
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