and Ultimate Frisbee
  • Playground: Offers a playground for children to enjoy and burn off energy
  • Dog Park: Allows dog owners to bring their pets to exercise and socialize in the designated area

14. Waller Creek District Parks

A series of parks and green spaces along Waller Creek, connecting downtown Austin to East Austin.
  • Scenic Views: Provides views of the city skyline, Waller Creek, and various neighborhoods
  • Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, running, and rollerblading opportunities
  • Connectivity to Amenities: Connects visitors to downtown Austin, East Austin, and various shops and restaurants

15. Emma S. Barron Park

A waterfront park offering a beach, picnic areas, and scenic views of Lady Bird Lake.
  • Beach Activities: Provides access to Lady Bird Lake for activities like swimming, fishing, or boating
  • Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for families and friends to enjoy a meal together
  • Scenic Views: Allows visitors to enjoy scenic views of Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin, and the Texas State Capitol