Austin offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Parks, trails, and swimming spots are easy to find across the city. Beautiful landscapes are only minutes from downtown. People can hike, bike, kayak, or relax in nature. This guide highlights popular outdoor destinations in Austin.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Road. It is Austin’s oldest metropolitan park. The park covers 358 acres (144 hectares) of public land, situated where Barton Creek meets Lady Bird Lake.
Zilker Park includes many attractions and facilities. Visitors can enjoy Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Botanical Garden, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, and Barton Creek Trail. The park also hosts major annual events such as Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Trail of Lights, and the Kite Festival.
Barton Springs Pool
Located inside Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s most famous swimming spots. The pool is three acres (1.2 hectares) in size and is fed by natural underground springs. Water temperatures stay around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit (20-21°C) throughout the year.
The pool is popular with both locals and visitors. The area is federally protected because it is home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. This species does not live anywhere else in the world.
The pool is temporarily closed Feb. 23-March 13, 2026, for maintenance. Lifeguarded swim hours during spring and summer are typically 8 a.m.-8 p.m., every day except Thursday. Entry fee is $5 for adults.
Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
Courtesy of The Trail Conservancy
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake offers more than 10 miles (16 km) of scenic paths. The trail leads walkers and cyclists along the water through downtown Austin, past skyscrapers, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks.
Many locals call this body of water either “Town Lake” or “Lady Bird Lake.” The lake is actually a reservoir of the Colorado River. Trail maps and transportation information are available online.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are popular activities on Lady Bird Lake. These activities offer great views of the downtown skyline. Rental locations include the Texas Rowing Center and the Rowing Dock. Prices usually range from $15-$30 per hour or $35-$65 per day.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Courtesy of Zilker Botanical Garden
The Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2200 Barton Springs Road, inside Zilker Park. The space features themed gardens such as the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden.
Ponds filled with koi fish, flowing streams, and large oak trees create a peaceful setting. Accessible pathways connect all areas of the garden. Garden hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and admission is $8 for adults.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Courtesy of The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is located at 605 Azie Morton Road. The museum displays more than 2,000 drawings and 273 sculptures by artist Charles Umlauf. Fifty-nine sculptures are displayed year-round in the outdoor garden.
Blending art and nature, the museum sits on the former home and studio of Charles Umlauf, who became a professor of life drawing and sculpture at UT Austin in 1941. He taught for 40 years and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1981.
One of Umlauf’s sculptures, “The Family Group,” is located on the UT campus. The sculpture stands in front of the GSB building next to CBA.
Museum and garden hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt
Courtesy of Visit Austin
The Barton Creek Greenbelt consists of more than 12 miles (20 km) of trails just south of downtown Austin. The area is known as one of the top hiking destinations in Texas. Visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, swimming holes, and rock climbing along limestone cliffs. Online guides can help visitors find trailheads.
The Violet Crown Trail
Courtesy of REI CO-OP
The Violet Crown Trail stretches about 13 miles (20 km) from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, offering a tree-lined path through south Austin. Trailhead maps are available online to help plan a visit.
Great Hills Park
Courtesy of Great Hills Park
Great Hills Park is an 85-acre (34-hectare) neighborhood park in northwest Austin located at 10801 Sierra Oaks. The park features hill country scenery and hiking trails. The park includes 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of maintained trails and additional rough paths in the Bull Creek Watershed. Download the trailhead map online before you go. Park hours are 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Explore Austin’s Outdoors
Austin’s parks and trails offer many ways to enjoy nature. Outdoor spaces provide options for adventure, relaxation, and exercise. Each park and trail offers a different experience. Time spent outside helps people connect with the natural beauty that makes Austin a special place to live and visit.
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the English Language Center.
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