Location: South Austin
Top Things to do in South Austin
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Top 9 Nature & Parks in South 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. City of Austin Nature Preserves
5. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,700 reviews
Scenic trail through lush green parks and peaceful lakes: a great place to bike, hike and run.
Reviewed By DebbieMG130 - Rochester, United States
Coming to Austin from the frozen tundra of Western New York, I absolutely loved how much outdoor activity is going on there. Bikers, hikers, dog walkers, kayaks, canoes, and everything in between. Lady Bird Lake is centrally located near the downtown area, and it has a wonderful 10-mile bike trail encircling it. I rented a bike from Barton Springs Bike Rental (really nice folks), and I spent a wonderful 72 degree afternoon riding on the bike path, and taking it all in. It's a great way to see a different view of Austin, and to work off some calories from all the incredible restaurants.
6. Zilker Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 760 reviews
Botanical Gardens includes 31 acres of land with plants that thrive in arid southwestern conditions.
Reviewed By Tcritz6774 - Madison, United States
A tranquil oasis where paths and footbridges meander among streams, ponds, a preserved pioneer village, Japanese garden, tropical plants, butterfly gardens, rose gardens and cacti. This area provides a natural habitat for turtles, butterflies, bees and other insects. We lived the experience and a great value for minimal entrance fee.
7. Zilker Playground
8. Barton Creek Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By blaine2016 - Austin, United States
All 10,000 acres is beautiful, and in the city’s center. But this section is stunning. Park off of southbound Mopac (Loop 1) just south of Capital of Texas Hwy(Hwy 360). You’ll see the parked cars. From there, find the signs that mark the trailhead, and head Southwest. The trail will rise and fall to and from creek level past several waterfalls, rapids, bluffs, forests, and pastures. Allow a bout 2–3 hours.
9. McBeth Recreation Center
Children's recreation center, particularly for special needs children.
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